Aston Villa Lose A Legend: Martin O'Neill Exits Villa Park

With a 666 record in the past three years you would be forgiven for thinking that Martin O'Neill was the devil in disguise! On the edge of a top four finish in consecutive seasons must have been frustrating for the die hard Villa fans.

Still it is a shame to see such a solid and consistent manager leave Villa Park. The fall-out has come into fruition with immediate effect, with no clear cut reasons cited for his exit.

It has occurred after a season of increased promise and progression, even despite the same sixth place finish.

Aston Villa appeared closer than ever before to a Champions League qualification. Only a dip in form towards the end of the season left them a few points shy of fourth.

A Carling Cup final also gave the team their first Wembley appearance for a decade.
So maybe it is a renewed optimism at Liverpool, accompanying the financial flourish at Manchester City that left O'Neill with a sense of false hope.

Could his team of fighters really continue to compete? Consequentially would he then be able to take them to the next level?

The minuscule amount of funds offered to O'Neill would suggest not. No opportunity to enhance the squad looked afforded to the Villa boss. He would seemingly have no chance to keep on par with his current rivals.

No doubt he will find his place at an alternative team from which he can produce capable and competent results. It is certainly not the end of a managerial career that has garnered a vast amount of attention and commendation.

For now he leaves a team who will have a large void to fill.