Peterborough United's Barry Fry apologises to Aston Villa owner Tony Xia

Peterborough United's director of football – who used to manage Villa's great rivals Birmingham City – said he had 'got the wrong end of the stick'.

Fry had said in an interview he was 'amazed' at 'the lack of ambition shown by the Villa owner – why buy Villa if you don’t want to take them back to the Premier League?'

But having spoken to Villa boss Steve Bruce ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie, which Posh won 3-1, Fry moved to apologise for speaking 'without knowing the full facts'.

In a statement on Posh's website, Fry wrote: "I must apologise to Tony Xia, the owner of Aston Villa Football Club for questioning his ambition last week without knowing the full facts.

"Before the game on Saturday, I spent 30 minutes in the company of Steve Bruce who explained that his owner had put in £80 million in last two years at Villa.

"As usual, I got the wrong end of the stick and I apologise to Mr Xia.

"I had read an article a few weeks ago where Steve Bruce was quoted as saying he wouldn’t have any funds in the transfer window and that he had to beg, steal and borrow from his mates in the Premier League.

"Steve explained that was down to the Financial Fair Play rules, which we all have to abide by.

"I wrongly took that as the Villa owner and board were not backing Steve.

"Anybody that puts £80 million into a football club and who signs the best captain in the land in John Terry, has certainly got the ambition followed by his passion and commitment.

"I should have got my facts right and I am sorry."

Fry went on to applaud the Villa fans for their reaction to Posh's win on Saturday and was also pleased to see Doug Ellis and Brian Little at Villa Park.

He added: "I urge all of the Villa fans to stay united and get behind Steve and the players and I am sure you will reach your goal of Premier League football."

"It was a marvellous occasion for us and it was great to meet my old mate Doug Ellis in the boardroom.

"He is 94 years old now but he was still there supporting his beloved Villa. It was also great to catch up with Brian Little and I wish Mr Xia, Steve and his team, all the best in their attempt to return to the Premier League."