O'Leary To Stay At Villa - Official!

Well, we wanted clarification, and via the official site we now have it.

David O'Leary will be the manager of Aston Villa next season.

As WH said on our message board, O'Leary should be given the chance to correct the mistakes he made this season. So he's now got the chance, lets hope he is up to it as I don't think any of us could stand another season like the last one.

Doug Ellis announced, having come out of a board meeting today:

'There's been a lot of hard talking over the last week. But David, the board and I remain committed in our shared belief that the work to be done in the coming weeks will mean there is no repeat of last season's disappointments.'

And in support of O'Leary:
'There's been a lot of talk and a lot of speculation since our last match with Sunderland, but all I can say is that the Board quickly identified that David remains the best person to lead us into the new campaign. No one can pretend that last season's outcome was anything other than extremely disappointing and I understand why supporters have been frustrated throughout a difficult season.'

He also goes on to say he has urged fans to stick with them. No reasons or plans to suggest why we should but we've been over that ground before.

David O'Leary also told the official site: 'The meetings we've had, have identified that everyone has a shared vision for this football club. Let me say right now, that I am determined to show that this season's struggles were a one-off and should be put firmly behind us. No-one should doubt my commitment to getting it right and the discussions we've had - and the plans we've put into place - make me more convinced than ever that we'll prove the critics wrong next season.'

I think the critics were right. What he now needs to do is prove that he can turn things around so he doesn't get more of the same.

It is certainly an interesting decision, from my point of view, as a fan, I'll try to put to one side the crap that he has spoken this season, try to forget the digs at the fans and hope beyond all hope that he is able to wheel and deal under the immense restrictions that board have imposed. I can't stand the thought of going into the season with the same negativity, I just hope he can prove us doubters wrong. Still doubt it, but what can us mere fans do?

You do have to question why the board asked the season ticket holders their opinion on the manager (2/3rds said they won't renew if the manager remains) if they weren't going to listen?

Funny old game. Funny old club. Can't say I'm particularly in the mood to laugh mind you. Not even sure I'm particularly in the mood to renew, but no doubt I will. What a sugarbag!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.