- 24 Jun 08, 04:30 PM
We thought it was about time we threw a few Euro 2008 questions in the direction of Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill, who has been part of the BBC Sport team in Vienna. So now's your chance. Using the comment box below, send us a question for Martin and we'll film his answers for a forthcoming edition of Match of the Day Unplugged.
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Thanks very much for all your questions.We will be putting the best of them to Martin later on Wednesday.
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Hello,
The only way you can get truelly great sport is when neither side is scared of losing. As a manager of a professional football team how do you get this across to the players with it sounding that the result doesn't matter.
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Hi, my first question isn't based around Euro 2008, but more so about your ex-club, Leicester City.
I was wondering how much truth there is in the rumours that you may be looking at signing Joe Mattock and Richard Stearman from us. Are you interested in these hot prospects for the future?
Secondly, who are you tipping to win this summer's tournament?
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You scored a perfectly legimate goal against France in 1982 to put us 1-0 up, which was wrongly ruled out for offside. Could we have held on and then beaten West Germany in the semis and Italy in the final?
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Martin, were you disappointed for Henrik Larsson that Sweden did not progress further in the competition?
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Hi Martin,
Has working for bbc in Euro 2008 hindered your summer plans for Aston Villa at all? Or are you in the best possible place for it?
p.s your a hero
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Hi Martin
Is there anything we could do to tempt you to part with Barry on the cheap to Liverpool ;)
Seriously now, when you were reportedly interested in the England job, when Steve McLaren got it (which you were my pick for by the way), were you genuinely ready for international management for what is quite early stage in your career and as an (northern) irishman would you have been as proud of the role as if you were English?
Great job at Villa - keep it up just dont overtake my beloved Liverpool!!
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Lifelong Villa fan here - have you seen any right-backs at the Euros who take your fancy, bearing in mind our pressing need before the Intertoto kicks off?
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2 similar Q's.. From a loyal villain whos been impressed with the progress over the past 2 seasons.
1) Which one player (past or present) would you bring to the villa to take us to the next level. (if money / a time travel were no object)
2) Which one player (past or present) would you bring to the england team to take us to the next world cup easily without having to worry so much about qualification. (if money / a time travel were no object)
Simple q's...kind of
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Lots of talk about Arshavin going to England or Spain for stupid money. At 27 years old - is he really worth the hype, or is he just having a great tournament and will sink back into relative obscurity after Euro 2008 is all over? After all there is a great difference between a couple of good games for a national side and week-in week-out form in a world class league.
As a lifelong Forest fan who remebers you well from your days at the City Ground - would you ever consider coming back?
Cheers,
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Martin, after Steve McLaren was given the boot by the FA you were strongly linked to the England job despite saying you didn't want it. Was your decision based on being comfortable at Aston Villa, or was it because you're Irish and would feel like you're betreying your roots? (Like Alan Hansen.)
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Hello Martin
Can ye tell me one thing?
That goal you scored agains't France was never off-side was it?
And that would have put us in an unbeatable one - nil position.
Mark
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how far do you think your aston villa team would have gotten in this tournament under your management? (i think semi-finals)
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Martin: Platini has handed you the job of reviewing the format of Euro tournaments; what if anything would you change? (my suggestion: take penalty shoot-outs before extra time starts, so that one side at least will have to attack)
PS Phil: I was in the same class as you at WGS...
Steve
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Hi there
My Question is a simple one:
When are you coming back to Celtic Park?!!!
Na Seriously - I would like to know who has been the most impressive player you have watched in the tournament thus far (mines has been Arshavin) - and the most dissapointing player ( Luca Toni for me - a Donkey on RollerSkates would be more apt!).
All the Best and Thanks for everything!!
Thomas McPake
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Hi Martin I've been loyal Wycombe Wanderers fan and Admirer of yours for many years one thing i'd like to ask you is, were you ever offered the England Position and if so, what was your real reason for turning the job down.
Steve Kerry, Aylesbury.
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Hi, I live in leicester but i used to play for one of your old affiliations rosario. But what im wandering at the moment is what you think of football and footballers in Northern Ireland? Could northern ireland qualify (maybe even compete) in the euros in the short, medium, long term future?
Where do you see villa going in the future (same as question as before)?
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Martin, you are a great manager, how many more years do you intend to manage and do you think Villa will be your last club?
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Martin you are an absolute legend!! Major respect to you from a Celtic fan here, never thought I'd see Celtic in a European final in my lifetime, but you done it!
The job you are doing at Villa just shows how good a manager you are, exemplified by your ability to get the best out of players and really motivate them.
Can't believe England never made you the manager when they had the chance, your record speaks for itself, you must be in the top 5 managers in the UK, and if either Man U need a replacement for Sir Alex, or Liverpool want to win the title, they would be foolish to appoint anyone other than you, I would hate it for you to be discounted because you have only won things with Leicester and a Scottish team, who you happened to guide to victories over Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool, Blackburn (Men against Bhoys game- haha Souness!), Lyon etc.
You are the next managerial great in this country,
p.s. hope the victory over Chelsea which cost Mourinho his job was payback for the Uefa cup final!
God bless you, your wife and your family, hope one day you are Celtic manager again!
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Mr O'Neill:
Have you ever signed a player purely based on their performance in an international championship, and are you onto anyone you've seen in this competition so far?
Does it annoy you when teams play (or appear to play) negative or 'anti-football', but still progress pretty far (e.g. Greece in 2004, or Italy this year), notably unlike your Aston Villa, or do you think that it's all tactics, and every manager should do what they can to win?
As a manager who has clearly faced their own share of selection troubles over the years, do you think that Turkey should be allowed to replace some of their injured players? Or do you think that injuries (and suspensions) are all part of football, and once you've named a 23-man squad that's it? It would certainly be a novelty to see 2 men on the bench, and a keeper ready to come on as a striker!
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this isnt about euro 2008 but will you let barry go to liverpool or another club this year?
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Martin, thanks for everything you did at Celtic. Do you miss Celtic Park? Do you still keep an eye on how the club has done and do you speak to Gordon Strachan much?
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Hi,
What is your view on any surprising performances during the Euros. For instance, Arshavin is set to move to either a Spanish or English team.
Also what are your views on Van Der Vaart. Hes a well known player yet still remains at HSV depite his talent. Could you see him moving to an English club in the near future?
Thanks and good luck at AV
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Are you convident and ready for next season?
(because you will loose barry and other good players)
AND:
What position are you targeting for 'next season' in the EPL?
(top four?)
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who do you think will win euro 2008?
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Martin
Two positions Villa need new players for are right back and centre midfield, unless you can keep Barry from leaving (don't take less than £20m).
Who would you consider the most impressive men in these positions in the Euros?
Who would you consider the most impressive men in these positions who could be signed for Villa?
PS 11th two seasons ago.
6th last season.
1st this year?
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Dear Martin
could you please stop your fellow-pundits from describing Peter Cech as the 'best goalkeeper in the world' as if it is an objective and substantiated FACT.
And also, do you believe that the Premier League is truly the best league in the world when the best foreign players for the top-two clubs (ie Drogba and ROnaldo) are desperately seeking a move abroad.
Is it not the case that foreign players use the premier league as a stepping-stone from lower European leagues before gaining a world-wide reputation and moving on
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Hello Martin.
As a Manchester United and Martin O'Neill fan from Northern Ireland, I would just like to ask you: If given the opportunity to replace Sir Alex in a couple of years, would you take the job?
Also, do you think either Ireland or Northern Ireland stand a chance of qualification for the World Cup in 2010?
Thanks a lot,
Donavan.
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Martin,
I've recently read 'The Damned United' about Brian Clough's 44 days at Leeds. I am fascinated at the many contradictions and human fallibility of the great man. I have three questions- what was it like playing for him? - do you think he was slightly intimidated by your intelligence and to what extent, in your view, was Peter Taylor important to the amazing success of Forest?
Thanks - and all the best. Enjoying your input on the BBC panel, as ever.
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Hi Martin,
Spain never seem to be able to go the distance in either the Euro's or the World Cup. Do you think that national identity causes a problem for them. What Im getting at is that maybe the Basque and Catalan players don't really feel as comitted to the cause as those who are "Spanish", with national anthem, and flag etc. ?
Thanks
Not a Villa fan, but a big Martin O' Neill fan.
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Hey Martin,
Lifelong Aston Villa fan, just to say, what a great job you have done. Quick one here, simply answer yes or no to which signings would be good for the Villa
Yes or No
Arsharvin?
Zyranov?
Hamit Altintop?
Memhet Aurelio?
Arda Turran?
Akinfeev?
Santi Cazorla?
Emre Asik?
Friedrich?
Thanks
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Good afternoon Martin...
Aston Villa had a squad with one of the fewest active players last season, surely you need to buy someone who is dedicated, good in their position, hard-working and overall a great player.
I'll talk to Steve and i'm sure we can do a swap with Titus Bramble. He fits all of the criteria for an oustanding player and to be nice to you we can exchange him for... say...Gareth Barry?
Call me yeah?
Keir Pulsford
###
Have a nice day.....
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Hi Mr O'Neil,
We will start with the respect that you deserve.
Thanks for choosing our Villa team to try and guide us back to greatness once again.
I am living in Strabane for the last 10 years and get over for 4-5 matches a season, was really hoping Lisburn Distilery would qualify in their quest to play the Villa in 4 weeks time..unfortunately, as you probably know, they lost at home 3-2...never mind.
Anyway on to the topic in hand, do you think the Russsians have what it takes to beat the Spannish?
Also have you seen any players out there who would compliment our team....Good Luck for the future Martin and you wife, where-ever it may take you.
TERRY
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hey martin,
going back to old times, do you still lokk up on how leicester are doing in the league? your probably the greatest manager they've had.
Thanks
From Chris, a LEICESTER fan and proud
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Martin, if you were the England manager: i) which 11 players would you currently choose? ii) which formation which you play (it seems to me that every time we tinker with 4-4-2 we come a croper!).
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hi martin,
just like to thank you for your time a parkhead and i hope that your wife geraldine is recovering well.
leave artur 'holy goalie' boruc alone aswell.
my questions is who is the best player you have ever worked with as a manager?
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Which game has been your favourite, in terms of entertainment and good football played?
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Hi Martin,
Another Villa fan here. I currently coach kids under 10s in Derbs. Many of whom are football mad and say they want to be Ronaldo ( I know, Im trying to persuade them it should be Ashley Young ), when they grow up. What advice would you give them in order that they can fulfil their dreams ??
All the best for the forthcoming season.
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Hi Martin-
Which player in your career that you had the chance to sign but never did (whether you turned him down or he went to a different club) do you most regret losing out on? Who was the one that got away?
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Hi Martin,
I am a life long villa fan and i was wondering are you going to have to rush pre-season deals because of your involvement at the bbc at euro 08. if you are do you believe we will have enough time to get a very good offer for gareth barry(the guys a legend) because we shouldnt sell him for less the 16 million.
also, is the gossip on thierry henry coming to villa tue, would you really commit time to buy him because he would be a great signing but he might just try to waste our time asking for ridiculous contract offers.
finally, who would you tip to win euro 08
Thanks martin,
keep up the good work at villa
Youre a legend
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Hi Martin (legend)
Im a Celtic Fan and first of all i have to say thank you for all the great years you had at Celtic and the Great memories and Great Nights you Gave me as a supporter at parkhead.
My Question is who is the Player you think has had the best tournament at Euro 2008?
Also what for you was the most memorable game you had at celtic?
Thanks
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hi martin as a villa fan myself i would love to thank you for getting into europe and especially for the 5-1 victory over the blues .I have every faith that you will get some quallity signings in but heres my question
On a scale of 1 to 10 10 being the highest how much do you hate rafa and liverpool over the barry saga?
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Mr O'Neill, do you always speak in that really soft voice or is it just a pundit voice? When you need to give your team a good rollicking do you shout or continue in the soft voice? Thanks.
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Martin, you said before the tournament that you never like to sign players based on their performance at the tournament.
Given the high quality we have seen have you changed your mind.
With the inflated English prices you could pick up some real quality at a cheaper price.
I have done a bit of scouting for you in the last couple of weeks. My suggestions:
Arshavin
Engelaar
Mathijsen
Arda
Pranjic
Guiza
De la Red
Boruc.
You probably don't need all of them but 3 or 4 would be nice before the Intertoto!!
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Martin,
Before we start your a legend and your doing a great job at villa, keep it up.
Ok, you played with my uncle Sammy Morgan in the 70's but if you could bring one player from back then into todays game, to play for your side who would it be?
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Hi Martin,
would you ever consider managing Northern Ireland, or can they not afford you?
With your talents you could do great things with the players.
Thanks
PS. Please say yes...
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hey Martin.
Im a massive Villa fan n i think that u have done a tremendous job so far. im from Rasharkin in Northern Ireland. i jus want to say that i hope that you don't sell Gareth Barry, he is an amazin player. You have really turned Villa around n they now r the team that they used to be. really high up in the league.
Thanx for doin such a good job at Villa n keep up the gr8 wrk.
sparky
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yo mr o'neil
villa fan here
would you please possibly consider putting in a bid for arda turan please maybe =P
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Hi Martin.
In my opinion your one of the best premiership managers but if you had to choose one club in the world to transfer to who would it be and why?
thanks
L.V.O
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Do you know Mansfield Town FC, if so we really need help from the bigger clubs as do all of the struggling clubs in the lower leagues and i wondered if youve got any power to do something about it. There's too big of a gap between the leagues nowadays.
thanks
L.V.O
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Hi Martin,
When you going to give Barry to LFC then? Rafa has told me he will only go up to £16m, because he believes Barry is not worth any more. To be honest, I don't think he's worth anything, so why don't you sell him to us, and get rid of him?
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Would you like Ireland to host a major tournament? If so, do you think they would host it better or worse than Austria and Switzerland?
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Assuming all players were fit, which players and formation would you start with against Croatia in the qualifiers?
And should we be bringing up more of the under-21s to challenge the regulars? Make them all fight for the starting line-up..
Kindly take up the FA's offer should it come post-Capello!
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Hi Martin,
Now that you have had some time
to evaluate the player's at this tournament
do you think that the foreign player's are vastly superior to english lad's in skill and attitude. We as a nation did not deserve to be at this competition, which is agreat pity, but we have to change our game to compete, all these player's are comfortable with the ball, we just want to hit it fifty yard's to an opposing defender and it come's straight back at us. As a nation we have to change our coaching method's and attitude of the superstar player's that cannot make euro 2008. Was good to see Melberg playing for Sweden, good honest pro, and now in villa folklore.
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Hi Martin,
Great job you are doing at Villa, cheers.
Questions:
(1) Do you think any of the other BBC Euro pundits could really cut it in the management game?! (Even Hanson?!)
(2) You said on the programme that you don't think the top English players are any worse technically than their foreign counterparts. Do you think this is true for English players in general or do you think we have a lack of quality; hence the overpricing of 'talent'? Also if they are not any worse why can't they pass to each other?!!
(3) Although you have said that you will not target players for the Villa based ONLY on their performance at EURO 2008, have you any plans to bring some of the continents best playing talent to Villa park this summer?
Many thanks for your good work at Villa. Good luck with the transfers!
- Jim
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Hi Martin,
One of the traits of a good manager is being able to spot both emerging younger players and under-estimated older players. Based on what you have seen at Euro 2008, who would you tip as the next Ashley Young or John Carew?
Thanks for a great season.
Simon
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Hello Martin,
Do you think you will ever manage Celtic again or will you ever come back to the place that made you...Northern Ireland and chance your arm managing here??
Marty, Co.Tyrone
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Hello there martin!!Just one quick question.. i was wondering if you've heard of a player called perdro morales..? fantastic creative player with youth on his side. Being a villa fan i just think we may lack a bit of creativity in the middle of the park and was wondering what your views are.. thanks in advance.
Keep up the good work!!
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Hello Mr O'Neill
Many Villa seasons ago, we had a great tradition of having big centre forwards at AVFC, what are your thoughts on Luca Toni, and do you think someone like him could be good in a role like that at Villa?
Cheers
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Martin, I'm a Villa season ticket holder and I would like to know three things.
1) How confident are you that Villa would have bought someone before the first Intertoto Cup game?
2)What's happening with the whole Steve Sidwell situation?
3)How is your relationship with Randy Lerner and do you still keep in contact with Doug Ellis?
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Hello Mr O'Neil.
Do you think Aston Villa should take the 20 million that Mr Benitez will innevitably offer for Gareth Barry, and use it to try and lever Riquelme away from Boca Juniors ?. Or shall we have a whip round and buy Mr Benitez a one way ticket to Buenos Aires, where he can have a go himself ?
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Hello Mr Oneill ..
1- My first question is what do you think are the reasons of Italy elemination ?
2- Have we seen any new tactical ideas in Euro 2008 ?
3- Who is your player of the tournament so far ?
4- Evaluate the performances of the tournament from technical view.
Thank you :)
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if platinin wants to bring in the 6+5 rule.
would it be fair then if international football had the same policy ,
if at least 6 players in the starting team had to play there football in there own country football leagues
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Did you regret not playing Lubo Moravcik in away games in the champions league considering his display against Juve and the fact that no points were gained away from home anyway?
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Hi Martin.
Were you ever contacted by Niall Quinn when he first took over as Sunderland Chairman with a view to becoming manager? If yes how close did you to becoming manager and is it true that you were a Sunderland fan as a youngster.
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helllo mr o'neill
why on earth did you sign that polish defender?
he is rubbish in my opinion,
marius jop is his name isn't it?
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Martin
How highly would you rate David Villa and would he not be a great buy for the Villa? You'd get the money back on the timeless shirts alone!
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Hi Martin,
As a spectator i have been impressed with a lot of players from nations not previously considered to be of the highest class, such as Croatia and Russia. Would you be keen to by star players in those sides or have reservations against signing them? Who has impressed you most?
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Oh sorry I forgot a critical question , do you think Italy are boring team to watch as many people think ? I want to know your opinion as a manger and as a spectator.
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Sir
And as an Aston Villa supporter, I want you to know I mean it,
SIR.
So far these questions seem to evolve around the possible departure of the future knight of the realm Gareth Barry, the lack of signings in the early stages of the transfer window, What you would do as our national manager or whom. if anyone, has impressed during this tournement.
I care about none of these things,
I just wanted to say
Thank You
From all at Aston Villa
Thank You.
Sir.
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How much importance do you take from Championships? We've seen plenty off international tournament flops (e.g. Diouf), so how much do you value them in when you look at new players.
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Do you get bored with people asking you about the Gareth Barry transfer and not the Euros?
If so, how much on a scale of 1 to 10?
How much will you sell Barry for?
Will it be completed this week?
Do you have a replacement in mind?
Oh yeah, and who do you think will win the Euros?
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Martin,
Who won the 2008 National Football League? Just wondering if you still follow.
You have the touch to get the best of footballers, well done, and good luck next season. I hope it will be as successful or more than last year.
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Hi Martin
Great job you are doing with Aston Villa. My question is about whether or not you think the Spanish team will beat Russia because of not just having better players but the fact that the spanish players are equally technically gifted like the russians. This along with the fact that Torres and Villa are better at running into open spaces and getting in scoring positions than Pavlychenko and Arshavin. What do you think?
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what has been your best moment as a player, and as a manager?
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hey Martin,
Euro 2008 has been simply fantastic so far, fll of surprie and great individual brilliance. Im quite surprised how much im enojying it considering we, (England) didnt qualify, however it does make me think....
Teams like Russia, Croatia and Turkey, not considered a "BIG" team like the French, Germans Italians etc. but have still managed to get quite far. Arshavin has been great, player of the tournament maybe?? Modric looks a bargain at £16M, and Colin Kazim-Richards looks good too.
My question is simply this, do you think that England would of had a good chance had they qualified??
Alos, great job your doing at Villa, you seem to get alot out of players that other managers can't, Marlon Harewood looks like a premiership striker now, seemed like a lazy git when he was wearing the True Claret And Blue of West Ham United, anyway...good luck for the season, jus don't finish above us haha
Steven, London
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Hi Martin,
You draw criticism from a minority section of villa fans for your 'lack' of spending.
Do you not feel in the current footballing climate that you will inevitably find yourselves 1) paying more than players are worth (in both wages and fees) and 2) switching targets due to lack of availabilty.
Should we just except this and 'pay up' in order to continually challnge?
Thanks in advance
P.S Im not one of the critics!!
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Hi Martin,
I'm a lifelong Villa Fan and I have a question
You have said that it is important for Villa to improve the number of players in the squad, however last season we seemed to lose more players than we bought in, what is your view on this?
I think that the support that Randy Learner is giving you is great, and I hope it continues.
thanks
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Hi Martin,
Which team not to get to the quarter finals has impressed you the most and why?
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hi martin (sir!!!)
i am a celtic fan and was wondering how managing in the premiership compares to the heights of champions league, uefa cup and auld firms
who is the best player u have ever managed or played alongside
and which 1 player would u sign if u had an unlimited budget
ps just for fun who would win a game between ur current villa side and the uefa cup final celtic team :-D
thanx for the memorys
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ps my girlfreind is also a celtic fan and has asked me to ask u
do u think the impersonation of you on only an excuse is apt
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Hi Martin,
Who is the toughest player you ever played against and why?
Which manager, past or present, do you admire the most and why?
Thanks
Ben, Worcester.
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Martin if Barry does leave who would you have in mind as your captain
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One quick question Martin, I've followed your work through the years, your highs and lows, from cup wins to...well there arn't many lows in your elustrius career, so i have one question for you...
Why Did You Ever Leave Leicester City?!
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Would you sell Barry to Hull to spite Liverpool?
And are you scouting at the Euros?
But mostly the first one
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Hello Martin,
What is your opinion on Andrei Arshavin, who has impressed Europe's top clubs with his performances this summer, taking into account that he is already 27, surely managers and scouts alike would have been aware of this talent already?
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hi martin
sir Alex has said he will retire in two years, would you take the vacancy. i ask you this because we are not bothered about the euros now are we?.
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As a former bookmaker who i worked for, would you give us your odds on the ronaldo situation,
him to be sidelined for the first part of the new season at man utd.
him to have a boot kicked at him like beckham did.
or who cares he is a spoilt brat who thinks he is bigger than the team.
what are the odds on you coming to manage the reds when colin leaves?
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Considering the quality of flowing passing football seen in the European Championship this tournament. Why do you think that the England side has largely failed to produce football of that calibre?Would you say it is due to managerial decisions, the english style or technique or the quality of players?
What would you do to improve the situation?
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Martin - is Alan Hansen scared of you? Everytime he talks he looks towards you for approval. Am I imagining this? What did you do to him?
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Mr O'Neil,
Yes, it's me again.
In my humble opinion the problems with the England team are three-fold:
1) Players don't have to fight for their place. For example, when England played France the performance was abysmal and yet most the team returned to face the USA.
2) All the players in the team are very similar and unlike foreign teams we don't have spark players. For example, Gerrard and Lampard offer exactly the same qualities to the team so they should not be played together. We have no quality on the bench or in the starting line-up of players who can change a game.
3) There is no pace in the team. I would pick your Agbonlahor because he is so quick and defenders can't handle pace! All successful teams use pace as a weapon and it works!
This was just an excuse for me to give my reasons for England's past failures but I was wondering if you would agree!
Thanks.
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Hello Martin,
I have enjoyed the games so far them all being great entertainment but it does look like the players that play for European sides seam are to tired to play for there counties, where as the players that finished there season earlier are much better prepared and full of running.
do u think there should be more of an effort from the premiership and other top european leagues to make more of a effort for international players to be available and prepared for international games? but also should clubs be banded from approaching players and coaches during the tournament as it must interfere with there preparations.
Hope u get chance to answer
Good luck for next season.
Adam Cordory
Lifelong Portsmouth Supporter.
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Hi Martin,
Who is the greatest player you have ever coached? Dave Carroll?? Keith Scott??
PS. Thanks for everything you ever did at Wycombe, we'd have broken into the big 4 by now if you were still here!
Good luck next season.
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Hopefully this hasn't been asked - there's already 95 questions:
An all-Ireland football team?
What are your thoughts on this? Do you feel that it would ultimately benefit the nation in terms of at least challenging for qualification, it's been 20 years since R.O.I qualified for a Euro, and N.I had a good run at it this time.
All the best.
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Like many here, I'm a big fan of yours. (as a player at Nottingham Forest and later as manager at my, then, local side Wycombe Wanders.) Although I admit I was a bit gutted at how easily you dismissed the talk of going to manage Forest.
Anyway, my question is about how to decide close games in tournaments like Euro 2008.
As a boy we'd always play "next goal wins" and I can't see why anyone had a problem with "the olden goal" but I have an idea that might make it more exciting.
At the end of 90, 10 mins extra time is played (with the golden goal rule applying if anyone scores.) If no-one scores each manager has to choose three players to take off for the next period of 10 minutes (so, it's eight a side). This would repeat every ten minutes until it was down to just two a side.
The point about this is that the game is decided by playing football, not a penalty shoot out and it involves the skill of the manager as well as the players. The amount of extra time needed would never be much more than 30 minutes (which is less than it takes now if a game goes to penalties) and probably a lot less.
My question is: What do you think?
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Hi. Sell Gareth Barry to Liverpool. Thanks
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From the BBC team (pundits, commentators, presenters), who do you believe would make the best manager? And who do you think would make the worst? And finally, if the opporunity arose, would you be prepared to consider any of them as your right hand man?
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Sorry - and the last part of my question - are there any you definitely WOULDN'T?
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In your opinion. What is the most intelligent strategy or game plan that each of the remaining managers should adopt to progress to the final based on their opposition's strengths and any weakness you have noticed?
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Martin would you consider a career in law after you retire or even in the game somehow?
and
Does having a degree in law help you in your current occupation?
Up the Villa
Chris
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Hi there Martin,
I have an idea that i want to share with you regarding time wasting! Let me know your thoughts. Below is what i have sent to both FIFA and EUFA regarding my thoughts and ideas on a possible solution to Time Wasting ...
===
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a Maldivian who have been following football for many years. Having watched ALL the games of the past three or four world cup’s as well as European cups, and every game of Arsenal, I have come to realize the significant negative impacts of time wasting as a genuine supporter of the world’s most beautiful game.
Time wasting has been a major problem not only for the opposing players and referees, but also to the tens of thousands of supporters around the globe watching a single game. This bad practice has been used by various professional players to either kill the morale or the tempo of the game.
As FIFA/EUFA has actually not implemented any creative solutions to this bad practice, I would like to share with you an idea that had come to my mind as I was watching the Italy vs Spain European quarter finals this summer (22nd June 2008).
If I recall correctly, on the 85th minute, the most tense moments of the game, one of the Italian players (Antonio Di Natale) fell after a brief knock from a Spanish player near the side lines of the Spanish half. As the referee gave play on to this incident, Spanish team quickly countered the Italians until the referee had no choice but to blow the whistle half way into the Italian half. Interestingly enough, Antonio Di Natale was on the ground initially outside of the pitch, but he purposely rolled himself into the pitch in order to stop the Spanish countering the Italians. The fans booed and the Spanish team had no choice but to kick the ball out! To me this was so ridiculous and the modern game must have rules in place in order to make soccer truly the world’s most BEAUTIFUL game.
My opinion to this bad practice is to give the players a reason not to fake injuries! The basic rationale of this idea is to encourage players to get back on to the pitch without faking such injuries. To do this, my suggestion is as follows;
If a referee has to blow his whistle to stop play due to an injured player on the pitch, this should be treated by the referee as a serious indication that the player must be given a forced 2-5 minutes MANDATORY RECOVERY TIME “outside” the pitch. And thus, the player will be forced to spend the Mandatory Recovery Time outside the pitch to get the treatments.
This would mean that obviously the players would quickly get back to their feet if they are not so seriously injured. In the case of the Italians vs the Spaniards, I am sure with such a rule in place, Antonio Di Natale will not roll back on to the pitch as he would realize that the referee will implement the Mandatory Recovery Time and he would loose 2-5 minutes of the game and the team will be down to 10 men due to this problem. I am sure players who commit such indecent acts will have to think twice before doing such a thing and thus, would prevent them from doing exactly that.
This Mandatory Recovery Time can be implemented starting from the second half or even starting from a given time (say the 75th or even 80th minute). I am very confident that teams that are playing tense games such as the quarter finals I have referred above will do their best to keep all 11 players on the game rather than loosing them to stupid malpractices! I am also confident that this will not damage the tempo of the game as even if the Mandatory Recovery Time is not implemented a seriously injured player will receive treatments outsides the pitch and would risk loosing 2-5 minutes anyways! Difference is, the existence of Mandatory Recovery Time will no doubt ensure that the beautiful game continue to be the world’s most beautiful game as player’s will have no choice but to discipline themselves and give the dying fans a truly spectacular and professional game!
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When playing the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd,How do you instil the confidence in your players and convince them that they can win.
As i`m convinced a lot of teams turn up to these matches having already conceded defeat in their minds.
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Hi Martin,
Chelsea fan who rates you highly.
Have a few questions for you;-
1) What was your most satisfying game with Villa in the 2007/2008 season? Was it Villa 2 Chelsea 0?
2) Why do you think foreign players are better at adapting to different systems of play than the England squad who can only really cope with 4-4-2 or at a push 4-3-3.
3) Which coach do you most admire at Euro 2008?
4) Is the 4-3-3 here to stay as the in vogue formation with teams increasingly too scared to play two up front? Is this at a detriment to the enjoyment of fans?
5) Do you prefer your wingbacks to attack or defend. You seem to have centre backs playing in this position for Aston Villa.
6) Did you make it up with Jose Mourinho after the UEFA Cup final?
7) You became a coach having played for Brian Clough. Sir Alex Ferguson has four of his protegees now in Premier League managerial jobs. Which of your players or former players can you see as most likely becoming a manager to follow in your footsteps?
8) Would you consider the England job should the FA ask you for an interview in the future?
9) The old managerial mantra is never buy a player on the strength of his performances in a tournament. Who most likely at EURO 2008 would make you break that rule if you thought you could bring him to Villa Park?
10) Who were you looking forward to watching at EURO 2008, either players or teams, and have been most disappointed by?
Thanks for reading my questions, hope you answer them.
Good luck Martin next season and in the Inter Toto Cup.
FLC
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Hi, Martin
Lifelong Villa fan here. Fantastic job so far, huge thanks to you and Randy Lerner for restoring so much pride at the club on and off the pitch, and I hope things continue as well as they have done so far.
I was watching a repeat of The Big Match from season 82-83 recently and at the end of the programme, there was a rundown of the ten Goal of the Season contenders. There was a goal by yourself, a 30-yarder at Anfield for Norwich (good hit but slightly dicey keeping...) and I just wondered what your memories of that are and whether it actually won?
Here's to a great season ahead.
Cheers
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Martin,
You have made me proud to be a Villa fan again after many years of pain and mis-mangement! thank you!
my questions to you is: how many players will you be aiming to sign in this pre season? and how much is Randy prepared to banroll?
I have heard plenty of paper talk about Sidwell, Bentley, Ferdinand etc which if we got those 3 I would be happy! but as an armchair fan (not big Al Shearer, loved it when you nailed him the other night) I would like us to be going for SWP, Lennon and maybe Darren Bent, I think 5-6 players of the above calibre would really help us kick on and close that chasm between the big 4
thanks for your time Martin look forward to another great season
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Hi Martin,
I am an Aston Villa fan (and season ticket holder) and I think that you have done an amazing job at the club and you have my 100% faith in continuing your success, however I feel that we are seriously lacking strength in depth and with the season rapidly approaching with the Inter Toto Cup (which I am pleased we are in) and was wondering when the new players are going to be signing up to the Martin O'Neil revolution?
P.S Please don't sell Barry - Unless we get crouch as part of the deal, SHOW THE BIGGER CLUBS THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE DIVINE RIGHT TO SIGN WHO THEY LIKE BY WHATEVER MEANS NECESSARY!!!
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Hi Martin,
Did you see your position at the Euros as the best base to scout for fresh talent to bolster the Villa squad over the summer?
All we need to Bentley on the right and with Young on the left Carew is going to be getting chance after chance! Sign him at any cost!
Big thanks for how you've already turned the club around, best manager we've had in donkeys years and I hope you stick around for much longer!
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Come back to Celtic after Villa Martin. Strachan is doing OK but you are the man!
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Hi Martin,
Would you ever consider managing the Northern Ireland team in the future? You are one of the most successful football icons the country has produced, it would be great to see you leading the national team.
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Hi Martin,
just how bad was Ramon Vega????
;)
Stephen
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so far in the tournament, who would you put in your team of the tournament, and would you consider making any offers for these players. i know we had milan baros last time, would you be attempting a similar thing.
also how did boswinga become a 15mill player wen we only offered 5 mill for him last time.
and can we please get david bentley.
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Dear Mr O'Neill,
I love you. If you ever fancy coming back to glasgow let me know I'll get the red carpet and bovril ready!
Seville was one of the best nights of me life - thanks.
anyway enough brown-nosing. good luck with villa they deserve a good manager for a change
David
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Martin - how easy is it to actually purchase players? it seems to me that contracts mean very little and agents and the media decide the outcome. Do you find it frustrating and how would you change it?
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Dear MON
I'd just like to start by saying thanks for the most entertaining season i've had as a villa fan, the football we have played has been fantastic, win lose or draw!
My question is, do you realistically think we can break the top 4 in the coming few seasons, I am the eternal optimist and believe we can. How many and what calibre of players do you think it will take for us to break the top 4 monopoly
Cheers Paul
Ps You are a ledgend
Martin, give us a wave!
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Hey Martin
Wanted to ask how much you would sell Ronaldo for if you were the boss of united now that everyone says that he could be gone within 10 days of the window opening?
Great job at villa- keep it up....just don't make them too good!
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Hi Martin. You played under Brian Clough one of the great managers in British football. I was just wondering how much of him rubbed off on you and do you still employ any of his methods.
Come on the claret and blues (West Ham)
David Johnston
Carrickfergus
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MON,
If you look around at the other teams that are classed similar to Villa (eg Everton and Tottenham), they seem to be linked with a lot more "big name impact signings".
Do you think that Villa have the ability to attract these players, and if so what is the logic behind not chasing them?
Do you think that the fact that Villa cannot attract or will not try to sign these players is one of the reasons that Gareth Barry has expressed his desire to leave the club?
He said himself that he wanted to see where the club was going and who the club was looking to bring in before he made his decision. He's now made that decision and clearly he must believe that potential signings will not be able to push Villa into true competition for Champions league football, or at the least regular European football... at least that's the impression that I get.
Going into the intertoto and having extra fixtures this season, it is becoming more and more important to get strength in depth. Look at what happened to West Ham. They have a good first string of players, but injuries crippled them.
Dan.
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As you'll know Martin, me old pal, Belarus are not represented at these Euros.
However, with the encyclopaedic knowledge you have on all things football I'd like to know what your views on the tactical approach of their league champions, FC BATE, are.
That and also which would you prefer to have living in your back garden:
an alpaca;
a vicuna;
a wildebeest; or
a warthog?
Thanks for you time.
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Martin,
In order to reduce the number of penalty shootouts why don't we reduce the number of players on the pitch, after ninety minutes, two players are removed and play continues for 15 minutes. Then in the second half of extra time a further player is removed. Taking it down to 8 a side, this should increase goal scoring opportunities and the result will be determined on a team performance rather than individuals.
Looking forward to next season but can you hurry up and sign some players please. Not wishing to teach you to suck eggs but some right backs would be nice.
Matt
Villa Fan
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Hi Martin, are you going to be trying to persuade Randy Lerner to part with some huge money for Andrei Arshavin?
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Martin,
Do you think that Euro 2008 would have been a better tournament, in terms of football and atmosphere, if the teams from the UK and Ireland had been there?
Thanks
Pete
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This has been a fantastic Euro championship to watch but I was wondering what Mr O'Neill's views are on the defending of corners and free kicks. Portugal were completely undermined by poor defending of frees in their quarter final and Russia won but only after extra time because of letting in a set piece goal. When watching it seems incredulous that professionals cannot defend these better but what do you think are the reason for these defensive breakdown. Are they not coached to defend in the best way, are the players not fulfilling their role in the defensive unit or would these sides problems be solved by a more commanding goalkeeper? Judging by Villa's record of goals from set pieces last season you would know a few ways to score against these defences.
I'm a Villa fan so I'm happy for you to avoid answering this question or lying in your answer if it means keeping any secrets you have on the art of the set-piece.
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Hi Martin,
During your pundit work you regularly mention Brian Clough and summise what he might be saying or thinking.
How much of an influence is he on you personally and your style of management?
Thanks Ian
ps As a Derby fan you are one of a very small group of people from the other end of the A52 who are OK with me :-)
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Hi Martin,
Do you prefer a football pitch to be mowed in stripes or circles?
Thanks
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Hi Mr O'Neil,
I am a Celtic fan and just firstly to say a huge thank you for what you did to our great club. In your first season, there was a stepwise improvement in the entire club's expectations and we continue to benefit from that now.
In particular, the 6-2 game was one one of the best nights of my life and changed everything for Celtic and Rangers. In reality, we have been on top ever since.
Just wanted to ask if you were as confident as you came across going into that game?
Thanks again for some wonderful memories.
Paul
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Hello there Martin,
As a player you were fortunate enough to have won the big honours, including the greatest prize of all, the European Cup, with Nottingham Forest. However, your charisma and achievements during your managerial career mean that now everytime a big job comes up it's "O'Neill linked with XYZ United's hotseat". Essentially, your name has become synonymous with top level football management in Britain. Bearing in mind your successes as both a player and manager, which job best defines you and which has given you the most pleasure? As a player, did you always intend to take the step and did you ever think you could have done a better job than any of your managers at the time?
Thanks,
Mark
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Dear Martin O'Neill
I know you have been paying attention to the euros. Maybe you should consider buying number 10 for Russia Arshavin.
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martin which player that we didnt know before
the tournament has impressed you
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hi martin
I am a stoke city fan, when are you going to pull your finger out and loan us some more players like you did a couple of seasons ago.
I think Gareth Barry wouldn't look out of place in a Stoke shirt.
Cheers Martin
Gareth Dodd
Whitchurch Shropshire
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Hi Martin,
Having witnessed all of the teams at Euro 2008 first hand, do you feel that you have seen a complete team? For example, while it's fair to say that Porugal have Ronaldo, Deco and Carvhalo they still seem to lack a talismanic centre forward. The Germans seem to be a centre back or two shy of a great starting eleven. Who would you say comes closest to having the best all round side? And, if England had been there would it have been biased of us to suggest that we would probably have had the most complete starting eleven in terms of positions?
Thanks
Tommy
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Hi again Martin,
Do you have any other interests outside football, if so what?
Also, do you have any talents other than playing and managing in football?
Thanks once again,
Mark
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Hello Martin,
I know you probably won't reveal any transfer targets on here, so as a lifelong Villa fan I'd like to ask, which have been your best and worst moments so far whilst managing at Villa Park?
Surely one of them has to be 5-1 against Birmingham....
Thanks and keep up the great work.
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Hi Martin,
I am a Celtic fan and, as well as being eternally grateful for what you did for our club, I always enjoyed listening to you in post-match interviews. Your thoughts on the game were and are always interesting and very relevant. I enjoy listening to your thoughts on games in the BBC Euro 2008 coverage.
My question is, have you ever regretted not completing your studies at University, or has your great success in football and in life made this irrelevant?
Thanks and all the best.
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Martin, international football is often derided as being inferior to club football. The amount of time and technical preparation with players for instance that goes into a Premiership season could be said to make a mockery of the way international tournaments inevitably feature teams who to a degree are 'thrown together'.
Has Euro 2008 done anything to refute this argument?
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Hi Martin
As a huge Villa fan I just want to say that you're doing a great job and it's a pleasure supporting the Villa at the moment.
I'm from Dublin and my question is whether you'd like to see an All Ireland football team, like the rugby team?
Stuart,
Dublin
PS Please get Bentley!
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Are you related to Raymond Domenech, you could be his twin with black hair?
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If you had the opportunity to manage any of the teams at this year's tournament, which would you go for?
Would you like to manage a team with quality throughout (i.e. Holland) or a statistically weaker side and help them progress as far as possible?
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Hello Martin,
Do you think Northern Ireland, and the Republic for that matter, have any chance of qualifying for the next World Cup?
Liverpool fan in peace!
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Your home nation, Northern Ireland, unfortunately missed out on a place at Euro 2008. How do you think they would have faired in Group D, had they been in it instead of Sweden?
Do you think they can progress from their FIFA World Cup qualifying group, seeing off the likes of the ageing Czech Republic and Poland, who were both disappointing in this tournament?
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Dear Martin
Good luck in answering over 140 questions!
Do you think Alan Shearer and Alan Hanson should put their money where their mouths are and try actually managing like yourself, rather than criticising others who do from the safety of the sofa!!
Everytime they diasgree with you, I hope you ask for evidence of their achievements in management!
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Hi Martin,
I am an Aston Villa fan and I think you, the board and the players have done a fantastic job in the last two seasons.
My question is do you think that the current football set up is an unsustainable model and do you think it would be a good idea to introduce some sort of salary cap, such as in some American Sports?
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I dont have a question Martin, I just want to say thank you for everything you did for Celtic.
Your an absolute legend.
Mark Sinclair.
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Dear Martin,
Please come back to Leicester.
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Hi.
Steve Mclaren seemed like a very good manager at club level but it all fell apart when he got to the international scene. Is there a difference between the methods of international management and club management??
And because of that will scolari be able to cut it in the Premiership bearing in mind he's only managed countries and south american clubs??
Oh and will drogba be surplus to requirements bearing in mind scolari's background in south america and portugal, drogba doesnt strike me as a striker in a south american mould.
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Do you think that a significant contributing factor to Russia's success in this tournament is that they are only half way through their domestic league and therefore have fewer tired players compared to nations like Holland whos players have participated in a lot of league, cup and european games?
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You have worked under some fantastic managers as a player.
What was the best piece of advice you recieved from those managers ?
Secondly, what do you think is the most important quality that you must have when you are a manager ?
p.s - I hope you can come back to Parkhead one day to lead the mighty hoops to more glory ;-)
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Hi Martin,
Aston Villa were a very good counter attacking team last season. Are you worried that teams will be more wary of this and are therefore looking to sign players with more creativity, particularly in midfield?
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Martin, I've got a question for you, and I mean it I really do, do you, as a manager. think that, in todays market, clubs outwith the big three leagues, by which of course I mean England, Italy and Spain - which are all very nice countries if you like that sort of thing, can attract players that equal the quality of, well lets say for example the young russian Arshavin?
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Mr O'Neill
Do you miss life in Scotland? Are there any parts (like our beloved sports 'journalists') that you definitely dont?
PS - whats your favourite small faces song?
Cheers
Michael
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hi im a lifelong villa fan,
first of all brilliant job over the last two years.
who do you think we should sign. I know im not a manager but what about Chimbonda as right back, and if Barry goes how about Jimmy Bullard or Steed Malbranque, what do you think about them??
and lastly are you going to let Barry go and who will replace him if so.
Cheers
top job keep it up.
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Hi Martin,
As an Aston Villa season ticket holder I get more and more excited year by year. I think you are a great manager and that we are certainly going in the right direction under Big Randy.
My concern is that whilst we snap up the best of the young British talent, like Ashley Young and Nigel Reo Coker, we are missing out on the top class, more experienced foreign talent, which, by now, are surely within our grasp!? I think it's about time we staart scouring the Madrids and the Barcas. If City are linked with Ronaldinho then why aren't we!?
Thanks
Chris Wilson
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Hello Martin,
May i take this opportunity to say that you are doing a fine job at Aston Villa. As a life long Villa fan i think i speak for all of us when i say that it is a great time to be a fan.
I would like to know what areas of the squad you are looking to strengthen and whether or not you have any firm transfer targets in mind?
Many Regards
Liam
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Howeye Martin! i just wanted to know dya still keep in touch with Henrik Larsson and what do you think of his continued resurgence in international footie?
ps you are a legend!!!
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Hi Martin
After you publicly lambasted Gerrard for stating that he would love Barry to sign for Liverpool, how did you feel when Craig Gardner similarly stated his desire for David Bentley to sign for Villa, who like Barry is under contract and whose club do not wish to sell?
Cheers
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Dear Martin
As an Aston Villa and huge Villa Fan I have been flying back and forth from the USA to see Villa and England play.
I wondered if you could pick from a fully fit squad of players who would be in your England XI at the moment?
With most of the Top 4 containing either the best of British talent OR foreigners, I would like to also know given you seem to favour buying British, is there any particular reason that you do not "appear" in media to be tracking foreign players? Are Languages barriers an issue? or Scouting perhaps?
How would you compare being manager of Aston Villa to previous clubs in terms of the Relationship with the chairman (Randy Lerner), the work behind the scenes that "The General" puts in with the fans etc and the fans themselves?
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Hi Martin,
First of all your a Legend, Would you ever think about coming back to Wycombe, I know it's a mighty big back step, but would you ? Also If Liverpool came knocking would you take the job. Who was the keeper of the euro's for you ?
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Hi Martin
Your approach to management is in the traditional mould of the greats of the past, Clough et al.
As a Celtic supporter I have noticed a big difference in Gordon Strachan's approach to management, he is a hands-on, training ground club coach mostly. When you were at Celtic my impression was that your coaching staff dealt with the training ground stuff while you were the managing the club and other goings on.
What exactly do you feel is the role of a manager and what benefits does this offer over a club coach?
The inspiration for this question comes from watching so many failed attempts by Didier Agathe to get a cross in. I used to wonder whether anyone monitored this and made changes to his training routine accordingly. Obviously if a manager is on the training pitch alot, he would see how the players are performing. Or did your coaching structure provide you with all the information you needed on players' form?
Roddy
PS Is Larsson the best striker you have ever worked with?
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Gareth Barry £18,000,000.00 ???????
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Hello Martin.
Straight off I'm Villa man through and through, keep up the progress.
Euro 2008 is looking like the usual suspects approaching the final, with the exception of Turkey. Are there any players that you would like under your wing at the Villa? Randy has said that money is available. There are only a few shopping days tilll Christmas!!!!
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Just wondering why Martin never went for the Republic of Ireland job,as I think that would have suited him more as he is an Irishman and not an Englishman.
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hi martin
villa fan threw and threw here
i think what you have done for villa is great and i could never question anything that you have done at this club i think that you can restore us to our former glory.
My question is have u seen a young Brazil player called Kerlon i think he would do nicely in a villa kit please look at him he is amazing
James Plant
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Martin,
Whats your view on a unified Irish football team?
The increased pool of talented players to select from coould only be a good thing for future qualification to major tournaments, in my opinion anyway.
cheers.
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So Martin, you mentioned on TV that if you had your time over gain there would be nothing better than being the guitarist in Jethro Tull,
Do you play guitar when not pacing the sidelines, how long have you been a fan, and what's their best album in your opinion?
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We all know you have a great past relationship with Henrik Laarson and I was wondering what you made of him in Euro 2008?
Have you been watching him playing in Sweden this year and do you think he has what it takes to keep playing?
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Coment 178 broke the house rules ? All I was saying was don't sell Gareth Barry !
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Hi Martin,
On the face of it trading Luke Moore and Gary Cahill (2 young players with lots of ability) for Marlon Harewood and Zat Knight (older players with arguably less talent) seems a little odd. Especially given the size of the squad and the high prices young English talent usually commands.
How is it that some young players seem to respond to your approach (Gabby, Craig, Ashley) and others don't? Do you regret losing the likes of Luke for so little money?
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I have been supporting Aston Villa for years and you are the best Villa manager since the European Cup days. I was wondering who you are going to try and sign for the forthcoming Intertoto Cup campaign.
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How will you re-integrate Barry at the club when Liverpool fail to make a sensible offer?
As I've said all along, going to Liverpool from Villa would not be a step up, except that this comming season they are in the CL and we are in the Inter Toto. They are in decline and not finding enough for Barry shows it.
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Hi Martin,
We met in Toronto after villa played TFC, thanks for signing my friends jersey. Congrats on a great prem season.
If there is no threat of a player being suspended due to cards, as a manager, do you think it is wise to rest players once your team has qualified in a short competition such as euro 2008?
Do you think this may have contributed to the lack of sharpness of the Netherlands vs. Russia?
Amit Rajhans, Toronto, Canada
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Dear Martin,
Do you ever regret leaving the mighty city of Norwich as you look out over those dark satanic mills?
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Hi Martin,
Firstly as a long-time AVFC fan i wnated to say congratulations on the fantastic job you are doing at Villa Park; now onto the question.
In an age where money and to an extent greed have become big parts of the game with millionaire players, super agents and foreign ownership; do you think that clubs should do more to consider their social impact? And if so, is Villa's decision to support the Acorns hospice an example other teams should be looking to follow?
Dan
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Hi Martin,
1)
Regarding the whole Sven G E dismissal.
In your opinion, Right or wrong decision?
The pressure on Mark Hughes to deliver
must immense. Do you think Hughes can take city to the next level?
Could you work for somebody like Thaksin considering his high expectations with little football knowledge, not to mention the rumored source of his funds?
2)
Ronaldo. Failed to deliver at the Euro's? Do you think he has let the hype go to his head?
Also his Real Madrid saga. Does it frustrate you when players fish for transfers despite having a long term contract?
3)
I am a Drogheda United Fan. Whilst Irish football (North and South) is improving, can you see an Irish team EVER breaking into the Champions League Group Stages?
4)
When i was a kid i wanted to be a farmer.
If you couldn't have a career in Football, What would you be doing?
Thanks
Jonny Flano
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Martin, At the last World Cup you said that 'Italy's lack of pace will eventually come to haunt them.' During Euro 08 you have again mentioned nations without lack of pace. Having watched Italy win the last World Cup without pace, do you still stand by your view?
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Hi Martin,
Firstly thanks for doing such a great job at Villa. The belief is there again for our beloved team to once again reach their full potential.
My question however has nothing to do with football.
As a St Malachy's Old boy myself , I want to know which secondary school you preferred and why - St Mac's or St Columba's?
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Hi Martin,
Just wanted to ask, how would you compare Euro 2008 to previous European Championships, do you feel the game is becoming more strategic due to the limitation on tackling and is this helping the game or ruining it as a spectacle?
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Who has the best chat in the BBC studios? I'd imagine it'd be between you and wee Gordon!
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Do you think that you will ever return to Celtic? Even if it is to end your career?
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Martin,
What on earth are you doing working for the beeb at this tournament when you should be addressing the massive shortcomings of the Villa squad?
By my reckoning, we have only 1 goalie who has been a permanent reserve for all of his career, no right backs (remember, we haven't had any since you packed off Bardsley and knew Delaney was retiring), 3 centre backs (one of whom is injured and another is Zat Knight. 'nuff said), 1 left back, no right-sided midfielders, no creativity in midfield and only 3 strikers, whom in the shape of Harewood, Carew and Agbonlahor, hardly strike fear into the opposition. (I won't even start on the likes of Salifou and Routledge...)
We are at least 8 or 9 players short of a competitive squad. We cannot hope to have the same good fortune we had with injuries last season or again to be the Premiership team that benefiited from the most number of own goals and penalties.
When is it going to be sorted out and by whom? Randy Lerner clearly doesn't know the workings of the international football transfer market and we do not have a CEO or Director of Football to oversee these transfers. So who is responsible for this? And is it going to happen or are we going to have the same empty feeling that we did at the end of the last 2 transfer windows?
Martin, I think you've done a marvellous job with the players at your disposal but surely we need to strengtrhen significantly if we are to have any hope of even standing still in the league table never mind progressing?
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Thanks for all your questions. We've now got enough for Martin and we'll be putting the best of them to him later today.
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