NEW Aston Villa owner Tony Xia ignored Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice as he looked for a manager to lift the club back into the Premier League.
Fergie was consulted when a string of names were touted to revive the relegated club’s fortunes.
New chief executive Keith Wyness revealed he picked the brains of the former Manchester United boss to see who would fit the bill.
David Moyes — who Wyness worked with at Everton — was high on Villa’s wanted list. But Xia chose to go his own way and gave the job to former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo.
Wyness, who also worked for Fergie’s former club Aberdeen, said: “I still have that connection. In fact, I was on the phone to Sir Alex the other week — he recommended a few managers while we did our research.
“Sadly for him, we discounted his choices.
“Roberto was very much the chairman’s decision. However, that’s no slight on Sir Alex. If you can speak to the best for their opinions, why wouldn’t you?”
Wyness reckons Xia’s boast that Villa can win the Champions League within ten years is not hot air.
He added: “The owner has come into this with his eyes wide open.
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“Without being rude or divulging further information, that’s all I will say on the subject.
“But we will have the appropriate resources to meet whatever challenges lie ahead.”
Wyness wants to shake up Villa Park and get standards back up to scratch after last season.
He said: “Roberto will have a very competitive squad. When I arrived at Everton they had been stagnating. We had to put some energy back in the club and that’s what I’ll do here.”
Di Matteo insisted England Under-21 star Jack Grealish will come into his thoughts, despite the fact he is being linked with a move away.
Grealish, 20, had a poor season and was suspended by Remi Garde after being pictured on a night out after Villa’s 4-0 defeat at Everton.
But Di Matteo said: “I’ve done all my research on him. Don’t worry about that.
“What I will say is that I think he is a talented boy and I think he has a future here.”
Di Matteo insists he does not have unfinished business in England after leaving Chelsea despite winning the Champions League.
He added: “I’m a much better manager than I was five years ago — I’m excited about this club.”
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