Brad Friedel denies Aston Villa revolt

Aston Villa keeper Brad Friedel has rubbished reports of a player revolt over manager Gerard Houllier's new hard-line handbook.

Speculation yesterday claimed that Friedel is one of eight claret and blue stars considering their futures after alleged changes to the PFA-approved handbook by manager Houllier.

But the veteran American hit back, insisting it has not been met with any dressing room backlash and that the players are fully focused on their battle for survival.

He said: "There has been a set of rules here for as long as I have been at the club, as there is at every club and probably most, if not all, work environments.

"The suggestion that I am in revolt - or any player is in revolt - over new rules is laughable. There are no new rules of any substance that I am aware of and the vast majority of what is in the rule book is something which was agreed years ago in conjunction with the PFA.

"Supporters need to know there is nothing in this story. I'm committed to the club and our objectives and I've trained all week along with my team-mates who are not involved in internationals.

"The focus has been on getting ready for a big game against Everton."

The reports claimed Friedel, Stephen Warnock, skipper Stiliyan Petrov, Gabby Agbonlahor, who only recently signed a new long-term deal, and bad boys James Collins and Richard Dunne were among the players fed-up.