During early summer it was reportedly repeatedly in the English and Belgian media that Thierry Henry was set to replace Steve Bruce at Aston Villa.
Belgium’s media were interested because it was expected he’d be leaving his role with Roberto Martinez and the national team.
Everything was almost taken as done, it just needed the Birmingham club to kick Bruce out and then Henry would walk through the door and begin his career as a manager.
But then it didn’t happen, and L’Equipe believed that fan reaction may have played a part. The French newspaper stated: ‘On social media, many supporters of the club recalled that never had a Frenchman managed to shine there, as well as players (from Didier Six to Jordan Veretout) there were coaches (Rémi Garde had made a lightning passage in 2015-2016). Combined with Henry’s lack of experience, these arguments have visibly prompted Aston Villa owners to change their minds.’
Bruce also had ‘some credit with the fans’, but that credit quickly ran out and he’s been shown the door with Aston Villa in 12th place in the Championship.
His exit is being reported in France and Henry’s name is right there. RMC go back to the summer claims, and whilst they don’t say they’ve got any information yet, it’s suggested the move could be revived.
A possible barrier for Aston Villa is that in September Henry was promoted from attacking coach with Belgium to assistant manager.
