Fan abuse is part of the game says McLeish

27 April 2012 18:17

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish says he is resigned to abuse from fans after a dismal run of results that has left the club perilously close to the relegation zone.

McLeish was subjected to merciless abuse on Tuesday after his side slid to a 2-1 defeat against Bolton, a result that left Villa just three points above the bottom three.

Villa have now taken just three points from a possible 21 in their last seven games, and McLeish is now bracing for more of the same as his side travel to midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

McLeish has faced an uphill battle to win over Villa fans ever since his switch from rivals Birmingham was confirmed last year.

However the former Rangers and Scotland manager is adamant he can turn things around and is not bothered by the barbs directed his way.

"In terms of the abuse, there was nobody more disappointed after the Bolton game than me," McLeish said.

"I was absolutely gutted. I'm telling you, I don't care what any supporter says, there was nobody who felt as bad as I did going off that pitch.

"I don't criticise the fans for having a go or booing at the end of a game, when it's another home game we've lost and defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory, in what was a blooming good performance.

"It's part of the game, I accept it. It's something that they have grown up with as well."

McLeish meanwhile refused to be drawn on his prospects at Villa next season.

"I'm not thinking about my future, I'm concentrating on these nine points," he said.

Source: AFP