Villa duo apologise after coaching clash

Aston Villa defenders Richard Dunne and James Collins have apologised after clashing with the club's coaching staff.

The News of the World reported on Sunday that Ireland defender Dunne -who is no stranger to bust-ups wherever he has played - and Collins were critical of some of Villa manager Gerard Houllier's coaches during a team break at a health spa in Leicestershire.

Reports earlier this weeks claimed several players had to be pulled apart in the restaurant at the Champneys Springs resort following a row believed to be linked to the coaching criticism.

Houllier was at the resort on Wednesday before travelling to White Hart Lane with assistant Gary McAllister to watch the Champions League game between Tottenham and AC Milan.

"I apologise unreservedly for my behaviour on Wednesday night. It was not acceptable and I am genuinely sorry," Dunne told the newspaper.

Collins added: "We were wrong. This should not have happened and I apologise for the part I played."

Houllier's coaching staff includes McAllister, former Villa midfielder Gordon Cowans, ex-Liverpool player Kevin MacDonald and fitness coach Robert Duverne.

The club are now due to launch a review of the incident, with a spokesman adding: "We have launched an investigation in line with our internal disciplinary procedures."