COLLYMORE: CASH ISSUES NO REAL EXCUSE

STAN COLLYMORE has questioned Aston Villa's recruitment and has urged fans to temper their expectations for the season.

- BY JOHN TOWNLEY

Villa's inability to spend significantly to refresh their squad and rebuild after the disappointment of narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification last season is one of the reasons behind their slow start.

Collymore, however, doesn't believe the UEFA and Premier League financial restrictions can be used as the sole excuse for Villa's underwhelming early performances.