Paul Lambert faces the toughest challenge of his management career as he attempts to steer Aston Villa clear of relegation without his two most trusted assistants.
On Tuesday Villa announced that Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa were suspended with u-21 coach Gordon Cowans and Shay Givens stepping up to assist Lambert.
After beating Chelsea 1-0 on March 15 Villa looked set for a mid table finish but four consecutive defeats leaves them just four points ahead of third bottom Fulham who have won both of their last matches including a 1-0 win at Villa Park.
The reasons for suspending Culverhouse and Karsa have prompted lots of speculation with various theories being put forward but for Lambert the task in hand is to secure three points that should ensure another season in the top flight.
Club owner Randy Lerner has been a strong supporter of the former Celtic skipper and was at pains to reassure his manager that his position is safe despite the departure of two assistants and signs of unrest from supporters.
Lerner said: “The manager is a winner, a football man through and through. He knows what he needs in order for the team to go and perform and win.”
On Saturday Villa host Southampton with all eyes on Lambert followed by fixtures against Swansea, Hull City, Manchester City and Spurs.
The desperation to retain top flight status took a new turn today with Cardiff City sending a five page letter to the FA demanding that their 3-0 defeat from Crystal Palace is overturned.
The Welsh side claim that their former chief scout, Iain Moody, who is now sporting director at Palace attempted, and succeeded in finding out the Cardiff team line-up before the match!