Former Aston Villa striker Andy Gray has stated that he is saddened by the club's current plight.

The Midlands outfit are currently bottom of the Premier League after 10 games and recently sacked manager Tim Sherwood after their slow start to the new season.

Gray, who played for Villa from 1975 to 1979, has suggested that Sherwood would have been given more time under different circumstances.

"It's sad for me to see [the club] in this predicament, not only the way it is in now but the way it's been for about three years now," the Scot told beIN Sport.

"There's been a malaise around the club that's been very difficult to shake off. This season is going to be the worst season for this.

"I think more chairmen will pull the trigger this season than any other season because of what's at stake, because the new TV deal kicks in next season, because they need to be in the Premier League next season and I think if it hadn't have been, Tim might have got a bit more time. Every owner is getting twitchy."

Remi Garde and Christophe Galtier have been linked with the manager's job at Villa Park.