Source: Daily_Mail
New Aston Villa manager in charge within three weeks, says caretaker
Aston Villa caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald expects a new manager tobe appointed by owner Randy Lerner in time for the clash at Stoke onSeptember 13. [LNB]MacDonald will decide by Monday whether he wants to be consideredfor the post on a full-time basis as Ronald Koeman today declared hisinterest in the post. [LNB] Room at the top: Villa caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald (left) expects an appointment to be made by Sept 13[LNB]The former Liverpool midfielder will be in charge for tomorrow's home game with Everton as Villa look to bounce back from their Europa League exit at the hands of Rapid Vienna. [LNB]MacDonald said: 'I have been in contact for a lot of the time with Mr Lerner. He's been very supportive of what's gone on. [LNB]'They have obviously been to watch the team play. To be fair, it's probably a bit both ways about the timescale. [LNB]'It's probably not nice for the fans but it's been difficult for them. [LNB]'You've got to remember it's difficult for myself and Mr Lerner. We are short-staffed and there's everything going on that we are trying to sort out. [LNB]'My impression is, if I wish to be considered, they will do one or two interviews, if I was to be one of the names on the shortlist. [LNB]'They'd be hoping to get a new manager in before the league game against Stoke.'[LNB]Expressing interest: Ronald Koeman[LNB]MacDonald admitted: 'Mr Lerner has told me there have been applicants which I was bound to know anyway. [LNB]'I think Aston Villa is regarded as a major club and obviously any Premier League club is a major club. [LNB]'I just think that there will be lots and lots of applications for this club because everyone will think they can push this club back up the scale.' [LNB] Regarding whether or not he applies himself for the post, MacDonald said: 'I will see how I feel. [LNB]'Do I feel I have what it takes to be a Premier League manager? Do I want to be in the spotlight as it is? All these things have to be taken into consideration. [LNB]'I know it's not easy for Villa supporters because they must think "oh, you should be desperate to take the job".[LNB]'It will be a great opportunity if I did want to be involved. But I have decisions to make as well and I hope people respect that. [LNB]'Pressure is what you put on yourself on many ways. I was excited and very fortunate to be given the opportunity to take over. Whether I go on from there, remains to be seen.[LNB] 'But it won't change my thoughts on how proud I have been to be in charge here.'[LNB]MacDonald believes Martin O'Neill's successor should be well versed in the qualities of the Premier League. [LNB]He said: 'You need someone who will be committed, who will know the game, know the English game and know what is required to win games in the Premier League. [LNB] 'That is all that counts. If they can then have a cup run or two good cup runs like last year then that buys more time. [LNB]'But ultimately it is about winning games in the Premier League and getting as high in the table as possible. [LNB]'Everybody who applied would know the English game because it is televised so much now anyway. There is no hiding place now from the Premier League.' [LNB]Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is expected to have recovered from the tight calf suffered against Vienna.[LNB] Agbonlahor pledges career to Villa but Macdonald admits vultures are circlingCARLING CUP DRAW: Spurs to face their great rivals Arsenal in third roundASTON VILLA FC: All the latest news from across the web[LNB] [LNB]
