Agbonlahor stands by McLeish

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has told disgruntled supporters to lay off new manager Alex McLeish.

McLeish was appointed at Villa Park on Friday, just five days after his abrupt resignation from Midlands rivals Birmingham City.

The club’s chosen replacement for Gerard Houllier has prompted derision from some fans, who are concerned about the appointment of a man twice responsible for leading the Blues to relegation.

But Agbonlahor insists McLeish must be given time to establish himself with the Villans, and has called on supporters to back their new manager in.

“To those fans who don’t seem to be happy, my message is to give him a chance and see what he can do,” Agbonlahor said.

“At Birmingham his team had to play a certain way and some Villa supporters seem to be worried about that kind of style because it’s not Villa’s way.”

“But with the talented group of attacking players he’ll have at his disposal here, it will be a lot different and I’m sure that’s another reason why he’s taking this challenge.”

“He’ll do well here. He’ll do a good job for the club.”

McLeish’s move to Villa has angered Birmingham, who have accused their rival club of ‘tapping up’ the Scot and have threatened legal action.

Houllier was forced into an early retirement after a recurrence of a heart scare late in the season.