The Villa Times 21/11/2006

Unoial Villa News...

Martin O'Neill has said he isn't a big fan of the InterToto Cup which Villa won in 2002, but admits be willing to enter the team into it as a way of getting into Europe. "If you want my honest opinion, I'm not a big fan. The reason being that I thought players would need longer breaks during the summer...I think it's a big ask expecting players to step out of there and then needing one or two of them to step into an InterToto game." Full article: Into inter or outa inter

Villa's FA Youth Cup third round clash with Colchester United has been scheduled for Wednesday December 13 (ko 7pm)

Vital Villa asked if you missed the local derby v Small Heath. 68% said no, Small Heath are where they belong, 29% voted yes, I love the derbies and 3% were not bothered.

A reminder that Paul McGrath, aka God, will be at the Villa Village on Friday November 24 between 3.30pm to 5pm signing his book.

Villa reserves lost 3-2 to Spurs last night. Milan Baros and Steven Davis were both on target. Full article: Click Here

Podcast broadcasts from Martin O'Neill and Paul Jewell following the 0-0 draw at the weekend: Click Here

According to reports today Stiliyan Petrov should be back for the home game against Middlesbrough this weekend after sitting out the game against Wigan on Sunday. Petrov had to withdraw thanks to a hamstring injury but fortunately a scan has shown there is no real damage and he should be fit to play. Martin O'Neill said: 'Stiliyan wasn't right for the Wigan game but he has had a scan which showed he was clear of any real damage and he is feeling much better.'

Martin O'Neill has explained that Chris Sutton didn't want his glittering career to just fizzle out having left Small Heath following their relegation. Full quotes: Click Here

High praise from Martin O'Neill for 20-year-old striker Gabby Agbonlahor who, according to the boss, they can't afford to rest as he is so versatile playing up front as well as on the left and the right wings. 'He is honest and he is a handful. He is as willing as the day is long. He has got ability; I told him in the dressing room, that when he picks the ball up and there are three defenders around him - I am getting to the stage now where I still expect him to do something.' Full article: Amazing Progress For Gabby

Martin O'Neill says he won't be ditching the youth players when he adds to the squad in January. Full quotes: The Kids Are Alright

Wilfred Bouma says the new defence can play a massive part in bringing back European football to Villa Park and also says he will carry on building to get fully fit. Full article: Our Mean Defence Gives Lift ()

Steven Davis, who scored for the reserves last night against Spurs, says he isn't far from re-gaining the form that saw him as an automatic choice last season. Quote from Davis and Martin O'Neill: Davis feeling closer to form

Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray has dismissed links to Aston Villa saying: "I'm enjoying playing my football for Wolves. They've always been brilliant with me and stuck by me through all of my injuries. Just staying in the team is the biggest thing. If anything did happen, it would be up to the club but I'm just concentrating on playing for a great club in Wolves. I want to get into the Premiership with them. We believe, with the squad we've got and the manager (Mick McCarthy), we can be promoted. Moving is the last thing on my mind. If we get promoted, I want to play this time instead of being on the treatment table."

Thought for the day: Vegetarians coming to dinner? Simply serve them a nice bit of steak or veal. Since they're always going on about how tofu, Quorn, meat substitute etc 'tastes exactly like the real thing', they won't know the difference.

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