Former Aston Villa goalkeeper David James says they must clearout the negative vibe merchants from the squad.

James believes there are 'acidic and corrosive' under-achievers at the club who need to be moved on before Villa can start re-building.

He told the Birmingham Mail: “Maybe getting rid of some negative players will change things more than signing new ones.

“Spending £5million on a player and putting him in a negative environment doesn't always work. You won't always get much out of him.

"Getting rid of some of the negative players might actually improve the whole environment.

“The last few seasons haven't been great but it becomes more environmental rather than problems caused by a manager or another manager.

“There's something deeper going on.

“People have said to me that the changing room hasn't been particularly great over the last few years.

“A dressing room that is acidic and corrosive, it's not conducive of good football.

“The cup match was unfortunate, Man City are quality opposition.

“But the changing room needs to be changed."