Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has sent a letter to season-ticket holders pleading for their backing.
McLeish’s move from Birmingham City during the summer sent season ticket sales plummeting with 20,000 fans receiving the letter in the post last week.
No matter how Villa try to portray the appointment the former Rangers manager is well aware that he’ll never be fully welcome at Villa Park as his letter illustrates.
“I am writing firstly to thank you for your continuing, invaluable support of this great Football Club,” the letter opened with. “ Especially in these challenging financial times, I understand that investing in a season ticket is a big commitment and I wanted you to know that myself, the playing squad and all of the other staff at Aston Villa really do appreciate your contribution to working for success.
“Although I knew that some of the Villa fans would find it difficult to accept me given my previous managerial position, I did not have a moment’s hesitation in accepting the chance to manage a club with such an illustrious history and with such tremendous potential as Aston Villa.”
Addressing his critics directly McLeish added: “I know that some people have sought to perpetuate a myth that I am a naturally defensively-minded manager.
“However, this is a case of certain people not letting the facts get in the way of a good story. Having played in an Aberdeen team that got used to winning trophies regularly – including the European Cup Winners Cup – and having steered Glasgow Rangers to seven trophies in three seasons, I can assure you that my appetite for attacking, winning football is second to none.
“I am aware that the myth about me being defensively-minded has concerned some Villa fans who rightly relish seeing their team playing fluent, attacking football.
“However, please be assured that I share your desire to see Villa play dynamic, exciting football which entertains whilst, of course, securing the results we all want.
“I make no apology for declaring that I am an ambitious person with an unquenchable desire for success.”
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