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Aston Villa won't hold 2015-16 player of season awards as relegation looms

Aston Villa will not hold their player of the season awards this year with the club on the brink of relegation.

The decision means there will be no fans' vote to decide which players deserve to receive awards.

Villa are 15 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table with five games left, and their drop into the Championship is likely to be confirmed this weekend.

The managerless club will be relegated on Saturday if Norwich City pick up a positive result against Sunderland in the early kickoff or if they are beaten by Manchester United later in the day.

The club had not considered an awards evening, and a spokesman said: "The club will not be holding its annual Player of the Year Awards at the conclusion of this season. In the current circumstances, we are sure our supporters will understand."

Villa have lost their last eight games, and former boss Remi Garde left last month. Eric Black is currently in caretaker charge.

They were beaten 2-1 at home by Bournemouth on Saturday to all but seal their fate, and have been bottom since November.

Villa have been ever-present in the Premier League since it began in 1992 and have not been relegated from the English top flight since 1987.

They are searching for a new manager with David Moyes, Nigel Pearson and Garry Monk all in the frame.

In the past, Villa fans have voted online for their goal of the season, player of the season and young player of the year.

This season, supporters have protested against the running of the club by walking out early during several matches.