Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa supporters right to give Kevin MacDonald easier ride than Martin O'Neill
The net result may be the same here in Vienna. But the impact of Kevin MacDonald leaving several of his big-name players back in Birmingham certainly hasn't provoked the same reaction compared to the last time an Aston Villa manager attempted similar.[LNB]Quite frankly, there is nothing like the depth of animosity among supporters towards the decision as to when Martin O'Neill chanced his arm two seasons ago.[LNB]Effectively, Villa's caretaker boss has done exactly the same as his predecessor. But he's unlikely to cop the same amount of flak.[LNB]Is that fair? Absolutely, it is.[LNB] The man in the hot seat: Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald takes charge of a training session in Vienna[LNB]When O'Neill gambled on his selection ahead of that game against CSKA he was doing it against a backdrop of having dragged Villa all around Europe since the back end of July.[LNB] More from Neil Moxley... THE MIDLANDER: O'Neill's timing was poor but Villa can be reinvigorated13/08/10 The Midlander: Derby should be happy with nothing less than a top-half finish 05/08/10 THE MIDLANDER: The future might not look so bright, but Coventry fans should try a bit of blue-sky thinking30/07/10 The Midlander: Sousa serves up bright future for Leicester after Pearson's exit23/07/10 The Midlander: Are Wolves set to trump the glory days of Steve Bull era?15/07/10 The Midlander: Fabio Capello's handling of Hart highlights a fatal flaw 29/06/10 THE MIDLANDER: More twists of fate await seven-minute wonder Warnock02/06/10 The Midlander: McLeish, Milner and Ferguson scoop our season awards27/05/10 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE A fair few hundred supporters sweltered in the heat of Odense, watching Villa scrape through. After that there were games away in Bulgaria, Prague and Hamburg - not to mention the home ties - before the former boss made his fateful decision.[LNB]Of course, Villa weren't surrendering the tie. But they did not enhance their chances of going through by playing a team that was so blatantly under-strength.[LNB]On that fateful February day, we were first alerted to the squad when checking in for the flight. The hacks were ushered into an ante-room where the team officials were waiting for the flight.[LNB]And it was quite clear from the manager's demeanour that he wasn't comfortable with it - from the point of view that he had taken a decision that he knew was leaving him wide open to criticism.[LNB]What I don't think he had bargained for was the severity of the backlash from supporters over it.[LNB]O'Neill was magnanimous enough to apologise to the fans on the officialtrip. He strode down the plane on the way home and explained hisactions. That earned him goodwill - although many supporters were stillangry at the dinner organised to put the matter to bed a few weekslater.[LNB]Under fire: O'Neill played a weakened side against CSKA Moscow two seasons ago[LNB]Effectively, by leaving Stiliyan Petrov and the Young Ones at home, MacDonald is not fielding his first-choice first XI, either.[LNB]But there are several subtle differences here. Villa's caretaker boss has outlined a commitment to playing his younger players. MacDonald has already shown he is not afraid to do that, by his selection last Saturday against West Ham.[LNB]He also has made a pledge to those on the fringes, like Curtis Davies, like Nigel Reo-Coker, like even Emile Heskey that they will be given a fair and equal chance to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.[LNB]You cannot say those things and then not allow those players the opportunity to thrust themselves forward. They have to take to the field at some stage.[LNB]MacDonald has also made it clear that once everyone has had their chance he will be picking the team on merit.[LNB]It was interesting that Curtis Davies, for instance, said that they were looking forward to a 'fair' replacement for O'Neill. Clearly there were several members of that squad who didn't feel they had been given a decent crack.[LNB]And I actually believe that MacDonald has real faith in these young professionals.[LNB]Two years ago, John Robertson commented that he thought Albrighton had a good chance. Only we never really saw it under O'Neill.[LNB] Getting his chance: Marc Albrighton in action for Villa against West Ham last weekend [LNB]Personally, I do not know too much of Andreas Weimann, who I believe will play against Rapid Vienna. I saw him in a pre-season friendly at Peterborough a couple of years ago. He is a finisher. Has a keen eye for goal. Squat and powerful.[LNB]He attracted rave reviews following his performances in the Under-19 European Championships for Austria. I think he has got something. But Villa's fans will never know until they step onto the pitch.[LNB]Last season, to the surprise of yours truly, Vienna's fans made a huge noise throughout. It won't be a quiet evening at the Gerhard Hanappi Stadium. Not by a long way. This is a real test.[LNB]It's a test for MacDonald too, who is sticking gamely to his principles. A good show and he will have one hand on taking the job on a permanent basis.[LNB]What a difference from the last time an Aston Villa manager attempted to 'rotate' his squad. That led to O'Neill taking one hand off it.[LNB] Lee Hendrie was the darling of Villa Park... but now he has to phone his mates for a kickaboutMacDonald eyes fringe benefits after leaving Young and Petrov at home Sign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsASTON VILLA FC
