10 August,2010 08:30 AM IST | | PA Sport
Former Aston Villa boss Graham Taylor is convinced that Martin O'Neill quit the club because of a dispute over transfer policy.
Villa confirmed O'Neill had resigned with immediate effect yesterday afternoon, with no official explanation being given as to the reason for the Northern Irishman's departure.
It has been speculated that O'Neill had not been given assurances that all the money gained from the expected sale of star midfielder James Milner to Manchester City would be available to reinvest in new players, while there is also a suggestion that another prized asset ufffd Ashley Young ufffd is a target for Tottenham. Former England boss Taylor, who managed Villa from 1987 to 1990, believes the club's transfer policy will have been a key factor in O'Neill's exit.
He told BBC Radio Five Live: "I'm not totally surprised, I think it's been coming.
"What has happened ufffd and although some of it is guesswork ufffd is that he realises he will need more money to take this club further and it would appear that is not forthcoming and that he would have to sell in order to purchase. I think Martin has said 'hold on a minute, that's not what we're looking for, that's not why I came to this club' and he has decided to walk."
Asked whether finishing sixth was now the best Villa could hope for, Taylor added: "It could be and it's very sad if it does turn out that way. Martin took over and year by year the club has improved."
