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McLeish sacked by Villa
ESPN Under-fire Alex McLeish has been sacked by Aston Villa after holding talks with senior club officials on Monday, having led them to a poor 16th place finish in the league. Read | Norwich 2-0 Villa Paolo Bandini suggests that Italy may benefit from the … and more » |
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By
Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED:
10:57 EST, 13 May 2012
|
UPDATED:
07:10 EST, 14 May 2012
Lee Hendrie has revealed he twice tried to commit suicide after losing £10 million in failed property deals.
The former Aston Villa and England midfielder, who earned £24,000-a-week in his heyday, lost a potential £10million in property deals and ended up with debts of over £1million.
And Hendrie has now admitted it all became too much for him.
Lee Hendrie.
‘I seriously wanted to end it all,’ the 34-year-old told the Sunday Mirror.
At the peak of his career Hendrie says he had it all. He was playing for Villa every week in front of 40,000 fans, had 12 caps for England Under-21s and had been selected to play for the first team under Glenn Hoddle.
He had spent £1.2million on 20 luxury cars, including a Ferrari 360 Spider, had a £1.7million mansion and partied in the nation’s most exclusive clubs.
International star: Hendrie for England
His marriage to his childhood
sweetheart fell apart within HOURS after she found him
texting another woman – one who would later save his life.
But his life began to unravel in 2010 when his career appeared to fade.
He had left Aston Villa after 251 appearances to join Sheffield United then to Derby County.
But he was making the first team less
and less and soon realised his career was in its twilight. Then
depression started to take hold.
‘I couldn’t get a contract with a
club. I had no money left, all the houses were going and everything just
came tumbling down,’ he said. ‘I felt I had failed my family and I wanted out… to end it all.’
Hendrie will marry his fiance Emma
Cheal, 27, this week. He credits her with saving his life after he took
an overdose of tablets, washed down with wine.
He says she called police who managed to trace his car after a conversation on the phone left her fearing the worst.
‘I was all over the place,’ he said. ‘She said “where are you?” I said “don’t worry” and put the phone down. Next thing I knew I was waking up in hospital on a drip.’
But that wasn’t the end of his troubles. He tried to do the same thing again last July.
After his second attempt Hendrie began to face up to his problems and has attended regular counseling sessions.
Troubled times: Hendrie also played for Bradford as his career came to an end
Now playing non-league football and scraping a living wherever he can, Lee admitted, he described it as his ‘wake-up call’.
The death of his former Sheffield
United team-mate Gary Speed, found hanged at his home, was a shocking
reminder of the devastation his actions could have caused to his whole
family.
He said he felt ‘sick’ the day he heard the news and imagined what Speed’s suicide had done to his wife and children.
He says he is determined to get his life back on track and wants others to learn from his experiences.
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By
Sportsmail Reporter
PUBLISHED:
08:09, 14 May 2012
|
UPDATED:
15:12, 14 May 2012
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is set to pay the price for a season of underachievement as Randy Lerner prepares to axe the Scot.
McLeish is understood to have already
said goodbye to his backroom staff at the club’s Bodymoor Heath
training complex on Monday morning.
Villa are set to formally confirm McLeish’s departure via a club statement later today.
Take a walk: Aston Villa fans wave their shoes at manager Alex McLeish
Lerner will fly in from the United States to speak with McLeish, who has been in talks with chief executive Paul Faulkner since Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Norwich.
Sections
of fans again called for the former Birmingham boss to be axed as Villa
ended the campaign just two points clear of the bottom three.
McLeish has had to contend with
slashing the wage bill, which he described as astronomical, and has been
deprived of several key players through injury or illness.
The likes of record signing Darren
Bent, key defender Richard Dunne and skipper Stiliyan Petrov have been
sidelined for lengthy spells and McLeish has had to put the accent on
youth.
McLeish always stressed it would be a
season of transition after replacing Gerard Houllier last summer, but it
was still a surprise that Villa only made sure of survival last
weekend.
Their tally of 38 points in finishing 16th is actually one less than when McLeish was relegated with Birmingham last campaign.
Villa have also encountered their worst season in their history in terms of their home record in registering just four wins.
McLeish maintains he is the right
man to turn things around at Aston Villa – despite the club’s own fans
chanting for him to be replaced by rival boss Paul Lambert in
the season-ending 2-0 defeat at Norwich.
But his future now depends on whether
Lerner decides it is time to search for a fourth manager in less than
two years or takes into account the difficult conditions McLeish has
worked under.
Under pressure: McLeish (second left) has struggled at Villa this season
Martin O’Neill quit in the summer of
2010 and Houllier had to leave Villa last summer on health grounds,
which led to McLeish’s controversial appointment after leaving Blues.
First-half goals from Norwich’s
leading scorer Grant Holt and Simeon Jackson allowed the hosts, who were
already safe from a last-day relegation scrap, to enjoy a party
atmosphere in the Norfolk sunshine on Saturday.
However,
the several thousand travelling support sent a loud and clear message
they expected much better next season.
Even though there were calls for his
head from the club’s own fans, who even chanted Lambert’s name during
the match, McLeish insists he can get the Midlands club back on track.
‘I am not a quitter,’ he said.
‘I
can totally understand the fans’ frustrations and I am the man who
carries the can for the performances, but it is also frustrating for me
to watch that kind of stuff.
‘It is up to me to turn the opinion around and will do my best.
‘I have to get a team in that Villa jersey with a winning mentality and I can change the fans’ opinion.’
Main man: Grant Holt capped off a fine season with another goal against Villa
Like
for much of their disappointing campaign, Villa offered little in the
way of attacking threat against the hard-working Canaries.
‘That was an unacceptable performance
in Aston Villa colours and I have to change that, and there will be
change,’ said McLeish, a somewhat controversial appointment to replace
Gerard Houllier after leaving bitter rivals Birmingham following their
relegation.
‘I might not
have had the riches to spend of other managers, but believe I can turn
Aston Villa around by adding quality and players who are going to work
their socks off.’
McLeish remains relaxed ahead of his showdown with the Villa Park hierarchy.
‘You can start fearing for your job at any time. That would be really negative,’ he said.
‘I will go into the meeting as positive as possible.’
At the helm: Norwich boss Paul Lambert has worked wonders this season
Lambert,
meanwhile, has seen his stock rise after masterminding Norwich’s
survival with a series of industrious displays by a squad full of
relative unheralded players which secured 12th spot.
The former Celtic midfielder has become a potential target for other clubs, but refused to be drawn on the chants of the Villa supporters – who goaded McLeish he was set to be ‘sacked in the morning’ before declaring their allegiance to Lambert.
‘Aston Villa is not my team. Norwich is and the Norwich fans singing it is greatly appreciated,’ said Lambert, who took the club up through successive promotions from npower League One.
‘I understand what is happening at Aston Villa and I can see what is happening with the crowd and the manager which is never nice.
‘But that is out of my control – my control is Norwich and the Norwich fans have been brilliant for me.’
However, asked if he would still be with the Canaries at the start of next season, the Scot said: ‘It is a hard one to answer because I have a contract here and everyone is doing great in their respective jobs.
‘I will get this season out of the road and then I will see what happens and think about what is going on and the achievements we have done, and then we will see.’
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May 13 2012 by Gregg Evans, Sunday Mercury
MISSING Villa’s worst Premier League campaign ever has been hard to take for Darren Bent.
But if there’s anything that will cheer him up and and make amends for three months on the sidelines, it’s going to the European Championships next month.
Bent has not played a competitive minute of football since rupturing his ankle ligaments in the goalless draw against Wigan in February and today’s game at Norwich comes too early for the prolific striker.
However, the Euros ARE in his sights.
Three Lions physio Gary Lewin and doctor Ian Beasley, visited Bodymoor Heath last week to see the 28-year-old on the training field but Bent knows it’s new boss Roy Hodgson that he needs to impress.
“The physio and doctor came on Wednesday to have a look at me and they had me dribbling through cones and taking shots at goal and that stuff,” he said.
“After the first couple going everywhere, they were all pretty much on target too!
“It felt quite good that they came, but it’s not their choice, it is the manager’s.”
When asked if his fitness would be an issue if he is named in England’s Euro 2012 squad on Wednesday, Bent replied: “No. The only thing I would need is some time for games, but as for fitness I’m not too far away now.
“If I was picked I’d be fine. And if I am in then I’ll step up again with my work.
We have almost run out of Villa posters (including signed posters).
Darren Bent has assured Roy Hodgson it would not be a gamble to select him for the summer tournament, despite his long injury lay-off
Broken? Darren Bent has been sidelined since February since rupturing ankle ligaments
Getty
Darren Bent has promised Roy Hodgson it won’t be a gamble to name him in England’s squad for Euro 2012 on Wednesday.
Aston Villa’s striker failed a Friday lunchtime fitness test to travel with the squad for today’s final Premier League game of the season at Norwich.
But the 28-year-old insists he’s all but recovered from the ruptured ankle ligaments which have forced him out since Villa’s 0-0 draw at Wigan in February.
He said: “It would not be a gamble to pick me. I feel I am close to being fit, I feel good, some of the others being talked about for the squad, some of them are playing and others not.
“If anything, I think I will be fresher because I’ve had a long lay-off. If I get in the squad, there are the two friendlies. For me, they would be massive.
“If I had to go straight to the tournament, maybe it would be a gamble, but because we have those two friendlies there will be a good chance to get my fitness up.
“I’d back myself to be ready. I played in the qualifiers and did quite well. So if I get the nod and can play in the friendlies to get my fitness up, I’d back myself to score goals in the tournament.”
Hodgson may well turn to the striker, who was a key part of Fabio Capello’s qualifying campaign, as he seeks to solve the problem of replacing Wayne Rooney in the first two group games in Ukraine.
Getty
He sent England physio Gary Lewin and doctor Ian Beasley to Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground last week to monitor Bent’s progress.
Bent revealed: “They had me dribbling through cones and taking shots – and after the first couple going everywhere they were all pretty much on target! It felt good that they came, but it’s not their choice, it is the manager’s.
“Of course, I’m hoping to be included. I missed the 2006 World Cup, then we didn’t qualify for the 2008 Euros and I missed the last World Cup, so it would be devastating to miss this.
“If I’m not included, I’ll just get my head down and work for Aston Villa next season.”
Bent found himself on the sharp end of ill-founded criticism from ex-Villa star Paul Merson two weeks ago when it was claimed he refused to go on the bench for Villa’s crucial match at West Brom.
In truth, he was never close to being fit enough to play.
But he said: “I knew it wasn’t true what was said, but I just had to take it on the chin.
“It has been a difficult time because it was the first proper injury I have had. It’s been a horrible couple of months. I didn’t know what to do. The first six weeks I was advised just to sit at home and keep the ankle raised and it was tough. Now, I just look forward to playing again.”
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LONDON (SE) – Only a catastrophic and unlikely turn of events Sunday would condemn Aston Villa to the Championship as they visit Carrow Road to face Norwich City on the final day of the Premier League season.
Alex McLeish’s side sit in 16th place on 38 points. The only way Villa could go down is with a loss to Norwich, a victory for Queens Park Rangers at leaders Manchester City and a win for Bolton Wanderers at Stoke City with the Trotters overhauling a plus-17 goal difference edge for the Villans.
With such a ridiculous scenario unlikely to transpire, McLeish expressed relief after last Sunday’s 1-1 draw against 10-man Tottenham Hotspur that gave Villa the point they needed to ensure their 24th straight Premier League season despite being outshot 21-4.
“Relief is probably the emotion I have right now,” McLeish told Villa’s official website. “Saying that we have another game and we have to prepare properly and try to win.”
Villa’s injury list through the course of the campaign has included Marc Albrighton (thigh), Ciaran Clark (knee), Darren Bent (ankle), Richard Dunne (collar bone) and Fabien Delph (ankle), with Stilyan Petrov being diagnosed with acute leukaemia.
“Overall, it’s been a tough season, as tough as I’ve had,” McLeish said. “I knew the challenge I was taking on. But going through it is always different from what people tell you. You have to experience it.
“I have stood up in the face of adversity all season. I am proud to be intact and not thrown myself off a bridge or something.”
With Villa supporters calling for his exit, McLeish insists he will be back. His side are winless in nine matches, with one victory in their last 15.
Norwich City are currently in 13th place and can finish anywhere from 11th to 14th. The Canaries have been safe for weeks now and enter with three defeats and one draw in their last four.
The draw was last Saturday’s 3-3 thriller against Arsenal at the Emirates as Wesley Hoolohan, Simeon Jackson and Grant Holt were all on target.
“It sums up what we’re about,” manager Paul Lambert told Norwich City’s official website. “A lot of people have questioned us over the last few games for taking our foot off the pedal, but after going down to an early goal, the spirit we showed was there for all to see.”
The Canaries have shipped 19 goals over their last seven matches, and have kept a Premier League-low two clean sheets.
“It was probably a great game for the neutral, but maybe not so much for us as we conceded three, but when you’re up against a quality team like Arsenal then it’s never going to be an easy day,” goalkeeper John Ruddy said.
Aston Villa have won three and drawn four in their last seven against Norwich. Bent had a brace sandwiched around a goal by Gabriel Agbonlahor in a 3-2 win at Villa Park in the reverse fixture Nov. 5.
Why is this happening? Find out more about the shortage of Villa 3rd kit.
By
Dan Ripley
PUBLISHED:
23:38, 10 May 2012
|
UPDATED:
23:38, 10 May 2012
It’s been a relatively quiet season for the Firing Line, with just four managerial dismissals made during the Premier League campaign this term.
But that amount could just as easily be replicated this summer with Chelsea and Wolves both wavering on their interim bosses, while Alex McLeish and Steve Kean continue to feel the wrath of Aston Villa and Blackburn supporters respectively.
Not wanted: Aston Villa fans have protest against Alex McLeish at recent games
It looks highly unlikely anyone will get the Carlo Ancelotti treatment at Chelsea (sacked minutes after the final whistle in the final game) but as the close-season briefly ends the Firing Line for the summer, the managerial merry-go-round just begins.
Each week we bring you our latest chart of the managers under pressure, and those on Easy Street. Here’s Sportsmail’s sack-race rankings – otherwise known as the Firing Line…
Only a mathematical catastrophe can relegate Villa now after the home draw against Tottenham. But even with a man extra the West Midlands side were struggling to contain the Champions League chasing outfit. Villa end the campaign away at Norwich. NON-MOVER
After an 11-year stay Blackburn’s time in the Premier League will come to an end this weekend, but Kean will have to be dragged kicking and screaming from Ewood Park if he is to leave his post after pledging to take the club straight back into the top flight. NON-MOVER
With a bit more time it would have been interesting to see how organised Connor could have made Wolves in the top flight. His side battled well to draw against Everton but the interim boss has one more chance to win a top flight game at Wigan next. NON-MOVER
Staying up is in QPR’s hands on the final day of the season after a dramatic last-minute winner against Stoke. The trouble is they face a Manchester City side who have won all but one of their home games. Hughes will more than likely be praying for results elsewhere. NON-MOVER
Within a few minutes against West Brom, Bolton went from being two points clear of QPR going into the final day to being two behind. The pressure is on Coyle, whose side threw away a 2-0 lead against the Baggies, to win at Stoke and save Bolton’s top flight status. NON-MOVER
Spurs blew their big chance (again) of taking the initiative in the race for third after stumbling to a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa. A win at home to Fulham will guarantee fourth spot – but they may not be enough to secure a Champions League return for Redknapp. NON-MOVER
Dalglish’s side were poor for most of the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea but he at least restored some pride at Anfield by thumping the Blues 4-1 three days later. The Reds will now target to finish above Everton who are one point ahead going into the final day. NON-MOVER
Sunday will be the first time Jol returns to Tottenham after being controversially sacked five years ago. The irony will not be lost on anyone inside White Hart Lane if Jol’s Fulham side deny Spurs Champions League football on the final day of the season. NON-MOVER
Just one win in 11 represents a poor end to the year for Stoke, who have slipped to the lower reaches of mid-table since confirming safety. Pulis has a problem that was similar to Alan Curbishley in his Charlton days in terms of motivating his squad over a whole season. UP ONE
A pot in the cabinet in terms of the FA Cup but unless Di Matteo can also add the Champions League trophy to it at Stamford Bridge, the Blues will miss out on competing with Europe’s elite for the first time in nine years. A dead rubber game against Blackburn next. UP FOUR
Back in November, Wigan looked doomed but with one game to go the Latics are confirmed for an incredible eighth Premier League campaign. Patience in Martinez has paid off with the Spaniard winning six of his last eight matches. DOWN TWO
Swansea have little to play for on the final day as they sit mid-table but Rodgers would have more than happily dealt on that at the start of the season. The Swans host Liverpool in their last match with a top-10 finish still a possibility. DOWN ONE
Sunderland have been coasting in no-man’s land as far as the Premier League table is concerned for most of the season. But the centre of attention will be on O’Neill’s side on Sunday as they look to hit the final nail in Manchester United’s title hopes at the Stadium Of Light. DOWN ONE
The incredible home draw at Norwich summed up Arsenal’s season. Lethal going forward, especially with Robin van Persie, but they are a disaster waiting to happen in defence. Attacking class will see Wenger’s side claim third if they win at West Brom. DOWN ONE
The crucial Manchester derby was won, the tricky trip to Newcastle was overcome and now Mancini is on the home straight to win City their first top flight title since 1968. An 18th home victory of the season over QPR on Sunday will confirm the club as league champions. NON-MOVER
The 3-3 draw at Arsenal was typical of Norwich’s season in that on the big occasions they have rarely been found wanting under Lambert’s guidance. The final home game against Villa will see them go off to a huge appreciation from the home fans whatever the result. NON-MOVER
Very few followers of the Premier League would have believed you if you said Newcastle would finish above Chelsea and still have a chance of securing Champions League football on the final day of the season. It shows how far the Toon have come under Pardew. NON-MOVER
Pride is on the line on the final day of the season. Victory for Everton at home to Newcastle will ensure Moyes’ outfit finish ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League for just the second time ever. No small achievement for a team that has spent very little this season. NON-MOVER
Retaining the title looks a very unlikely prospect going into the final day for Ferguson. Never mind the fact he has to rely on QPR grabbing a result at Manchester City, his Red Devils side have to overcome a stubborn Sunderland side at the Stadium Of Light. NON-MOVER
Hodgson takes charge of his final game at home to Arsenal and after that the hot-seat becomes empty at the Hawthorns. Gus Poyet has become a target for the West Midlands club but Aston Villa and Wolves are also interested in the Brighton boss.
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By
Dan Ripley
PUBLISHED:
23:38, 10 May 2012
|
UPDATED:
23:38, 10 May 2012
It’s been a relatively quiet season for the Firing Line, with just four managerial dismissals made during the Premier League campaign this term.
But that amount could just as easily be replicated this summer with Chelsea and Wolves both wavering on their interim bosses, while Alex McLeish and Steve Kean continue to feel the wrath of Aston Villa and Blackburn supporters respectively.
Not wanted: Aston Villa fans have protest against Alex McLeish at recent games
It looks highly unlikely anyone will get the Carlo Ancelotti treatment at Chelsea (sacked minutes after the final whistle in the final game) but as the close-season briefly ends the Firing Line for the summer, the managerial merry-go-round just begins.
Each week we bring you our latest chart of the managers under pressure, and those on Easy Street. Here’s Sportsmail’s sack-race rankings – otherwise known as the Firing Line…
Only a mathematical catastrophe can relegate Villa now after the home draw against Tottenham. But even with a man extra the West Midlands side were struggling to contain the Champions League chasing outfit. Villa end the campaign away at Norwich. NON-MOVER
After an 11-year stay Blackburn’s time in the Premier League will come to an end this weekend, but Kean will have to be dragged kicking and screaming from Ewood Park if he is to leave his post after pledging to take the club straight back into the top flight. NON-MOVER
With a bit more time it would have been interesting to see how organised Connor could have made Wolves in the top flight. His side battled well to draw against Everton but the interim boss has one more chance to win a top flight game at Wigan next. NON-MOVER
Staying up is in QPR’s hands on the final day of the season after a dramatic last-minute winner against Stoke. The trouble is they face a Manchester City side who have won all but one of their home games. Hughes will more than likely be praying for results elsewhere. NON-MOVER
Within a few minutes against West Brom, Bolton went from being two points clear of QPR going into the final day to being two behind. The pressure is on Coyle, whose side threw away a 2-0 lead against the Baggies, to win at Stoke and save Bolton’s top flight status. NON-MOVER
Spurs blew their big chance (again) of taking the initiative in the race for third after stumbling to a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa. A win at home to Fulham will guarantee fourth spot – but they may not be enough to secure a Champions League return for Redknapp. NON-MOVER
Dalglish’s side were poor for most of the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea but he at least restored some pride at Anfield by thumping the Blues 4-1 three days later. The Reds will now target to finish above Everton who are one point ahead going into the final day. NON-MOVER
Sunday will be the first time Jol returns to Tottenham after being controversially sacked five years ago. The irony will not be lost on anyone inside White Hart Lane if Jol’s Fulham side deny Spurs Champions League football on the final day of the season. NON-MOVER
Just one win in 11 represents a poor end to the year for Stoke, who have slipped to the lower reaches of mid-table since confirming safety. Pulis has a problem that was similar to Alan Curbishley in his Charlton days in terms of motivating his squad over a whole season. UP ONE
A pot in the cabinet in terms of the FA Cup but unless Di Matteo can also add the Champions League trophy to it at Stamford Bridge, the Blues will miss out on competing with Europe’s elite for the first time in nine years. A dead rubber game against Blackburn next. UP FOUR
Back in November, Wigan looked doomed but with one game to go the Latics are confirmed for an incredible eighth Premier League campaign. Patience in Martinez has paid off with the Spaniard winning six of his last eight matches. DOWN TWO
Swansea have little to play for on the final day as they sit mid-table but Rodgers would have more than happily dealt on that at the start of the season. The Swans host Liverpool in their last match with a top-10 finish still a possibility. DOWN ONE
Sunderland have been coasting in no-man’s land as far as the Premier League table is concerned for most of the season. But the centre of attention will be on O’Neill’s side on Sunday as they look to hit the final nail in Manchester United’s title hopes at the Stadium Of Light. DOWN ONE
The incredible home draw at Norwich summed up Arsenal’s season. Lethal going forward, especially with Robin van Persie, but they are a disaster waiting to happen in defence. Attacking class will see Wenger’s side claim third if they win at West Brom. DOWN ONE
The crucial Manchester derby was won, the tricky trip to Newcastle was overcome and now Mancini is on the home straight to win City their first top flight title since 1968. An 18th home victory of the season over QPR on Sunday will confirm the club as league champions. NON-MOVER
The 3-3 draw at Arsenal was typical of Norwich’s season in that on the big occasions they have rarely been found wanting under Lambert’s guidance. The final home game against Villa will see them go off to a huge appreciation from the home fans whatever the result. NON-MOVER
Very few followers of the Premier League would have believed you if you said Newcastle would finish above Chelsea and still have a chance of securing Champions League football on the final day of the season. It shows how far the Toon have come under Pardew. NON-MOVER
Pride is on the line on the final day of the season. Victory for Everton at home to Newcastle will ensure Moyes’ outfit finish ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League for just the second time ever. No small achievement for a team that has spent very little this season. NON-MOVER
Retaining the title looks a very unlikely prospect going into the final day for Ferguson. Never mind the fact he has to rely on QPR grabbing a result at Manchester City, his Red Devils side have to overcome a stubborn Sunderland side at the Stadium Of Light. NON-MOVER
Hodgson takes charge of his final game at home to Arsenal and after that the hot-seat becomes empty at the Hawthorns. Gus Poyet has become a target for the West Midlands club but Aston Villa and Wolves are also interested in the Brighton boss.
9 May 2012 Last updated at 16:49 GMT
By Ged Scott BBC Sport
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish expects to still be in charge next season, despite calls for his departure from what appears the majority of home fans.
Having left Birmingham City to join Villa, the ex-Rangers and Scotland boss’s appointment last summer was not well received at the time.
Villa fans have since become even more disenchanted with the 53-year-old Scot.
But McLeish told BBC Sport: “I’d expect to be here next season and hope to win over the dissenting Villa fans.”
Villa only picked up the point that effectively sealed their Premier League safety on Sunday, thanks to a 1-1 draw at home to 10-man Champions League hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur, while neighbours West Bromwich Albion did them a favour by coming from two goals down to draw at Bolton.
Chairman Randy Lerner was not present at Villa Park but McLeish said: “I think Randy will be pretty pleased with the outcome.
“He’s been very supportive in texts over the last few days, which indicates great support for me.
“It’s been a tough season, as tough as I’ve had.
“I knew the challenge I was taking on. But going through it is always different from what people tell you. You have to experience it.
“I’d like to think I’ve showed my leadership and always stood up in the face of adversity all season. I am proud to be intact and not having thrown myself off a bridge or something.”
McLeish has also received backing from within the dressing room, from veteran striker Emile Heskey, who was asked whether he thought McLeish would still be at Villa next season.
“I don’t see why not,” Heskey told BBC Sport. “We are more or less safe now so he will be looking forward to next year.
“He is a battler, he will battle on and I am sure he will again.”
But, judged by the thousands of ‘McLeish Out’ leaflets being handed out outside the ground on Sunday and the chants from all four sides of the ground at the final whistle of “Sack McLeish, My Lord” (to the tune of Kumbayah), whether the Villa fans are still in tune with him is quite another matter.
The fact that McLeish used to manage Blues is understood to be a side-issue compared with the team’s perceived lack of entertaining football.
They have won just four matches at Villa Park to ensure their worst home record of their 138-year history, as well as their lowest points total in the Premier League.
But McLeish argues that, having lost Ashley Young and Stewart Downing last summer, and his campaign wrecked by the loss of top scorer Darren Bent at the end of February, and skipper Stilyan Petrov at the end of March, he has only been able to play with the cards he has been dealt.
“I think the Villa fans in general have been excellent,” said McLeish. “I met some nice people at the end-of-season dinner the other night.
“I felt the guys I met were genuine. They knew what I was working with.
“This season we have taken the plunge into the reduction of wages. It’s hopefully helped the finances a little bit.
“I bought into a project with Randy Lerner and the board and Aston Villa that I would work with the club to try and reduce the wages.
“There might be some pain along the way with that and sure enough, that has come to the fore.
“Certainly when I assessed the squad at the start I thought there was a possibility of being in the lower half of the table.
“Despite the name Aston Villa FC, it comes down to depth, strength of squad and quality. I thought we might have problems of our own if we got injuries.
“I knew we had a young back-up squad. Many of the young lads weren’t really ready to be plunged in but hopefully it will stand them in good stead in terms of fighting to get in the squad next season.
“The young lads coped great and showed a lot of bottle and said ‘let me in that team.’ That’s what we want. I am not looking for players who can’t handle the pressure.
“We need players here who can go in front of the crowd and express themselves.”
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The Bulls forced a Game 6 with the Sixers thanks to a 77-69 win. http://t.co/qneFXgNR
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