Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish says the club is still recovering from Martin O'Neill's exit last season.

Villa could still be relegated this season - but McLeish has told fans not to judge him against the cash-laden glory days of O'Neill.

The Scot said: "Martin had a tremendous time here and did a great job. But it's been difficult for Gerard Houllier and myself to follow.

"We've lost a lot of the players Martin signed and we've not replaced them. We've been forced to throw in a lot of young players before their time.

"I'm sure the fans will respect Martin for what he did at Villa Park - sixth place, an FA Cup final and European excursions - and that's why it's been difficult for them in the last couple of seasons.

"But it's not a level playing field now. I knew it was going to be tough and I've got to believe I can get Villa back to the heights they reached under Martin.

"I'm proud of being in the job and I believe we can get through this and move on to better things."