Mega wealthy Randy Lerner – chairman of Aston Villa chairman – reckons Martin O'Neill would make a great England manager, but says he doesnt want the canny Irishman to leave Villa Park. Villa are a juicy +360 to beat Manchester United this weekend with Bodog . That´s a massive price in a two horse race – get stuck in!
O´Neill was in the shake-up for the England job last year and the bookmakers will no doubt be tipping him for the job again should Steve McClaren be handed his cards.
McClaren's position is under scrutiny with England in danger of failing to qualify for Euro 2008 . "I have no doubt that he could be a highly successful national coach," said billionaire Lerner. He said of the former Celtic and Leicester boss: "I think what Martin has undoubtedly is very difficult to define – passion to lead and passion to compete. He is able to express his ideas very effectively and in a way which is very compelling.
"Martin is integral to our plans for Villa. If he left, it would leave us needing to get to work pretty quickly I suppose – but it is something I have never speculated upon.
"It is not unthinkable but it something you do not want to spend too much time on because it not something you can prepare for. It would have to be dealt with if and when it happened."
O'Neill stepped into his role at Villa Park in the summer of 2006 – just prior to Lerner completed his taking control of the Birmingham club. Lerner has never hidden his admiration for O´Neill when questioned in the past and says he is delighted with how the man from Ulster is running the team. Lerner maintains he would not intervene is O´Neill does get a call from England.
Lerner said: "I would not stand in his way. I don't know if I necessarily have any great insight on that subject. That would be between Martin and the FA."
