Sutton Delight At Being A Villan

Villa new boy Chris Sutton says he is ‘delighted’ that he has signed for the mighty claret and blue. Well, having slummed it last year, he must be ecstatic really!

The 33-year-old striker put in a battling performance against his former club Blackburn Rovers on Sunday and could well keep his place as Villa travel to another of his former clubs Chelsea on Wednesday.

Sutton said: ‘I’m getting the fitness. I came here to work as hard as I possibly can. I still know I’ve got lots to do. I know I’m coming to the end of my career but I want to give myself the best possible chance and I want to do well. The gaffer’s said I could play on like Teddy Sheringham, but I don’t know about that. I’ll just see how I go. I had this operation a couple of months back and I really didn’t know how I was going to recover.’

‘But all’s well in that area. It’s just getting general fitness again and as you get older you have to work harder, which I’m doing. I’m working harder in training and I’m just pleased I made the decision to come back. It’s just sensible. Fitness is a massive part of the game now and to play well you’ve got to be as fit as you possibly can. I realise I’ve still got a long way to go in getting fitter, but the fitter you are, the fresher you are and hopefully the better you play. You give yourself a better chance.’

He also says he didn’t pick up an injury towards the end against Rovers explaining: ‘It was just a bit of cramp at the end. It’s probably to be expected. I’d played only one full game before that this season in the reserves and this was nearly a full game, so I’m getting there. I got a good ovation from the fans on Sunday and that’s nice. I’ve come here and want to play for as long as I can and the chance to play under Martin O’Neill was good for me. I’m just pleased to be here and I’ll do my best.’

Good on you Chris, a goal or two against Chelsea would be a good way to make your mark!!