A number of Aston Villa supporters have turned to social media to react to the report that former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has turned down the club in their hunt for a new manager.
Birmingham Mail journalist Gregg Evans turned to his personal Twitter account to claim that the French icon was set to head to Ligue 1 outfit Monaco rather than the Championship and Villa Park as the Villans seek a replacement for the sacked Steve Bruce.
Looks like Thierry Henry is going to Monaco. Rejected #avfc That's one off the list.
— Gregg Evans (@greggevans40) October 9, 2018
Despite what is imaginably disappointing news, many of the Villa faithful were left understanding his decision on Twitter, acknowledging that choosing between the Midlands outfit and the striker’s old side was a “no-brainer”.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the fans’ tweets:
https://twitter.com/jsb_av1/status/1049714603930869760
Because I’m villa and fickle. I want to make the following statement.
“I didn’t want Thierry Henry anyway”.
If he does a complete U turn and is appointed as the new villa manager. I will make the following statement.
“Henry was always my 1st choice, a great appointment” #AVFC
— walshcat (@walshcat1) October 9, 2018
Henry rejected us then. To be honest Monaco are a current top European side and he’s played for them so can understand his thinking. Can’t help but wonder whether he would’ve truly fitted the Villa. Let’s get someone who’s hungry and up for the challenge then #AVFC
— Reece ? (@Reece_AV) October 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/tweetingolfer/status/1049714820419899392
https://twitter.com/Just__Kaz/status/1049723757248610306
Would be completely mad to do otherwise really. You know who is on the list Gregg?
— Chrsmo (@Chrsmo) October 9, 2018
What are the odds on Steve Bruce coming back?
— vízzy9 (@vizzy9) October 9, 2018
Yes fair play over 100 games for Monaco but would that be a job for maybe later on in his career once he’s proved himself
— sotc (@AV_FC1874) October 9, 2018
Opinion
Henry would no doubt have been an ambitious appointment and there seems to be a twinge of sadness that he seems not to be heading to Villa Park, but the supporters have shown a great amount of understanding when it comes to his decision. His lack of experience seems to have some fans relieved he looks unlikely to head into the dugout, while others questioned whether Monaco, as a major club in both France and Europe, might be too big for him at this stage of his career, heading into the managerial sphere for the first time after coaching with Belgium. Still, the question remains as to who is going to fill the boots of Bruce and with plenty of speculation circling the airwaves, the fans have the opportunity to deliver yet more opinions on who they do and do not want to see take charge of their club this season.