Premiership: Lack of funds forced Gregory out - Collymore

Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore believes John Gregory quit the club out of frustration at the lack of funds available for him to strengthen his squad.

Collymore, a £7m-club-record signing in May 1997, admitted he was surprised by Gregory’s decision after a good recent run had put Villa back in contention for a UEFA Cup place.

The former England man expects Villa’s wage bill to be slashed by the next manager - but claimed Gregory’s outspoken nature had not helped him with his relationship with Ellis.

Collymore said: ‘‘It’s a very big surprise - you don’t like to see anybody lose their job.

‘‘Considering the recent form Villa have had I’m surprised it has happened today.

‘‘People know I had run-ins with John Gregory and the way he behaved towards me wasn’t ideal.

‘‘As a coach he was doing a good job but the club needs to slash players’ wages and they feel they need somebody else to come in and do the job on more of a budget.

‘‘I can see John Gregory’s frustrations but with Doug Ellis there they weren’t going to break the bank.

‘‘I’m a Villa fan and we’re supposed to be one of the biggest clubs in the country and the supporters expect us to be up there so John Gregory will say he didn’t have the funds to do that.

‘‘Doug Ellis is the chairman and he makes the decisions but Gregory hasn’t done himself any favours. Instead of being an Alex Ferguson or an Arsene Wenger he criticises his players.

‘‘It wouldn’t surprised me if he is back in football and learns from his mistakes.’’

Collymore added: ‘‘I think that for the script writers John Gregory was ideal because he has come out with so many statements over the years - it’s incredible.

‘‘Most managers wouldn’t last that long which pays some tribute to his coaching ability.

‘‘Where this leaves the club I don’t know.’’

Collymore tipped Ray Graydon - sacked by First Division Walsall earlier this week - to take over the Villa hot-seat.

He said: ‘‘In my head I see Ray Graydon who left Walsall this week. It just makes you wonder whether the chairman, who is renowned for not making expensive replacements, might think about him.

‘‘It’s a sad day for the club and hopefully they find the right replacement. They need an experience manager somebody with a little bit of glamour.’’