Garde praises Richards for facing up to angry Villa fans

Ultimately that will end up costing Argyle due to lower gate receipts, particularly as far fewer Northampton Town fans will be able to travel in time for the clash.

Aston Villa’s playing squad are provided with a police escort after their draw with Wycombe Wanderers as they receive “a barrage of foul-mouthed abuse” from angry fans.

Lerner met the Villa chief executive, Tom Fox, and sporting director, Hendrik Almstadt, in NY today to discuss the club’s position and possible transfer targets, but it is understood no statement will be immediately forthcoming from the American.

“It was arranged a week before”, said Garde. “I’m not especially under pressure, but if I’m not winning games then I’m not silly as well”.

“It’s more because I’m facing you every week but actually I knew Villa from inside for only 10 weeks now”.

Having won just one of their first 20 games of the campaign, the Villans remain bottom of the table and 11 points adrift of safety as Garde attempts to mastermind their unlikely escape.

Wycombe’s Joe Jacobson scores a penalty against Aston Villa.

Their fans were singing about relegation yesterday and Garde can not have failed to hear the mutinous reaction when the dark humour made way for open dissent. I know that passions are running high but let’s not ruin the reputation of the club’s great support because, frankly, that’s all we have left at the moment.

The boss said he was not aware of the reported issue with Lescott and Guzan but reminded all players of their responsibilities. Jack Grealish is a doubt after missing the weekend draw with tonsillitis.

The Villa boss and his players can expect another bumpy ride from disgruntled supporters tonight at the home game with Crystal Palace.

“When I arrived he was not totally fit, I don’t know exactly what happened between August and the beginning of November”.

They are not one bit happy at what they are seeing but fair play to him for trying to reason with them.

“We’ve managed to get a replay. They’ll be looking for something to cling on to, the first goal to get the crowd going and get their confidence up”. Without a win in 15 games, Villa manager Remi Garde will be determined to make the most of the two teams gulf in status and win this Saturday, and as a result the Frenchman is likely to start with a strong side.

Yannick Bolasie remains sidelined for the trip, but Connor Wickham is back in Palace’s squad after returning to training following a calf injury.