Title

FINANCE

Unai Emery's brilliance provides a great blueprint for local government finance leaders

Rob Powell says local government finance leaders have much to learn from Aston Villa's manager Unai Emery as they kick off the next budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy cycle.

By Rob Powell | 05 June 2026
(c) Summit Art Creations / Shutterstock

‘I am not here to waste time'. These are the first words Unai Emery spoke to Aston Villa's squad when his managerial reign began four years ago. 

I am old enough to remember Villa winning the European Cup in 1982 and our Europa League triumph last month was a joyful experience.

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Popular articles by Rob Powell

  1. LGR presents a great opportunity for public service reform
  2. Local government now has clarity and a credible way forward on SEND
  3. How will the Government reform the funding system for councils?
  4. Forward motion for SEND?
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