Eric Black says Aston Villa hit hard by job cuts: 'Human element has kicked in'

In addition to the financial implications of relegation, Aston Villa is also dealing with the human pain of its fall from grace.

On Saturday, Eric Black, Villa's caretaker manager, addressed the job cuts that are hitting the club after its relegation from the Premier League was confirmed. Not since 1987 have the Villans dropped out of the top flight of English football, and those at Villa Park are preparing for life in the Championship.

"On Monday a lot of people around and close to the first team were told they might not be in employment," Black said, according to the Press Association. "So that's had a real personal effect on everybody around and about the club - and at the training ground especially.

"I'm not saying we should have any sympathy with the players in any shape or form but one or two have said to me how difficult this has become for some people at the club."

Villa's 3-2 loss at Watford on Saturday equalled a club-record run of 11 straight Premier League defeats.