"If we go down there will have to be a lot of heart searching.

“I have not enjoyed my last two years at Villa Park.

"People were calling my players 'donkeys' and that was my reply.

"How can you expect to enjoy a job when we have struggled. there is no continuity, players are coming and going all the time because I am trying to improve the team, we go up by the skin of our teeth and now we are close to the bottom of the table?

"The club hasn't stabilised and there is continual speculation. In any job there are periods when you don't enjoy It.

"I get things wrong. I sign players who don't come off. What do you think I am? Some sort of God. You've got a normal human being.

"I got hold of a club that was going into the Third Division and we ended up in the First. I have been trying to turn the club inside out.

"I'm In the kind of Job where sackings are ten a penny. It's because people don't care about other people in this profession.

"There is life outside football. It is not the be all and end-all of everything. Whatever will be, will be.”

Graham Taylor.


“There is no rift [with Graham Taylor]. It is a load of rubbish. I am on good terms with the manager. We had a meeting this week...a normal weekly meeting.

"He came on the understanding that there would be no interference in team matters from me and I was more than happy to do that.

“The best proof is in the money that has been provided.”

Chairman Doug Ellis.


“The fans appreciate that I have always done my best.

“I hope to sort out my breathing before Saturday [after a broken nose]. I will do my damnedest to make sure Villa win I went to finish the job for Villa.

"I spoke with the manager just after Christmas. I said then I wanted to leave at the end of the season. I continue to do so."

Martin Keown.


"If a player wishes to go we cannot stop him. It is Martin's prerogative to leave that is the contractual position."

Graham Taylor.


"I know this is likely to be my last game, and even though I won't share in Villa staying in the First Division I'll do everything to help keep them there."

Allan Evans.