Brian Little 'chuffed to bits' at Villa return

The 62-year-old, who had success at the claret and blues as both a player and manager, was appointed an advisor to the club's board earlier this month.

Little hopes his contribution can help turn Villa around after a disastrous season which is almost certain to end in relegation from the Premier League.

He said: "There's a lot going on and when I've got to grips with that, I can really start helping the board make decisions which are, hopefully, good decisions.

"But it's fascinating and I'm genuinely chuffed to bits to say the least. The team are currently in a very difficult position.

"I'd love to be part of something that starts going back in the right direction. I think it would be very difficult to put exactly into words how proud I feel.

"I am only too delighted to help in any way I can - whether that be in a small way or a large way."

Having netted 82 goals in 302 appearances during the 1970s, Little is revered as one of the club's finest-ever strikers.

He returned as manager in 1994, winning the League Cup two years later, a triumph which remains Villa's last major silverware.

In his new role, Little will be part of the new 'football board,' which is being headed up by David Bernstein and Mervyn King and will also include a soon-to-be-appointed head of football operations.

Little went on: "I will give an opinion. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a loud person. But you don't have to be loud to have an opinion on things and be heard.

"The key is that it is worthwhile and honest. That's what I will do. I have always been like that - and won't change now. It's not a case of saying the right things at the right times.

"I think the important thing for me is to have the belief in saying what you think is the right thing. Then it's up to other people whether they take that advice.

"I won't say what other people want to hear if I don't believe in it. That has always led me in the right direction."