The Villa Times - 10/12/2007

Unoial Villa News...

Sunday transfer rumours including Manchester United's Wes Brown, Liverpool's Peter Crouch, Derby's Giles Barnes, Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey + more links for Gabby Agbonlahor and Scott Carson: The Sunday Transfer Rumour Mill

Ian Taylor has been speaking about Martin O'Neill and told the official site: 'Quite a few people have asked me if I feel Martin O'Neill's men are capable of qualifying for Europe and I can't see any reason why it shouldn't happen. If we can steer clear of injuries and suspensions, a top six finish is well within our capabilities.'

The Villa legend also singled out Gareth Barry for praise: 'There's no stopping Gareth when it comes to awards this season. He has received the BBC Midlands Footballer of the Year award for the second year running and he collected a trophy on Saturday to mark his achievement in making 300 Premier League appearances. Gareth has gone from strength to strength over the past couple of seasons and he's now reaching the heights we all knew he could achieve. 'I'm convinced he will continue to get even better - after all, he's not 27 until next February - and that he has a long and successful career ahead of him at club and international level.'

Bryan Robson is hoping to keep Gary Cahill at Sheffield United. 'I'm still waiting to hear from Aston Villa about Gary's situation but I'm hoping for positive news on that one as well.' He is looking to take a further loan of the popular Villa defender or make the move permanent if Villa signal any interest in selling him.

Head of Villa communications Phil Mepham has responded to the comments made by Harry Redknapp about the 'vile' abuse he faced by some supporters. Phil said if Portsmouth make a complaint Villa will look into it adding: 'There are stewards behind the dug-out area and they are trained in all types of security. We would really need to see the degree of the complaint before we could go any further. As a club we would say that this does not reflect the general behaviour of our supporters who have a good reputation. Under the new ownership of Aston Villa, a real effort is being made to make our supporters feel more part of the club with a number of initiatives brought in this season.' Unhappy 'Arry Slates Abuse

Vital Villa asked for your man of the match votes for Villa v Portsmouth. Must admit I'm a bit shocked at the result but it just shows we all watch the same game and see something totally different! The winner was Nigel Hokey-Cokey (34%). Then came striker Gabby Agbonlahor (28%) Rest of the results: Click Here

Vital Villa fantasy league table: Click Here

Reports in Italy recently have been suggesting that the bearded wonder Olof Mellberg is set to sign a pre-contract with Serie A club Juventus. However Martin O'Neill is still hoping he'll stay: 'I don't know if there is anything in the Juventus link and Olof will tell me in his own time if that is the case. Players are free to make decisions here.' MON has also confirmed that he will be talking to another defender who could leave on a free next summer, Martin Laursen. The Denmark international has said he is in the dark and will have to look at his options but the Villa boss said he'll have talks this week. Laursen was asked after the 3-1 loss to Pompey if Villa were playing a 'dangerous game' in regards to his contract and he said: 'a bit, yes', Full article: Two Defenders Could Leave - Or Stay!

1957 v 2007 A Game of 2 Eras. BBC 4 Thursday 9.00 Click Here

Villa v Pompey match report: Wet Weekend For Villa
Villa v Pompey match reaction: Click Here
Villa v Pompey match stats: Click Here

Paul Merson on the Villa v Pompey game and his worries for Villa: Click Here

Here we go again! I was so hoping that Jose Mourinho would take the England job. Not because I think he would be best for the job, I don't - my personal opinion is an Englishman, or at least a British manager should manage our national site - but because it would have ended once and for all the constant speculation linking Martin O'Neill to the job. Full article + latest odds on who will take the job: O'Neill For England Rumbles On

Thought for the day: There was once a cross-eyed teacher who couldn't control his pupils.

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