The Villa Times 28/07/05

Villa have confirmed they will replace new replica shirts bought with Vassells name on it.

Meanwhile Vassell has stabbed the Villa fans in the back for their loyalty to him. He says going to Man City is a 'dream move' and that he 'always wanted to move to a big club'. Man City? Millions in debt? How long this time have they been in the Prem? Where were they a few years ago? Big club my arse. Vassell said: 'I got quite excited when I heard about the interest and fortunately have made a dream come true.' Shame he didn't act like a 'big' player for Villa and actually SCORE some goals then eh, might have helped our dreams come true? 3 goals in 21 games, big time indeed.

DOL is hoping Berger will be able to tempt Baros to Villa. Reports about differing price offers are circulating, the latest saying £5million. Apparently Lyon are also chasing him, as are several other clubs including German giants Schalke who can offer Champions League football. Still, we won't have sold another striker without knowing we'll get a replacement .......... have we?!

Villa will have to step up the search for a new defender amidst further rumours that Laursens career could be cut short with injuries. Alan Stubbs anyone? Seriously, that is the sort of price we will be looking at. Phil Neville is another that could be on the market according to reports from Man Utd, around £3million would tempt them to sell the utility defender.

Tickets for trips to Man Utd and Pompey are now on priority sale.

Oooh, I've got some really good news to share. Oh no, sorry, my mistake, it was another club buying a top player and showing ambition, silly me!

DLC has been linked with a move to Argentine giants River Plate whose manager said: 'I like de la Cruz as a player. He has a lot of experience both with his club sides in Europe and also with the Ecuadorian national team. He would be an ideal replacement for Carlos Diogo.' Maybe we should sell all the players, put a supermarket at Villa Park and have done with!? Oh no, sorry, forgot, our board aren't capable of running a corner shop let alone a supermarket.

McCann and Sorenson, both with one year left on their deals, will be offered new contracts at Villa. DOL said 'They are important players and it's important we keep them. I've told the board I want talks to start,' Oh dear.

Sorenson knows he faces a fight for his No1 Jersey but says 'I'm going nowhere'.

Ridgewell scored twice and secured a late draw against Gais, leaving the match 3-3 on their Swedish tour. Angel was our other scorer.

Thought for the day: Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.