Tony Xia has denied a report in the Mirror that he is at loggerheads with Steve Bruce over giving Alan Hutton a new contract.
The chairman dismissed the speculation as misleading and feels the report was designed to unsettle the club before the playoff final:
Rumor…Manager and we share the same respect for AL. Don’t mislead to unsettle us at this important moment…
— Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) 16 May 2018
Most fans on Twitter were supportive of his stance, although some questioned why he felt to need to refute a report from a tabloid like the Mirror.
Well said Tony!
— James Goodall (@JamesGoodall_8) 16 May 2018
Don’t buy the Mirror again!
— H (@Harbo79) 16 May 2018
Exactly what they are trying to do,he’s probably got a Fulham clapper..????
— John McNaught (@fus7913) 16 May 2018
The media love to make up news! Well said @Dr_TonyXia
— Beard Of The Match (@BeardOfTheMatch) 16 May 2018
It's come from @JamesNursey Doc, hes clueless about villa.
— Andrew Stone (@andrewstone85) 16 May 2018
But if there is any truth in it….could you put Hutton's mind at rest….he has to be fully concentrated for our massive game
— TrueVillan (@TrueVillan10_) 16 May 2018
Don't give him a new contract if we go up, too old
— David Hynes (@hynesy1888) 16 May 2018
Brilliant to see a chairman both engaging so openly with the fans and efficiently putting fake news where it deserves to be. So Refreshing! UTV
— Stephen McInerney (@StephenMcIner82) 16 May 2018
plz keep him we need Alan in our team
— chris smith (@smithy7514) 16 May 2018
Verdict:
There has been no indication of any sort of rift between the manager and the chairman. Finances will be predicated on whether we are promoted to the Premier League or remain in the Championship so it is only logical to ensure contracts are decided after knowing which division we’ll be playing in.
Hutton has done more than enough this season to warrant a new deal, but any announcement on a contract extension will likely happen after May 26th.
