John Gregory's number comes up

Former Villa manager John Gregory's number is up - after he put his V1LLA registration plate up for sale on Ebay.

The 56-year-old, currently boss of FC Ashdod in Israel, successfully bid for the plate at auction for £40,000 a decade ago when he was manager at Villa Park.

However, potential bidders have so far been put off by the £39,000 start price for the item, with no bids yet, despite the auction ending at 12.07pm tomorrow.

Gregory said: "Working and living in Israel, I don't even get to drive my cars, let alone see the number plate.

"I will always be a big Villa fan but I thought it was time for someone else to enjoy it as much as I have for the last nine years."

The plate has been put up for sale by a seller with the id S7ew1g, with the strap line reading: "Genuine V1LLA which looks exactly like VILLA."

The advert then reads: "A stunning number plate if you are a strong Aston Villa fan or Spanish property tycoon!

"Currently owned by ex-Aston Villa personnel. The plate is on retention ready for transfer.

"Serious bidders only please."

Gregory spent four years in charge at Villa Park from 1998 to 2002 and also played for Villa during the late 1970s.

The auction was publicised in last weekend's Villa programme for the clash against Manchester United.