The Villa Times - 21/11/2007

Unoial Villa News...

You can tell the transfer window is fast approaching because the same stories are once again re-appearing. The one story that just won't go away is that Shaun Maloney will be returning to Celtic. A report in the Daily Mail goes as far as saying the 24-year-old strikers agent has told Celtic to 'put up or shut up'. Never a good move I'd suggest, especially when dealing with a colourful character like Gordon Strachan who isn't the sort of bloke to be told what to do! Maloney To Celtic Story Returns!

The Villa have declared: We have only 400 Half Season Tickets left, so hurry or face disappointment. Once the allocation has been sold, we aim to create a Season Ticket waiting list. Impressive home form and the fantastic atmosphere at Villa Park this season means there has never been a better time to secure a guaranteed seat at Villa. Priced from £75 junior and £195 adults. Full details: www.avfc.co.uk

England v Croatia game will be shown live at The Holte tonight.

Ron Atkinson is tipping Gabby Agbonlahor to have a great international future. 'I wouldn't have minded seeing Agbonlahor given a chance in Austria last Friday. What we're short of up front is blistering pace and he's got that in abundance. He's weighing in with goals and sometimes you think someone like that, fresh and a bit of a surprise package, might be the one we're looking for. He's a quick, bright striker.' I'm surprised Big Ron has been able to stay out of football management, he was so ingrained in the game I thought we'd be seeing him again somewhere!

Olof Mellberg says his agent and the club are talking about a new deal. The central defender (well, usually) has also been linked with Juventus and AC Milan. He told Sportbladet 'I know that my agent and the club have talked,' And denies the sticking point are his financial demands 'Nothing is decided yet. It's not about finances.'

Rob Bishop has a new book out on Villa called Perfect 10. Thought Bo Derek was pretty perfect in 10 myself. www.avfc.co.uk

Villa players on international duty this week: Ashley Young, Gareth Barry and Scott Carson (England v Croatia). Wilfred Bouma (Holland v Belarus), Stiliyan Petrov (Bulgaria v Slovenia), Olof Mellberg (Sweden v Latvia), Thomas Sorensen and Martin Laursen (Denmark v Iceland), John Carew (Norway v Malta). Fingers crossed they all return fit and well. Gabby sat out last nights U21 1-1 with Portugal, hopefully he'll be fit for Saturday v Middlesbrough.

The Third kit is now out and on sale: www.avfc.co.uk

Former Villa chief scout Ian Broomfield has revealed he targeted Scott Carson but Doug refused to pay the money. Broomfield said: 'We tried to take him to Villa for £600,000 but Doug Ellis wouldn't put his hand in his pocket - now they will have to pay £10m for him.'

Reports today are suggesting that Carson will keep his place in the England team following his debut in the friendly v Austria and will face Croatia in our crunch Euro qualifier tonight. Gareth Barry is also expected to return in a five man midfield. Full quotes: Scott Carson & Thomas Sorensen Talk

Meanwhile Thomas Sorensen is being linked to a move to Middlesbrough, the reports carry no quotes or real substance but lets face it, our rejects always go to Boro, so why not Thommo?!

Vital Villa asked if you'd like Liverpool striker Peter Crouch back at Villa Park. Yes please! (42%) Would prefer Anelka (26%) Would prefer Defoe (12%) Yes if no more than £10m(9%) Would prefer other (8%) No thanks, a player should never return (3%)

Our latest poll asks if I'm too sexy for my shirt, or something else, can't quite remember.

Final Old Stars game of the season: Aston Villa Old Stars Vs West Midlands Travel Sunday 25th November 2007 at West Midlands Travel Transport Stadium, Wheelers Lane, Kings Heath, Birmingham B13 0ST Kick Off 11am. Admission is £2 The proceeds for this Charity game will go to our nominated Charity Partner – The Acorns Hospice.

After Gabriel Agbonlahor pledged his future to Aston Villa amidst reported interest from Arsenal, the Actim Index - the official player ratings system of the Barclays Premier League - looks at how he shapes up alongside Gunners hotshot Emmanuel Adebayor. Full article: Villa’s Actim ace is Gunner be great

Ticket prices for Villa's game at Ewood Park on Wednesday 28th November, kick off 8pm are just £7 for junior tickets, £10 for senior tickets, and £20 for adult tickets. Details: Blackburn Away - Low Low Prices!

Excellent article on the upcoming England game by Steve Wade: Sitting In The Waiting Room

Thought for the day: Some people's noses and feet are built backwards: their feet smell and their noses run.

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