Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish insists he has no intention of walking away from what he describes as his "biggest test in football".
Points, not performances, crucial for the club at this stage of year
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish insists he has no intention of walking away from what he describes as his "biggest test in football".
The Scot heard some Villa fans calling for him to go during their side's 0-0 draw away at Wigan last Saturday, while the Midlands club recently announced a loss of nearly £54million for 2010-11.
McLeish knew he would have to win the majority of fans over after arriving at Villa Park from city rivals Birmingham City in the summer.
But the former Rangers boss is still determined to be a success in his current job and has asked the supporters to give him time to try and turn their fortunes around.
"Is this my biggest test in football? Yes, it probably would be," he admitted.
"Rangers was a very tough challenge as well because they expect to win every single week, every single game. It was a different kind of challenge there, if you like.
"There was a spell at Rangers when we weren't winning and again it was difficult with the finances at times.
"We offloaded a lot of quality players one summer and we didn't really do the right thing replacing all of them but then, the next season, we did and it was all rosy in the garden again.
"I knew when I came to Villa that there were going to be some demanding times ahead and that changing the squad around would take time.
"But I took the challenge up and I'm certainly not going to quit it now.
"I want a bit of respite and I know how hard I work here. I've not got a magic wand and I don't think there are a lot of managers who could do a lot better than the job I am doing just now."
Pressure
In terms of coping with the pressure and the negative reaction of fans, McLeish said: "I know you wouldn't like it! Until you have walked in another man's shoes you don't know what it feels like.
"By the same token I don't know what pressure you (the media) are under so I have to respect what you guys are doing.
"I am used to this business and while no manager will say it (having the fans against you) is not a problem, of course it is. But my goal is to make the Villa fans happy."
Villa head to Blackburn this weekend and McLeish acknowledges that it is results - not performances - that matter most at this stage of the season.
"It would be a major disappointment if the fans were to affect the players. We are in the business of results and we need to get results," he added.
"We can play all the good football we want but, if we don't win, the fans will still be unhappy."
