Alex McLeish vows to ‘impart his personality’ on Aston Villa

EPL ; Alex McLeish – Gerard Houllier, Birmingham City v Aston Villa(Getty Images)

Related Links

Teams

Players

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has promised to stamp his authority on his new team when they report back for pre-season training on July 8.

After three seasons under Martin O’Neill, and three successive sixth place finishes, Villa struggled last season in Gerard Houllier’s short stint at the helm.

And McLeish, who arrives at Villa Park in controversial fashion from bitter rivals Birmingham City, is ready to increase the levels of character and spirit in the dressing room.

He told the Express and Star: “I’ve got to impart my personality on the team – the spirit and the character.

“I can see that character in a lot of the guys that are already there. The seasoned pros should be the guys that are really leading the way. It’s vitally important that these guys help the young ones.

“I want my players to be straight up and honest and give everything they can for the football club and for themselves.”