Randy Lerner sets Alex McLeish top eight target

Alex McLeish has revealed that he been set a target of a top eight finish next season.

The new Aston Villa boss said that the club's billionaire owner Randy Lerner had told him to improve on last season's ninth place finish.

"That’s the initial target but we’ll try and finish as high as we can," he told talkSPORT this evening. "I know there was a situation [last season] when they were flirting with relegation but they ended up ninth and we have to aim higher than that."

Speaking about his controversial switch from relegated rivals Birmingham last week, McLeish said that it was a job offer he "couldn't refuse".

"It’s a great club with great infrastructure and I’m looking forward to the challenge. It was one that I felt I just couldn’t refuse," he added.

“When I got [offered the job] I thought 'I can’t knock this back'. Nothing lasts forever. I’ve got to move on but I’ll look back with great affection. I had great support from the Birmingham fans."