The former Aston Villa midfielder has been chatting about his old club.
New owner Dr Tony Xia during the press conference
Aston Villa’s tough start to life under the ownership of Tony Xia continued this weekend, as they held on for a point against Ipswich Town.
The Chinese businessman has become a dividing figure already at the club – although he cannot be accused of bring thrifty.
One area where he has been criticised by some Aston Villa supporters is in regards to his use of social media.
Xia is often tweeting after games or on any Villa stories cropping up in the media.
Some love it and believe it shows a connection between owner and fans – especially after fractured non-relationship between previous chairman Randy Lerner and the Villa faithful.
Others are not so keen, especially as Xia’s English often leaves him not making himself clear.
One man who is the former is Lee Hendrie.
New manager Roberto Di Matteo and new owner Dr Tony Xia during the press conference
The ex-Aston Villa star was speaking on Channel 5’s Championship goals round-up last night when he had this to say about the Chinese owner:
“I love it. Doug Ellis never did that I tell you now.
“It’s great that he cares about the club. I think the fans will love that.
“Last year, with the previous chairman, he didn’t get involved.
“This man, I like him, I like his style.”
Villa fans, on the whole, should be grateful that they have an owner who has such a vested interest in what his fans think about the club.
Sometimes he does go too far and perhaps could rein it in slightly.
But overall it is surely a good thing for the club.
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