Aston Villa and Martin O'Neill finally settle dispute opening door to top flight return

24 May 2011 19:39
ShareBarclays Premier League clubs have been put on red alert after Martin O'Neill re-entered the job market.[LNB]The former Aston Villa boss hopes to return to work as quickly as possible after a nine-month dispute with his former employers was settled.[LNB]O'Neill had taken action against Villa following his walkout last August and the Birmingham club, owned by American billionaire Randy Lerner, was determined to stand its ground.[LNB] Making a point: Martin O'Neill has settled his dispute with Aston Villa[LNB]The matter was presented to a Premier League managers' tribunal and, following a four-day hearing, the conflict was resolved.[LNB]Both sides claimed that an 'amicable' solution had been reached despite the fact that lengthy discussions had taken place following a legal wrangle between the two parties that had to be settled by arbitration.[LNB]O'Neill said: 'It has taken a long time to deal with this matter but I'm pleased that all issues have now been finalised.[LNB]'I'm now looking forward to the future and getting back into football management.'[LNB] Tough season: After O'Neill's departure, Villa flirted with relegation before finally pulling clear[LNB]O'Neill had been linked strongly with a move to West Ham but, following Sportsmail's exclusive story last week, has no desire to work for David Sullivan and David Gold in the npower Championship.[LNB]There is otherwise a shortage of top-flight vacancies at present although O'Neill will feel his stock is high after three successive top six finishes in the Barclays Premier League with Villa.[LNB]However, the bitterness between the two parties will not have gone un-noticed by other Premier League chairmen and it may be with no immediate openings, apart from the one at Stamford Bridge, that the Irishman has to play a waiting game before a suitable job becomes available.[LNB] Houllier decision won't be rushed as Villa boss waits on medical testsArbitration tribunal meets to discuss O'Neill's departure from Aston VillaO'Neill to snub Hammers again as Jones comes back into reckoningAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Martin O'Neill, David O'Leary Places: London

Source: Daily_Mail