VILLA’S TOP JOB MAY EVEN TEMPT BENITEZ...

ASTON Villa are once more searching for a new manager after Steve Bruce’s departure following their 3-3 midweek draw against Preston left them halfway down the table.

I saw Villa numerous times last season, and maybe I just caught them on their bad days. However, they always disappointed.

I was at Carrow Road where Norwich played how Villa should, with plenty of pace and athleticism.

Villa played 4-3-3 but had the forwards on the bench to play 4-4-2 and maybe attack higher up, but, when the change came, Villa stuck to 4-3-3 with forwards tasked with doing a winger’s job.

I was also at Wembley for the play-off final where I saw a meeting of two contrasting styles as Fulham stroked the ball around at will and Villa offered nothing in return. They were well beaten despite the narrow scoreline.

This season there had been constant speculation about Bruce’s job, with Thierry Henry linked heavily.

Bruce got a temporary reprieve, but a change always looked on the cards.

Now my former team-mate Dwight Yorke has been linked with the job.

It is hard to know which way the owners will go, either with someone experienced or a young up-andcoming option, as they have tried both before.

The Villa manager’s job is one of the best in football and I wouldn’t be surprised if even someone like Rafa Benitez was lured from Newcastle.

He got the Magpies promoted and is a top, top tactician.

Although loved on Tyneside, Villa may offer him more resources to compete, regardless of division.