MacDonald still in frame

Caretaker boss has two games to stake claim

Last updated: 25th August 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

MacDonald still in frame

MacDonald: Still in contention

SKY SPORTS ON SKY
There's more live football on Sky Sports than ever before, including the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Clydesdale Bank Premier League, England away Euro 2012 qualifiers and La Liga. With four live Sky Sports channels, as well as Sky Sports News, you'll never miss a moment on Sky. Click here for more.

Related links

Teams

Also see

Aston Villa director General Charles Krulak does not believe it would be fair to judge Kevin MacDonald on one game as consideration over a permanent manager continues.

MacDonald was placed in caretaker charge at Villa Park earlier this month following Martin O'Neill's shock resignation.

He made a promising start with a 3-0 victory over West Ham in Villa's Premier League opener, followed by a 1-1 draw away to Rapid Vienna in the Europa League.

Villa were then thrashed 6-0 by Newcastle at the weekend, fuelling further discussion about who would replace O'Neill on a full-time basis.

MacDonald, who has previously admitted he is unsure whether he would take the job, is still believed to be very much in the running despite USA boss Bob Bradley confirming his interest on Tuesday.

Working hard

Reports suggest MacDonald has two more matches to stake his claim before a final decision is made during the international break.

Villa face Vienna on Thursday in the second leg of their Europa League qualifying tie before hosting Everton three days later and a couple of victories could see him offered the position.

Krulak, who is owner Randy Lerner's right-hand man, feels it would be harsh to criticise MacDonald after one heavy loss to Newcastle.

"We are working hard on the manager issue," said Krulak.

"Nobody is happy about the result (at Newcastle) but it might be unfair to Kevin MacDonald to have everyone turn on him after one performance."