Delaney delighted by fans' support
Mark Delaney has thanked the Aston Villa fans for not turning against him since he submitted a transfer request due to the frustration at not being offered a new contract.
The Welsh international, who has been at Villa for seven years, knows that such a move can sometimes lead to a backlash.
But supporters have instead chanted ‘sign him up’ during Villa’s last two home Premiership matches with Everton and Arsenal.
Delaney has made it clear he wants to remain at Villa but the club are sticking to their policy of not letting him know until March whether they will take up a 12-month option on his contract.
The former Cardiff player is hoping his impressive displays at centre-back since coming back from injury will have alerted Villa officials to his capabilities.
Delaney told PA Sport: “I’ve always said that I wanted to stay at Villa and the fans would have read and seen that statement from me.
“I again will say I don’t want to go. I want to stay. I’ve settled here and hopefully what I’ve done over the last few games has been taken note of by the people who need to take note.
“When you put in a transfer request things can go the other way in terms of the reaction of fans. I’ve seen it go the other way with some players.
“The fans appreciate what I do on the pitch. I’m not one of those people who will not give 110% because of this situation and hopefully they see that and I’ll continue to do it.”
Villa manager David O’Leary said: “The club have an option to take up on Mark for another year. Mark is not doing himself any harm with his performances.
“Whenever Mark has played for Villa, he has been excellent. It is just that he hasn’t played enough with his injuries. The club will make the decision on him in March. That’s written into the contract.”
