"If I said anything about McFarland's tackle on Carrodus I would be in trouble.

“I didn't see the Gray incident so I cannot comment.

“I am hoping for a miracle cure [for Andy Gray after he was carried off with damaged ankle ligaments after Roy McFarland’s tackle to be ready in time for the League Cup replay on Wednesday.

“He can not put his foot to the ground at the moment and time is running out for him.

“But we can live in hope.

"If looks as if that will rule him [Frank Carrodus] out for the rest of the season [Roy McFarland’s tackle that caused damaged knee ligaments].

"I haven't seen anything like it [Derby's mud flattened pitch which made a mockery of Villa’s attempts to play football] since Spain.”

Ron Saunders.



"The ankle is giving me pain and it is very swollen.

“I am just keeping my fingers crossed that it will be improved in the morning.

"If it is humanly possible I would love to play against Everton, but everything hinges on what happens in the next two days.

"When I crashed to the ground at Derby I honestly thought the ankle was broken.

"I felt a sickening pain and said to myself 'l've had it.'

“I don't know how it happened, but I suppose I twisted the ankle on impact."

Andy Gray.


"I am upset and disgusted at suggestions from some quarters that I fouled Gray and Carrodus causing their injuries."

"It's just not true. I have missed my share of important games through bad injuries and I appreciate how they must feel.

“But my challenges on both player's were fair. The referee did not award a foul for either incident.”

“We [Andy Gray and McFarland] both jumped for the ball. I don't know what happened. I certainly did not make contact with him. But Ron Webster, who was nearest to us, said afterwards that as Andy came down he twisted to try and get the ball.

"As far as Carrodus was concerned, I just don't see how I can be blamed for that either. I went for the ball with him and kicked it 50 yards away. It was a fair tackle."

Roy McFarland.