“Ron Atkinson, Mr Flash of football, will be appointed manager of Aston Villa after a board meeting on Monday.

“Atkinson, charged with daunting task of getting the club back into the First Division, will move in the with his loyal side-kick Mick Brown to take over from the unsuccessful partnership of Billy McNeill and Ron Wylie, who were sacked yesterday by chairman Doug Ellis.

“Atkinson is keeping a low profile until Monday when, barring any last-minute hitches or a breakdown of negotiations, he will return to the club he played for as a boy.

“All he would say today was: "I have always had a great affection for the club and if they want me I would gladly accept."

“Ellis was equally cagy. He said: "I shall have to consult my directors before any new signing is made on the managerial front."

The Birmingham Evening Mail, Saturday, 9 May 1987

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“Meanwhile, it seemed that Atkinson, previously a red-hot tip for the job, was holding out for a better salary offer and terms that are bound to include heavy compensation should he and the club part company.”

Ron Atkinson knows exactly what he would be getting in to.
The Birmingham Evening Mail, Monday, 11 May 1987

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“Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis and his three-man board have been snubbed by Second Division champions Derby County in an audacious approach for Arthur Cox. Ellis wanted to include Southam-born Cox on their short-list for the Villa Park managerial vacancy. Cox was once on Villa's coaching staff during Tommy Docherty's reign.”

The Birmingham Evening Mail, Tuesday, 12 May 1987

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“Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis is not rushing into making the most crucial decision of his near-20-year involvement with the club. Nam• ing the right manager is vital for the club's revival and maybe, even, survival. It seems that he is spreading his net after an initial plan to appoint former Albion and Manchester United boss Ron Atkinson. with Norwich asking speak with Ken Brown.”

The Birmingham Evening Mail, Wednesday, 13 May 1987

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“Graham Taylor joined Aston Villa as manager today in a sensational move from Watford. Villa announced the capture after weekend negotiations. Up to Saturday it seemed that Dave Bassett, who walked out of Wimbledon, would be moving to Villa Park but further talks led to a shuffle which brought Taylor to Villa and means that Bassett will go to Watford.“

The Birmingham Evening Mail, Monday, 18 May 1987