Uno
ial Villa News…
Ashley Young has spoken about his first cap and his time at Villa so far: ‘My club football is the key to my England call-ups. I’m loving my time at Villa. I am playing with a smile on my face and it’s great to get at defenders, cause problems and set up chances for my team-mates. I am excited and I’m looking forward to every game.’ Adding on the official site: ‘To get called up to the England squad for the first time was an amazing experience but subsequent times have meant a lot to me too. People say to me that it shows that I impressed Steve McClaren enough to warrant further call-ups. I hope so!’
The Holte has extended its opening hours and adapted the menu: Click Here I went there this lunch time and had a scrummy Roast Pork dinner.
The Holte will be open for the England v Croatia game on Wednesday night. More details when I get them.
Aston Villa had to pay Watford a further £100,000 because Ashley Young made his England debut in Friday night’s friendly against Austria.
According to the Daily Mail Martin Laursen is a target for Spurs. Yawn… Spurs After Star Defender, Get Real!
Martin Laursen has spoken of the uncertainty of a new deal at Villa. For the love of Paul McGrath, sign him up! Full quotes from the big man: Villa Defender Uncertain Of Future
The England U21 medical staff are hoping that Gabby Agbonlahor will be fit to play against Portugal tomorrow. A spokesman said: ‘He has not took part in full training yet since he picked up the injury but we’re hopeful he will be fit for the game tomorrow. We’ll assess his fitness in the next 24 hours.’
Olof Mellberg is in demand according to reports. Depending on who you believe, Galatasaray, AC Milan and Juventus are all interested in the Swedish international defender who is available on a free next summer. Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Milan will fight it out with Juve in January to secure Mellberg to a pre-contract agreement. Another report claims Galatasaray are willing to spend sign him in January for 3million Euros in order to secure his signature.
Former Villa and England boss Graham Taylor says that Gareth Barry should return to the England starting line up on Wednesday against Croatia. In his Daily Telegraph column GT said: ‘Even though David Beckham looked rusty in the Austria match I cannot see him not starting and I do think England will need the scoring potential of Frank Lampard, bearing in mind that both Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney are out injured. I would consider bringing in Gareth Barry on the left with instructions to tuck in, thereby releasing Joe Cole to play in his favourite position, linking with and behind Peter Crouch. Whatever Steve decides, this has to go down as the most important game in his managerial career. Win it and who knows what the future might bring. Lose it and I will tell him what to expect!’ He also expects Paul Robinson to replace Scott Carson in goal.
The new edition of Claret & Blue magazine is out now. The official site promo says: ‘It’s not all football, football, football at Villa Park. And the popular club magazine reflects this with informative and breezy articles about life off the field. The new edition includes an in-depth chat with former Holte End hero Dean Saunders, pictures of our impressive signage project, information on Villa’s water babies and head and shoulders shots of our first team, reserve and youth players as well as coaching staff. Produced exclusively for Villa fans, this quarterly magazine is packed with entertaining features and fine photographs, reflecting life at Villa Park. Written, designed and produced within the club, the magazine brings a series of fantastic articles right to the doorstep of Villa fanatics across the world. Claret & Blue is free for season ticket holders or otherwise costs £3. The magazine is now available in both the Villa Store at the ground and also our city centre store. For information on subscription, contact 0121 326 1535.
The Aston Villa Yearbook 2007-2008 is also out now and available free to season ticket holders (being posted out or already posted out) and is £5.00 to everyone else.
Randy Lerner has been talking to the press and says he hopes to keep Martin O’Neill at Villa saying he can ‘accomplish anything he wants’ whilst at Villa and that he doesn’t need to move on to fulfil his dreams. Some reports claim that the FA will sack Steven McClaren and approach MON even if England qualify for the Euro Championship on Wednesday but Randy is hoping that MON will want to remain a Villan. Full article: Randy – MON Is Best Manager Around
MON said of the England link: ‘There’s no point in speculating on the speculation. Let’s take it one step at a time. That’s the way to run with it.’ Adding, ‘My own view, and I’m not just saying it for the sake of it, is that England’s recent performances have been excellent.’
Scott Carson has spoken about the Villa boss: ‘Martin O’Neill has been different class since I have been at Aston Villa. He has helped bring a new level of confidence to my game. When I got sent off against Manchester United in September he stuck with me when he didn’t have to. That really lifted my spirits and helped my confidence grow.’ Full article: Carson ‘O’Neill Is Different Class’
Vital Villa asked about Thomas Sorensen? 42% said he needed to move on for his own career, 19% said he was good but we have better. 16% Sorryson, not good enough. That left 14% saying he is behind Taylor in the chase for the number two spot and 9% that he should stay and fight for his place.
Peter Crouch has been linked to a move in excess of £10million back to Villa Park. Our latest poll asks if you’d welcome him. Crouch Best Article In World Tribute
Gary Cahill says he has no intention of leaving Aston Villa. He said ‘I don’t know where that’s come from because I haven’t spoken to the manager here or the manager back at Villa about that. There was nothing said at any stage that it could become permanent. The manager knocked back my loan the first time – he said he didn’t want me to go’ http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=502231 Superb News, Cahill Still A Villan
Arsene Wenger has paid a big compliment to Gabriel Agbonlahor if the report in the Daily Express is true today as they claim the Arsenal boss is looking at a £15million bid for the young Villa strikers. How do you say sod off in French?! Full article: Loopy Gunners Can Get Lost!
Thought for the day: ‘It’s better to love a short girl than not a tall’ And an extra thought! ‘Those who jump off a Paris bridge are in Seine.’
