Lerner Vows Not To Lose ONeill To England Tuesday 20 November 2007 at 16:33 Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner has issued a hands-off warning to the FA should they try to name Martin O'Neill as Steve McClaren's successor.
The Villa manager was widely tipped to take the position after the departure of Sven Goran Eriksson and is currently among the front-runners to replace McClaren, at 4/1 with Sky Bet and Blue Square.
But American Lerner will not be letting the former Celtic and Leicester boss leave without a fight.
He told the Birmingham Mail: "He is special. We have the best manager around, I do believe that.
"But as Martin settles into this over the years, I think he can accomplish anything he wants to here. And, my God, I do mean 'here'.
He added: "I don't think the Martin O'Neills of the world are ever available. Ever. Somehow the fates have to conspire.
"The worst thing in the world would be to set out and try to get a Martin O'Neill, because you would never get him."
Meanwhile, former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has slipped down the betting and is now rated at 6/1 with Blue Square to become the next England manager.
Harry Redknapp Proven at club level and undoubtedly a top manager. Some doubts about his suitability as a candidate and recent legal problems won't have helped his cause but he would be the England fans choice. Harry Redknapp has said he wouldnt turn England down if they came calling. FA England Managing Director Adrian Bevington pronounced that "the next manager would be English" and Redknapp looks one of very few homegrown candidates.
Stuart Pearce England need Stuart Pearce passion and no doubt the FA rate him as he is Under 21 manager. This vacancy may come round a bit too soon, although he is likely to manage England in his career it may not be straight after Fabio Cappello.
Guus Hiddink Likely to be very high on the FA's wish list and has a good track record in international football, but Trevor Brooking the FA Director Of Football indicated that an English manager would be sought.
Martin O'Neill Would be a popular choice as the next England manager for many fans and has a proven track record. If the FA want him they should be able to get him but there are question marks over why he wasn't appointed instead of Steve McClaren in 2006. Some reports in the media say he is not interested in the job havng settled in very well at Sunderland.
Sam Allardyce Overlooked when he was doing well with Bolton and the general impression was that he was found out at Newcastle. Sam Allarydyce still has his supporters but now at West Ham the Engand job may have passed him by.
Glenn Hoddle England manager between 1996 and 1999 but has been out of management since 2006 when he was in charge at Wolves. Possibility he could hold the fort through Euro 2012
Steve Bruce Sunderland boss Steve Bruce never played for England, however football fans think he is one of the best English players never to play for his country at full international level. Bruce is a good bet for the FA who surely must appoint a manager born in England.
Alan Shearer Appointing legendary players with little or no managerial experience has become a bit of a trend over the last few years, but after such shambolic displays in the World Cup England will be looking for more stability and a proven track record.
Mark Hughes Has managed Blackburn, Man City, Fulham and QPR in the Premiership as well as five years managing Wales so knows all about international football.
Terry Venables Managed his country between 1994 and 1996 and made return to the international limelight when assistant manager to Steve McLaren in 2006/7.
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