Paul McGrath wasn’t happy on Saturday evening, like all Aston Villa fans.
Villa lost 2-1 to Nottingham Forest in the Championship game, with the home side winning it in stoppage thanks to a goal from 17-year-old Ben Brereton.
Steve Bruce’s side haven’t won a game since December 26 and are currently in 14th position, 13 points away from the play-off places.
Considering Villa have spent almost €75m on new players since last summer, this season has been a bit of a disaster.
Everyone associated with the club is understandably frustrated as another season away from the Premier League looks inevitable.
McGrath vented his frustrations on Twitter following Villa’s latest loss, and one player in particular came in for criticism.
The former Republic of Ireland and Villa defender wasn’t pleased with the performance of Jonathan Kodjia.
McGrath was critical of Kodjia’s work rate and failure to link-up Scott Hogan, Villa’s new striker signed from Brentford.
The Villa legend appeared to be genuinely remorseful as he delivered criticism, but clearly felt some hard truths needed to be delivered to the forward.
Sorry Aston Villa even if he scores four Kodjia is the Villian work rate is nil should have said it the other night dam Horgan is a player
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) February 4, 2017
Sorry don't mean to demean one player , has to be a time to ask what do you bring to Aston Villa . If it's a goal #sad .
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) February 4, 2017
Again Sorry, ten goals in the Championship isn't my idea of class , look this kid has talent but needs to learn how to play in a team game .
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) February 4, 2017
Big Paul was still apologising the following day.
The man clearly has a lot of love for his former club, where he played between 1989 and 1996, winning two League Cups and the PFA Player of the Year award in 1993.
McGrath was also an extremely popular player with fans in the Holt End and will be remembered as a club legend.
Apologies to Aston Villa supporters and our goal scorer Kodjia , in my defence I'm saddened at where we find ourselves. Only because I care.
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) February 5, 2017
As such, Villa fans would undoubtedly back McGrath’s criticism of Kodjia.
But the former defender evidently still didn’t feel right about criticising the player and apologised again on Monday evening.
To J.kodjia id say sorry , but do I think you'll make a player ' you are a player, do I believe you could be a great player yes #Work .
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) February 6, 2017
Kodjia, however, had the perfect reaction to McGrath’s tweets, and clearly took the criticism well.
No need 2 apologise God, u'r a legend of the club & won the right 2 be entitled 2 express your opinion in everything 2 do with@AVFCOfficial https://t.co/I3dNU5EsGj
— Jonathan Kodjia (@J_Kodjia) February 6, 2017
Which McGrath appreciated.
Shows this kid has integrity & not afraid of criticism,go out and express yourself & be the team player I know you can be#weneedyou#utv https://t.co/WbXPqW6L8v
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) February 7, 2017
