Withe wants Villa job

Aston Villa legend Peter Withe has admitted he wants to manage the club - on the very day that fans plan to protest against current boss Alex McLeish.

Withe will always be remembered as the player who 30 years ago scored the winning goal for Villa in their European Cup final triumph over Bayern Munich in Rotterdam.

And now, Withe, who had a spell as manager of Thailand, told the Birmingham Sunday Mercury: "I don't want to talk about what is currently happening at the club, but I want to manage Aston Villa and there is no point in my disguising that fact."

Villa are currently embroiled in a relegation battle and have a home clash with Tottenham on Sunday.

Withe continued: "I had a fantastic nine or 10 years at that great club and it would be a dream for me to lead them, an absolute dream.

"If the opportunity to manage Villa came up, I would grab it with both hands and I know I would be able to put that club back where it belongs."

Withe, who currently lives in Australia, added: "My ambition has always been to manage at top level and I know I have the credentials to do a fantastic job.

"I just need to be given the chance. I have the experience of coaching at international level and just need the chance to prove myself back in England."

Some sections of fans intend to make their anti-McLeish feelings known before the Spurs game in protests outside of the ground.