Aston Villa takeover: Tony Xia urged to give Brian Little permanent role
Prospective new owner Tony Xia has been urged to give Villa legend Brian Little a permanent role at the club.
Little has been acting as an advisor to the board for the past few months and is expected to be kept on, at least initially, when Xia's £75million takeover is given the green light.
Former Holte End hero Garry Thompson believes Little could have a major role to play in helping transform Villa's fortunes, as they look for a swift return to the Premier League.
"It is going to take a lot of people in order to turn the club around," he said. "Brian is a great guy and we need someone with football knowledge on the board.
"They need to make sure he stays on in some way. He is a hugely popular figure and it will keep the fans happy."
Thompson, who was part of the last Villa team promoted from the second tier in 1988, believes Xia and new manager Roberto Di Matteo can expect the backing of supporters desperate for the club to bounce back.
"Everyone wants them to do well," he said. "The fans are tired of doom and gloom. A few steps in the right direction is all it will take to get them right behind you."
