Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says he risked an irreparable rift with fans as he cleaned out the squad he inherited three years ago.

At this week's fans dinner, the Mirror says O'Neill said in a speech: "We had a very talented Gareth Barry play and a very young Agbonlahor.

"The rest of the side, including Olof Mellberg who went on a Bosman ruling by his own choice, have left.

"I got unbelievable irate letters about some of the players who have left, saying they should be in the team. But I'm still waiting for them to play in their respective teams. One of these days they will . . if you wait long enough.

"Certainly none of the other players have gone on to play for Real Madrid, so it might lead you to believe the side needed to improve."