Gregory's future in the balance

Aston Villa manager John Gregory's future is in doubt after a scathing attack on chairman Doug Elllis at the weekend. Ellis has called the Villa boss to his office to explain his comments and is "furious" at the outburst.

Relations have been strained between Gregory and Ellis for some time as the manager has become increasingly frustrated at his chairman's reluctance to sanction the sort of spending in the transfer market that Gregory feels is necessary for Villa to compete for major honours.

But, despite Ellis agreeing to the signing of Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel for £9.5 million, Gregory's frustration boiled over in a recent interview with the Sunday Times, as he accused his chairman of being "stuck in a time warp" and claimed that he was "dragging him kicking and screaming into the new millennium".

Gregory added: "We're expected to compete with the big boys but don't match them financially. The chairman thinks we're like Manchester United, but acts small."

Ellis, nicknamed "Deadly Doug" for the large number of managers he has sacked during his time at Villa Park - there have been nine managers in the past 18 years - is seething over the attack and has called for emergency showdown talks with his manager.

"I'm furious with what John said in the interview," Ellis said, "but it's an internal matter which I shall deal with privately, face to face."

Ellis feels that he has been betrayed by the man whom he stood by a year ago, when it was widely expected that he would give Gregory the sack.

Gregory's men had gone nine games without a win, including six defeats, but Ellis resisted the temptation to dispense with the former England international and the Midlands club went on to reach the FA Cup final last season.

Disaffection is running deep at the club with club captain Gareth Southgate and goalkeeper David James both having asked for transfers, accusing the club of lacking ambition.