Source: Team_Talk
Villa want players close at hand
It is understood any new Aston Villa signings will be required to live nearer to the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground.[LNB] New arrivals, as well as any current players agreeing new contracts, will have to be based within 30 miles of the training ground.[LNB]Previous Villa manager Gerard Houllier was keen on the idea, only for his ill health to curtail his spell at the club before the guidelines could be put in place.[LNB]But current boss Alex McLeish and the Villa hierarchy have firmed up the proposal.[LNB]They are aware of the adverse effect constant long-distance travelling can have on players and also are keen for them to be part of the community.[LNB]Left-back Stephen Warnock and midfielder Stephen Ireland have already moved into properties in the area.[LNB]They were persuaded to make the move after being assured they had key roles to play at Villa after being frozen out of first-team plans last season.[LNB]
