Alex McLeish determined to get Aston Villa fans onside

Many Aston Villa supporters thought it was a wind-up when the name of Alex McLeish entered the frame to be next manager of the club, although the nightmare became reality on Friday after Randy Lerner confirmed that the Scot would be the man to lead the club forward next season.

The news comes several weeks after it was confirmed that Gerard Houllier would be standing down as manager, with the club having made contact with several potential candidates before approaching McLeish and prompting the former Rangers manager to resign from his post as Birmingham boss.

McLeish now faces the daunting task of trying to become a popular manager of Aston Villa and he’s determined to prove that he’s the right man for the job.

McLeish told Villa’s website: “I am honoured to have this opportunity to manage a club with such a fantastic history.

“The heritage, the history of success and the tradition of Aston Villa are compelling and irresistible. The challenge for me is to try to add my own chapter.

“Since first becoming a manager at Motherwell, my desire to succeed and my energy and drive have never waned. My objective is to impart that drive and will to win to the players and fans of Aston Villa.

“I know that some of our fans have voiced concerns and I can understand why. It will be up to me to convince you that I am the right man to drive the club forward and I intend to give absolutely everything to prove that I can be a success at the club.”

Latest Aston Villa betting odds:

To win Premier League, 400/1 with bookmakers Victor Chandler

To be releagted from Premier League, 25/1 with Victor Chandler

To win FA Cup, 25/1 with bet365 (£200 free bets for new customers)

To win Carling Cup, 25/1 with 888sport (£50 in free bets)