You really have to wonder what is going through the minds of those in charge of Aston Villa right now.
With six games remaining for them in the Premier League season, they are 15 points from safety - Championship football next season a guarantee.
They just parted with Remi Garde. The Frenchman had one of the most feeble managerial reigns the league has seen winning just two games out of 20.
What they do next is key. The club and fans undoubtedly want a return to Premier League football immediately.
That makes today's rumoured appointment of Andy Townsend as Director of Football particularly baffling.
According to The Sun, new chairman Steve Hollis wants to bring in 'friendly faces' in an effort to win back the favour of supporters.
Though Townsend has more than 600 appearances as a player, he has no experience as either a manager or in the role which he is reportedly being considered for.
A familiar face Townsend might be to Villa fans - he spent four years with the club - but surely they would prefer someone with proven experience who can help ameliorate the shambles which they have become rather than an individual brought in to simply curry favour with them.
If appointed, the former Ireland international would have serious input regarding the appointment of Garde's long-term successor.
As you would expect, reaction to the Townsend rumour has not been positive.
Andy Townsend as a director of football? Do Aston Villa want to be relegated twice? #AVFC
— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) April 6, 2016
Andy Townsend lined up for director of football role at Villa - yup that should sort the whole mess out!?!?!? He'll be playing next...
— Tim Gearey🇺🇦 (@TimGearey) April 6, 2016
Andy Townsend as DOF? wtf? Has anyone at the club actually listened to his commentary? Dinosaur #ffs #avfc
— Matt Jackson (@mwjacks0n) April 6, 2016
In what world is Andy Townsend a DOF?
...Not for me, Clive.— Stevie Green (@StevieGreenXI) April 6, 2016
Picture credit: David Maher/SPORTSFILE
