The Villa Times 04/08/05

Still no resolution to the Baros question. Everton have reportedly counted themselves in and then out within the last few days. Seems they only wanted to pay £6million and Liverpool want £7million. Also seen reports saying that Villa only want to pay £6million. All will be revealed in good time I guess.

Some got excited yesterday following reports in the Mirror that DOL was keeping an eye on the Michael Owen situation. However, don't get too happy, it was in relation to whether he would move to Man Utd or not, if he did DOL would apparently move for Louis Saha. Reports today say that only Newcastle are currently an option for Owen, although another says 3-4 Prem teams have enquired. Why not us? We used to target top players, yes he would be expensive, but imagine the bums on seats he would bring to Villa Park? Why not? One word, begins with E (and no, not evil, although.......).

Tickets for the trip to Portsmouth (Aug 23) are now on General Sale. Tickets for the trip to Manchester United (Aug 20) are on sale to non season ticket holders with a booking history. Tickets for the trip to West Ham are on priority sale.

DOL has praised Phillips who scored his fifth pre-season goal against Walsall. 'Kevin Phillips is a really good player and he can become a big favourite with the Villa fans. It's no fluke - the top players are top professionals who do things right and look after themselves.' Other scorers against Walsall were Angel and Liam Ridgewell.

Laursen is hopeful of being fit for the opening game having played the second half v Walsall. He is now waiting to see how his knee reacts.

Delaney meanwhile has been given the all clear from the doctor but by the sounds of it, still has some work to do to be match fit, DOL said 'The surgeon has told him now just to get on with it. There's nothing to stop him playing. He will start training again today, because he knows now that everything is fine and that he has nothing to worry about. He needs to get some reserve matches in and he needs about another week's work as well. Yes I would like Mark fit, but that is one position where we have cover, so it isn't a problem. We have enough cover with Aaron Hughes and Ulises de la Cruz.'

Recent friendly results include 2-1 at Wolves, 2-2 with Tamworth and beat Walsall 3-0. However Aaron Hughes says these results will count for nothing as we approach the Premiership kick off.

Walsall have completed the signing of former Villa favourite Steve Staunton.

Thought for the day: Before they invented drawing boards, what did they go back to?