General Krulak On The Manager Search

General Krulak has spoken again on the current situation at Villa.

The non executive director told us in 100% Villa:

'I know that there have been many specific questions asked and comments made...and I would normally try to address all of them but let me try to make a 'general' comment instead. First off, I was gutted by the game the other night. I am no different than any of you...it hurt and that is the fact.'

Then

'Now, to the bigger point, the Manager. When MON left the Club, we did what any Club left in that situation would do...we developed a list of Managers we would approach. We did not do this in isolation but with the advice of many. To not so so would have been insane! No one was sitting on their hands. At the same time, we needed to continue with the season...and so Randy immediately asked KM to move into the position. It was a good move and needed to be done because a Manager search is not something that is done overnight. This was not made a permanent appointment...it was an opportunity for someone who has been with the Club, had success with the Club, is liked and admired by the Club...to give it a go.'

'This did not mean that KM had 'won' the job or that he even wanted the job...it was simply the recognition that we needed a steady hand at the tiller and KM gave us that hand. He is a very good man and has always kept the health of the Club firmly in the forefront. At the same time, we did not stop our search/research to find another Manager. That effort is ongoing.'

'As it proceeds, the Premiership does not go on hold...it continues too. We realize that fact! Sometimes it would seem that some Fans think that nothing is happening...that we are just sitting around drinking beers. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not a day goes by that we aren't working this issue. Unfortunately, some think that this is an easy thing to do. Yes, we could probably get a Manager in but we are not looking for 'any' Manager, we are looking for the right Manager. It is simple as that! Does anyone really believe that any owner would purposely let something like this just drag on because he wanted to? Seriously, does it make any sense for someone who has invested so much of his own money into a Club to purposely let time fly by?? Please think about it. Randy is working VERY hard to sort this.'

'Randy is in the UK right now...I will be flying over on Sunday. Randy, Paul and I will be meeting on this very issue...just like we have been doing except I have had to talk by phone. Again, NO ONE is sitting on their hands.'

On a different point GK added:

'I can also tell you that my respect for the Fans has NEVER changed! Randy and the Board have total regard for the Fans and that has NOT changed from day one! We understand that that these are hard days for the Fans...they are hard days for us too. Right now we have our heads totally into the game and are pushing as hard as we can.'

One thing to be aware of...as I am sure you all are. EVERYONE has their view of who is the 'right' Manager. I have mine, I am sure Villan 57 has his...as does neilh111 and revdpete and ALL the Fans. We will not please everyone. What is critical is that we get a manager who has some knowledge of the League, who has been successful, who shares our sense of tradition, ethos, and values that is so important to the Villa and someone who understands our vision of where we want the Club to go...a consistent, winning, guts-ball Club that plays an exciting brand of football and is proud of where they play. He is out there. He may or may not be the one you are thinking of...but he is out there and we need to get him.'

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