Tyrone: Going down on PPG would be a real kick in the teeth
TYRONE Mings has admitted the thought of Villa being relegated without kicking a ball has crossed his mind.
The Premier League is to return on June 17 after the 20 clubs agreed on a date for fixtures to resume.
It means Villa will be given a chance to retain their top-flight status, when all the points-per-game (PPG) resolutions condemned them to the Championship again.
Villa have a game in hand on their relegation rivals and, if they can beat Sheffield United in the first match after the coronavirus-enforced suspension, they will move out of the bottom three.
Mings has revealed he had concerns over Villa potentially being relegated without playing another game. “I would be lying if I said it had never crossed my mind that we might be relegated without kicking another ball,” he said.
“What player wants to be relegated with 10 games left while also having a game in hand? If we win that game, we don’t go down on any points-pergame variations – so it seemed so unfair that could have even been a possibility.
“I wrote a Tweet some time ago that pointed out if a player who plays for a team at the top of the league voices any concerns about safety, it is seen as okay.
“But if someone connected with the bottom six, like Karren Brady at West Ham or Paul Barber at Brighton, does the same, it is deemed as selfish and cynical.’’
He added: “Leeds and West Brom fans would have a completely different view because they were worried about the season being voided and everyone has to take care of their own personal situation. I have no problem with Leeds fans slaughtering me and saying I am selfish.
“I have no problem with Liverpool fans trying to push the season through because they are on the cusp of one of the greatest achievements of recent years. Everybody is fighting their own corner.
“Football is based on opinions, whether there are games on or not.”
Mings also highlighted the difference John McGinn makes to the team – on and off of the pitch.
The Scottish midfielder fell victim to a nasty ankle fracture in December following a display of his trademark tenacious play.
Chasing for the ball against Southampton – after not being given a foul – McGinn did his best to make up for the passage of play prior by wading into a press. He left Villa Park minutes later after crumpling to the floor. McGinn was due to return
in
March, but football’s suspension set that back – meaning he has enjoyed a longer break from the game instead of potentially rushing himself back into action.
Mings has backed McGinn to make a big impact when football returns on June 17 – and on Villa’s season.
“Of course, Ginny is a great player and he has an infectious personality,” Mings said.
“When he isn’t around the team it makes a big difference.
“Players being on the team sheet and affecting the mindset of the opposition. He is certainly one of the players for us.
“He brings so much to the team, on and off the pitch, it will be good to have him back, that is for sure.” McGinn will need to hit the ground running upon his return. While Mings noted Villa are raring to go, they will need all their key players, himself included, firing on all cylinders.
“The lads have come back raring to go and we are fully anticipating the season now starting so it is just a countdown to that first game (against Sheffield United),” he added.