Source: Daily_Mail
Randy Lerner can't find Aston Villa a boss after Roberto Martinez loss
ShareRandy Lerner's search for a new manager is descending into the realms of farce following Roberto Martinez's decision to stay at Wigan.[LNB]Aston Villa owner Lerner, a man who always insists on doing business by the book, may well privately applaud Martinez for showing loyalty to his current employers but it means the American must start the hunt for a successor to Gerard Houllier all over again.[LNB] Staying put: Roberto Martinez could not be lured away from Wigan by Aston Villa[LNB] More embarrassingly for Villa, every prospective candidate now knows that a rookie was ahead of them in the pecking order.[LNB]The club insisted last night that they still hoped to have a new boss in place by the end of next week. Barclays Premier League experience is one of the main criteria and AlanCurbishley's name may be added to the list, even though he was interviewed and rejected a year ago.[LNB]Similarly Steve McClaren, Owen Coyle and David Moyes could be receiving a tap on the shoulder over the next few days, and Chris Hughton is another to be considered. [LNB] Backlash: Steve McLaren[LNB] No return: Rafa Benitez [LNB] Break: Carlo Ancelotti[LNB] [LNB] But the fans have said they do not want McClaren, while both Coyle and Moyes have insisted they are happy at Bolton and Everton. Bookmakers made Birmingham boss Alex McLeish shock favourite for the post last night but the Carling Cup winners laughed off his chances.[LNB]Lerner is beginning to realise he might be forced to take a more pragmatic approach and is prepared to listen to overtures from the likes of Frank Rijkaard, even though a big-name foreign coach with a big-spending pedigree does not fit his identikit.[LNB]Martinez stunned Villa with the announcement that he was signing a new three-year contract at Wigan. He attributed his decision primarily to Dave Whelan. 'Over the last two years the chairman has been very supportive to me and loyal, and now I feel I need to be loyal and supportive back to him,' said Martinez.[LNB] Close relationship: Whelan congratulates Martinez following Wigan's scrape with relegation[LNB]'I haven't finished my job at Wigan Athletic. There is much work still to be done. I don't know how long that will take but such is the belief that I have always had that I would only ever decide to move once the club are ready for a new manager.'[LNB]Delighted owner Whelan added: 'Money is not what this is about. It's about loyalty. Villa will be disappointed but I am over the moon. He is going places.'[LNB]Villa said in a statement: 'We remainfocused and are working hard to secure the best candidate for Aston Villa who will complement the club's commitment to be true to our heritage and competitiveness.'[LNB] I owe Wigan! Martinez signs new deal after delivering snub to Aston VillaVilla fear Martinez rejection as Spaniard set to sign new contract at WiganI owe Wigan! Martinez signs new deal after delivering snub to Aston VillaHold fire! LMA hits out at clubs following increase in managerial sackings[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Alan Curbishley, Chris Hughton, David Moyes, Alex McLeish, Frank Rijkaard, Dave Whelan, Gerard Houllier, Owen Coyle, Roberto Martinez Places: Birmingham
