Former Villa striker Dion Dublin has stated his belief that Dr Tony Xia needs to back new manager Roberto Di Matteoin the transfer market, should his takeover be ratified by the Football League once he passes the fit and proper persons test.
Dublin, who played for Villa from 1998-2004, also said that Xia needs to have a meeting with the player’s once his takeover is completed and reinforce the message that Villa is a big club and they have to meet certain standards.
In an interview with the Birmingham Mail, Dublin said:
I just hope the new owners back the manager with the funds he needs.
I also think one of Xia’s first jobs is to have a nice big meeting with the players and get the message across to them.
Playing for a club like Aston Villa is a big thing and the players need to remember that.
The former Coventry City forward also spoke about how potential new arrivals should relish the chance to play for Villa next season and how they should respect the thousands of fans, who will turn up to watch Villa play in the second tier of English football for the first time since 1988.
The players have got to realise that they are playing for Aston Villa FC. That’s a big thing for me.
Whoever puts on the claret and blue has got to realise that they will be playing once a week at Villa Park next season in front of Villa fans who love the club.
That’s got to mean something to you. If it doesn’t mean anything, don’t sign and play for Villa. I don’t want you at the club.
You have to respect the fans and the position you are in. It’s a huge honour so show them that you’re proud.
Do you agree with Dion Dublin’s thoughts?
