Villans Playing For Their Shirts

Zat Knight says the team have a lot to prove over the remaining seven games as they could face stiffer competition for their places next season following a summer of spending. I'm not sure I'd overly worry Zat, I remember Gareth Barry saying the same before last summers 'spending spree' and that never really materialised.

Jeez, I'm getting cynical in my not so old age.

The former Fulham defender told the official site:

'We're all playing for our positions next season. The manager has spoken about bringing in players because he wants to be playing in Europe and that can mean 50 or 55 games a season. We're not going to do that with the size of the squad we have now and so I'm sure there'll be players coming in. That means we've got to impress now for next season. When the manager does bring in new players I have to aim to still be ahead of them.'

I know what he means but I must admit, players should be playing for their positions EVERY single game when they have the claret and blue shirt on their backs, nothing short of 100% is ever acceptable surely?

He also explains that he moved to Villa because he wants to achieve something in the game and at a club this size he feels he can adding, 'Being a Birmingham lad I know what the success this season means to the fans. People know about my passion for the club, they can see that when I'm playing. When things go well, I can see the buzz among the fans and they joy on their faces. Hopefully we can fulfil the fans' dreams and fulfil our own dreams at the same time. It would definitely be a highlight for my career so far if we can get into Europe.'

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

Join the Vital Fantasy Football League - its Free!