Aston Villa Target Ole Gunnar Solskjaer As Next Manager

By Matt Robinson / May 18, 2012

Former Manchester United and current Molde coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed he has had an €˜informal chat€™ with Aston Villa regarding their vacant managerial role. Last week Alex McLeish was sacked by the club after a disappointing season and it seems that the Aston Villa board would like the former Red Devil to fill the gap. If the deal goes through Solskjaer will come up against completely different competition compared to the Norway league, with experienced managers such as his former manager and close friend Sir Alex ferguson. Solskjaer has been targeted by Villa owner Randy Lerner after Solskjaer left his role as Manchester United€™s reserve coach in 2011 to take Molde to the top of the Tippeliga in his first season. His impressive managerial form has sparked interest from Villa and Solskjaer has confirmed that an €˜informal chat€™ has taken place. Aston Villa have issued a response to the speculation on their website saying:

"The Aston Villa board has embarked upon an interview process which will lead to the appointment of a new manager. This process will be focused and consistent with the board's objectives, which are to secure a manager who can help to reinvigorate the club and bring some vibrancy back to Villa.

They went on to say:

"We are aware that certain individuals have been linked with our managerial vacancy but, out of respect to all potential candidates and any clubs they may currently be employed by, we will not discuss specific individuals by name. We will update supporters when we have more news."

It looks like Randy Lerner is keen to issue the right man for the job after Alex McLeish€™s reign at the club. The club haven€™t achieved the same position in the league since Martin O€™Neill left the club in 2010 over transfer funds. Whilst discussion between the Club and Solskjaer continue it looks like he is favourite to be the next manager come the start of the 2012/13 season.