Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits he wouldn't tolerate working with a football director.

O'Neill said: "If a manager sees fit to bring in a director of football that is his prerogative.

"But it shouldn't be the other way round. I have sympathy for Keegan and Curbishley.

"Keegan was sensational first time at Newcastle. Curbishley must have felt he was totally undermined."