Alex McLeish seeking help from Cleveland Browns

Alex McLeish was today searching for tips from American Football to get Villa's season back on track after he was invited over to the US by Randy Lerner.

The Villa boss has used the fortnight without a fixture to visit Villa owner Lerner's Cleveland Browns' NFL franchise and share ideas on player evaluation, scouting, rehab and training with their head coach Pat Shurmur.

"When the fixture schedule allows for a break, such as this weekend, some managers may take time off to refresh ahead of the busy run to follow," said Vila chief executive Paul Faulkner.

"Not for Alex. He is keen to do everything he can to push Villa forward. Alex is always looking for any advantage he can get and he felt this was an ideal opportunity to exchange ideas with the Browns."