Source: Team_Talk
Villa fans upset over McLeish
Alex McLeish has been warned he will find it difficult to win over the Aston Villa fans should he replace Gerard Houllier as manager.[LNB] Some sections of Villa supporters have made it clear McLeish would not be welcome after his spell in charge of local rivals Birmingham.[LNB]McLeish resigned on Sunday and has become the bookmakers' favourite to succeed Houllier at Villa Park.[LNB]Jonathan Fear, editor of the Vital Villa fans' website, said: "I would fear for the atmosphere and attendances at Villa Park if Alex McLeish is appointed manager.[LNB]"I've got friends who are adamant they will return their season tickets if McLeish is appointed.[LNB]"He is a tough bloke but no matter how thick skinned you are, it will be a tough sell for him to win over the Villa fans.[LNB]"It is not just because he was Birmingham manager but because of his style of play.[LNB]"Even some Blues fans have said to me they didn't want to watch that type of football anymore."[LNB]Fear added: "This board at Villa have been very good and they want the right man for the job. They are honest, decent people running the club.[LNB]"But it will be difficult for McLeish to win over the fans even if Villa are winning.[LNB]"It is a slap in the face of Blues fans and has not pleased the Villa fans."[LNB]There has been speculation regarding McLeish's safety should he eventually move to Villa.[LNB]But Kevin Ball, editor of City fans' website Joys and Sorrows, said: "I don't this will be anything like the Neil Lennon situation (at Celtic).[LNB]"It is more likely he will be on the receiving end of gallows humour more than anything else.[LNB]"I just think McLeish will be mad if he takes on the Villa job.[LNB]"He won't have the patience and support he got at Blues. If he starts badly the Villa fans will have a 'McLeish out' banner made up within five minutes."[LNB]Ball added: "I think McLeish has treated the Birmingham fans and club with a total lack of respect. It reflects badly on him.[LNB]"But it is a great opportunity for us to make a fresh start and get a new manager and some new players in place and go again."
