Eric Black: 'Human cost' of relegation finally hit home

Caretaker boss Eric Black believes the "human cost" of relegation has finally hit home to Villa's players - as it emerged takeover talks could delay the club's appointment of a new manager.

Chairman Steve Hollis is thought to be in discussions with three different parties over a potential sale, and told a supporters' consultation group the appointment of Remi Garde's replacement was, at least in part, dependent on the outcome of those discussions.

Hollis is understood to have held initial talks with former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson over becoming Villa's new boss, while ex-Manchester United David Moyes is also on the club's shortlist.

Yet any appointment is, for now, being held up as discussions over a sale continue, though Hollis is also aware of the need to find a new manager sooner rather than later, as other clubs begin to court their preferred candidates.

Pearson in particular is attracting interest from Middlesbrough, who may part ways with Aitor Karanka should they not achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Black has been in caretaker charge since Garde's departure by mutual consent last month, though the Scot also looks increasingly likely to leave the club at the end of the season.

Villa's preparations for the Championship will meanwhile see around 500 full-time, part-time and matchday staff lose their jobs. Several roles are set to go at Bodymoor Heath and Black, who took Villa to Watford today looking to avoid a club record equalling 11th straight defeat, believes players have begun to learn the consequences of relegation.

"On Monday people round close to the first-team were told they might not have employment," he said. "That has had a real personal effect on everyone around the club, at the training ground especially.

"There are people who have direct contact with the squad. It hits home a little bit more - the personal effect, when people are potentially losing their income. That does hit hard.

"Are the players affected by it? I think they are.

"I'm not saying we should have any sympathy for the players in any way shape or form but there have been one or two who have said to me how difficult this has become for some individuals round and about them."