The Villa Times 03/12/2007

Unoial Villa News...

Gareth Barry won the Midlands Footballer of the Year on the BBC Midlands Today programme. Click Here

Vital Villa asked for your player of the match against Arsenal. Step forward Big John Carew with 63% of the votes. I believe that is the first time - and hopefully not the last - that he has won this vote! At last he is looking the part! Other votes: Click Here I haven't won an award for a long time, last one I think was the best decorated egg for Easter at Ley Hill Junior School. Before that I came second in the fancy dress summer fete two years in a row. Damn you Mark Poole, damn you for your better outfits.

Villa defender Zat Knight was worried after Arsenal scored their second goal against us on Saturday wondering 'if it was going to be Manchester United all over again.” Adding “We had a good team talk at half-time and really took the game to them in the second-half. To play the way we did against a team like Arsenal, we feel we deserved something out of the game.' He also says of the Villa faithful, “The fans were superb and I think they knew how unlucky we were to lose.'

Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson is looking to keep on-loan defender Gary Cahill (and Man Utd's Phil Bardsley). 'Obviously people are going to take notice of them because they're both playing well. I'd like to keep them at the club, at least until the end of the season. I'll be speaking to both Manchester United and Aston Villa.'

Marlon Harewood and Luke Moore are both set to play for the Villa reserves v Birmingham City at St Andrew's tonight. Team: Taylor, Herd, Lund, Hogg, Davies, Lowry, Salifou, Osbourne, Berger, Harewood, Moore. Subs: Mikaelsson, Bevan, Delfouneso, Clark, Albrighton.

Martin O'Neill says he is a worry guts and he just can't help it! 'Even when things are going well, I fear disaster is round the corner. I'm delighted to win a number of successive games in the Premier League as it is certainly not easy for us but I just can't stop my own downbeat self. I go home and want to cut my throat - it's just my Irish background.'

Aston Villa were linked in The People to a January bid for Spurs striker Darren Bent. Makes a different story to us going for Jermain Defoe or Robbie Keane I guess.

Martin O'Neill has waxed lyrical about striker John Carew who is finally looking like the player his reputation suggests he is. After the Arsenal game O'Neill said of the Norwegian man mountain, 'Carew was immense. He has that capability.' Adding, 'He played like that when he arrived in January but it was his best performance for us because of the players he was up against.'

Aston Villa have been drawn against Manchester United at Villa Park in the FA Cup third round. Full draw: Click Here

Martin O'Neill said after the draw: 'It's incredible that we should get Manchester United again. They showed us what a fine side they are when they beat us 4-1 in the league, but we've had some big matches at Villa Park this season. This tie will be another epic with a full house. I will say this, though, we're better-equipped now to take on Manchester United than we were in the third round last season.'

Gabriel Agbonlahor is committed to Villa after Martin O'Neill shunned talk of moving to the England job (although the press are still clamouring for him, as was Bobby Robson in the press at the weekend). The brummie striker said: 'If I am playing well then things might happen and, if a new contract is there, I would be happy to sign it. I am flattered by the Arsenal story. I think it's a good thing for me. If I am playing well week in and week out, i will get other clubs looking at me. I've heard about the story but that's about it really. I am happy at Villa.'

I've just eaten a packet of peanuts and now feel sick. Not really to do with football but I thought I'd share the news with you anyway.

O'Neill and Wenger post match: Click Here
Match stats: Click Here

Sorry no match report this week, I was at a wedding. I guess I could give you a run down of that if you wish? David was resplendent and Hinal looked stunning. I also looked very good in my red evening gown. There, that'll do I'd have thought.

Don't know about you, but these quotes from Olof Mellberg seem to be suggesting he'll most likely not be sticking around once the season is over. Mellberg can leave on a free in the summer and has already been linked to several top European sides including Juventus - where Sven-Goran Eriksson, who should mind his own bloody business, recommending him. Mellberg said in an interview with the Birmingham Mail that talks are on hold for now and he hopes that doesn't mean the Villa fans will question his loyalty after playing his best years at the club. Olof Mellberg - Edging Towards Exit?

Vital Villa asked for your man of the match votes for the away trip to Ewood Park in our 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. The Villa skipper Gareth Barry won hands down with 49%.

There is a signed Villa shirt being auctioned in aid of the Boldmere StMichaels FC team. Click Here

Oh blimey, it is that time again when the players and club start talking about transfers. I'm not sure our hearts will be able to stand the pressure are you? Anyway, as is my want, I digress. Villa skipper Gareth Barry is excited as he believes Martin O'Neill will bolster the squad. Full article: OH NO, Transfer Talk

Thought for the day: 'A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was a nurse said 'No change yet'.'

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