Football Betting – No Shortage of Interest in Villa Post

Despite reports that Martin O’Neill endured a ‘difficult’ relationship with Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner, it appears there is no lack of interest in replacing the Ulsterman in the hot seat at Villa Park. The early money was for Lerner’s American compatriot Bob Bradley, whose current contract with the USA national squad expires at the end of 2010. Bradley was generally thought to have done a good job in steering the Americans into the final 16 of the World Cup has been open in his ambition to coach in Europe. He can backed at 5/1 with Skybet to get the nod but is up against some big names if the media are to be believed. Sven Goran Eriksson is only 9/2 with Blue Square and 888sport but insists he has had no contact so far with Aston Villa. The former England manager has made no secert of the fact that he is looking for a move back into club management, however, and a big name like Villa would probably suit the Swede who is out of a job after parting company with the Ivory Coast following a less-than-successful World Cup in South Africa. Diego Maradona‘s reported interest should probably be taken with a  pinch of salt and the Argentine is a 50/1 chance with Skybet but Martin Jol (9/1 with Blue Square and 888sport) could be on the short-list after topping a poll as the choice of Villa supporters in a local newspaper. But whether or not Ajax would allow him walk out on his contract is another matter as they blocked a move in the summer to Fulham. So how about compatriot Ronald Koeman? The Dutchman has coached at Valencia, Ajax and Benfica among others and has been on the lookout for a new club since being sacked by AZ Alkmaar last winter – Koeman is 12/1 with Paddy Power. But, of course, Lerner could opt to stick with what he knows so caretaker boss Kevin McDonald may well be in the van. The Scot has plenty of experience as a number two and knows the strengths and weaknesses of the players at Villa Park. His cause will be strengthened if Villa can continue their current run of form and, with Lerner intent on tightening purse strings, McDonald may be regarded as a cut-price option against the other names in the frame. He is a general 6/4 to be given the job on a full-time basis.