Source: Telegraph
Martin O'Neill's player talks are good sign he will stay at Aston Villa
O'Neill has been at the centre of considerable speculation in recent weeks after unsubstantiated rumours that he had fallen out with his owner, Randy Lerner. It was exacerbated by O'Neill's admission that he would be reviewing his position in the summer. [LNB]However, the 58 year-old recently said that he wished to remain at Villa Park beyond the summer, and the talks which are understood to involve Curtis Davies, Nigel Reo-Coker, Luke Young and Steve Sidwell are being seen by a number of sources as a sign that he is still committed to the club. [LNB] Related ArticlesAston Villa season reviewAston Villa 0 Blackburn 1O'Neill likely to remain at Aston VillaAston Villa boss praises his players despite defeatDunne drives Villa onSport on televisionIt is possible, of course, that O'Neill is simply seeking to cut out the dead wood in accordance with Lerner's wishes to reduce the club's wage bill. The American is concerned about the generous wages paid to peripheral players. [LNB]O'Neill intends to conduct the meetings in London alongside the club's chief operating officer, Paul Faulkner. It is likely that O'Neill will inform the players, especially Sidwell and Reo-Coker, who have a year left on their contracts, that they are surplus to requirements. [LNB]Stoke manager Tony Pulis has launched a scathing attack on the attitude of several members of his squad. [LNB]Pulis, who has clashed with strikers James Beattie and Dave Kitson, said: "They think we're doing them a favour by paying their wages. It's difficult to control, with certain individuals. There have been a few around the place."[LNB]
