Success at Villa comes at a price, McLeish says

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has admitted his club cannot compete in the long term with the financial might of the Premier League’s best.

Five former Villa players featured in England’s win against Wales on Tuesday, sold from the club for a total of around 75 million pounds, and McLeish is realistic about the need to balance the books.

“There are a bunch of super clubs that are very difficult for everyone else to compete with in the long run. They are on a different planet,” the Scot told reporters on Thursday.

“But, in one-off games, there is always a possibility with the great competitiveness of the Barclays Premier League, that you will get results.”

“We can’t compete with the super clubs, there is no doubt about it. Everybody in football, no matter who it is, has their price.”

McLeish lost Jean Makoun, Luke Young, Stewart Downing and Ashley Young in the transfer window, but did manage to bring in Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton.

The former Birmingham City manager, whose team take on Everton on Saturday, said Villa were not alone in ensuring they look after their wage bill.

“It is not unique to Villa. There are a lot of clubs in the same position, trying to make sure the wages bill doesn’t run riot.”

“There is no doubt we are trying to keep things on an even keel while maintaining our competitive position.”

“Everton, our next opponents, are in a similar position. We feel teams are making sure they are financially correct for 2013.”

“But I think the two players (Jenas and Hutton) we have brought in are two good acquisitions.”

Meanwhile, McLeish is optimistic star striker Darren Bent will be fit for Saturday’s clash.