There’s been new bookies favourite for the Aston Villa job almost every day for the past week. First, it was Dean Smith, then it was David Moyes and now it’s Thierry Henry…oh, hang on a minute, if he doesn’t get the job, then Roberto Martinez is the supposed favourite.
The latest direction in the press has been that Henry with John Terry as his number two are being lined up. Whether “the dream ticket” or “perfect pair” are simply wishful thinking, remains to be seen.
Word on the Street
According to reports today coming out of the Belgium international camp, as they prepare for their Nations League match against Switzerland on Friday evening, the Belgium Football Federation are “convinced he will be staying with them”.
Judging from photos today from the training camp, it seems to be business for usual for Henry, although Sky TV reports suggest he is very much undecided about his future.
Also, Ex-manager Harry Redknapp, after speaking to John Terry at a function on Monday evening, said on Talksport, while Terry admitted his own interest, Henry seems unlikely.
“I don’t think Thierry’s going to go there,” said Redknapp, on the radio. “I don’t think that’s going to happen, that’s what I’ve heard.
Unfinished Business
After finishing third in the World Cup with Belgium, both Martinez and Henry will feel they have unfinished business with the Red Devils. Both have the clear aim of trying to win the Euros in two years with the Belgian ‘golden generation’.
While Martinez has also been linked, it’s very unlikely indeed that’ll he’ll give up on his Belgian quest now. Considering he’s already turned down several approaches by Premier League clubs, since he’s been an international boss; managing Villa in the Championship won’t change his stance.
Henry Decision
As for Henry, unless the Villa board have fully organised the footballing structure of the club (which currently doesn’t exist), in terms of locking in a technical director and impressive backroom staff, it’s unlikely that the ex-Arsenal striker will risk his current position and go into anything on blind impulse.
Also, Monaco, Henry’s first club as a player, are looking for a new manager and they may offer him a sentimental option he can’t turn down. They’ll be a safer challenge in terms of the expectations of their domestic league and he’ll also have the chance to manage in the Champions League too.
Perhaps his intentions will become public once Belgium’s game with Switzerland is out the way.
Belgium play Holland on Tuesday night in a friendly and surely Villa can’t wait until after that for an answer from the Frenchman.
Will there be a new bookies favourite tomorrow?
UTV