McLeish feeling the heat at Villa

Alex McLeish said vocal opposition from Aston Villa’s supporters is making his job difficult following a 0-0 draw with Wigan Athletic.

Villa were held to a frustrating stalemate away to the English Premier League’s bottom club on Saturday.

They are now without a win from their last six matches in all competitions, and sit only eight points clear of the relegation zone.

The away fans at the DW Stadium made no secret of their displeasure at McLeish’s reign, and the Scotsman confirmed the lack of support was affecting his morale.

“Nobody likes it,” he said.

“I can’t say it is water off a duck’s back. I understand the modern-day thinking but I am not going to get into a spat with my own supporters.”

“I need those guys.”

Despite his indifferent tenure so far since swapping cross-city rivals Birmingham for Villa, McLeish claims he is still confident of bringing success to Villa Park.

“I have got a great challenge here,” he said.

“It is probably one of the toughest jobs in the Premier League but I am up for it. I am willing to take it on.”

“I still believe we will prosper.”

Despite sitting bottom of the league, Wigan, unbeaten in their last three matches, are now just one point adrift of safety.

Manager Roberto Martinez has called on his players to improve their home form if they are to retain their top-flight status.

“Now results are a real priority,” he said.

“We can win games away from home but at the moment we can’t rely on our home form.”

“It would be a real advantage if we could rectify that.”

“We have 12 games left to get the points we need to stay up but I do not think there is a sense of fear. We know what we have to do.”

“Unfortunately we have been in this situation to many times. We are a great example of how to face adversity.”