Toon send Villa home in disarray

But he is also streetwise and has suspected since making his ill-advised comments last Christmas that 77-year-old Ellis had 'lost the plot' and was 'stuck in a time-warp' - that he would be looking over his shoulder for the remaining two years of his contract.

For the moment it is business as usual with Lampard, whom Gregory has long admired, known to be restless after the departure of his father and uncle from Upton Park. Few have escaped Ellis's clutches once they have criticised the owner in public. Ron Atkinson, for example, could barely hide his contempt for his employer. Just eight months after leading Villa to Coca-Cola Cup victory in 1994, he was axed.

For his part, Taylor relished his three years in the big-time with Villa and continued to work from the West Midlands when he was in charge of the national side.

Villa's season ended in disarray with a 3-0 defeat at St James' Park with Gregory again in confrontation with David Ginola, who glared at the Villa bench after being substituted just before half-time. Gregory's language earned him a public rebuke from the local constabulary, though Gregory insisted his comments were not directed at his wayward French wing man.

Villa were such a shambles that captain Paul Merson said: 'It was disgusting.' No-one could have guessed Gregory's side had just gone 12 games without losing. Merson was clearly frustrated and added: 'We said before the game that if we weren't up for it we would be embarrassed. It just shows how much needs to be changed for next season.' The margin of Newcastle's win could have been greater after goals by Stephen Glass, Carl Cort and a Mark Delaney own goal. Villa's Ian Taylor and Newcastle midfielder Gary Speed were sent off for a fracas which both managers believed only warranted yellow cards. Newcastle boss Bobby Robson said: 'It has cost us as Gary will miss the first three games of the season. It was too severe.'