Big Ron backs O'Neill

Former Villa manager Ron Atkinson has backed Martin O'Neill to lead the club to a successful season.

Atkinson said: "Martin hasn't got the worst squad in the world.

"If he gets the best out of the players and adds two or three new faces, I can't see why Villa won't have a good season."

In regards to the impending sale of the club Atkinson added: "I was surprised to hear that Doug's agreed to sell — I honestly thought he wouldn't.

"The club is his life and I'll be interested to see how he copes without it.

"I'm sure the fans will come round under new owners, especially with a top manager already in place."

In regards to what he thought of the tactics employed by the new manager Atkinson said: "I'd play Lee Hendrie on the left of midfield with Gareth Barry switching inside.

"Lee can play anywhere in midfield but never gets a chance on the left.

"That's where he started as a professional and it's the position Glenn Hoddle picked him in for England.

"It's a hard call with Lee because he's never been given a run in his best role.

"If he had been playing as well as I know he can in that position, he may even have been ahead of Joe Cole in the international pecking order.

"Lee's got the ability and he's always been a hard worker.

"If he plays week-in, week-out he's got a great chance of showing everyone what he's all about."