The Villa Times - 16/07/06

Apologies for the lack of news recently, I sat down to do one not so long back and ended up trying to hang myself with the computer cables as it seemed more fun! I should start calling this The Painful Times as it gets more painful to read the news on Villa by the day. Anyway, I'm back from my holiday and thoroughly miserable at no longer being by the beach looking at the ladies and sipping a water or two, so thought I'd spread a little misery around. You know you've missed me!

There are just to many conflicting reports on a supposed joint statement from the players of Aston Villa.

Aston Villa Are Revolting: Click Here . This was then denied by the club: Click Here although talk at Bodymoor seems not to be too positive! A further statement now claims that all is well: Click Here Zzzzzz. Ever get fed up of this soap opera? Well, apparently a fair few do as season ticket sales are still thousands under last season and lets face it, the 7% drop in attendances last year weren't exactly impressive!

Well rent a bike and cycle with joy, there is someone real footballing news to talk about! Ok, it isn't a new chairman, owners or a new signing. It isn't even a hint of a chance of a possible rumour of a new player incoming, but at least it relates to the current squad in an optimistic way. Hey, when you are fed with scraps, you take what you can get don't you? Steven Davis has told the official site of his delight that both defender Martin Laursen and long forgotten midfielder Patrik Berger are fit again and involved in the pre-season preparations. Full article and quotes: Click Here

All sorts of rumours of possible approaches for the club, that Michael Neville might return with new backers and bid etc, but until some action, instead of words happens, they will remain just that, rumours. Nice to dream a little though.

Mark Delaney is also fully fit and has returned to pre-season training.

Vital Villa asked if Aston Villa should sign Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. 49% said they should sign him as he would be the perfect Baros replacement. 51% said Villa shouldn't sign him as 'we've already got one OAP striker'.

We also asked if the players were right to release the statement (if indeed they did!). 75% saying they were right to release it and David O'Leary should do the same. 11% said they were all heroes. Only 13% said they shouldn't have released the statement and just 1% were unsure.

The latest poll is more football related asking which combination would be best for Villa's midfield if we get no new players. (New players? What a bizarre concept!).

Manager David O'Leary is 2-1 favourite to be the first Premiership manager to resign/be sacked/mutual agreement etc. Next up is Man City's Stuart Pearce at 6-1, who after the honeymoon period didn't do that great. Well, against anyone but Villa!

Peter Whittingham has seen a bid from Barnsley rejected but is still being linked to a Villa Park exit with Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Sunderland all being linked.

I asked before my break if Villa would sell Milan Baros. 41% said yes, 45% said there wouldn't be a suitable bid and 14% said Doug had already packed the players bags ready! Czech strikers bags ready for his move away from Birmingham.

Steven Davis has said we should ''just forget about last season. It was disappointing overall, but hopefully we can do better this season.' Full article, Click Here

Thought for the day: A hangover is the wrath of grapes.

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