Do Villa need a changing of the guard this summer?
Posted by Sport.co.uk on: 16 May 2011 - 10:21
Author: Jack Dowling
Randy Lerner, often heralded as the archetypal club owner, has not cherished his last nine months as Aston Villa chairman.
The manager, Martin O’Neill, abdicated before a ball was kicked, leaving a new wave of home-grown talent to enter the fray dazed and confused; Lerner signed Gerard Houllier to propel the club forward, but his strict regime has threatened the old guard. Arguments were soon followed by a slide towards the relegation zone. The shadow of Ashley Young’s summer exit further darkened a campaign that has concluded with the manager in hospital, despite his sensational capture of Darren Bent in January. Lerner must prevent the current tumult from spilling into the next campaign; he has many decisions to make.
Current Situation
Aston Villa are 14th in the Barclays Premier League, a position that isn’t likely to be improved in the next two games. As a club that has finished in the top six the previous three seasons, Villa fans have finally accepted the abject failure of this one. Consequently, the club, players and management team must consider their future.
Unfortunately, the futures of two key players appear to lie elsewhere. Ashley Young is pining for the exit, either to Manchester United or Liverpool – apparently the latter is the current favourite to land the 25 year old. Furthermore, recent reports indicate that Stewart Downing may also be carried off to Anfield in the summer, depriving Houllier of his most senior wingers and prised assets.
Meanwhile, players who looked to have bright futures are stuck in the past. Gabriel Agbonlahor continues to wait for his fourth league goal, Stephen Ireland left for Newcastle United before he could unpack and Richard Dunne seems intent on bickering his way out of the club.
In fact, dressing room unrest – or its denial – has been a staple of Houllier’s reign, with the media purporting that the Frenchman has failed to see eye-to-eye with more than a handful of players. The 3-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City proved to be a watershed moment, both in terms of Hollier’s media backing and player morale: both slid inexorably downwards. Similarly, Houllier’s health has declined; a relegation dogfight – and the associated stress – was not part of the job description.
This all leaves Aston Villa approaching the season finale in timid fashion. With Gary McAllister as caretaker manager, key players prised by the Eurpean elite, a squad in need of renovation and a relatively tiny transfer budget, the likelihood of any future glory is debatable.
The Next Step
What isn’t debatable however, is the need to ship out the dead wood. Agbonlahor’s career has stagnated to say the least and Stephen Ireland proved impossible to motivate – a trend that continues at Newcastle. Both are likely to head a list of players destined for the exit, but as their value has dropped considerably, one doubts Villa’s negotiators will cultivate a satisfying return.
The likes of Jean Makoun, Nathan Delfouneso and Fabian Delph will expect more responsibility next season. Loan signing Michael Bradley, often inspirational for his national team, has yet to repeat such feats for Villa; despite this, McAllister hasn’t ruled out signing the American permanently.
“Michael has done enough on the training ground to suggest there might be something come the end of the season.”
Randy Lerner has options going forward: he could remove the ailing Houllier and hire a younger, re-invigorating figure – Frank Rijkaard has been mentioned. Or he could continue to sell the club’s star players. He could sanction the sale of Ashley Young, allowing him to follow in the footsteps of Gareth Barry and James Milner, thus reducing Villa’s inflated wage bill. He could then hope for an improvement in results, revenues and morale.
Sell the Stars
Granted, the sales of Young and Downing would fund further spending, enabling Houllier to build a team around Darren Bent and allow Marc Albrighton to flourish.
The fanfare and delirium that surrounds Ashley Young is waning, his inconsistent form this season has lowered his status amongst the supporters, and many may welcome his exit. His inability to provide adequate set piece delivery and an erratic final ball has been continually highlighted this season. Young has one year left on his contract, now is the time to sell.
However, the likelihood of Downing’s exit causing equal joy is doubtful. Whilst the former Middlesbrough winger has previously been slated for his poor right foot, it has improved markedly of late. His rebirth as a right winger under Houllier has brought more goals and an increasing reputation – to the extent that Dalglish is considering a bid. After a dazzling season Downing is arguably more important to the club than his England team-mate.
The sale of Young this summer is wise and will happen; his refusal to sign a new deal confirms it. However, any notion of allowing Downing to leave with him is a foolhardy one, and any statements of ambition issued thereafter would be superficial. If Lerner wants to enhance Villa’s fortunes, reputation and league position next season he will need a talented squad. Retaining the services of Downing would encourage equally gifted players to join; his absence wouldn’t.
If Villa are to succeed, regardless of who manages them, they need to create scoring chances for Bent. A future combination of Downing and Albrighton, operating on their favoured flanks, is favoured amongst the supporters; it brings balance to the midfield and a starting berth for the flourishing youngster. If that vision is coupled with a transfer budget swollen by Young’s exit, Villa are likely to grow again.
A New Manager
Of course, Lerner’s other – and not mutually exclusive – option is to oust Houllier. His reign has been largely disappointing; reminders of his unpopularity with the fans and players have punctuated his return to English football, to the detriment of his health. And whilst Stiliyan Petrov, the club captain, speaks of his desire to see Houllier remain in charge, one doubts the squad shares his sentiments.
“He is getting better and we hope it will not be long before we see him again.”
Richard Dunne, James Collins and Nigel Reo-Coker have all fallen out with Houller at one stage this season. It would be easy to blame the Frenchman and his bravado for souring the dressing-room; it would be easy to conclude that his absence would resolve the issue. But the tension has been present for years. O’Neill famously enjoyed a fractious relationship with many players, and it probably contributed to his resignation.
Undoubtedly Houllier can bring success if given a summer to mould the squad in his image, re-invest the money from Young’s sale and wield the wisdom of his vast experience. Houllier likes to be given time, at Liverpool he was afforded great freedom, and as technical director for the French football federation he was able to plan meticulously. Time however, is not on his side. Lerner should afford such freedom to a younger manager, one less familiar with the hospital bed.