Source: PA
Villa to begin interviews
Aston Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner has confirmed that the club will begin interviewing candidates to replace Martin O`Neill at Villa Park.
Kevin MacDonald confirmed after the 1-0 win over Everton that he was yet to decide if he wants the job and Villa issued a statement about the search on the club's website.
The statement read: "Following the departure of our manager on August 9, the club was left with very little time to react and to prepare for our opening fixtures.
"We are conscious that we have steered clear of openly communicating our thoughts on the search for a permanent manager until this time, as we felt that to do so would undermine both Kevin's and the players' efforts to focus on preparing for the last three games.
"To date, we have immersed ourselves in the process of appointing a new manager and clearly identifying the key criteria this person must meet. Two of the traits we believe are of crucial importance are that candidates have experience of managing in the Premier League and a strategy for building on the existing strengths in our current squad. We have thoroughly researched potential candidates and have reached out to a variety of contacts we have within the game for advice and guidance, as well as keeping key staff at Villa Park informed and focused.
"We will now start the process of interviewing candidates we believe meet the key criteria required to manage Aston Villa with a view to making an appointment in the near future. Kevin MacDonald will continue as caretaker manager until that time."
