David Moyes has informed Aston Villa that he is not interested in the post – but another former Shrewsbury defender has moved into pole position.
The ex Manchester United and Everton manager, was the preferred candidate of new Aston Villa chairman Tony Xia.
He was on a three man shortlist to replace the sacked Frenchman Remi Garde.
It is understood that Nigel Pearson and Roberto Di Matteo are now the front runners to take over at Villa Park.
Moyes has been without a job since being sacked by Spanish outfit Real Sociedad in 2015.
The main problem for the Scot, is that Villa will be a Championship side next season after their woeful campaign resulted in their first relegation in 34 years.
Moyes played for Shrewsbury from 1987/90 where he made 96 league appearances – scoring 11 goals.
He replaced former Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters at Preston North End in 1998. The following season Moyes achieved promotion to Division One by winning the Division Two title.
In 2001 Preston lost 3-0 to Bolton in the Division One play-off final, as the club came within one match of reaching the Premier League.
Moyes’ most successful spell as a manager came at Everton where he has been linked with a return following the departure of Roberto Martinez. He guided the Toffee’s to the 2009 FA Cup final, and helped the club achieve success in Europe.
He took over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, but managed less than a year in charge.
A move to Spain saw him achieve initial success by beating Barcelona 1-0. But poor results saw him sacked last November with just a 28.5% win ratio.
The leading candidate for the vacant Villa post is now Nigel Pearson. Recent press reports have stated he could snub a move to take the job though.
Pearson began his career at Shrewsbury – where he made 184 appearances across a six year spell at the club from 1981/87; scoring five times.
Despite being sacked by Leicester City in June 2015; Pearson is credited with being a key component in helping the Foxes become shock Premiership Champions.
Many of the title winning team were assembled by Pearson, including stars such as Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.
Pearson has also managed Carlisle, West Brom, England U21, Newcastle, Southampton and Hull City.
Article by: Ryan Hillback