Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin has warned his old club not to expect to come straight back up from the Championship to the Premier League.
Aston Villa's relegation to the second tier was confirmed earlier today when they went down to a 1-0 defeat away at Louis van Gaal's Manchester United.
Villa have been woeful in the current campaign and are mired at the bottom of the Premier League with just 16 points from 34 games played.
Dublin, who turned out for Villa between 1998 and 2004, said on the BBC's Final Score programme after the loss at Old Trafford: "I'd have liked to have seen the whole of the players go over and say thanks to the supporters.
"Look at their body language, it's one of failure, disappointment, we've let the fans down. It's just not good enough", Dublin continued.
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"When you are in the Premier League you've got to respect the teams you're playing against, each other and the job you have.
"I think the Championship will be a real test for Villa next year. Don't expect to come straight back up."
Aston Villa are currently searching for a new manager as they aim to put plans in place for an instant return from the Championship to the Premier League.
It remains to be seen how well equipped the Midlands outfit will be when it comes to competing in the cut and thrust of the Championship, a league containing a number of clubs aspiring to win promotion to the top flight.
