Paul Faulkner calls for unity at Villa

Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner today issued a rallying cry to fans and insisted the club can handle "adversity".

Supporters turned on boss Paul Lambert after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace left Villa's Premier League future in the balance.

It was their fourth straight defeat with the side now just four points above the drop zone with five games remaining.

Faulkner and chairman Randy Lerner are also under fire with Lerner's commitment to the club being questioned.

But Faulkner has now asked Villa fans to back their side ahead of Saturday's visit of Southampton.

"Now more than ever it's time for us all to pull together - fans, players, the manager, everyone at the club," he said.

"Our immediate focus and combined efforts need to be concentrated on our game against Southampton this weekend and on our remaining games this season.

"We need to channel our energies into creating a positive atmosphere and getting the result we need on Saturday at Villa Park and in the games that follow.

"Our fans have been magnificent throughout the season, as they always are. We are desperate to give them more to cheer about. I'm frustrated when we're not able to do that and I know the manager and players are frustrated as well.

"We know we can handle adversity. What we need now is for everyone to stick behind the team and continue to show the great support that is a hallmark of our club.

"Four games ago, on the back of two good home wins, we were looking up the table and feeling confident of a strong , positive finish to the season.

"Since then we have suffered four consecutive defeats and that is hard to take. We are hurting. Fans are hurting, players and the manager are hurting. The frustration is shared by everyone who loves Aston Villa."