Guthrie And Best Wait On Villa Decision

Last updated : 12 May 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

... although Aston Villa want them both, there appears to be a major stumbling block.

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Beleaguered Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is defiantly planning for next season and refusing to contemplate losing his job despite some supporters campaigning to oust him.

Villa have avoided relegation from the Premier League after West Brom's equaliser against Bolton last week effectively secured their top-flight status.

Yet McLeish concedes his first season at Villa Park has been disappointing, while a significant portion of the club's fans have vociferously demanded his removal for a number of months.

The former Birmingham manager has remained both defiant and dignified throughout and, ahead of Sunday's final match of the season at Norwich, he refused to entertain talk of him leaving the club.

Alex McLeish: "I have not given that any thought at all.

"I think we have worked well together as board and manager and staff.

"We have had a difficult season but it was anticipated. We did say about it being transitional.

"Now hopefully we can move forward with some good signings and a little bit of change.

"After one season. Did you expect me to win the league? Come on!

"When you look at the problems we have had, the amount of kids, we had a reserve team playing at Old Trafford last night and they could have qualified for my first team in the last few weeks.

"You have to be a little bit more understanding.

"I anticipate still being here next season, yes.

"It's not something I have even thought about. You are speculating, it's all hypothetical."

Guthrie, who is due to become a free agent this summer, has expressed a desire to play more regular first-team football, and Aston Villa are ready to offer him a move away from St James' Park.

As for Leon Best, Celtic are set to make an offer, but we can confirm he would rather stay in the Premiership.

Alan Pardew: “Danny (Guthrie) wants to play first-team football and if that's the case, he should go.

"He's done a brilliant job for us."