The Villa Times - 03/01/2009

Unoial Villa News...

Jamie Redknapp says that Villa are contenders for a top four spot this season. The former Liverpool and Spurs midfielder and now Sky TV pundit wrote in his newspaper column: 'There is a ruthlessness to Villa and they are fit and strong too. They are young and hungry, a team packed with pace. They are a real threat to the old establishment at the top of the Barclays Premier League and a breath of fresh air for the rest of us. In their wonderful old stadium, they are the kings of the Midlands but it's time they looked for fresh battles. Their emergence has created an intriguing contest at the top of league.' Full quotes: Jamie Redknapp Says Villa Are Top 4 Contenders

In the week that 2008 ends and 2009 begins, Villa go from the sublime to the ridiculous with their performances... Plus bad injury news... this & more with Sheriff Kimbo: The Week In Villa #19 (26/12/08 - 01/01/09)

Article on Stefan Moore but thought it worth the link just for the photo of the Moore brothers and our FA Youth Cup win. Happy days! Click Here

Martin O'Neill can't understand the fuss over the way the ref consulted with his linesman after giving a penalty (wrongly, that is not under question from anyone) against Hull. 'There seems to be a continuous rage about how the referee reached the right decision. Gareth Barry asked the linesman if he thought it was handball and the two officials consulted with each other and the correct decision was made.'

He also says this is another argument for bringing in the much talked about video technology, adding, 'I don't see why they can't do it. Is the argument because every single game is not televised? But I don't know why goal-line technology is not brought in to determine whether or not it is a goal or whether someone has committed a foul on the line. Why is there a reluctance to bring it in? I don't know.'

This is good news. Martin O'Neill is quoted in the press and the official site as saying Villa are deadly serious about the FA Cup and he will field a strong team against Gillingham showing the oldest Cup competition in the world due respect. 'We`re going fine in the Premier League and the UEFA Cup is not until February. I`ve spoken to the players and they really do want to get through in the FA Cup. We`re ready to go.' Adding, 'The FA Cup has taken a back seat recently with the Champions League being the Holy Grail, but it`s still a great competition.' Full quotes: Villa To Take The FA Cup Seriously


The official site have at last updated the injury situation over John Carew following a number of rumours and reports that the striker could be out for longer than feared. Full details: John Carew Making 'Good Progress'

Interview with the Vital Gillingham editor ahead of the FA Cup clash: Click Here

For the very latest odds: click here

As reported yesterday, Wayne Routledge has moved to QPR for an undisclosed fee.

Vital QPR reactions to the Routledge move: Click Here

Tickets for the UEFA cup clash with CSKA Moscow will go on priority sale to Season Ticket holders from the start of next week. CSKA Tickets Available Next Week

The Hull man of the match poll results are in. Stiliyan Petrov - who only a year ago used to poll 0 votes at all, was once again the man of the match with 43%. What a turn around for this player... long may it continue! Next up came Zat Knight with 27% Full results: Hull Man Of The Match Results

Hull video highlights: Click Here
Match report v Hull: glensider away at Hull
Martin O'Neill's match reaction: Click Here
Stats v Hull: Click Here

Thought for the day: The more you learn, the more you know. The more you know, the more you forget. The more you forget, the less you know. So why bother to learn?!

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