The former Bristol City boss is allegedly a surprise candidate to replace Roberto di Matteo.
A surprise name has emerged in the running to replace Roberto di Matteo at Aston Villa, as Sky Sports News claim that former Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill is to be given an interview, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.
Villa are looking for a fourth permanent manager since the sacking of Paul Lambert in February 2014 after Di Matteo was dismissed after just four months in charge with Villa having recorded just one win in 12 games since their relegation in May.
Some familiar names have been linked to the job since the Italian’s departure; the likes of Steve Bruce and Steve McClaren have been touted, whilst Brentford’s Dean Smith also appears to be a leading candidate.
However, Sky Sports News have now claimed, as reported by the Birmingham Mail, that Cotterill is now a surprise candidate after impressing the Villa board with his CV.
Cotterill is currently out of work following his exit from Bristol City in January 2016 after he led the Robins to promotion to the Championship in 2014-15.
The 52-year-old has several promotions on his CV but all have come at a lower level than the Championship.
He led then-non-league Cheltenham Town from the Evo-Stik League Southern to the third tier of English football between 1997 and 2002 and guided Notts County to promotion from League Two in 2010, before his exploits at Bristol City.
Villa would undoubtedly be the biggest job of his managerial career, and the rumours that he is being seriously considered by Tony Xia and the Villa board cannot come as anything other than a surprise.
It remains to be seen whether there is genuine intent on making him Villa boss, but his appointment would be sure to be one controversial with supporters.
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