You never gave me a chance! Aston Villa star Curtis Davies blasts departed Martin O'Neill

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 10:54 EST, 10 August 2010


On the attack: Curtis Davies

On the attack: Curtis Davies

Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies has blasted departed boss Martin O’Neill for not giving him a chance at the Midlands club.

O’Neill sensationally quit Villa Park yesterday after the club refused to guarantee that he could spend all of the money recouped from James Milner’s pending move to Manchester City on signing new players.

Davies was frozen out by the Northern Irishman last season making just two Premier League outings for Villa.

But the former West Bromwich star hopes now that O'Neill has gone he will be given the chance to carve out a future at the club – and hinted that other Villa players are happy to see him go.

He said: ‘I was shocked about Martin O'Neill going. I got home, got a text that the gaffer resigned, and it was true. I didn't see it coming to be honest.

‘But a lot of players have been frustrated by not having a fair crack of the whip and I'm one of them.

‘There is no guarantee whoever comes in is going to play you or not play you.

‘But if you feel you have got a chance, then you are happy. As long as someone who comes in who is fair, I am sure people will be happy. I felt I didn't have a chance.’

Meanwhile, Brad Friedel has dismissed reports that a possible move for him from Aston Villa to Fulham was one of the reasons behind O'Neill quitting.

I'm off: Martin O'Neill resigned from his role as Aston Villa manager

I'm off: Martin O'Neill resigned from his role as Aston Villa manager

The American keeper became the first Villa player to comment publicly on O'Neill's shock resignation 24 hours ago.

Friedel was surprised that O'Neill chose to quit after taking training yesterday. There was speculation that Friedel was being allowed to join the Cottagers in addition to James Milner going to Manchester City.

But Friedel told Sky Sports News: 'That story was made up. I've never had contact from Fulham or with Fulham.

'I never had a conversation with Martin O'Neill about Fulham. I really don't know where that came from.'

Friedel insists the focus is on gaining three points against West Ham this weekend and believes caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald will have the respect of the players.

He said: 'We are all surprised (about O'Neill leaving). Yesterday was training as normal and I was just sitting at home with the kiddies when the news came up on television.  

It's all lies: Friedel insists he's had no contact with Fulham

It's all lies: Friedel insists he's had no contact with Fulham

'Today we had our meetings about going forward and it's down to us now to do the right thing for the club and get three points against West Ham.

'We were just told Kevin MacDonald is taking charge and it's just our duty as players to get ready for West Ham. We trained as normal.

'Kevin is well respected by all the players and training was good this morning.

'All the lads really put the work in. Hopefully it won't be an issue and we can get the three points.'