Aston Villa fans have mixed feelings over Martin O’Neill’s departure

Aug 10 2010 by Anuji Varma, Birmingham Mail

FANS had mixed feelings over Martin O’Neill’s departure but all were desperate for any news of a possible replacement being found quickly.

Many chose to drown their sorrows at the Cap N Gown pub, just yards from the club, after hearing the news.

Student Tony O’Rourke, aged 17, from Erdington, a lifelong Villa fan, said: “He was the best manager we have had, who got us through to semi-finals, and finals.

“I’ve come to the pub with my dad to commiserate. Now there is the question of who will replace him, but I just cannot think who it will be.

“It will probably be a foreign manager and not someone who will get us into debt. I don’t think acting manager Kevin McDonald will step in, he’s just not good enough. ”

Patsy Concannon, from Aston, said: “O’Neill was one of the finest managers that we have ever had. It’s a sad day. I’ve been a supporter for 55 years. I cannot believe the news.”

And Carl Roach, a 63-year-old a forklift driver from Aston, said it was upsetting news.

“I think the atmosphere at Saturday’s game will be a sombre one. I also think it will have an adverse effect on the players. They will be upset and therefore it will affect their performance.

“I’m not surprised that this has happened, just shocked at the timing. With five days to go to the new season, it is unexpected. There have been rumours for months, but no one probably thought it would happen like this.

“When I told my sister she thought I was joking. I suppose this is just one of those things that happen in football.”

Building inspector Roger Owen, aged 60, of Erdington, said he was shocked and angered at the news. “I didn’t feel this was going to happen just days before the start of the new season. It is an insult to the club and the fans from O’Neill and I do feel angry towards him for doing this.

“I’ve no idea who they will find to replace him. But I do think this news will affect their play.”