Harry in blast at Villa fans
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HARRY REDKNAPP says Aston Villa fans are ‘sad’ if they cheer for opponents Blackburn today to help send his Birmingham side down.
Some travelling Villa supporters are threatening to root for Rovers at Ewood Park this afternoon because a win for Tony Mowbray’s men could help relegate their bitter rivals.
Redknapp’s men are two points above Blackburn, who are fighting for their Championship lives.
Defeat at home to Huddersfield combined with a Blackburn win would leave Blues in the bottom three with a game left.
But Redknapp gave a damning verdict on ®Êby STEVE MADELEY any Villa fans who want their team to lose. “I don’t see them doing that, do you?” he said.
“I don’t know, it would be strange. It’s pretty sad really.
“Surely you want to go and see your team win, but they can do what they want as long as we get a result. We’re not bothered really.”
Redknapp, who has taken on a three-game survival mission after replacing Gianfranco Zola, says Villa’s players cannot afford to ease up despite being stuck in mid-table.
“I was sat with Steve Bruce last week,” he said. “We had a cup of tea and a good chat for half-an-hour. They’re playing for their futures. I don’t think he’s over-happy with them, he’s got a big job on his hands. He’s not going to accept a second-rate performance.”
Huddersfield clinched a play-off place with victory at Wolves on Tuesday and Redknapp is advising Terriers boss David Wagner to rest his star players today.
Redknapp did the same for the play-offs at QPR in 2014 and got his rewards when they beat Derby at Wembley.
“This will be Huddersfield’s third game in a week,” he added.
“If I was in that position I’d be thinking about one or two of my better players and thinking you don’t want to lose them for a four-team competition to get into the Premier League.” BRISTOL ROVERS midfielder Ollie Clarke faces a late fitness test on a knee injury, which has prevented him from playing since April 1.
Defender Shaun Hutchinson is Millwall’s only worry with a rib injury, but skipper Tony Craig could be a doubt after playing only 45 minutes last time out. JOHNNIE JACKSON could make his final Charlton appearance after taking up a coaching role with the club. Manager Karl Robinson is waiting on the fitness of right-back Chris Solly (knee).
Swindon boss Luke Williams could choose to blood a few youngsters with Town already down. FLEETWOOD boss Uwe Rosler could continue to keep faith with Cian Bolger, who replaced captain Nathan Pond at half-time during their win over Gillingham.
Vale have Rigino Cicilia available after a ban, but boss Michael Brown could stick with the side that won at Walsall as they look to pull off a relegation escape.