The Villa Times - 22/02/2006

Reports at the weekend suggested that Villa could try to sign Michael Bridges from Carlisle United. The 27-year-old has had his career blighted with injuries since the heady days at Leeds, but is currently re-building his career with the League Two side.

NO idea at all if this is right, but just been told there could be a press conference at Villa Park tomorrow and a stock market announcement. My rating so far is 'doubtful' but hey ho, may as well throw it into the mix.

Looks like Mark Delaney's latest injury, this time a knee injury which he picked up in the first half against Manchester City, isn't as bad as he had feared. He told the official site: 'I'm feeling good in myself, but it made sense to see the specialist. Now we've all got a rest day tomorrow and then I'll be back in on Thursday to see how the situation is ahead of Saturday's game.'

Liam Ridgewell is on standby following the injury to Delaney and also the fact that Olof Mellberg picked up his 5th yellow card in the FA Cup 'game' and will therefore miss the Pompey match. 'I know I'm only young and people might say that's a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, but I won't hide from that. I wanted to keep my place before, but I know I've got the ability to come back from any setbacks. I've had a lot of different things to deal with in my career, but you just take them on the chin.'

The Djemba twins and Patrik Berger will make their return to action in tonight's reserve trip to Sunderland. Full article if you can contain your excitement: Click Here

Reserve team for tonight's game: Taylor, de la Cruz, Green, Cahill, O'Halloran, Whittingham, Kabeya, Djemba-Djemba, Paul, Ward, Berger. Subs: Lund, Henderson, Osbourne, Bridges.

Jlloyd Samuel is again being linked to a summer move to Charlton. The latest reports suggest he would be allowed to leave for around £2million after the Villa boo boys have singled him out this season.

David O'Leary has said that James Milner is 'fantastic' for the Premiership and that he hopes to keep him. Full article: Click Here

Vital Villa's latest poll is asking who is the best modern era Villa manager. The poll was suggested by board member Lee Lindsay. Options: Ron Saunders, Ron Atkinson, Graham Taylor (1st time), Brian Little, John Gregory or David O'Leary.

The FA Cup fifth-round replay against Manchester City will be televised with the game due to go ahead on either March 14 or 15. Originally the game was to be played on March 8th but that has changed for television screening. Whoever wins the tie will face either Bolton or West Ham. Tickets for the FA Cup replay will go on sale this Thursday (February 23).

Thought for the day: If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to meet it.

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