Villa’s offer of a dinner to disappointed supporters who travelled to Moscow to watch their team’s UEFA Cup exit has received a lukewarm reaction.

Many supporters felt short-changed at boss Martin O’Neill’s decision to field a weakened team.

Some fans splashed out around £1,000 for tickets and travel to the Russian capital only to see the team lose 2-0 in the second leg to go out of the competition 3-1 on aggregate.

O’Neill left eight first-team players at home for Thursday’s tie against CSKA in favour of resting this stars for the Premier League campaign, with a clash against Stoke looming.

The manager spoke with the 18 fans on the official trip back from Moscow and he and chairman Randy Lerner have decided to arrange the event for the end of the campaign, as a goodwill gesture at Villa Park with the 295 fans who went.

Lifelong Villa fan Steve Gough, 49, of Hazel Slade, Cannock, said: “At least they are making some gesture in some way at the way many people feel shortchanged.

“It’s good that they are recognising what the fans have done.

“But it’s not the best – how much is it costing them for a meal? £10 a head? Most fans have forked out anything from £600-£700 up to £1,000.”

John Knight, 48, from Great Barr, said: “I think there’s a bit of guilt there. It’s a gesture, but it doesn’t replace silverware.”