SUPPORT OF THE OWNER

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has said that he clearly has the support of the owner Randy Lerner, as the dark clouds surrounding the club refuses to vanish.

With only three games remaining in the Premier league season, Aston Villa are currently just three points above the relegation zone.

Hence, there is a real danger of the club going into the Championship this season, which would mean huge financial implications for the club. Randy Lerner was extremely concerned about the financial situation of the club following the free spending times under Martin O'Neill that Alex McLeish was appointed in order to be a safe pair of hands.

However, a huge list of injury problems to various players coupled with a young team has meant that Alex McLeish has been unable to get the best out of his team. There is a real danger of Aston Villa – one of the big clubs in England – going down.

Aston Villa managed to eke out a point against West Brom during the weekend after a 0-0 draw, which has been a characteristic of sides managed by Alex McLeish in the past. However, it gave them a little bit of breathing space with only three matches remaining in the season.

"They were supportive, they said 'you've got to keep your head up'. They said everyone has to stay together and battle together and see it through. It (the fans' reaction) has also not weakened my resolve to carry on and see this through. Absolutely not. I'm not someone who shirks a challenge and I'll keep going. I can understand the fans' reaction. We went into a deserved lead and to see the game turn around like it did was horrible," said Alex McLeish after the 2-1 loss at the hands of Bolton. Villa will be facing Tottenham at home in the next match.