Aston Villa FC

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• Manager:Gerard Houllier

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Koeman wants Villa manager's job

28 Aug 2010 - 13:11:46

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Ronald Koeman is interested in the managerial vacancy at Aston Villa.

The former Netherlands international is keen to succeed Martin O'Neill in the Villa Park hot-seat following the Northern Irishman's shock departure on the eve of the new season.

Caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald was believed to be the frontrunner for the job on a full-time basis but saw his side thrashed 6-0 at Newcastle last weekend and crash out of the Europa League after losing a play-off to Rapid Vienna.

USA coach Bob Bradley is reported to be favoured by Villa's American owner Randy Lerner, but Koeman is also seriously interested in the post.

The 47-year-old former Ajax, Benfica, PSV and Valencia coach has been out of work since leaving Dutch club AZ Alkmaar last December.

"In Holland we have always viewed Villa as an important club with a tradition of being powerful in Europe when I was younger, so I would be very interested in managing them if the job was offered to me," he said.

"Even though the last two results have been painful blows, I also saw them take West Ham apart 3-0 and I enjoyed the playing style.

"One of the things I'd bring to Villa if I was in charge is the idea that winning is important in football, but winning while playing offensive football is the best of all.

"I love English football because of its brilliant atmosphere, intensity of the competition and the culture of respect that fans and players have for the game.

"I have been holding off and turning down offers simply because I want to coach in England and where better than Villa Park?"