ThreeMatchBan exclusive: Aston Villa's search for a manager narrows

It’s been nearly a month since Martin O’Neill walked away from Villa Park and as of Monday lunchtime no successor has been appointed, despite hats full of names being circulated amongst the popular press as possible candidates.

Managers of reputation and experience have been rumoured to be interested in the position, including Gerard Houllier, Sven-Göran Eriksson and Ronald Koeman, as well as current caretaker-manager Kevin MacDonald.

With only speculation to feed fans curiosity, desperate to hear of concrete news in the clubs hunt for a new manager, ThreeMatchBan can exclusively reveal that the slow search has narrowed, after I was politely rejected for the position.

Having taken Hampton & Richmond Borough to the top flight on Championship Manager and occasionally been an ineffective keeper in a local youth teams training sessions, Dan Mobbs has indirect experience of the top flight, but was turned down for the vacant managerial position on Monday having submitted what was described as a “speculative application.”

Despite his considerable achievement with Hampton & Richmond on a limited budget, Villa are obviously looking for someone rooted in reality and much to Mobbs’ dismay are not as desperate for a manager as first thought, despite Phil Brown and Alan Curbishley both being linked with the job.

Seemingly content to stick with Kevin MacDonald, until the right man is found, Mobbs has retreated into the fictional world where he is feted.

Many fans will be hoping that a manager can be appointed ahead of their next fixture against Stoke on Monday 13th September, although whilst the search might be progressing behind closed doors, nothing has yet to be formalised to the public.

The vastly experienced former Liverpool and Lyon manager Gerard Houllier is favourite to fill the position, but he refused to be drawn on his future or on any potential desire for the position.

“Never and always are two words you can’t use in football,” said a non committal and evasive Houllier.

The speculation continues.

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