Source: Daily_Mail
THE MIDLANDER: It's tough at the top - as Martin O'Neill is finding out
There are a few managers out there still who won't stand any nonsense. [LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson has the ultimate deterrent at his disposal. Being kicked out of Manchester United normally results in a downward step. [LNB]Everton's David Moyes stands no messing. Neither does Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill.[LNB] [LNB] Best of the best: O'Neill (left) could learn a lot from United manager Sir Alex[LNB]The Irishman wants to be in charge of everything connected with the football side of the business at Villa Park and his tough stance is to be applauded. [LNB]But I just wonder whether he is playing a dangerous game, given how influential players are these days. [LNB]When he was at Nottingham Forest, Gary Megson was told that it was far easier for the club to remove a manager than half-a-dozen players on two-year contracts. (By one of those half-dozen players on two-year contracts).[LNB] [LNB] More from Neil Moxley... THE MIDLANDER: It's high time Nottingham Forest told Billy Davies his job is safe - or at least banish David Pleat to the shadows02/10/09 THE MIDLANDER: Reo-Coker was wrong to tackle O'Neill - just as I was24/09/09 THE MIDLANDER: Goodbye but not good riddance to Sullivan and Brady16/09/09 THE MIDLANDER: Emile Heskey - a scapegoat or the real Villan10/09/09 Ferguson admits after Boozegate affair: 'I felt like I'd killed someone'28/08/09 THE MIDLANDER: Notts County must treasure history on voyage to the top19/08/09 THE MIDLANDER: Yeung takes the fun out of Birmingham's return to the top13/08/09 THE MIDLANDER: West Brom are well placed for immediate return to top flight06/08/09 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE Indeed, at a football writers' lunch four months ago, one prominent Midlands manager was asked how he keeps order. [LNB]He said that a large part of it is done by the senior squad members who are able to influence those lower down the pecking order in the dressing room. [LNB]Interesting that he cannot go in there and just start reading the riot act. [LNB]As far as O'Neill is concerned, it seems that the list of players - former or otherwise - who are disgruntled - is growing. [LNB]In the past, it was those on the periphery who had an axe to grind. [LNB]Patrik Berger, in particular, had a cheek for criticising O'Neill. After all, it was O'Neill who handed him an extra year's contract at Villa Park, even though he'd hardly been fit enough to wear the shirt on more than a couple of occasions during the former Celtic manager's first campaign. [LNB]Then there was Thomas Sorensen. Not O'Neill's type. Enough said on that one, I think. [LNB]But just recently there have been a few issues among his players. O'Neill cannot be blamed for his stance with Nigel Reo-Coker. Nor in denying Curtis Davies talks over a new contract. [LNB] Unsettled: Heskey (right) is considering his future at Aston Villa as he looks to cement his place in the England squad ahead of next summer's World Cup[LNB]If he doesn't have to commit Villa to paying thousands of pounds extra, per week, for a player who is injured, then why should he? (Although it could be argued that Wilfred Bouma's new deal is the counter-point to this).[LNB] Nicky Shorey can feel unlucky to lose his place straight away to Stephen Warnock - although again there is no doubt that the signing from Blackburn Rovers has been a positive addition. He's another one who has had his nose put out of joint. [LNB]And now O'Neill has got a brassed-off Emile Heskey to deal with. [LNB]O'Neill tells Heskey to pipe down as the Villa boss prepares for talks with wantaway strikerI'm told the players like Heskey. That he is every bit a team man. It perhaps explains why he gets the nod repeatedly over John Carew, even though the Scandinavian scores more goals. [LNB]The Villa Park chief has kept a lid on any issues but if managers are not careful, disgruntled staff could form cliques and when that happens, dressing rooms become difficult places to manage. [LNB]O'Neill will know that. But it still needs careful handling during the next few weeks. [LNB].........................................................................................................................................[LNB]Derby County have employed the services of Birmingham-based scout called Les Dolphin for the past 15 years. [LNB]He discovered a whole host of lads. Players like Lee Carsley, Adam Murray and Pablo Mills who went on to play for the first team. [LNB] Another one has since graduated - and Les, who is 87 years old, expected paying for it. Not unreasonably. That, after all, was the deal. [LNB]Sadly, a solicitor's letter had to be sent to Pride Park this week asking for them to cough up an amount that would be regarded as trifling by a business of Derby's size.[LNB] The only reason he wants the money? To get his car repaired. Presumably, so he can get out there and try to unearth a few more diamonds. [LNB]Derby should be careful. Even at his age Les is still coveted by a number of clubs. [LNB]The Rams have been warned several times over the last month that this case would be highlighted publicly if no action was forthcoming. Les is still waiting. [LNB]Those responsible should take a long look at themselves. [LNB].........................................................................................................................................[LNB]Finally.... David Sullivan has a cheek to sit there, after filling his pockets with £25million from the sale of Birmingham City to tell us how 'disappointed' he was that his business partner, David Gold, was not to be offered the honorary chairman's role.[LNB] I was almost feeling sorry for the pair of them at this stage. Then I heard Sullivan say how disappointed his colleague was that the 'contract' from the new Chinese owners had not come through. [LNB] Disappointed: Sullivan[LNB]Sympathy? Gold[LNB] Did Mr Gold want paying for the post? If not, why the need for an agreement? [LNB]Surely it could have been done on a handshake. After all, it's a bit rich, taking the Chinese for that much cash, and then expecting to stay in situ. [LNB]And then possibly getting paid for it, as well. There again, that's probably why Mr Gold is going back to his mansion in Surrey this evening. And I'm not! [LNB] West Ham fan David Sullivan holds talks over investing in Upton Park clubEXCLUSIVE: Karren, you're hired! Brady, David Dein and Paul Elliott called up to put England's flagging 2018 World Cup bid on trackBirmingham defender Roger Johnson admits John Terry is his heroASTON VILLA FC
