Following Aston Villa’s shock exit at the hands of Doncaster Rovers in Tuesday’s 3rd round Carling Cup tie, Villa chairman Doug Ellis has reacted with characteristic understatement.
“I was disgusted by the team’s performance,” said Ellis today. “Take nothing away from Doncaster, they played us off the park and are a very good side. They are made up largely of free transfers and one player who cost £175,000, Sean Thornton (above, left), who was the best player on the pitch by a mile. I have written to their chairman, John Ryan, to congratulate him and wish them all the best for the draw at the weekend.
“But the way we played left me feeling humiliated and embarrassed. I had a lousy journey on the way home. The supporters are down and understandably so. But they are not the only ones feeling as sick as dogs. No one feels as sick as I do now.”