Graham Taylor Feb 2002 - May 2003

Graham Taylor completed his first full season back at Villa Park in May 2003, after previously taking charge of the final 13 weeks of the 2001-02 campaign. But the former England manager shocked club officials three days after the campaign ended when he quit his job, insisting he couldn't take the club any further.

Despite his departure, the former Watford boss certainly made his presence felt during his second spell at the club.

When he took over in 2001-02, Gareth Barry, out in the cold for so long under the previous regime, was re-introduced to great effect. Thomas Hitzlsperger, previously restricted to just 15 minutes of senior football, responded magnificently to an extended run in the team,

Peter Enckelman was at long last promoted to number one goalkeeper and Darius Vassell burst into the England side with stunning impact.

But 2002-03 season saw still more changes from Taylor as he looked to repeat the success of his first spell in charge.He signed Ulises de la Cruz from Hibernian, Marcus Allback from Hereveen, Stefan Postma from De Graafchapp, Mark Kinsella from Charlton Athletic, Ronny Johnsen from Manchester United, Oyvind Leonhardsen from Tottenham Hotspur and Joey Gudjonsson on loan from Real Betis.

But the manager also realised the wealth of talent at his disposal in the form of the younger players developing at the club. Wayne Henderson, Luke Moore, Stephen Cooke, Rob Edwards, Peter Whittingham, Stefan Moore and Liam Ridgewell were all handed first team shirts and all, bar the younger Moore brother and Henderson, made their first team debuts during the term.

Villa eventually finished in 16th place and paved the way for GT's departure.

David O'Leary May 2003 - July 2006

David O'Leary was installed as Graham Taylor's successor at Villa Park in May 2003, a few days after the former England boss's resignation.

The Irishman made a return to management after nearly a year out of the game. By the beginning of November 2003, Villa were hovering just above the relegation zone. But by the final weeks of the season they were pushing hard for at least a UEFA Cup place and possibly even a Champions League place.

In the end their early season form had caught up with them and they had to settle for sixth place - one place too low for European qualification.

During the 2004-05 season, Villa hovered just below the European qualification places, ending the season in 10th.

Despite six summer acquisitions including internationals Milan Baro? and Kevin Phillips, who added more quality to the squad, the 2005-06 campaign was terrible for O'Leary.

The season saw a highly embarrassing League Cup exit to League One side Doncaster Rovers.

In the end, Villa finished 16th, just two places above the relegation zone. O'Leary's contract as Villa manager was terminated by mutual consent in July 2006.