Aston Villa's Ciaran Clark has insisted that everyone within the squad is delighted with the arrival of Ray Wilkins as coach.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United player was appointed assistant manager to Tim Sherwood last week.

The Premier League players returned to Bodymoor Heath this week to prepare for the new season, with Wilkins putting them through their paces.

"I have been really impressed with Ray," Clark told the club's official website. "He's already been very heavily involved and hands-on with the training. You can see he has a strong work ethic around the place.

"He's a very good personality too. He has a laugh with you at the right times but when it's time to work, it's time to work. He's serious about us knuckling down. He's got a good mix with his personality.

"All the lads are very happy that he's joined us and he seems like he's really enjoying it already too."

Villa will begin the season away to Bournemouth on August 8.