Aston Villa owner Dr Tony Xia has issued a rallying cry to the management, players and staff at Aston Villa as they enter a crucial period in the club's history.

The next couple of weeks will surely see them enter their first-ever play-off campaign, with the prize of a Premier League place at stake.

Xia, delivering his message first at the club's end of season awards dinner, admits the season has been a 'rough ride', but praised the management team whom he has 'never doubted'.

"This season has been a rough ride," he wrote. "It's been nearly two years since I became the chairman of this great club and whether it's in the management side or the whole general atmosphere, there have always been tough challenges and obstacles. However, as the club chairman, I've never doubted our management team, coaching staff and ability of the players to overcome the challenges and lead the club towards the right direction to success."

He then made reference to the coming month in which their Championship season draws to a close with an almost inevitable two-legged semi-final and hopefully beyond that, a huge Wembley final.

"The coming month is going to be a crucial month for everyone, especially our managing teams and squad. Don't forget that you are not the only ones on this battlefield. Every single team-mate, coach, staff, as well as your family members, friends, and every single Villa fan is going to support you unconditionally."

Xia's Recon Group took over at Villa Park in June 2016 for around £52m.

The Verdict

Deep down, Xia is going to be wishing his club were in the top two, but he's never going to say that to the players and staff, is he?

They've spent well but they've spent big, certainly bigger than many of their play off rivals, but a top two finish has just been beyond them.

It looks as though Villa and one from Fulham or Cardiff will be favourites to emerge through the play offs, but you just never know with the end of season lottery, much can happen in 180 minutes of football that tears up the form book.