Since losing Gerard Houllier a couple of weeks ago, there has been no shortage of contenders for the vacant Aston Villa’s manager position. Every unemployed manager has been linked although it seems as though Randy Lerner’s first choice is actually one who is in employment, as Wigan’s Roberto Martinez contemplates a move to the Midlands outfit.

The odds for the job have been ludicrously turbulent since Houllier’s departure, with the likes of Mark Hughes, Rafael Benitez and Steve McClaren all being linked with the post. Hughes even resigned as manager of Fulham – prompting huge speculation that he was set to take the job. However, Villa have now made an approach to Wigan and as their chairman Dave Whelan says, the ball is completely in Roberto Martinez’s court. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live he said: “It’s in Roberto’s hands and I will support him whatever way he wants to go.

“I think he will make a decision in the next 24 hours, and my gut feeling is that he will stay at Wigan.”

Villa’s interest in Martinez certainly comes as a surprise although looking at the bigger picture, they could be about to land a manager who has experienced nothing but, albeit modest, success throughout his managerial career.

His first job came in 2007 and after leading Swansea to the League One title, he was already regarded as one of the most promising managers in the country. His slick style of football was widely recognised and following a top half finish in 2009, he was linked to both the Celtic and the Wigan job. Eventually he took up the challenge at the DW Stadium and despite possessing limited resources; he has managed to keep the Latics in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons.

However, with Villa having so much more financial clout it remains to be seen whether he will finish the job that he started at Wigan. His chairman Dave Whelan remains confident, but even he must be slightly worried considering the circumstances.

It was always going to be hard for anyone to follow in the footsteps of Roy Hodgson following his incredible success at Fulham, yet Mark Hughes did a pretty good job after leading the Cottagers to 8^th this campaign. However, following intense speculation linking him to the Aston Villa manager’s post, Hughes has now resigned from his position as football’s silly season gets well and truly underway.

Villa were forced to part company with Gerard Houllier earlier this week after the Frenchman’s health had deteriorated to a state where he could no longer commit his long term future to the club. Since then, there have been a host of names linked with the job including Everton’s David Moyes, Steve McClaren and Mark Hughes. However, Hughes’ sudden departure seems to indicate that he is now the front runner from the job.

Despite this, Hughes has stated that his decision to resign is not based on contact from any other club and instead, he simply wants to further his career. Speaking to the BBC, Hughes said: “As a young, ambitious manager I wish to move on to further my experiences.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to clarify that neither myself nor my representative have approached or have been approached by another club.”

As well as taking Fulham to a top half finish, the Cottagers have also qualified for the Europa League due to their sterling disciplinary record. Bearing this in mind, Hughes’ statement could be entirely plausible and he may believe that he cannot take the Craven Cottage outfit any further.

Hughes’ managerial career has certainly been turbulent and after a steady spell at Blackburn, he experienced something of a bizarre tenure at Manchester City where some would say he was unfairly forced out following major investment in the club. Having only been in charge for Fulham for less than a year, some clubs may even be put off by the fact that the former Wales manager struggles to hold onto a job for a substantial amount of time.