AMSTERDAM – Stabæk boss Bob Bradley has poured cold water on English tabloid reports listing him as a prime candidate to take over for axed Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood.
It is the third time the New Jersey native has been linked to a Villa Park job. Most recently in March, he was reportedly set for the director of football post, but his agent shot down the claims. Once again, it appears some reports have gotten ahead of the actual truth.
"I think Aston Villa have many other options," Bradley told Dagbladet 503317346" tabindex="0">on Monday. "My name has been linked to many clubs in recent times, but I've only had direct contact with one club in the years I've been here. I'm not waiting to hear something concrete from [Villa].
"My focus is only on Stabæk. We have two games left, so we'll see what happens when the season is over."
In addition to the Villans, Bradley has been linked – both correctly and inaccurately – to the likes of Danish club Aalborg BK, Ligue 2 side Le Havre, Norway’s Molde FK and the EPL’s Sunderland this year. Last November, he rejected an offer from Sweden’s IFK Göteborg, who came closest to luring the coach.
However, according to the Blue Ones manager, some number of mystery teams have shown recent interest.
"All I can say about this is that in recent weeks there have been some calls from clubs looking for managers," Bradley told Norwegian paper Budstikka last week.
Bradley and his charges will be looking to halt a two-game slide when they host Alex DeJohn's IK Start 503317347" tabindex="0">on Sunday. A victory coupled with a loss/draw by Odds BK would clinch a 2016/17 Europa League qualifying invite for Stabæk.
