Aston Villa fans are again mounting a hate campaign against transfer-seeking defender Gareth Southgate.
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Southgate: More woe
(MikeFinn-Kelcey/Allsport) |
The England international returned from holiday this week to a post-bag of abusive letters.
'I don't feel I have ever let Villa down and have always done my best for the club,' said the 30-year-old former club captain. 'But I've received some letters from supporters suggesting otherwise.'
Twelve months ago, when Southgate first asked for a transfer, he confronted one supporter scratching his car. He had indicated he would have to 'think seriously' about playing for Villa in next weekend's InterToto Cup, but now says it's up to manager John Gregory.
Doing so would cup-tie him from Champions League and UEFA Cup competition should he subsequently sign for any club that has qualified for Europe next season.
'I'm quite philosophical about the situation,' he said. 'If the manager wants me to play next week I will go out and do a job.'
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