The Villa Times 29/03/2006

Oh this will never do, we've got a happy player! Gary Cahill, our young reserve defender on the brink of the first team, told www.avfc.co.uk: 'I'm very happy here and I do want to stay. All I can say, without going into it too much is that I wouldn't always believe what I read in the papers. I'm happy to be here. I think it's hard for a young player, when you don't really want to be involved in all that stuff. What's happened is between myself and the club, but it's hard when you see things like that, because all I want to do is concentrate on my football. Hopefully we can get it sorted out and I can play for the first-team in the future.'

Gary Cahill helped the reserves to a 3-0 win over Newcastle this week. Gabriel Agbonlahor, Tobias Mikaelsson and Craig Gardner scored.

Craig Gardner is also hoping to keep putting in impressive displays for the reserves in a bid to get more regular appearances in the first team. Gardner scored a penalty for the reserves this week. He said: 'I've made five first-team appearances now - two starts and three from the bench. But I'm certainly not taking anything for granted. The lads have made me feel part of the first-team squad, but I still get nervous when the gaffer's naming the squad. I'm certainly not taking anything for granted. Hopefully I can stay in and around the 16 for the rest of the season and then the plan is to kick on from there next season.'
A good balanced article by WH Taylor from Vital Villa boards here, gives you something to think about. Should Villa stick with the manager and see what he can do?! Full article: Click Here The current poll asks your opinion.

Vital Villa asked 'what position do we need to strengthen most in the summer? 57% said the Chairman! I can't think of a more stark illustration than that for Doug. The manager might be taking the lions share of the flak, but the fans haven't forgotten the main problem! 16% said the manager, 13% the midfield, 9% the defence, 4% the keeper and just 1% feeling Villa needed to add to the strike force for next season.

Steve Stride (operations director) has confirmed that there is a clause in Milan Baros's contract which would allow him to leave. But he also confirms it would take a massive bid to get him. The Sun say £15million and the Mirror £13million would be needed; Full article: Click Here

Aston Villa Disabled Supporters Club, (Registered Charity No. 1089398), AVIDS are involved once again in the annual charity football match between Aston Villa All Stars and Birmingham City All Stars. The game takes place at Hollyfields Sports Centre, Woodacre Road (Off Holly Lane), Erdington, Birmingham on Sunday 23rd April 2006, Kick Off 11:30 a.m. Entry: £2 for all by programme only. Programmes are available at the ground on the Day. Full squad: Click Here

Steven Davis has laughed off the speculation linking him with a move away from Villa. Bolton and Man Utd have been linked. He said: 'I'm more than happy here at Villa Park. Someone told me about me being linked with Bolton in the paper but I don't really take much notice of it. I'm happy here so it doesn't mean anything. I signed my contract, I'm getting the chance to play so I'm more than happy at Villa.' He also says the aim is to win something with Villa.

Next month's home reserve match against Liverpool has been brought forward 24 hours and will now be played at the Bescot Stadium on Monday April 24. Villa now play Man City on the 25th due to the FA Cup semi being staged at Villa Park on the original date.

James Milner has been linked to a move to Chelsea. Why would he go there just to sit in the reserves? He has also been linked to Manchester United, although reports from Newcastle suggest he is wanted there next season.

Olof Mellberg and Milan Baros should be fit for our trip to Arsenal at the weekend. James Milner isn't however thought likely to be available as he is still suffering from a virus.

Thought for the day: You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me.

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