Villa News

The Villa Times – 20/03/2007

|
Image for The Villa Times – 20/03/2007

Unoial Villa News…



Final chance to bid for a signed Villa shirt, ball, dvd of the 1982 European Cup victory signed by Dennis Mortimer, mint condition programme of the same game (again, can get it signed by Dennis Mortimer) along with scarves etc. Come on, get your wallets out!!!! :o) Click Here

According to the whispers, Villa are interested in Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc. Apparently the 6ft 4inch Polish keeper is rated at around £4million.

The Birmingham Mail have claimed the future of shot-stopper Thomas Sorensen is in doubt who claim Villa aren’t impressed with his ‘inability to dominate his area.’

Another rumour is that Villa have targeted Manchester United goalkeeper, Ben Foster, who is currently on loan at Watford.

Liam Ridgewell has been named in the England Under-21 squad to play Italy as a replacement for Curtis Davies.

A fair few of the gossip sites are claiming that Charlton and Portsmouth are both interested in Columbian striker Juan Pablo Angel.

More gossip, starting early this season isn’t it? West Ham’s Nigel Reo-Coker is apparently a target for Martin O’Neill in a summer swoop.

Blimey, and another. This time Villa are after Derby young midfield sensation Giles Barnes who has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur.

Stiliyan Petrov has done a U-turn and returned to international football for Bulgaria after holding talks with manager Hristo Stoichkov. Petrov had retired in October 2006 after falling out with Stoichkov. Petrov said: ‘I met up with Hristo Stoichkov three weeks ago. We talked face to face and concluded that the national team is more important that Hristo Stoichkov and Stilian Petrov. We have reached a compromise. I also have the support of Aston Villa and the club will allow me to join up with the national team for the qualifier against Albania in Sofia.’ Lets hope he plays better for them than he has thus far for us!

Villa reserves beat Arsenal reserves 3-0 last night at the Bescott Stadium. Luke Moore was once again on the scoresheet making it seven goals in six games with a brace. Craig Gardner also scored. VILLA: Taylor, Lund, Lowry (booked 58), Samuel, O’Halloran (booked 34), Osbourne, Gardner, Albrighton, Moore, Delfouneso, Stieber. Subs: Hogg for Delfouneso 48), Bevan, Herd (for Lund 84), Bannan (for Albrighton 76), Y.Bellon.

Gareth Barry has been given a late call up to the England squad after Gary Neville was forced to withdraw after picking up an ankle injury playing in Everton’s 4-1 win over Bolton at the weekend. Barry might now get a chance to add to his nine caps in the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Andorra as Ashley Cole is suspended and Wayne Bridge is also out. Still, no doubt knowing Steve McClaren Jamie Carragher will be played at left-back instead!

Martin O’Neill post Liverpool match reaction: Villa low on confidence

Villa v Liverpool match stats: Click Here Villa v Liverpool match report: Yawn, I had a dream

Martin O’Neill says Villa will be able to attract quality players in the summer despite our very limited chances of qualifying for Europe this season. Our main chance is in the fair play league! Full article: Click Here

The club have announced there will be a series of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the European Cup win of 82.

The official site said the weekend of celebrations will begin on Friday May 4 with a Supporters Night. Full article: Team Of 1982 To Be Honoured

Martin O’Neill is looking at securing the long term future of 20-year-old Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor with a new deal. Gabby signed a 3 1/2 year contract extension last year but O’Neill wants to tie him down to a longer deal. Full article: Click Here

Martin O’Neill has singled out Gareth Barry for special praise: Full article: Click Here

Olof Mellberg has also spoken of the Villa captain and his England re-call. ‘I thought he would be in the squad, especially as they have got a few players suspended or injured in those defensive positions as well. Overall he has had a really good season for us. It is a tough squad to get into as England are a top team in the world and there are battles for every position. But I was sure if he continued to play like he has, he would get back into contention and, now he has got a late call-up, I am sure he will not let England down.’

Martin Laursen is hoping to declare himself fit for the Everton match on April 2. ‘I will be back available for the Everton game on April 2. I will return training and take it from there. It has been a frustrating time for me but I hope I can play some part to the end of the season.’

Gary Cahill thinks Villa have turned the corner defensively but agrees we need to start putting the ball in the net at the other end of the pitch. Full article: Click Here

John Carew has thanked the fans for the reception he has got since his swap deal transfer with Milan Baros and also says we should all give Ashley Young time to settle in. Martin O’Neill agrees and says Young will become a big player for Villa but it will take him time to get over the ‘burden’ of such a big transfer fee and to settle. Full article: Young will become a big player.

Old Trafford and Villa Park will hold the FA Cup semi-finals. Blackburn v Chelsea will be played at Old Trafford with the Watford v Manchester United game at Villa Park.

Thought for the day: Iif you think there is good in everyone, you haven’t met everyone.

Share this article

Walking Where Angels Fear To Tread