The Week In Villa #12 (7/11/08 - 13/11/08)

Friday, 7th November

Brad Guzan is largely celebrated in the media after an excellent performance in Prague the previous night.

Gabby says he has no interest in pursuing the Joey Barton incident as he has had a 'tough enough time as it is`.

Saturday, 8th November

Today sees more of the Gabby/Barton story and has the standard 'build-up to the game` talk. However, one piece of news did stand out…

'Slavia Prague goalkeeper Martin Vaniak has branded Aston Villa defender Craig Gardner a hog`… hahaha!!!!!!!!

Sunday, 9th November

Dear oh dear. A home defeat to Boro is annoying enough. The fact that we didn`t play brilliantly makes it even more annoying. But what is REALLY annoying is that both of their goals come from absolutely ridiculous mistakes by ourselves; first of all Nicky Shorey, then Steve Sidwell.

I think a draw would have probably been a fair result but we made it nice and easy for them to get their goals. If we defend anything like that against Arsenal, we`ll get hammered.

Monday, 10th November

There is plenty of support for Steve Sidwell, who was responsible for Boro`s winner. To be fair I thought he was one of the better players (a couple of silly long passes in places he shouldn`t have been trying it aside) and I too am sure he will bounce back.

Luke Moore finally gets his first goal in Albion colours against us in the reserves. Thankfully it didn`t matter, as we won 2-1. Barry Bannan got both. He`s a good lad.

Tuesday, 11th November

Rumour time. Again. We`re linked with Emile Heskey. Again.

In actual news, Craig Gardner is called up for the England U-21`s, Gabby says he doesn`t want a rest, John Carew is a doubt for Saturday but Luke Young and Stilyian Petrov (who I think we have really missed) are both hopeful of a returning.

Wednesday, 12th November

Rumour time. Again. We`re linked with Michael Owen. Aga… Oh, actually, this one is relatively new and quite interesting! Personally, I don`t think it will happen, largely because I think if there is any truth in the Chelsea rumour then he will go there. If he doesn`t, but ManCiteh are interested, they are more likely to be able/willing to match his crazy wages. However, you have to be hopeful and in all fairness, outside the 'Sky 4`, we are surely as tempting as any offers he is likely to receive. He is a class act who I personally feel is under-rated. He is, however, a risk as well due to all his injury problems. Personally, I think the good outweighs the bad. I hope this isn`t the last we hear of Michael Owen coming to Villa.

A nice story comes out about Craig Gardner, who has sorted out kits for Arden Forest, his first Sunday Morning team, and who also built a patch of land for near his home youngsters to play football on as they had nowhere to do so. Not so much of a hog after all then!

In further charitable news, the club announce another donation day, running from 9am Friday to 9am Saturday. The money is to be split between Acorns and Children In Need.

Finally, Barry Bannan was awarded the BBC Radio WM Young Player of the Month award. Told you he`s a good lad.

Thursday, 13th November

Michael Owen rumours continue to persist, as do suggestions John Carew will be out for Saturday. Unfortunately, news reports start to come through that Emanuel Adebayor will return for Arsenal. We wait and see.

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