“I regret the necessity yet again of having to deny that there is a rift between Ron Saunders and the board. “Clashes between the manager and Mr. Doug Ellis have been reported in a newspaper and as Mr. Ellis has been specifically named, it is proper that questions of this nature should be addressed to him and not me. "I can, however, state categorically that the relationship between Ron Saunders and the six other directors, including myself, has never been better. “The board will be discussing a contract renewal with the manager in good time before his current agreement expires. "I am horrified that this hoary old chestnut should come up again and I think the club statement makes the situation perfectly clear." Villa chairman, Sir William Dugdale.