The Villa Times - 25/01/2007

Unoial Villa News...

Villa's new striker John Carew has been given the No10 shirt vacated by Milan Baros. Ashley Young has the No17 shirt vacated by Peter Whittingham.

Young and Carew will take part in a press conference this afternoon and Martin O'Neill has told the official site both players give him fresh options as he looks to climb the table. They both trained with the squad today and will be available for our game against Newcastle next Wednesday night. Press conference audio: Click Here

Teenage striker Sam Vokes reportedly turned down moves to both Aston Villa and Watford before signing a 3 and a half year deal with AFC Bournemouth. Vital Bournemouth

The survey asking fans if they want a new club crest closes tomorrow (Friday 26th) so if you've not had your say, get in there! Click Here

Martin O'Neill has clarified the situation regarding Milan Baros' claim that Shaun Wright-Phillips didn't want to come to Villa Park. The Villa boss said that a Baros / SWP swap LOAN deal was on the cards and that the Chelsea winger was interested. Full article: Chelsea Star Wanted Villa Loan

Montage of John Carew goals: Click Here

'That' day in 1982 montage: Click Here

The Sunday Mirror carried a story last weekend claiming that Lee Hendrie is once again in hot water having told a wheelchair bound supporter to get out of his wheelchair. Hendrie totally denies the claim. Full article: Hendrie In Hot Water Again?

Stiliyan Petrov is back in training and is hoping to be fit to return to action against Newcastle United next Wednesday (31st Jan) He also denies that he is unhappy in Birmingham. Full article: Will The Real Petrov Please Stand Up

Martin O'Neill says he hopes the arrival of John Carew and the pending transfer of Ashley Young shows that Villa mean business.... O'Neill Aiming For Top Four He also says the players give him more options: O'Neill Has Options

Martin O'Neill says the report claiming John Carew is on £57 000 is utter drivel. Too right, that is way off his real wages, which are £56 900 a week! Oh shut up, it made me laugh! Full article: Carew Mega Wages Drivel

Very tentative link to American midfielder Claudio Reyna, who has left Manchester City. No details, just a throwaway line in an Express & Star article about the possibility.

Villa's new CEO speaks, well, obviously we kinda knew he'd be able to speak, but you get what I mean....Richard FitzGerald has spoken of his vision and believes Villa can re-establish themselves as a major player. The 44-year-old former senior vice-president of leading sports marketing and media agency IMG knows that there is plenty of work to do and said: Villa's New CEO Speaks

Following the arrival of Phil Bardsley (on loan), John Carew and Ashley Young some might think that the transfers are done and dusted for this window, but this is a new Villa and according to Martin O'Neill, not to mention comments from the General in the forum, no one is prepared to rest on their laurels, they know more players are needed and the hunt goes on! Full article: Villa Haven't Finished Spending

Villa new boy Ashley Young says he decided to join the mighty Claret and Blues because of the clubs ambitions. He said: 'With the new training facilities and the investment in the team, there the ambition to be a top-six club and I believe that's what we can be. I'm very excited about that challenge. I can't wait and I just want to get out there and start playing for Villa. Full article: Ambition Attracted Young

Meanwhile Les Ferdinand, former player for every team in the league and helicopter pilot says that Ashley Young can make as big an impact for Villa as Cristiano 'just how many step overs do you need' Ronaldo did for Manchester United. Hopefully he'll use less hair gel in the process though. Full article: High Praise For Villa's New Ronaldo

Milan Baros has shown his true class by taking a parting swipe at Aston Villa. Nice for those fans that stuck by the former Villa and Liverpool striker. Obviously not bless with good grace or intelligence. Full article: Baros Glad He Has Left Villa

FA Cup betting preview: Pie Will Survive

Martin O'Neill says he is looking to tie both defender Olof Mellberg and midfielder Gavin McCann to new contracts. Full article: Click Here

Vital Villa asked what does booing the players during the game achieve? 85% voted that it demoralised the players. 8% think it makes them try harder.
4% don't care as long as the fans make their point. That left 3% thinking the booing would boost the moral of the players.

Thought for the day: Some people just don't know how to drive... I call these people 'Everybody But Me.'

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