Alex McLeish: Lerner is backing me

Alex McLeish was today given a vote of confidence by Villa owner Randy Lerner as the pressure grew after last night's home defeat by Bolton.

Villa were left stunned as Bolton came from behind to complete a dramatic 2-1 victory in a frantic three-minute spell which left the claret and blues three points above the Premier League relegation zone.

Stephen Warnock had given Villa the lead in the 61st minute but errors cost Villa as Martin Petrov scored from the penalty spot and David Ngog finished from close range moments later.

McLeish was booed off the pitch by supporters at full-time but claimed he was told to keep fighting by American owner Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner when he spoke to the pair in the tunnel afterwards.

The Villa boss said: "They were supportive and said 'you've got to keep your head up'. Everybody has to stay together and see it through.

"I'm not somebody who shirks a challenge. I'll keep going, I'll keep fighting for this team to get through it and to get the points that can make us safe.

"Every player knows the task that is facing them as well. To lose that game was a kick in the guts. But the ruthlessness and clinical finishing when we had the chances just wasn't there."

McLeish also sympathised with the reaction of the Villa supporters following the final whistle as they booed and called for his head.

"I can understand the fans' reaction. They were frustrated as I was. Unfortunately we spurned a few chances in the first half when we had a good performance," said McLeish.

"Have I experienced a reaction like that before? No. That is a first. But it was understandable because the three points were within our grasp.

"The fans know their team is in a bit of trouble with the club in a position the fans of Villa don't expect their team to be. We have to rally the troops and prepare them for the next game."