Bosnich, out of contract in the summer, and attracting interest from a whole string of clubs including Manchester Utd, Liverpool and Roma, could leave Villa for free because of the Bosman ruling however Paul Smith said: "Mark wants to be part of a successful side and he's got the opportunity at the moment to do that with Aston Villa. 

"It's been made to look as though Aston Villa's form will have no effect on what Mark's future may hold. 

"The propaganda that's going around about Mark Bosnich at the moment is very sad." 

This will give renewed hope to Gregory, who had all but given up in the hope of convincing Bosnich to re-sign a new contract.