The Villa Times - 03/12/2008

Unoial Villa News...

The Mirror has repeated the rumour that Villa are after Wigan winger Antonio Valencia. The player, rated at around £7million apparently, is also wanted by Manchester United and Liverpool. Aston Villa Transfer Gossip

Former Villa striker Stan Collymore can see no reason why we can't keep our 100% record in Europe but has said not to take Zilina lightly. Martin O'Neill has confirmed there will be changes to the team with Marlon Harewood and Brad Guzan starting + ticket and programme news: UEFA Cup News Round Up

Vital Villan asked for the man of the match vote for the Fulham game. Bafflingly (maybe only to me I guess!) Gareth Barry didn't win, he came second with 27% of the vote with Stiliyan Petrov, who I think had a quieter game than usual, won with 37%. Ashley Young was next up with 17% Full results: Petrov Beats Barry To MotM v Fulham

Our new poll, suggested by pksandell asks what Villa need to buy to push for a top four finish.

MON has admitted he will be looking to do some business in the January transfer window. Lets hope action follows the words this winter, it could make THE difference for us and if we are there or there abouts, surely it will be easier to attract the big names? Full quotes: Martin O'Neill Looking At January Sales

Martin O'Neill has told the official site that Villa striker John Carew will hopefully not need surgery but is undergoing treatment for his back and hip injuries. 'We will see how the course goes. John has been an absolutely vital part of what we have done here over the past two years and it goes without saying that I want him back available as soon as possible.'

Martin O'Neill has been delighted with our 3 clean sheets on the trot, and he believes that Villa are becoming more ruthless at the back. Speaking on the official site O'Neill explained how he was pleased we were defending better, and that it was setting us up nicely for our Top 4 challenge. 'It is very encouraging. Look at the top sides. Liverpool have conceded very few this season and so have Chelsea. Manchester United conceded very few when they won the title last season.' Full quotes: Clean Sheets Are Setting Us Up Nicely

Brad Friedel says he might look to stay on after his current deal runs out with Villa. He told the Express: 'I've got two-and-a-half years on my contract with Villa. I will serve that out and then see what happens.'

Stockport County manager Jim Gannon has told his team to forget about any talk of facing Aston Villa in the FA Cup and to focus instead on getting passed Gillingham in their replay. That said, the Hatters boss would love to face MON's side! Gannon, a name to watch out for in the future, he isn't afraid to ruffle feathers but he is doing great things at County, told their official website: 'It's a great draw against a top-four Premiership side with a great manager and some fantastic young players. I have the utmost respect for Martin O'Neill and it would be great to pit my wits against him.' Full article: The Hatters Told To Ignore Villa - For Now

Luke Young has admitted he isn't comfortable now he has been moved to left back and wants to return to his usual position on the right when he can. The 29-year-old seems confused why he has been moved to the right when Nicky Shorey is in the squad and is an out and out left back. Luke Young Not Right At Left

Villa have released a cook book call Villa on a Plate which is now available from Villa Stores. The book is filled with a unique collection of dishes and what makes it special is that all proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Acorns Children`s Hospice. So if you want to see which Villan, always on the fiddle, likes bangers and mash, and which current player opted for CURRIED GOAT (no, seriously!!) then buy the book and help out Acorns - albeit at the expense of the worlds goat population! Click here for info: Villa On A Plate - How About Goat Curry?!

Looks like Ajax striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar, who has been linked with Villa a few times, is on his way to Real Madrid. Ho hum. Further more, Liverpool have ruled themselves out of the chase for Newcastle striker Michael Owen. Double ho hum.

Video - Father Christmas is a Villa fan by Doug... NO, not THAT Doug. Father Christmas Is A Villa Fan!

Fulham Stats: Click Here
Fulham match report: Freezing Frustration At Villa Park
Managers reaction after Fulham: Click Here

The weekly round up of all things Villa by Sheriff Kimbo: The Week In Villa #14 (21/11/08 - 27/11/08)

Thought for the day: Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly. They lit a fire in the craft. It sank, proving once and for all that you can't have your kayak and heat it.

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