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Solskjaer on shortlist for Villa vacancy

OLE GUNNAR Solskjaer is on the shortlist for the managerial vacancy at Aston Villa

STUART JAMES DOMINIC FIFIELD and
Fri May 18 2012 - 01:00

OLE GUNNAR Solskjaer is on the shortlist for the managerial vacancy at Aston Villa. The former Manchester United striker, who is in charge of the Norwegian club Molde, has emerged as a surprise contender to replace Alex McLeish.

Solskjaer’s odds tumbled on the betting markets yesterday and although no talks are yet planned to take place between Randy Lerner, the Villa owner, and the 39-year-old, he is known to be one of the names under consideration, along with Wigan’s Roberto Martinez, Norwich’s Paul Lambert and the Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers.

There are, however, doubts in Norway as to whether Solskjaer would be receptive to an approach from Villa at this stage of his managerial career and at a time when he is enjoying seeing his three children grow up in his hometown of Kristiansund.

Solskjaer has two years remaining on his contract with Molde, whom he led to the Norwegian title for the first time in their history last October in his first year as a manager.

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There is also the prospect of leading Molde, where he made his name as a young striker before moving to Old Trafford in 1996, into the Champions League this summer. Molde will come into the competition at the second qualifying round stage.

Villa’s options could include Kevin MacDonald, the first-team coach under McLeish and the caretaker manager when Martin O’Neill walked out on the eve of the 2010-’11 season. MacDonald is understood to be interested in the post. “I think Kevin would be a good candidate,” Gabriel Agbonlahor said. “He’s very good with the younger players and has won the reserves’ title I don’t know how many times.”

Meanwhile, Fabio Capello has made it known to Chelsea’s hierarchy that he is eager to take up the reins at Stamford Bridge this summer. The Italian is due to attend tomorrow’s Champions League final in Munich, which marks the last game of Roberto Di Matteo’s impressive tenure as interim first-team coach.

Chelsea are still evaluating who will fill the position vacated by Andre Villas-Boas in March but, with their chances of securing Roman Abramovich’s first choice – Pep Guardiola – appearing remote, Capello has moved to promote his own candidacy.