Players Expect New Signings

According to Villa defender Olof Mellberg, 'the players expect more signings'. So do the fans!!

Villa kick off the new season two weeks today against Liverpool and with so many exits this summer, it is surely obvious that more players will be incoming? Lets hope we get the ink dry and the players in the claret and blue shirts as soon as O'Neill returns from the pre-season tour of America/Canada.

Mellberg told the official site:

'I think there will be more movement in the transfer market. The manager has said so and if you look at our squad then we obviously need to strengthen from last season. Quite a few players have left, so the players expect more signings.'

Adding: 'I think there is a real sense of expectation at the club this year, and let's hope so. Quite a few clubs will feel the same- the clubs behind the top three. There has been a huge amount of money spent and huge competition for players. It will still be tough, but obviously our aim has got to be to improve.'

Mellberg, who has just one year left on his contract, says he'll carry on playing well and 'see what happens' in terms of a new contract.

Mellberg currently has a year left on his existing deal, but expects to open talks over a new contract soon.

Meanwhile John Carew is looking forward to challenging for Europe this coming season. 'We have to target getting into Europe next season, for sure. We believe we can do it and I believe we have the players to do it. We will have to work hard, but that is not a problem with this group of players. We are all prepared to do what is necessary to make Aston Villa successful.'

He also says he is looking forward to his first full season and assures us that there is a lot of 'desire' amongst the players to bring success to Villa.

(sorry about the lack of images, it will be fixed soon!)