Doug looks like he realises – and not before time! – that old father time waits for no man. He said earlier in the week ‘I have to face the fact that I am 82 in January. And, as long as I can find the right people to take the club forward, I would be prepared to sell.’ But he warns: ‘it isn’t just about money. It’s about the club and what happens to it afterwards. I don’t want a situation where if someone takes over, they will asset-strip, for example. I want to be confident they are the right people.’
Mixed views on our poll about O’Leary. 21% wanted him kept on long term. 8% said give him until the end of the season, 38% want to see the axe fall and the balance said it didn’t matter as long as Ellis was in charge!
With Portsmouth’s chairman Milan Mandaric sacking Perrin, O’Leary has now become the favourite for the axe.
O’Leary has confirmed that Villa won’t stand in the way of young keeper Wayne Henderson should a deal for a permanent move come up. He is being tipped to a return to Brighton where he has just completed a three month loan. ‘It’s down to Brighton but there might be some sort of deal that can be done in January. We don’t want to stand in Wayne’s way and hopefully something can be sorted out.’
According to the Guardian, Villa are set to offer young midfielder Steven Davis a new contract in order to fend off interest from Manchester United. Ferguson has been eyeing the player for a while and seems to think he might be a long term replacement for Roy Keane.
Berger injured again? The midfielder has suffered a set back in his second training session after he tried to fight back from another injury and is once again having to receive medical attention. O’Leary said: ‘Patrik was out there training but he had to stop. He has been to see the surgeon because we don’t want to take any chances and we will see what develops.’
Eirik Bakke is a doubt for the Charlton clash as he has flu. Samuel has recovered from a bug and Angel is back in training following a calf strain.
O’Leary has denied reports that he wants to offload Angel: ‘That is a load of rubbish and I don’t want to say any more because such speculation doesn’t deserve any more.’
The Daily Mirror say Villa will bid £3million for Fulham defender Zat Knight in January. He has been linked several times, as has Chelsea defender Robert Huth.
O’Leary says Villa might look to extend the loan deal of Leeds midfielder Eirik Bakke when the current deal ends in January.
Thought for the day: One should love animals. They are so tasty!
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