Source: Team_Talk
Eck ready for Villa Park bow
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish says he is looking forward to making his managerial debut at Villa Park against Blackburn on Saturday.[LNB] It will be his first home match since the controversial events of the summer, when he resigned as Birmingham boss before moving to their bitter rivals.[LNB]The former Scotland boss is fully aware of the importance of the game both to himself and Villa but it is anticipation rather than nervousness that McLeish is feeling.[LNB]He said: "I am looking forward to the first game at Villa Park.[LNB]"I cannot wait to walk down the track. I am proud to be manager of Aston Villa.[LNB]"It will be a proud moment for me going down the track at what I consider one of the great stadiums in football.[LNB]"I'm not nervous. A couple of minutes before the game there will be butterflies in the stomach. But everyone gets that.[LNB]"Once you stop having that, it is time to get out of the game so I am looking forward with great anticipation to the game.[LNB]"I will just come out with the teams as I've already been introduced to the fans at Fulham and the reception was excellent.[LNB]"It was a good point for us against a high-flying Fulham team, as we saw with their tremendous result in Europe this week (they beat Dnipro 3-0)."[LNB]McLeish had initially come under fire following his appointment but he has been delighted with the way he has been received at Villa following his cross-city switch.[LNB]He added: "The staff have been fantastic and really supportive and they are all striving hard for the good of Aston Villa and I am sure that the fans will show their support.[LNB]"They love the club and long after Alex McLeish has gone they will continue to love the club.[LNB]"They will want success and I am no stranger to this situation. When I was at Rangers the expectation was to win every game.[LNB]"I know the expectations of the Villa are high and I know the Barclays Premier League is different from the Scottish league.[LNB]"We have a home game against Blackburn but every game can be very tough.[LNB]"The onus is on us to get the fans on their feet by showing some creativity and imagination from my players.[LNB]"I will be looking for the players to get more into the forward areas. I expect to see that against Blackburn.[LNB]"We will be looking for Charles N'Zogbia to produce his very best in every game and also provide a service for Darren Bent."[LNB]McLeish is also hoping to see rookie winger Marc Albrighton improve on last season's form.[LNB]He said: "From what I've seen there is no sign of Marc falling off from last season.[LNB]"He has a great attitude and he is the kind of player you like to have at a club.[LNB]"He never moans about anything. He gets his head down and gets on his game."
