Villa players slammed by their predecessors
Paul McGrath has accused Aston Villa's players of not respecting the club - while Stan Collymore claims some senior members of the squad are "taking the p***."
The claret and blues squad has come under fire from the two former favourites following the departure of manager Remi Garde earlier this week.
McGrath, who achieved legendary status during his seven-year spell at the club between 1989 and 1996, reckons the Frenchman never stood a chance of turning Villa's fortunes around.
Garde, who left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday night, won just two of his 20 Premier League games in charge.
But McGrath said: "People might think he didn't do his job, but I think he did the best job he could.
"I don't think the players are giving any manager who walks in there the respect that they deserve and Remi was just one of those people who got caught up in the web.
"They don't respect the club they're playing for and that's the problem. The saddest thing for me is that the supporters are the people who have to pay for it now."
Garde is understood to have become exasperated by the attitude of some players in the squad.
Former striker Collymore meanwhile claimed in a lengthy post on social media that young players at the club are becoming "poisoned" by the behaviour of senior professionals.
His post read: "Senior players are taking the p***, running the dressing room and working to their own rules.
"Young, very good talent is being poisoned by some of the seniors to the extent that one or two are copying the behaviour of their more illustrious elders.
"If we are being honest, there are maximum a handful of players we should retain moving forward, but we may not be able to shift them on because: -
"1, Contracts given out are too long and too costly to pay up. 2, Little or no resale value on much of the staff.
"3, Not many sides completely get rid of everyone, start again and compete with the disruption in the world's toughest league."
Collymore also revealed he is due to meet with Brian Little, who has been appointed an advisor to the club's new-look board, next week.
He went on: "I want to play my part and like the vast majority of my working life, I'm happy to put my money where my mouth is.
"I'll help, not stand idly by while others drift in and out, not really caring about the club, only a payday or a brief chance of advancement.
"I live in the Midlands and I'm visible in the Midlands, so the criticism matters. I can't just walk away."
