Cheesman
Joined: 25 Apr 2006
Posts: 1153
|
 Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 7:34 pm Post subject: Villa unveil O'Neill as manager |
 |
|
| Quote: | Aston Villa's new manager Martin O'Neill hailed the Villa Park job as a 'fantastic challenge' at a press conference on Friday.
The Villans targeted the Northern Irishman and the former Celtic boss was only too willing to accept the job offer, despite the boardroom uncertainty that continues to surround the club.
David O'Leary departed the club following a disappointing 16th placed finish last term, with suggestions the former European Cup winners are in stagnation.
But O'Neill, who was paraded in front of the press by much-maligned chairman Doug Ellis, was quick to lay down his manifesto.
And, after putting his name to a one-year rolling contract, O'Neill admitted his relish for a return to football.
"It's a fantastic challenge," O'Neill told Sky Sports News. "I'm willing, I'm ready to go. I've got a lot of enthusiasm.
"I'm ready and when Mr Ellis gave me the chance to manage the team I wanted to do it.
"I think everybody's well aware of the history of the club and while trying to restore it to those days of fantastic glory seem a long way away, why not try."
"I admit I'm very, very brave and the season's not even kicked off yet! We play Arsenal at The Emirates so that's a fair baptism."
Ellis has been the subject of much criticism, with four consortia bidding to take control of the beleaguered West Midlands giants.
The appointment of the highly-rated O'Neill will, however, have done much to appease the Villa faithful, who mobbed the manager's car as he arrived at the stadium - a reaction that O'Neill admits had overwhelmed him.
The new incumbent backed octogenarian Ellis and revealed there would be funds made available for team strengthening - a point that has been a bone of contention for many supporters in the past.
"Mr Ellis appointed me and I'm going to work under him - I hope I'll be working with him, although I don't pretend to know the chairman at all well," O'Neill continued.
"We've had discussions in relatively quick succession and if you wait around then he might have asked someone else.
"There are funds available and I'm going to use them to strengthen the side.
"I know it's manager speak but we're going to have a look quickly at how we're shaping up.
"We haven't a great deal of time but we get on with it."
Ellis confirmed that O'Neill, who has been on sabbatical for more than a year, in order to care for his ill wife Geraldine, was his unequivocal first choice to succeed O'Leary.
"To me his passion and ability to motivate players is unsurpassed," said Ellis.
"Although we've had about a dozen applications, I've not spoken to one other prospective manager. I told him from the beginning he was my choice and here he is today."
To which the amiable O'Neill quipped: "By the way, the other dozen applications were from myself - I was making sure that I had a chance!"
Ellis also confirmed that O'Neill will be joined at the club by his trusted backroom team of assistant manager John Robertson and coach Steve Walford.
The 54-year-old will now fly out to Germany, and link up with his new Villa charges, who are training in Hannover ahead of the new season |
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Join! (free) 
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
