As storied club Aston Villa crumbles, Chinese chairman Tony Xia doles out tips on Twitter

Aston Villa are just one of an increasing number of European football clubs that have been the subject of Chinese investment but they are the most interesting for the outside observer.

That’s because their owner, Dr Tony Xia, is the most public and vocal of all those who have taken the plunge so far. It is only Xia who has decided embrace Twitter and he uses it in the manner of a non-league, fan-owned club rather than a club that has just ended a 28-year stay in the Premier League and were champions of Europe in 1982.

The chairman has weighed in on everything that he can in 140 characters or less. He interacts with fans on matters from ticketing policy to policing to pre-match entertainment.

Whether it is congratulating fans on birthdays, weddings or offering trials, nothing is too much and he even explains his absence from Villa Park.

Xia offered mercurial winger Jack Grealish some sage advice after the England under-21 international was fined and suspended for again being caught out on the town without permission.

When this public interjection from the chairman, which is unusual in English football, was questioned, Xia explained his reasoning for what many interpreted as a threat to the young Villain: “No. It’s not warning but just elder brother’s talk. I trust jack can really learn and be a MAN!”