Former Aston Villa assistant tells talkSPORT: ‘I tried to help Gabriel Agbonlahor…but it fell on deaf ears’

1 Gabby Agbonlahor has endured a disastrous campaign at Aston Villa

Former Aston Villa assistant Ray Wilkins has told talkSPORT his attempts to help off-the-rails striker Gabriel Agbonlahor get back to match fitness ‘fell on deaf ears’.

Agbonlahor, the club’s longest-serving player, has seen his career come to an abrupt halt in a season of turmoil in West Midlands.

The 28-year-old forward has been in and out of the squad all campaign, scoring just one goal, has received two club suspensions this season over his conduct off the pitch and has been placed on a fitness plan by caretaker boss Eric Black.

Wilkins – number two under ex-boss Tim Sherwood – is saddened by the ex-England international’s plight and claims he did his best to steer him back onto the straight and narrow.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, Wilkins said: “It’s very sad to see. You attempt to help out these guys.

“I had words with Gabby when I was at the club earlier this season about his physical condition, but he said he could get himself in nick and do it on his own. “

Asked if Agbonlahor said so in an arrogant way, Wilkins replied: “In a controversial manner, yes. He told me not to worry about him.

“I thought to myself at the time, ‘now come on, we need you and we need to get you back on track’.

“But obviously my words fell on deaf ears.”