The Villa Times - 04/12/2006

Unoial Villa News...

Martin O'Neill has admitted the FA Cup third round game against Manchester United at Old Trafford isn't the easiest game we could have asked for! 'There's always something special about the third round draw - a real buzz of expectancy. You can get paired with one of the minnows or a fellow Premiership side. On this occasion we've drawn the Premiership leaders and it is fair to say the draw could have been kinder to us!' Full quotes: Easy, easy, easy

The new edition of the Villa's official magazine 'Claret & Blue' is on sale now (£3) and available for pick up to season ticket holders. The official site says the 'new edition features an interview with new striker Chris Sutton, a question-and-answer session with Martin Laursen and a chat with one of the Unlikely Lads of Villa's 1982 European Cup campaign - plus extensive coverage of the recent open training session at Villa Park.'

General Krulak he has confirmed that Ron Saunders will the their guest at the Manchester United game on December 23rd and that there will be a presentation made to Ron Saunders at half time. Oh, and hot off the press, I believe a £7million re-development of the 'tired' Holte Suite is under way or about to get under way. Full article: Ron Saunders coming home

Martin O'Neill says Juan Pablo Angel needed the goal on Saturday against Portsmouth to give him some 'encouragement' as he has 'been lacking a bit of confidence'. He also says that Milan Baros has been lacking in confidence but if the Czech Republic international striker can find his touch, he could be a major asset for Villa. Come on guys, chin up, shooting boots on, score. Not that difficult! ;-) Full article: Confidence crisis for Villa strikers

QPR and former Villa manager John Gregory says he doesn't know what Lee Cook's future at Loftus Road holds as Villa, Spurs and many others have been linked to him. Of the 24-year-old he says: 'Will he still be here after January? We will have to wait and see. Let's hope he goes for £10million!' (£10million is the price on his head according to the QPR Chairman. Sounds like JG wants a sale to get some funds to spend!

Graham Taylor has spoken about Martin O'Neill and says he will be here for the long term. 'I know Martin, and what he doesn't do - other than at Norwich when he fell out with Robert Chase - is go somewhere for just one or two years. He stays for four or five years and gets a job done. He doesn't come in then disappear. There something maverick about Martin. I think it appeals to us all. He's from the old school. Martin has a record of doing well without massive amounts of money. Once they turn it round, I think you'll ultimately see Villa starting to come back and challenge.'

Clubcall claim that Aston Villa have been linked with a January move for Portsmouth defender Andy Griffin. They also say that Middlesbrough and Villa are chasing the signing of Everton striker (allegedly!) James Beattie.

Juan Pablo Angel says Gareth Barry should be playing for England: 'He's doing a great job and the fact he's been named captain has given him a big lift. At the risk of sounding repetitive, I'm surprised he's not in the England squad, because he deserves to be - by a mile.'

James Milner has all but ruled out a move back to Villa Park where he spent last season on loan. Milner not singing Villa Toon

Olof Mellberg is looking for some festive fun at Villa Park as Villa take on Bolton, Manchester United and Chelsea at home. Full quotes from the bearded wonder: Bearded Wonder Wants Fortress Back

Henrik Larsson has told Sky Sports News that Villa was never an issue because Martin O'Neill never got in contact to bring him to Villa Park...

Harry Redknapp has admitted he'd have liked to have signed Stiliyan Petrov and Gareth Barry for Portsmouth. 'Appy 'Arry said: 'They are both top players - players that I wanted - but in the end they became a bit too expensive for us. Then Barry decided to stay and, when Martin was appointed Villa manager, I knew Petrov would go there.' 'Arry bid £4.5million for Barry, wonder what he'd be worth now? Full article: Gareth Barry Heart & Soul At Villa

Match stats from the weekends draw with Pompey: Click Here

Thought for the day: Weight watchers. Avoid that devilish temptation to nibble at a chocolate bar in the cupboard or fridge by not buying the f****ng thing in the first place!

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