Olof Mellberg bade farewell to Aston Villa with a warning they must strengthen if they are to build on this season. Villa failed to qualify for the UEFA Cup but could yet squeeze into Europe after claiming a spot in the Intertoto Cup with their 2-2 draw at West Ham United.

Manager Martin O'Neill ultimately hopes to challenge for a place in the Champions League. But Mellberg, who on Sunday played his last match for Villa before joining Juventus, says that will only happen if they retain their best players and make new additions to the squad.

"It will be difficult to break into the top four. At the moment Villa are trying to establish themselves just behind that," he said.