Aston Villa have joined Newcastle United in sacking their manager.
Dean Smith became the latest boss to lose his job, ending a shocking weekend that also saw Daniel Farke leave Norwich.
Five Premier League clubs have now sacked their manager this season, but it was only Newcastle fans that felt the wrath of the mainstream media…
Interestingly, Steve Bruce had the worst record out of all five departing managers, but why let the truth get in the way of a good story?
But while Newcastle look like they’ve found his replacement in Eddie Howe, Villa are looking for the man they want to take their club forward.
And some familiar names have already been linked with the job.
Will Aston Villa give Paulo Fonseca his big Premier League break?
Aston Villa and Newcastle are jobs of similar stature. Therefore it’s no surprise to see both sides linked with similar managers.
According to the Telegraph, Steven Gerrard is being considered for the role, weeks after his name was mentioned as a possible Newcastle boss.
Villa have also been linked with Roberto Martinez, who was one of the favourites to replace Bruce at St James’ Park.
Finally, Paulo Fonseca has also been mentioned as a possible Aston Villa manager by the Daily Mail.
The latter is quite curious, as he seems determined to get himself a Premier League job. He was heavily linked with Newcastle, to the point that it felt inevitable that he would be appointed. Perhaps it was all just agent talk in the end.
But if Villa do appoint any of these managers, Newcastle will have a chance to see what they could have won.
It will put even more pressure on Howe to prove to the Newcastle owners that they made the right decision.
We’ve got faith in the 43-year-old though. Howe-ay the lads!
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