Aston Villa fans react as Roberto Martinez linked with job

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Belgium boss Martinez is a shock new contender for the Villa job.

Roberto Martinez has emerged as a shock contender to take over at Championship side Aston Villa as they continue to look for Steve Bruce’s replacement – but some Villa fans have urged their club to ignore the Spaniard.

Martinez’s stock has never been higher after guiding Belgium to third place in the World Cup, beating England in the third-place play-off 2-0 thanks to goals from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard.

The former Wigan Athletic and Everton manager has history with Villa, with the Championship club confirming back in June 2011 that he had turned down an approach from the club to remain at Wigan and sign a new contract.

Now, with Villa in the Championship instead of the Premier League, Martinez is being linked with another move as Sky Sports claim Villa’s bosses are keen admirers of the ex-Swansea City boss.

Martinez’s assistant, Thierry Henry, is currently in pole position to take the job, while Dean Smith, Brendan Rodgers and Rui Faria have also been linked with a move to Villa Park.

Martinez has two years remaining on his contract with Belgium, and is currently preparing his national side to face Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League on Friday and then the Netherlands in a friendly next Tuesday.

Villa fans reacted to the news that Martinez is in the running to become the club’s new manager, but the majority are desperate to avoid him – especially after his decision to say no in 2011.