By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: <a href='http://bit.ly/lRx0Da' class='instorylink'>@skygraemebailey</a>
Wednesday 15 February 2012 08:24, UK
Image:Alex McLeish: Heading to America for talks with Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has flown to America to hold talks with his Cleveland Browns counterpart Pat Shurmur.
Villa chief taking in time with Cleveland Browns
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has flown to America to hold talks with his Cleveland Browns counterpart Pat Shurmur.
NFL side The Browns are also owned by Villa supremo Randy Lerner, and he has organised the link-up between his two coaches.
McLeish and Shurmur will hold talks and compare notes on things such as scouting, rehab and training
McLeish's assistant Peter Grant, fitness coach Adrian Lamb, Dr Ian McGuinness and performance analyst Patrick Riley have also made the trip.
Chief executive Paul Faulkner confirmed: "'When the fixture schedule allows for a break, such as this upcoming weekend, some managers may take time off to refresh ahead of the busy run to follow.
"Not for Alex. He is keen to do everything he can to push Villa forward.
"Alex is always looking for any advantage he can get and he felt this was an ideal opportunity to exchange ideas with his American counterparts at the Browns."
