Exclusive: Paul Robinson reacts to huge Aston Villa manager reveal

Paul Robinson insisted Dean Smith should not be sacked by Aston Villa even though they are languishing in 19th position in the Premier League. 

The former Spurs and Leeds United goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, admitted there were "no real positive signs" from the loss to Leicester City on Monday.

Last weekend's League Cup runners-up failed to capitalise on one of their two games in hand over their relegation rivals as they were thrashed 4-0 at the King Power Stadium.

Football Insider subsequently revealed yesterday that Villa chiefs are close to sacking Smith and handing the reins to his number two, John Terry.

When asked for his verdict on Smith's position, Robinson told Football Insider: "I would like to think he will not be sacked. I do not know what another manager is going to get from this bunch of players in the time that is left.

"He knows the players but he does need to change things. Whether it is personnel or formation. He often says in his post-match interviews that players are not playing for the shirt, playing themselves out of the team... But he needs to find the formation and the players that will do a job for him, and quickly.

"The performance against Leicester had no real positive signs. They have slipped into 19th and it is looking pretty ominous." 

Villa have conceded 56 goals this season, the most in the Premier League and, 4 more than bottom-of-the-table Norwich.

Dean Smith's side are currently second-bottom, two points adrift of Watford and safety with a game in hand.

In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton has told Football Insider when John McGinn will make his return to the side.