Paul McGrath column: Martin O'Neill has made a mockery of the UEFA Cup for Aston Villa

Mar 3 2009 By Paul McGrath

MARTIN O’Neill has made a mockery of a competition which still holds special memories for myself and thousands of Villa fans.

But I’m backing him to learn from his mistake in forfeiting the UEFA Cup last week by leading Villa into the Champions League.

I, like most of the claret and blue faithful, was extremely disappointed with the team he chose for the limp exit at CSKA Moscow on Thursday.

I’m not a big fan of all this rotating malarkey which Rafa Benitez has introduced to this country and prioritising one competition over another.

Whatever first-team tournament Villa are involved in they should field their strongest line-up and try to win every game.

It sends out a terrible message to fans who pay hard-earned money to travel and support them if they go out with a whimper.

Having played for Villa for many years I am fully aware the trophy cabinet has not exactly been bursting at the seams lately.

I still hold the club and the fans very close to my heart and know that any cup will do. I can still remember the 1994 League Cup triumph and the jubilant aftermath as if it were yesterday.

And the UEFA Cup provided me with some of my happiest times wearing claret and blue.

Those victories over Inter Milan were fantastic occasions to be involved in and I could not help reminiscing about them following last week’s furore.

Teams are not remembered for finishing fourth in the Premier League. The history books generally only show the names of winners.