Uno
ial Villa News…
Sweden international defender Olof Mellberg could well be on the verge of a new deal at Villa saying it is in the hands of his agent and the club. He also backs Martin Laursen to bounce back from his own goal v Liverpool saying how good their partnership is. Full article: Villa defender talk
Some reports are suggesting that Villa target Curtis Davies of West Brom may well choose Spurs over us.
The rumour sites are saying Villa are set to bid £6million for Porto fullback Jose Bosingwa. The Portugal international was also linked earlier in the summer. The Express & Star claim that Villa have been told they would need to pay ‘silly money’ in the region of £10m-£12m to get Porto to part with the 24-year-old BUT that they would sell him next summer as he would then only have one season left on his contract.
Martin O’Neill is still working at bringing in new players, hopefully before the Newcastle game. He said: ‘I wish it was easy to say we are closer, but it never materialises like that. You’re either given some expectation that things are going to happen and it doesn’t materialise for a number of reasons. But I am confident we can bring in the players we need before the transfer deadline. Fees change, everything changes and it’s a combination of everything. Clubs change their minds about players and if you have a decent player, most clubs want to hang onto them.’
Shaun Maloney is looking to add to his Scotland caps and goal tally for Scotland (he has one). Scotland play South Africa next week and Maloney said: ‘It was great to score my first Scotland goal and, to be honest, there was a bit of pressure on us before the game. I was pretty confident with it. The keeper gave me a decent chance and I knew that if I could get it up and over the wall then it should be a goal. I thought I hit it all right and as soon as I saw it go over the wall I knew it was in. I want to play more games for Scotland. When you first get into the Scotland team you are just happy to be there. But you want to establish yourself once you get past those first couple of days.’ He also says he wants to play more games for Villa and Scotland adding ‘I’ve not settled yet and I hope I’ll play a lot more next season. We’ll wait and see.’
Craig Gardner says Villa won’t let the defeat against Liverpool spoil their confidence. ‘We won’t let this defeat damage our confidence. Liverpool are a top team and we took them all the way, so I think we’ll take anybody on this season. I’ll keep playing at right-back if I’m needed. Wherever the gaffer wants me, I’ll be there to do a job for the team. Liverpool are a good team and I’m sure they’ll be in the running for the title, but I thought we did well against them.’ He also says he thinks Villa worked hard and were unlucky not to get a point.
Gareth Barry has bemoaned the free kick that cost Villa so dearly. He told the official site: ‘We got the equaliser after battling away and it was then a sickener to concede a goal so quickly. We’re disappointed with the free-kick being given against Stiliyan, because he got a touch on the ball and Gerrard wasn’t really going anywhere. The way that the free-kick was given was disappointing. I was confident taking the penalty because I’d scored one the previous week, but sadly it wasn’t enough.’
Our latest poll asked which keeper should Martin O’Neill select for the Newcastle game on Saturday. The results are 50 / 50 between Stuart Taylor and Scott Carson. However Stuart Taylor is struggling with a calf injury so the decision might be slightly easier for the Villa boss. Full article: 50/50 On Villa Keepers
Villa have worked hard at getting the limit increased for match day drinks at the newly refurbished Holte pub. The capacity has now risen from 130 to 240. Alison Plant, manager of Business Villa, said: ‘We are delighted that following us pressing for and subsequently a visit we have managed to increase the capacity on the ground floor to 240!’
Vital Villa Fantasy Footie standings (not too late to join up either): Click Here
Vital Prediction league: Click Here
FFC survey on the sacrifices you make for Villa: Click Here
The Vital Villa man of the match award for Villa v Liverpool went to Stuart Taylor with 54% of the vote. Vital Villa will (not) be sending a magnum of champagne as just reward. The other players who polled were: Click Here
Only paper talk, but enough to put me in a panic! The Sunday Mirror claimed WBA were after Luke Moore. No, No, No, Please Don’t Sell Moore!
Now this is good news, Villa midfielder Craig Gardner, who seemed to blossom at the end of last season and looks a tough and uncompromising player, has signed a new four-year contract keeping him at Villa Park until 2011. Would love to see him in the centre of midfield with Nigel Reo-Coker! Full article: The Next Andy Townsend (?) Extends
I mentioned recently about growing rumours that Mark Delaney is set to announce his retirement having failed to overcome the knee injury that has plagued him for a season and a half.
The Daily Mail are now reporting that the Wales international right-back is set to make a final decision this week about his future having been out of action for 11 months.
The Villa season ticket sales, as of Saturday 11 August were at 24 624 according to Villa director General Charles Krulak who spoke of the record in our 100% Villa forum yesterday.
Martin O’Neill and Rafa Benitez reactions to Saturday’s match: Click Here Match report: Click Here
Match stats: Click Here
The Trust are raising money for a statue of William McGregor: Click Here
Vital Villa asked where you think Villa will end up this season, 6% are living in the land of total faith and said we’ll finish in the top four. If we do Martin O’Neill will indeed be the messiah!
16% 5th or 6th place finish and a Uefa Cup spot. 42% between 7-10. 32% 11-15th, 2% said lower and 2% said down.
Thought for the day: ‘learn from your parents mistakes, use birthcontrol’
