Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish holds clear-the-air talks with disgruntled fans at club’s training ground

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

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Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish held clear-the-air talks with disgruntled fans at the club’s training complex on Wednesday.

The meeting left supporters feeling positive, according to Jonathan Fear, editor of the Vital Villa website.

The Scot’s appointment has left many of the Villa faithful with a bitter taste in their mouth as he had only recently left rivals Birmingham City, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

But McLeish looked to allay their fears at the club’s Bodymoor Heath training ground by outlining plans he had for the squad and listening to fans’ frustrations.

“It was a good, positive, open meeting and I don’t think anyone left with long faces,” Fear said.

“Some people might look at this as a cynical PR exercise but Alex McLeish wanted to meet some of the fans and put his points across and listen to what people had to say.

“He asked for the meeting and he is going to ask for more fans’ forums.

“We all asked everything we felt was relevant and he answered it and wanted to be open and honest.

“He could have hidden away and it would have been easier not to front up to things.”

Fear now believes that it is time for everyone to pull together and let the manager do what is best at Villa Park.

“The whole club needs it. Everyone has had their opinions and now everyone should support the club,” Fear added.

“Let everyone give the manager the chance to show what he can do. He deserves that.”