The Villa Times - 05/02/2007

Unoial Villa News...

According to reports today, Martin O'Neill is set to return to American Soccer League team Chivas in the summer to try to resurrect the move for goalkeeper Brad Guzan. The shot stopper was blocked by the Home Office from making a £2m move as he hadn't played for his country enough times. Full article: Click Here

Stiliyan Petrov has pulled out of the Bulgaria squad after picking up a concussion in the weekends game v Fulham.

Gary Cahill has explained he felt he had to leave Villa to help progress his career. The Bolton new boy turned down the Blues who were also chasing him. He told BBC Sport: 'I thought it was right to move to keep my progression going.'

The Bearded wonder Olof Mellberg has spoken about the drab game v Fulham and says we should have got a draw. 'It was difficult to take but it wasn't the best performance. We thought we would get something out of the game when we got the first goal but it wasn't to be. I was pleased about my flick for our opener although I think it will be difficult to claim that as a goal like I did at Anfield. It was definitely an own-goal. We struggled to create many chances - and so did they - and I think a 2-1 victory for Fulham was not the right result. A draw would have been a fairer result when you look at the game as a whole.' He also says they will now look to bounce back against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Curtis Davies has told the official site he won't get carried away with his England call up. 'I was never going to get carried away with myself. I was surprised to be in the England squad, but I did not believe in my own hype. I learn from every game I play - whether a good game or a bad game - I know I still have a long way to go before I can get into a 23 man squad. The Fulham game was just a stepping stone towards that.'

Villa's FA Premier Reserve League clash with Portsmouth has been postponed. The game was due to be played on Monday February 11 at Bescot Stadium. A new date will be announced in the next few days.

Wayne Routledge has spoken of his move to Aston Villa saying coming from Spurs in the January transfer window is not a step backwards. He told BBC WM: 'It's no backward step. It's a great, big club and I want to be part of it. I've watched Villa this season and they play good football. I hope to be able to show what I can do.'

Craig Gardner has told the official site he is looking forward to playing for England U21's tonight in the Uefa Championship qualifier against the Republic of Ireland. Full quotes: Click Here

Win a subscription to FourFourTwo football magazine: Click Here

Vital Villa asked for your man of the match for the Fulham game. Yes, I know, I know. Big joke! Actually, seems the joke was on us and the message should be loud and clear to the Villa players (I'm sure they spend 90% of their life just waiting for the poll results on Vital Villa......don't they?!?!) as the winner was on for less than a minute! Up step protest vote for Isaiah Osbourne who came on in the 93rd minute. He got 30%. Full results: Click Here

The Holte have announced their next 'Great Villa Quiz' night. It will take place on Friday 8th February and starts at 8pm. Details: Click Here

Nigel Hokey-Cokey has voiced his concerns that football is becoming a game of diving and simulating. Click Here

Martin O'Neill has explained that the club have a verbal agreement to look at extending Routledge's contract in the summer if he impresses. 'Wayne had got 18 months to run of his deal at Tottenham and, while I think he is very capable, at the same time I just didn't really want to imprison him here. He feels himself that 18 months is sufficient for him. We have come to a mutual agreement amongst ourselves and it is up to him. All he is looking for is a proper chance and I genuinely hope he gets it. Click Here

Glensider's match report v Fulham: Click Here
JP's match report v Fulham: Click Here
Stats: Click Here
MON and Hodgson post match reactions: Click Here

The Holte pub clearing up its opening hours: Click Here

Thought for the day: Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

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

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