John Gregory has admitted he will have to produce ``something to show'' for his £40million spending spree at Aston Villa.

The Villa boss steered his team to sixth last season - but that was a disappointment after they topped the table for 13 weeks, and Gregory accepts that he will be under pressure to do well when the new season kicks off. ``Whatever people say we made progress last season,'' he insisted. ``My spending overall is not what people say because I have seen many players leave as well.

``However, I know I will need something to show for it. Whether that's a place in the Champions League or a trophy or a UEFA Cup place I don't know. ``Alex Ferguson didn't win anything in his first two or three seasons, but I don't think I will be given that long,'' he said.