Source: Telegraph
Martin O'Neill rewards Aston Villa fans with dinner after Moscow letdown
Supporters complained after eight first team players were rested for the second leg of the Uefa Cup last 32 tie which saw Villa crash out of the competition.
O'Neill said he omitted the likes of Gareth Barry, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young in a bid to remain on track in the Premier League and secure a Champions League slot next season. But his explanations did not stop fans, some of who had paid up to £1,200 to make the trip, chanting "we want out money back" at full time.
In a bid to get back on side, O'Neill sought out a group of fans travelling back with the team to inform them of his dinner offer. He was immediately greeted with a round of applause.
Supporter Ashley Quarterman said: "It was a fantastic gesture and he's gone up in my estimation as a person."
Club owner Randy Lerner is expected to foot the bill for the event due to take place at Villa Park.
After Thursdays defeat O'Neill has vowed he will never put the club in a position where he has to sacrifice the club's participation in a competition because of a lack of depth in his squad again.
Looking to bring in some new faces in the summer, O'Neill is confident he will be given the financial backing to avoid fielding a reserve team in a match of such high profile again.
