Aston Villa's Stephen Ireland hopes for fresh start in Alex McLeish reign

10 July 2011 11:21
By Telegraph staff and agencies[LNB]12:21PM BST 10 Jul 2011[LNB]Comments[LNB] The midfielder came to Villa last summer as part of the deal which saw James Milner head in the opposite direction to Manchester City. [LNB]But he was urged by then manager Gerard Houllier to "work harder" and was eventually loaned out to Newcastle for the second half of the campaign. [LNB]Now Ireland just wants to be judged on his performances and to play a full part under McLeish, who has said the slate is "wiped clean" for every player. [LNB]Ireland said: "All pre-season I'm going to work really hard to try and get in the new gaffer's plans. Hopefully I can stay there. [LNB]"I had a brief chat with him and he seemed really nice and determined and it seems as if he's going to be a good manager for the players and the club going forward. [LNB]Related Articles

Source: Telegraph