The Villa Times - 15/02/2006

Villa captain Olof Mellberg says our home form has let us down this year: 'Overall, it hasn't been good enough at Villa Park. The performances haven't been good enough - we have conceded too many goals and not scored that many at the other end. Taking away the Everton match, where we hit four, we haven't hit the target often enough. We are doing really well away from home though - we have more points on the road than at Villa Park.'

The Djemba twins have still not returned from the African Cup of Nations and David O'Leary has admitted the move hasn't worked out but it was worth the gamble. Full story: Click Here

And it looks like Aaron Hughes agrees: 'If you look at the away form, it has been good. That is where we have picked up a lot of our points this season. If we can take that and get a bit more luck at home, we could see ourselves climb up the table. It makes no difference to me whether we are at home or away. You approach each game with the attitude of trying to win it.'

Peter Whittingham is hoping to force his way back into the first team more regularly: 'I just want to play football and I enjoyed being back in the team at the weekend. It was great to step out there again in a Villa shirt. But I know there's a lot more work still to be done by me. It's been a frustrating time. Any player would be disappointed not getting a game.

Well, we've got the chance to put our home form right with a very important 5th round clash on Sunday evening (yeah, I know, stupid!) against Manchester City.

Poor old (well, young actually) Craig Gardner said: 'I'll be back for more' after making his full debut only to have to hobble off with knee ligament damage. The 19-year-old added: 'Of course it was a mixed day for me. On the one hand, I was so proud the make my first Premiership start and I'll never forget that. But to lose, especially in the way we did, is hard to take. ' He also says he has only 'tweaked' the ligaments and hopes to be back in training in a few days.

Kevin Phillips says that Craig Gardener is a 'great character' adding: 'Craig Gardner is just starting his career. I've trained with Craig and played two reserve games with him and I've been well impressed with him. He's a tough player who can mix it and there was no danger playing against Newcastle would faze him.'

David O'Leary has said he wants Mark Delaney to be at Villa next season. So the player wants to stay, the manager wants him to stay. Eirik Bakke ring a bell?! Full article: Click Here

Vital Villa asked last week if Delaney should get a new contract. 95% said he should, 3% said he was injured too often and 2% said the player should want out after the way he has been treated. That was probably his agent though! ;-)

Former Lion Dwight Yorke has been linked with a temporary deal with Derby County as he soon returns from Australian team Sydney FC as their season ends.

Former Villa manager John Gregory has been linked to the Hungary national managers job.

There is a new match day street parking ban, so punters will no doubt be forced into the 'official' car parks that charge up to £6. This is Birmingham Council not understanding football and how proud they should be to have Aston Villa within their boundaries! Full article: Click Here

Thought for the day: I finally got my head together, and my body fell apart.

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