“I have not asked for a transfer and I do not intend asking for one.

“But I do want first team football and at the moment I am not getting it.

“I’m not unhappy at Villa. I have three years of my contract still to run, but I fear my international career could be jeopardised if it remain int he reserves too long.

“Allan [Evans] is playing well and it seems that he is considered as the best to play alongside centre half Ken McNaught. I have no complaints about that.

“These things happen in football all the time.

“It’s the manager’s decision who plays in the team. But he understands how I feel and I believe he will let me move if another club makes a realistic offer.

“I love playing for Villa. I regard it as a great honour to be appointed captain last season. I wish we could have won something but in view of all our injuries I though we did well to finish eighth in the League and reach the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup.”

Leighton Phillips.



“We were finally caught out.

“We should have been two goals up at half time but Rangers scored just after the break and frustration set in.

“Experienced players would have rolled up their sleeves and fought it out but the youngsters let their heads fall a bit.

“Gary [Shelton] battled on very well [after John Deehan left the field with a gashed head]. Hw was absolutely shattered and I was going to take him off until we were forced to replace Deehan.

“This is where our injuries are hitting us hard. When we signed Shelton we expected to push him forward slowly with perhaps two or three games in the first team by Christmas but we have so many players out that I think he has only missed on game this season.”

Ron Saunders.