Eriksson eyes up Villa role

Sven-Goran Eriksson would be interested in making a return to the Premier League with Aston Villa, according to sources close to the former England coach.

Eriksson has been installed as one of the early frontrunners to replace Martin O'Neill who dramatically quit yesterday after four years in charge.

Sources close to the 62-year-old said: "Of course, Sven would be interested in this job.

"He has always said that he would like to go back into the Premier League. It is a big target for him."

United States coach Bob Bradley has been made the other early favourite by bookmakers with Alan Curbishley, Jurgen Klinsmann and Martin Jol also in the frame.

Eriksson's representative, Athole Still, insisted there has not been any approach from Villa for the Swede, who was in charge of the Ivory Coast during the recent World Cup finals.

Still said "There has been no contact from Aston Villa. Sven gets associated with a lot of big jobs but, as we speak, there has been no contact from Aston Villa."

Meanwhile, Villa chief executive, Paul Faulkner, is set to hold a meeting with the club's players later today.

Faulkner will explain to the squad the events of the last 24 hours and Villa's plans for the immediate future until a replacement for O'Neill is found.

Reserve team coach Kevin MacDonald will be in charge for Saturday's Premier League opener with West Ham at Villa Park.

Club owner Randy Lerner is due back in England in the near future after flying back to America after watching Villa's friendly with Valencia on Friday.

Former Villa owner Doug Ellis has urged the club's fans to back Lerner in the search for O'Neill's successor.

Ellis, who appointed O'Neill as manager four years ago, insists "the club is bigger than any one man" after O'Neill's resignation because of a dispute over transfer policy.

Ellis believes the timing of O'Neill's decision, just five days before the Premier League campaign, is far from ideal.

He told Sky Sports News: "I was not entirely surprised by Martin's resignation although I was disappointed by the timing of it.

"I'm saddened. I think the supporters will be saddened - on the whole.

"Martin has done a very good job for Villa and I'm glad I appointed him.

"It is just a pity it has been done at this particular time."

Ellis, who is now a life president at Villa, has faith in Lerner to find the right replacement for O'Neill, who replaced David O'Leary in the summer of 2006.

Ellis said: "Never forget the club is bigger than any one man, whoever it is.

"The club will continue and, in Randy Lerner, Aston Villa have a very good chairman (owner).

"I know that Randy Lerner will find a successor and I hope all the supporters will back him and chief executive Paul Faulkner in finding the best possible man for the job."