The Villa Times 14/06/05

Doug has had his triple heart by pass and is targeting a return to his office (hopefully to clear it!) by the start of the new season. Now is as good a time as any for any interested groups to come forward. Director Hales told us yesterday that the club isn't a rudderless ship then the club claimed an agreement hadn't been reached with QPR for Stephan Moore just as the player was being paraded in the QPR kit. Nope, don't panic folks, we are in safe hands...........gulp.

Well, Scott Parker is in talks with the Toon for nearly £6million. We'll no doubt get Bowyer on a cheap and rushed transfer.

Tottenham and Liverpool are chasing Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque after the Frenchman ruled out the prospect of playing for Aston Villa.

DOL is still keen on Man City captain Sylvain Distin and reports suggest he will increase their bid to £6million. One bit of gossip I got this morning was that he can play on the left and could be seen as a replacement/competition for Jlloyd. City apparently don't want to sell and if you were Distin would you see coming to Villa as a big move? Hmmm.

FORMER Aston Villa and Celtic striker Tommy Johnson, 34, has signed a short-term deal with Sc**thorpe United.

31 year old Southampton striker Kevin Phillips is reportedly going to talk to their chairman to discuss his future. The report suggests Phillips is happy at Southampton but still feels he can do a job in the Premiership.

Good news for Villa is that Nobby has retired from International football, so no more long journeys and missed matches.

Villa, WBA and Newcastle have been linked with 25 year old Udinese and Danish international defender Per Kroldrup.

Celtic want to keep Bellamy for another year for £1million. Bellamy is reported not to be interested in Villa or Small Heath, the only teams who have enquired about buying him.

Gavin McCann is back to full fitness and looking forward to the new season. There you are, that is like a new signing isn't it?!

Luke Moore has signed a new deal and is looking to become a Villa legend.

Postma has been linked with a move to a first division team whose identity escapes me at the moment! (How helpful is that?!)

Barry to Newcastle rumour has again re-surfaced.

Thought for the day: 'It isn't flying you want to be afraid of, it is crashing you should fear'.