Eric Black urges Villa fans to keep the faith
Interim Villa boss Eric Black has told the club's fans to believe they can return to the Premier League – and urged them to get behind the team in the Championship.
Villa's fans have been vocal in their protests against Randy Lerner's ownership, under which the West Midlands giants have gone from top-six contenders to their first relegation since 1987.
Beach balls were thrown on to the pitch in the 74th minute of Saturday's 0-0 draw with Newcastle, temporarily holding up the match for them to be cleared.
But there was also a carnival atmosphere in the stands as Villa Park hosted its last top-flight game for at least 15 months – and Black believes those supporters can roar Villa back to where they belong.
He said: "This club needs its supporters. It's an unbelievable support. If Aston Villa is going to get back to where it should be – and we all believe it should be – it's going to need every spectator behind them.
"And I think they will. The supporters came with us at the weekend. Their reaction was wonderful – it was brilliant.
"The Villa fans have got a big part to play in getting this club back to the Premier League. The atmosphere they can generate out there is the 12th man.
"This weekend, they have responded to a team playing with industry, desire, endeavour – a willingness to sweat the shirt – and let's hope that process can continue.
"The only way to get the fans on side is by what you do on the pitch – it's irrelevant how you do in training, what you say in the press.
"The only way to get supporters behind you is to perform each weekend. It's not rocket science.
"It was about desire, a willingness to be together and to get the supporters back on side."
