“Docherty out” “Barrie Hole.” “Gerry Hitchens.” “Walsall, Walsall here we come.” “Football is all about scoring goals and not giving them away.” Tommy Docherty, sacked shortly after. "After a long and careful consideration, the board have reluctantly come to the conclusion that it would be in the best interests of Aston Villa for there to be a change in management. "Consequently, Mr. Docherty and Mr. Cox were informed of this decision at today's board meeting. Mr. Docherty's contract has been honoured in every respect and suitable compensation has been agreed with Mr. Cox. “No decision has yet been made as to whether the club will seek a new manager. Priority "It is the board's belief that the immediate priority is to maintain the club's stability while the present transition takes place." Aston Villa board statement. "My first reaction is one of big disappointment. “Quite honestly, I thought I was getting the sack a month ago when the board then gave me a vote of confidence. "But really I knew in my mind that it wasn't a vote of confidence. " I have no hard feelings. You are only as good as your last result and I cannot argue with results this season. "The only thing I am dissatisfied with is the time given me to get success. The club has been fair and generous but in twelve months you can only start something. "I have bought the right players. They are lads for the future and, given the right breaks, they would have been players of the present. “I would like everyone to make a note of players like Bruce Rioch, John Phillips and Jimmy Brown and look at them in three years time. "It will not be a case of having the last laugh. I am only interested in Aston Villa going where they belong, in the First Division, and if these players help them to do it then I can look back in pride. “It has not all been bad luck. But if we had had some breaks we would have been further up the table. I am convinced Villa would have stayed up with me as manager. “This has been a bigger blow and greater disappointment than when I left Chelsea. “In fact, it is the greatest setback of my career. If I had known that I was only being given a year then I would not have accepted the job. “I would like to stay in the game because it is my life. I don't know anything else." Tommy Docherty.