Martinez?

Wigan managers tend to be in relegation battles, so that's not too much of a concern. I think he's a good manager, but not a hugely experienced one; there might be stronger options. I'd be surprised if Villa don't have at least two more concrete options available; that's the only real reason I can see for them not speaking to McClaren (I don't buy the "fans don't want McClaren" argument as being the only reason they've dropped him).

Can't see Downing being a problem, for this season at least; he's two years on his contract and we don't have to let him go. Whether Martinez would attract players I just don't know; there are certainly bigger names around who might.

You will get Steve McClaren and honestly he is a much better manager than Roberto Martinez.

He's just saved them from relegation. Now that tells you something. Is the wigan team any better on paper than say Bolton's, Everton's or West Brom's?

I wouldn't say it is so with the talent he has he has avoided relegation on the last day. Whereas other managers with similar resources have been comfortable all season.

So please no Martinez, as we need a proven manager who can lead us for the medium to long term. Does Martinez have any experience in developing players either? No, unlike the Moye's of this world.

So Randy..please don't bring in Martinez.

Martinez will be a good move.

I am very impressed by Randy Lerner....goes about things the right way, despite being a Yank....

Why do you always go on about David Moyes? Don’t you realise that he won’t be leaving Everton no matter how much the bookmakers or papers say he’s in the running. If you listen to what he has been saying for the last few months you will know that he is happy at Everton and building a very good young team for the future.
I am not trying to knock Villa as I actually like your club, they way they do business is very much like my own club, but I do think you are being delusional in thinking David Moyes is a possibility to manage your club.
Good Luck in your search for a manager.

If RL & Co know what they're doing, they'll have a shortlist of at least two, probably three, they're currently talking to. If so, nobody apart from those involved know who the other two are. Moyes could be in there (he might be totally happy at Everton, or he might feel it's time for new horizons), Hughes could still be in there.

I'd be surprised if Hughes isn't and the only reason is the way he left Fulham. Think what he did was entirely reasonable; he was entitled to review his position at the end of the season and go if he wanted to. Unlike MON who left at the start of the next season.

ive mixed feelings on martinez, now i dont doubt the man or hes ambitions but i do think the step up to villa might be a little too soon, i believe he needs two more seasons at wigan to further hes experience rather than jump into a club the size of villa then only he will know if hes ready for the leap forward.