By Mark Fordham
13 Jun 2011 18:54:00
Graham Taylor (Getty Images)
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Former Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor has admitted he is ‘surprised and disappointed’ with the club’s search for a new manager.
There have been many different names linked with the vacancy at Villa Park, with former Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish the latest name to become favourite for the job.
Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez had appeared the favourite for the job until he decided to stay with the Latics and Taylor is unhappy that the club’s search has not been focused.
He told BBC Sport: “It just doesn’t appear to have been thought through and for the first time the ownership of the club is coming under severe criticism.
“This is not being disrespectful to Gerard Houllier in any way, but once he became unwell then you have to immediately start exploring what you might do if he does not come back.
“It doesn’t appear to me and many others that this has been done. They seem to be going from name to name.
“Villa don’t seem to have grasped that nettle at all. It is disappointing. I still live in the area and have a special feeling for them as you always do about clubs you have managed, but I have been surprised and disappointed at their handling of this.”
Unsurprisingly there has been staunch opposition from Villa fans to the thought of McLeish being named the new manager due to his links to arch rivals Birmingham but Taylor believes he would be a good choice.
He added: “I think Alex has the strength of character but it won’t be easy for him. He has a hardness about him.
“It would be difficult though, because many Villa fans would not want a Birmingham man as their manager and many Birmingham supporters might see him as a traitor. He is a strong man though, and I think he could cope with that.”