Aston Villa players told to live local

Aston Villa will insist all players live within a 30-mile radius of the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground.

Aston Villa will insist all players live within a 30-mile radius of the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground.

In what will be regarded as a major breakthrough by manager Alex McLeish, a clause has been inserted in the players' rulebook.

It requires players to live within a comfortable reach of Bodymoor, which is just off the M42 between Birmingham and Tamworth.

The new rule has been introduced to cut down on the amount of travelling by players, because club bosses are concerned that the daily car trips could contribute to injuries.

Stephen Ireland and Stephen Warnock have both recently bought properties in the area after previously living in the North West.

[24link]