Stan Collymore: I have apologised to this Aston Villa senior figure after criticism
By Amir Mir
Stan Collymore has revealed that he has apologised to Aston Villa owner Tony Xia after criticising him following the 1-0 defeat to Ipswich.
The former Premier League player believed that the Chinese businessman “waxed lyrical” about his appointments at the club.
Xia, who purchased the club in June, appointed the experienced Keith Wyness to his ranks following the Scotsman’s decades of experience as a chief executive at the likes of Aberdeen and Everton.
Roberto Di Matteo was brought in as manager as the Italian signed nine new players in the summer but was sacked after 11 matches with Steve Bruce taking charge in mid-October.
Collymore believed that these decisions were “on the watch” of Xia as he later revealed that he had apologised to the Villa senior figure for his comments as posted on his personal Twitter account.
“I have apologised to Tony Xia for ranting earlier,” said Collymore. “Just gutted, like he and all Villa fans are.”
Collymore has since deleted that Tweet as he vented his frustration at Villa losing yet another Championship game.
It was their third consecutive loss which extended their winless streak to eight games in all competitions.
They last picked up three points against league strugglers Burton Albion on Boxing Day, when now loaned out striker Ross McCormack’s goal was the difference.
Bruce will now prepare for a tricky home match against Yorkshire outfit Barnsley on Tuesday night at Villa Park.
Playmaker Conor Hourihane and right-back James Bree are set to come up against their former team after switching Yorkshire for the Midlands during the January transfer window.
In other Aston Villa news, supporters deliver their verdict on Steve Bruce’s future.
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