John Gregory, the Aston Villa manager, admitted last night that he had dramatically changed his thinking over Stan Collymore, who has been spending three days each week for more than a month in a clinic undergoing treatment for clinical depression.
In the past Gregory has openly criticised Villa's £7 million record signing, and has even moved close to ridiculing him. But now after an hour-long conversation, Gregory has revealed that he now sympathises with the player's problems. Gregory said: "I have had a heart to heart chat with Stan and I know a lot more now about the problems of someone who suffers from this condition.
"To be perfectly honest I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Stan has explained to me that some days he wakes up feeling as though he could climb Everest, but the next day he cannot even climb out of bed. He has no control over his mood swings and the big problem is trying to resolve this medical condition. It might take three weeks, three months or even three years, the doctors cannot say. But I have been very ignorant of what has been going on."
Gregory has hinted recently that he would be ready to let the striker leave for as little as £2 million but he added: "Stan has made it clear to me that he does not want to play for any other club."
Collymore is in the Villa squad for tonight's Premiership game at Derby County, and there is also likely to be a place for Mark Delaney, 22, who joined Villa yesterday from Cardiff City for an initial £350,000, which could rise to £500,000 depending on senior appearances.
Derby County have agreed to sign Sheffield United's Greek international right-back Vas Borbokis in a three-way swap deal valued at £1.2 million. The transfer will see Derby pair Jon Hunt and Robert Kozluk move to Bramall Lane along with a £500,000 cash adjustment.
Aston Villa moved yesterday to become the first Premiership club to sign an Indian footballer following years of concern over the lack of Asian footballers within the professional game in England. The West Midands club announced that they are taking the striker Bhaichung Bhutia, who has played 31 times for India, on trial to assess his potential.
Bhutia, who originates from Sikkim in north-east India, is one of the country's most talented players and has scored 21 international goals. He plays for East Bengal, one of only a handful of professional clubs in India, and is currently the highest-paid star in the country after turning professional at 16.
The Scottish Football League have asked Clydebank for more details of their proposed move to England. Having seen their home league programme disrupted by continued pitch problems at the Boghead ground they share with landlords Dumbarton, the First Division side have applied to play their remaining matches at the 16,000 capacity Brunton Park, home of Carlisle.
