Gordon Cowans wants a united front at Villa
Gordon Cowans today called for calm after a turbulent week at Villa propelled him into the dugout.
The claret and blue legend will help boss Paul Lambert for the rest of the season after assistant Ian Culverhouse and head of football operations Gary Karsa were suspended.
The club are holding an internal investigation with the duo banished after their relationship with Lambert fell apart.
It is believed players were also unhappy with their methods.
But Cowans, who will be joined by veteran keeper Shay Given in assisting Lambert, wants a united front for the final five games.
"When the manager asked me to step up I didn't hesitate. This is a challenge we face and we face it together as a club," said the 1982 European Cup winner, who was first team coach under Alex McLeish.
"From now until the end of the season we need 100 per cent commitment from everybody and I know we'll get this.
"The club is too big, too many people are invested in this in terms of their heart and soul and we need to embrace that and not be daunted by it.
"This is a good group, a very honest group, an ambitious group. Training has been terrific - the tempo, the attitude, the commitment, the energy and this is what we need to bring into the game on Saturday.
"We're very focused on this. Our priority is to go and win football games. That requires determination, passion and the right performance level but that's what we're about at this club because we have that tradition and we gain strength from that.
"The here and now is simple really. The manager is a winner, a football man through and through. He knows what he needs in order for the team to go and perform and win.
"Everybody's in this together - players, staff, fans. The fans are really important here, they always have been, so we have everything we need to go and do the job."
Yesterday Lerner praised Lambert's handling of the situation and thanked Cowans and Given for stepping into the breach.
"Our manager has been faced with some unexpected issues that could have very easily set the club back," he said.
"In watching him handle matters, along with our chief executive, I've seen total loyalty and commitment to Aston Villa while Gordon, a Villa man through and through, has repeatedly stepped up to support the club regardless of the ask.
"Shay, too, has been unhesitating in answering the manager's call. I couldn't ask for more from people who are up for this challenge and the very real obstacles we have to overcome, as is everyone at the club."
