Paul McGrath column: Martin O'Neill has made a mockery of the UEFA Cup for Aston Villa

Mar 3 2009 By Paul McGrath

Martin made a serious error and it was so out of character because he normally considers carefully the consequences of his actions and gets his decisions spot on.

He will know in his heart of hearts he got it wrong but given the way he has so spectacularly transformed Villa’s fortunes in such a short space of time he deserves forgiveness.

I have complete faith in him to make amends to Villa fans by getting together with John Robertson and devising a strategy to ensure they finish fourth.

Sunday’s pathetic collapse against Stoke hasn’t helped matters.

But Villa still have a six-point cushion over Arsenal and I fully expect Martin to motivate his players for one final push to seal the top-four place they so richly deserve.

20-minute half-times? Don't make me laugh > > >