Ray Wilkins set for Aston Villa assistant role - sources

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Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins is set to join Aston Villa as assistant to Tim Sherwood, sources have told ESPN FC.

Sherwood, who is preparing for his first full season in charge of Villa after replacing Paul Lambert in February, is keen to make changes to his backroom team and sees Wilkins as someone who can help transform the club's fortunes.

Despite reaching the FA Cup final, Villa endured a difficult Premier League campaign last term as they narrowly avoided relegation, and Sherwood is keen to avoid a repeat next season as he looks to stamp his own mark on the club.

Kevin MacDonald was named assistant manager to Sherwood in February and it is expected he will remain in Sherwood's new-look setup.

Wilkins had been working as manager of the Jordanian national team since September following his exit from Fulham.

However, Jordan failed to reach the knockout stages of the Asian Cup and Wilkins, who was uncertain as to whether he would be offered a new contract, is ready to take another job in English football.

The 58-year-old, who won 84 caps for England during his playing career, boasts a wealth of coaching experience having managed both Queens Park Rangers and Fulham before two spells as assistant manager at Chelsea under Gianluca Vialli and Carlo Ancelotti.

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/barclays-premier-league/story/2503883/ray-wilkins-set-for-aston-villa-assistant-role-sources?

That's interesting. He seems to be a good coach/number 2. Positive move for us I'd say if it happens.

DaveAV1 wrote:That's interesting. He seems to be a good coach/number 2. Positive move for us I'd say if it happens.

Superb appointment if true.

Love K Mac...but far better with the U21s...always concerned me that he never got our of the dugout in games....you would think Tony Parkes was the No. 2 the way he carried on from the touchline (love that by the way!!)

Will come with "big club" mentality...and a wealth of experience in coaching/managing big players with big ego's......so really want tis to be true!!

Further update from journalist John Percy at the Telegraph:


"Ray Wilkins is set to join Tim Sherwood’s backroom staff at Aston Villa.
Wilkins has accepted an invitation from Sherwood to come in as assistant manager and his appointment could be confirmed in the next few days.
The 58-year-old has been out of football in England since leaving Fulham last February but is understood to be attracted to the prospect of joining Villa.
Sherwood will retain Kevin MacDonald, who was working as his No. 2 after his appointment, but Wilkins’s experience is seen as vital as he prepares for next season.
Wilkins has worked as assistant manager at Chelsea under Gianluca Vialli and Carlo Ancelotti, and also coached with Guus Hiddink during his spell as caretaker manager at Stamford Bridge"

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/11698074/Aston-Villa-to-appoint-Ray-Wilkins-as-assistant-manager.html

Brilliant. Really brilliant.

Wilkins will never cut it in the top job but as a #2 he's outstanding IMO His experience at the top end of the league is top draw.

Ray "My Word" Wilkins, great addition

I checked the reports, re-checked the reports, checked the forum & this is definateley Villa related .... My,my,my I need to lie down all this positive news is killing me

Really pleased if this turns out to be correct - Wilkins is a good counterbalance for Sherwood's gungo ho approach imo.

Paul Smith connection?

Tim told him Whilst he was on Set this morning. Anyone find That odd as He has been in talks past Few weeks.

This is Takeover Related. Probably Got the Go ahead By the new Owners this Morning so Things are getting close?

I think his experience in working with top players will be vital...if we start to bring a couple in!

tbarrules wrote:Tim told him Whilst he was on Set this morning. Anyone find That odd as He has been in talks past Few weeks.

This is Takeover Related. Probably Got the Go ahead By the new Owners this Morning so Things are getting close?

Can you run this by me again? What "set" was Tim on, and why do you think it was authorised by new owners? (genuine question)

Winning mentality. It'd be great to have around

Reported as a done deal

Trotters wrote:Reported as a done deal

Sky Sports News confirming it.

Often accussed of being a misery , negative etc.

Ray Wilkins is a fantastic appointment as number 2

Just shows how much leaks out of Villa. Did anyone see this coming from anywhere???

Right then. New owners and Asmir Begovic next and I might start dreaming of top half of the table...

Trotters wrote:Just shows how much leaks out of Villa. Did anyone see this coming from anywhere???

No!

Really happy with this appointment.

I'm really, really. pleased with this.
A well connected, experienced coach who has a winning mentality.

SOMETHING (!!) must have convinced him that coming to Villa is a good move.

Andyh wrote:I'm really, really. pleased with this.
A well connected, experienced coach who has a winning mentality.

SOMETHING (!!) must have convinced him that coming to Villa is a good move.
 

He has been promised free Chowmein at half time.

Pancakes, mate. Pancakes. :)

This is a superb appointment, really really impressed by this