O'Neill Committed To Villa

Martin O'Neill says that Steve McClaren will get things right. Not sure if he had a straight face whilst saying it or not though?

However, he also says that he is totally committed to Villa amid renewed rumours that McClaren will be sacked and O'Neill will be re-approached.

'Firstly: I'm absolutely and utterly committed to Aston Villa Football Club - as is the owner. We want to do something about it. Secondly: I'd like to try and win some football games. I want to win more games than we have done. Thirdly: I believe that England will definitely qualify from the group. I think they're good enough to qualify and I think the present manager will ride out the storm and be OK.'

'It's always the case - every single time England do not win a game people think they should win - there's a storm. That's my own view. I have total focus here on trying to win some games. It doesn't matter if we're sitting 13th in the league or fourth in the league, I'm absolutely committed here.'

Adding on the official site: 'I think England will qualify. I think they've got the wherewithal to qualify. It's not that there's no question of it, but I think they will qualify. It's part of management now. The criticism hits you the minute you don't win a couple of games. It's all part of the game. If you win the football games you get respite. If you don't win the games, you're open for criticism. I think the criticism is unfair. I think England will qualify and I feel that my own job here is difficult enough and I want to try and do something about it. I want to try and win some more games for Aston Villa, rather than being unwittingly involved in other matters.'

0-0 v Israel after the other totally dour games and complete lack of spirit? Nope, I think in this case, qualify or not, the criticism is more than justified and a bit more vilification of the over paid ninnies who put the England shirt on these days is also called for.

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