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Eric Black reckons managing Aston Villa has been harder than he ever imagined after admitting: This is not a normal job.

The caretaker boss filled in on the back of a six-game losing streak and has failed to stop the rot with Villa facing the possibility of equalling a club record run of consecutive defeats at Watford on Saturday.

On top of the disappointing displays, Black has encountered problems with Jores Okore who refuses to be selected after a disagreement and striker Gabby Agbonlahor who was today fined and will be suspended until next weekend following his off-field behaviour.

“I’ve got to be honest I don’t think there’s been a lot of enjoyment," said Black.

Mat Kendrick has his say on Gabby's apology

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“I don’t want it to sound like I’m looking for sympathy because I’m not, but there’s a lot of negativity around, especially over the last seven or eight weeks and that has made it hard.

“It’s not a normal job in football, this.

“You’re not working with normal football elements here.

“But the elements are what they are and I’m caretaker manager so I will do what I can to make sure it remains professional and hopefully get a result Saturday.”

Villa have a bunch of players who are dropping down into the Championship with a 50 per-cent wage reduction and a question mark hanging over their heads.

Some already want out while Villa will do their best to offload others and get the squad brimming with Championship-ready performers.

Black’s future is also unclear and he today hinted that his time at the club is likely to end once this Premier League campaign is completed.

“I’m taking it on until the last game as far as I know and that will be as far as I go with the team,” he said.