McLeish expects to be at Villa next season

ASTON VILLA 1 SPURS 1: Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish insists he expects to remain in charge of next season despite the negative reaction of some supporters.

Chants of ‘Sack McLeish’ greeted the Scot from some fans after yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham. McLeish said: “It is as tough a season as I’ve had. I knew it was going to be a challenge but I’ve always stood up in the face of adversity. Randy Lerner has been very supportive, he’s sent positive texts in the last few days and there is no indication of an urgent meeting being required. I expect to be here next season and hope to win the fans over. In general, the fans have been excellent.”

Ten-man Spurs’ hopes of securing an automatic Champions League spot were dented by struggling Villa who edged closer to Premier League survival with a hard-fought point. Ciaran Clark’s deflected shot gave Villa a half-time lead and then the visitors had defender Danny Rose sent off early in the second half for a challenge on ex-Spurs player Alan Hutton.

Emmanuel Adebayor levelled from the penalty spot for Harry Redknapp’s side but they are now a point behind third-placed Arsenal going into the final weekend of the campaign.