Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Downing raps back at Alvin Martin
Friday 15th April 2011, 1:59PM BST.
Stewart Downing has hit back at claims from former West Ham defender Alvin Martin that Villa may lack the team spirit to win their relegation battle.
Martin, who now works as a media pundit, made the claims in the build-up to tomorrow’s clash between the two at Upton Park.
But Downing believes Villa can capitalise on the Hammers “being down in the dumps” after their defeat at Bolton last weekend.
He said: “Martin is not in our changing room. He doesn’t know anything. I think team spirit is the biggest thing here. We have stuck together and have a great set of lads.
“Team spirit is a big thing at every football club and fighting and tackling and making blocks and filling in for each other.
“That is all part of being a team. If it wasn’t there, we’d be in trouble. That is easy for Martin to say. Who did he play for, West Ham? I think he should look at West Ham.
“I would tell you if the team spirit wasn’t there.”
Villa moved five points clear of the bottom three after last weekend’s win over Newcastle, but Downing knows a positive result against West Ham is vital.
He said: “The Newcastle win takes a bit of pressure off but it can flip around so easily.
“I am confident we can win because they will be down in the dumps a bit after last weekend.”
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