I'd bet on him keeping Young (my guess is that the rift with MON was over how much money from the Milner sale was going to go back into the transfer kitty, ie not much).
And my understanding is that it was a pretty lucrative deal, in the 15-20 million pound range over 3 years (I believe).
Klinsmann, with Bob as his right hand man, makes a lot more sense than Bradley alone. Regardless of what one thinks of Klinsmann's tactical acumen as a coach, he played in the Prem + coached a major national side. He would not be seen as a 'bad' hire, per se, even if he is a failure. Bob could get a major foot in the door in the Prem in such a scenario. Having said, I can't see Klinsmann coaching in England for anyone but a London club. He's living in LA.. to go to Birmingham would be harsh adjustment
Bob taking over Villa is a losing situation in my eyes. First he would be under immense pressure to make Europe when honestly, his squad hasn't been padded to be able to do that this year. I like Ashley, and I like Agbonlahor, but losing Milner was big even if I feel he is overrated and frankly they haven't pulled enough players in during the transfer window. Also, I love Friedel but there has to come a year where his play starts diminishing because of his age, and by the time Bob would see it and have to stick in Guzan, who I feel is inferior, it will be too late to push for one of those spots.
I dunno. I'm not in tune with the Villa fan base. But if I were a Villa fan (like I'm a Blackburn fan, but not a Blackburn supporter, which is a closer tie and possibly less rational) I'd look at the Big Four, Man City, and Tottenham, and the players they've lost the last 2 summers, and think, we're competing with Everton and The Field for a spot in Europe. And I don't like our odds. I know fans can be crazy, but objectively, Villa doesn't look good enough to "expect" qualification for Europe.
Bob Bradley takes the lead: he's at 11 to 4 and Jol falls to 3 to 1. Also, there's a a Martin Rogers article: Villa Upheaval Clears Path for Bradley
Oh man, so he's the favorite to take over AND the odds just changed...someone must be in the know. If this happens, its a big WOW, even bigger than Fulham imo. Also, I'd be ecstatic if he brought in Mike.
Aston isn't Fulham, this would be a coup for Bradley though. He would need to show well v. Brazil to have a legit shot.
Yeah, because I bet the Villa board of directors is sitting there going "ok, so we're going to base this hiring off of a post-wc friendly ok guys?" Come on man.
Should anything be read into the fact that WilliamHill has stopped taking bets? I don't really know that much about this stuff, but it would seem odd to stop betting before anything remotely concrete has happened .
No, Bradley has a resume already but this would help get him over with the fan-base. Most of the fans aren't too high on him for what it seems. This could be the icebreaker.
I still disagree, sorry. Fans are going to be skeptical because he is American, not because he didn't beat Brasil in a friendly.
This is madness. But I hope it happens. I am not a big fan of Bob Bradley as a soccer coach, but I think it would be an incredibly compelling story to follow. I'd be rooting for him.
Did they take the lines down to reset them or is it completely closed? If its closed then something could be going on.
If they hire Bob they better bring in a known European quantity as Director of Football to help Bob sort out the transfer market. I see the main problem with this hire will be Bob's lack of European connections and the problems it will cause in recruiting and retaining high level European talent.
Agreed 100%, steep learning curve for Bob at the highest level. Of course, he's a smart guy and I'm sure can find his way.
There is no way in hell this happens...just lazy bookmakers. However, the rumors will certainly create some recognition for BB (i.e. when the first Championship/lower Prem jobs become available this fall).