O’Leary sets sights on top-flight big guns

ASTON VILLA boss David O’Leary has set his sights on the Barclays Premiership’s big guns after hitting back at the critics who labelled him a chequebook manager.

The former Republic of Ireland international guided Leeds into the semi-finals of the Champions League during his heyday at Elland Road, but left the club under a cloud as financial problems hit hard.

Along with chairman Peter Ridsdale, he was a target for those looking to point the finger after the Yorkshire side invested millions in a vain bid to compete with Europe’s best.