I want top job at Aston Villa says Dwight Yorke

The Holte End hero wants to be a future claret and blues' boss and underlined his love for the club.

Yorke left Villa for Manchester United for £12.6m in 1998 – a move which led to then manager John Gregory saying he wanted to shoot the striker because he was so angry.

But ahead of United's visit on Sunday the Trinidad and Tobago international insisted he wants to return as top dog.

"One day I will come back and manage the football club. That's how I feel. I have always believed that," he said.

"My time at Villa got overshadowed in the eyes of some people because I went to Man United. But I know deep down this is my club.

"It's the first result I check for. I am more of a Villa fan than a Man United fan, even though my association at Old Trafford is also great. Villa is very, very close to my heart.

"They were fantastic years in claret and blue. I played with great players and under great managers.

"I have so many great memories of my time at Villa Park. Of course, my biggest achievement was winning the League Cup in 1996 and scoring at Wembley. Things don't come much better than that.

"I just had the time of my life at Villa."

Yorke netted 97 goals in 294 games for Villa and was the club's record Premier League scorer before Gabby Agbonlahor eclipsed him last season.

And he insisted his switch to United – where he won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup within a year – did not dampen his feelings for Villa.

"It was very difficult for me to leave but I needed a new challenge. I had done everything I could at Villa," he said.

"But don't let anyone question my affection and affiliation with this football club and the fantastic fans.

"I love coming back now too, the respect I receive is amazing. The supporters are so warm and welcoming.

"I'd like to think, with the passing of time, that the anger has gone. I'd hope so.

"I remember the comment from Gregs at the time. He wasn't serious, well, I hope not."