Nature, & The British Tabloids, Abhor A Vacuum

Well, it’s Thursday now.  Yesterday, England scored three in the friendly against Hungary.  Unfortunately, Phil Jagielka’s opener was into the wrong goal and didn’t do much to add credence to the outcry for a wholesale changing of the guard in Fabio Capello’s squad.  Most of the boo birds (chirpitus rasberritum) with whom amateur ornithologist, Steven Gerrard sympathised, sussed out that it wasn’t worth 20-40 quid, per beak, to let their side know their feelings and accomplished the same by staying home, despite a last minute markdown in ticket prices.

Stevie G. experiments with flight after silencing the boo birds

Those who did show reserved their derision for Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Ashley Cole until a lacklustre first half set them off, with the whole side hearing it as they ducked into the clubhouse at intermission.  In the second half, Stevie G turned the squawkers into warblers with two strikes, after the very debatable own goal had set England back.

In the meantime, most of the rest of the UK had a miserable day as Scotland, Ireland and the Northern Irish all were blanked, in order, 3-0 by the Swedes, 0-1 by Argentina and 2-0 by Montenegro.  The Welsh at least handled Luxembourg easily, to the tune of 5-1, although celebrating such a victory is like dancing your way down the street after picking up a ha’penny piece.

Elsewhere, Spain’s David Silva pulled the World Champions level, at the death, with Mexico, in a 1-1 draw.  The result allowed the newly crowned FIFA champs to also retain their Unofficial Football World Championship, in their first defence of the title since unifying the two crowns in South Africa, in July.  As well, the match set the stage for some entertaining Mancunian derbies, this campaign, it having been el Chicharito, Javier Hernandez, who had gifted the Mexicans an early lead, on 12 minutes.

Who would even think of breaking up such a loving family?

Upon waking up today, it was apparent that Martin O’Neill wasn’t going to pop up in a press conference at Villa park, laughing and announcing that he was just taking the piss with the media, the last few days.  So the speculation is on who will take over the Birmingham outfit, and when.

Assuming that Mohamed al Fayed actually reads them, the Telegraph might have been attempting to induce a heart attack in the Fulham owner, alleging that Aston Villa’s first choice, as new manager, is Mark Hughes, who holds the same title with the Cottagers, having been in place for less than a month.

Over at the Sun, they’re touting US coach Bob Bradley, who apparently has connections to owner Jay Lerner.  We’re pretty sure that the Sun meant Randy Lerner but, just for googles, we did a quick online search.

Topping the list was Alan Jay Lerner, playwright and lyricist and plain old Jay Lerner, voice actor for animated films and television shows.  The former, sadly, passed away 25 years ago and any connections the American skipper might have had with him aren’t likely to land him a job at this time.  Nor does the latter seem to have the type of career which would allow him to  possess any influence, let alone purchase a Premier League club.  His Google intro , though, does suggest a possible relationship to a certain London side.

Would you mistake this man for a Premier League big wig?

As well as Bradley, the Sun gives the odds on a few other names who are said to be on Randy (or Jay’s) radar, in case you want to drop a bob or two.  Alan Curbishley is the hot tip in that department, at 5-1 and dropping.  There were some other names, as well, most notably good old Sven, who always seems to throw his hat into the ring when a job opens.  Unfortunately, he’s a little uninhibited, with other articles of clothing tending to follow and, well, ugh!

Neither of the manufacturers of takeout fish wrap  seem to think much of the staff still in place at Villa.  According to both, if Hughes is unavailable, the Villans may try to tap up another manager, Ajax’ Martin Jol.  Yes, that would be the same  Martin Jol whom Hughes’ current employers were unable to dislodge, prior to settling for Sparky.

What about you?  Who do you think will take the Aston Villa job?  Vote below and get the scoop on the Sun and Telegraph, in the bargain!

Sing along with Sven..."I'm too sexy for this job"

[poll id="11"]