The Villa Times 18/10/05

Mellberg has praised Sorenson for his contribution v Blues and also said the whole team played well. ‘We all showed the commitment and the aggression needed in those kind of games and that lifted everyone including Thomas. Now we have to look to climb the table.’

Team captain Mellberg also believes the goals are about to come: ‘We haven’t scored enough in the past couple of years and I think that was why he brought Kevin in because he’s regularly scored his share of goals every season. If he can do the same, he’ll be a massive player for us. At the moment we’re looking to climb into the top half of the table and then we’ll take it from there. ‘

Doug has re-affirmed that Villa are the biggest club in Brum. DOL says he has a bigger agenda. DOL has come in for criticism for running across the pitch and gesturing to the directors box where Doug, Stride and some of DOL’s family were. The Blues fans thought he was inciting them, but DOL explained that the board are nice people to work for and that he wanted to show them support.

Kevin Phillips has said the next four or five games are crucial in shaping our season, adding: ‘It’s time for all the new players and us as a squad to get it right and it’s a crucial time for us. We want to get points on the board now before the ‘business’ end of the season hits us at the halfway stage and we’ve got four or five games now to do that to set us up nicely for November and December.’

Half season tickets go on sale from Oct 28. Enquiries to 0121 327 5353. Villa have sold around 19 000 season tickets this season, short of last seasons total but will be aggressively marketing the half season tickets. Unfortunately these days, it is results that bring fans, so lets hope Phillips and Baros start banging in the goals.

Villa have announced the delayed £8million Bodymoor Heath improvements are underway. The new complex includes an indoor training centre, four full-sized grass pitches, 15 changing rooms, swimming pool and gymnasium as well as offices and a dining area.’

Mellberg says Villa have got to start scoring more and says Phillips is the man for the job.

Tomas Galasek has been linked to Villa from Ajax and Robert Huth has again been linked to a January loan move.

Thought for the day: Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.