The Aston Villa Manager Search: Separating Contenders From Pretenders

1. Thierry Henry (unattached, ex-Belgium assistant), age 41

The trendy topic this summer, Thierry Henry was on the new ownership’s radar this summer as they considered replacing Steve Bruce. Henry has several things going for him. Those being, that he is young, one of the greatest forwards of all-time, and he’s widely praised for his work under Roberto Martinez with the Belgian National Team. Add in a little punditry, and Henry has a sound base from which to begin his managerial career.

That’s the thing though. He’s almost completely inexperienced. Imagine getting an in-demand job with little to no prior working experience in any other field. Henry could be the next great one. He could equally be a total bust.

My take: I don’t think Henry will get the job, but NSWE kicked the tires on him this summer so anything is possible. For what it’s worth, he reportedly really wants the job. I don’t think I know enough to judge whether this would be a good hire.

2. Paulo Fonseca (Shakhtar Donetsk manager), age 45

Paulo Fonseca’s name was hot on the Twittersphere all Wednesday afternoon. The current Shakhtar Donestk boss since 2016 is a new name, with a much different background, from the one’s previously rumored.

Fonseca spent most of his playing and managerial career in Portugal with clubs like Porto and Braga. He’s won 77% of his Shakhtar matches as the club’s current manager in Ukraine.

My take: The links are genuine, and although the Jorge Mendes relationship is a little overblown in my mind, Fonseca could well end up in the job. I find it more likely he’s offered and rejects than anything. The Mozambique-born Fonseca rejected West Ham United this summer.

3. Rafa Benitez (Newcastle United manager), age 58

Rafa Benitez is somehow still the manager of Newcastle United. Despite a completely fractured relationship between team and owner Mike Ashley, Benitez trudges on. The Mirror is reporting the Aston Villa owners are eyeing the Spaniard intently – seeing if he’d be interested in dropping down a level, just as he had with the Toons two years prior.

There’s a sticking point: Purslow and Benitez didn’t get along during their Liverpool days.

My take: Fairly unlikely, but not an impossible hire. If Benitez has any interest in the job, Aston Villa should be extremely flattered.

4. Dean Smith (Brentford manager), age 47

The betting-line favorite, Dean Smith is a popular choice. Just Twitter search his name.

Brentford’s analytical methods and consistent record of over-performing is generally a good sign of strong leadership. Whether that makes Smith the perfect Aston Villa manager, remains to be seen.

My take: An unashamed Villa fan, Dean Smith might have his dream job open for the taking. It’s going to be really hard for him to leave Brentford, though. The Bees sit in 6th-place with a +6 goal differential through 10 games. Would he leave the best team he’s had since his 2015 appointment? I’d have no quarrel if Smith were appointed.

5. Someone not linked yet

The reality is that this job might go to someone not yet linked. I expect Purslow and NSWE to cast a wide net before narrowing in on a target by Sunday or Monday.

Now, let’s run through the names who absolutely, positively, 100% are not getting the job.