Agbonlahor calls on fans to back McLeish

Gabriel Agbonlahor says the lack of support for Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has had a detrimental impact on the club’s players.

The Scottish boss was controversially appointed to replace Gerard Houllier at the start of the season having previously been in charge of bitter rivals Birmingham City.

A run of five Premier League matches without a win that has left Villa in 15th place on the table has only served to increase the pressure on McLeish.

“The fans are entitled to their opinions but the chairman has made a choice in bringing the manager here and everyone has got to get behind him,” Agbonlahor said.

“I think it affects the players otherwise. You only have to look at the situation at Blackburn where Steve Kean has been getting a lot of abuse.”

“It does have an impact on the players and does affect them when fans are not backing the manager and not turning up in games.”

Agbonlahor called for more patience as McLeish’s ideas set in at Villa Park and added that an increase in support would help the players get back on the right track.

“He has come in at the start of the season and fans need to give him time to work his ideas through the club,” he said.

“In previous years the fans have got behind the team no matter what and that helps the players.”

“If they really get behind the team and the players, it gives everyone a lift.”