The Villa Times - 08/03/2006

Unoial Villa News...

Last nights reserve match against Leeds was called off due to a waterlogged Bescot Stadium pitch. The news came as a blow for Patrik Berger who was expected to make comeback following a long lay off due to a knee injury. Rookie defender Gary Cahill was also hoping to build on his match fitness following a season long struggle with injuries.

Reports doing the rounds today suggest that Spurs manager Martin Jol tried and failed to sign Juan Pablo Angel during the January transfer window and will make a move for the Columbian hit-man once again in the Summer. Full article: Click Here

Villa have said the reports on Juan Pablo Angel to Spurs are wrong and also deny any interest in former Villan Dwight Yorke or in Charlton's striker Jay Bothroyd.

Villa youngster Jamie Ward has joined League Two side Stockport on a one-month loan deal. Full article:Click Here

Ulises de la Cruz is hoping to build on his first game in five months for Villa. The 31-year-old right-back come right sided winger, is looking to get first team football to boost his chances of making the World Cup finals with Ecuador. He came on for Jlloyd Samuel who was played out of position and had to leave the field as he struggled with a virus against Portsmouth after just 23 minutes. Full article: Click Here

Mark Delaney isn't likely to be fit for the weekends game v Blackburn as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

RIGHT. Just who is lying to who here? (Or is it to whom?!). David O'Leary said at the weekend that Gary Cahill wasn't going to be able to make his Premiership bow against Portsmouth because he wasn't 'match fit' despite reports earlier saying he was going to make his debut due to our defensive crisis. However reports in the Birmingham Mail today say something quite different. In fact it implies that the centre back was given an ultimatum by David O'Leary to sign a new contract or be withdrawn from the squad. Cahill apparently refused to be blackmailed and hence wasn't played. Full article: Click Here

David O'Leary has challenged the team to end the dire home form and win the rest of our home games this season. Villa started the run on Saturday in a tame display against an even tamer Portsmouth. The manager now wants home wins against: Fulham, Birmingham City, West Brom, Manchester City (who played us off the Park - albeit only drawing - in the FA Cup game) and Sunderland. On paper they all seem possible, although our derby record isn't the best. Full article: Click Here
Aston Villa left-back Jlloyd Samuelhas returned to full training after leaving the pitch after just 23 minutes in the home game against Portsmouth. He could now be in contention for the weekends away trip to Ewood Park, although with Wilfred Bouma now seemingly back and fit, he might struggle to get a game v Blackburn unless he is again put at right-back. With Olof Mellberg set to return from suspension, that seems highly unlikely because Aaron Hughes is far more likely to return to the right-back spot.

For an article on the latest comments from David O'Leary and my point of view between them, Click HereBasically he says the fans need to become more realistic. Agree? Add your vote on the Vital Villa poll.

Thought for the day: It's frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.