The Villa Times - 10/02/2006

Unoial Villa News...

You heard it hear first! Lee Hendrie has confirmed his agent has spoken with Portsmouth! Click Here

O'Leary has said he 'couldn't even give you a date' on when Patrick Berger is likely to return to action. The former Liverpool and Portsmouth midfielder has struggled for most of the season with a knee injury and it appears there is little prospect of him returning to the squad any time soon. His last game was against Man City back in October.

But in better news Kevin Phillips is set to return to action on Wednesday in the reserves match away at Wigan. Phillips had ankle surgery and hasn't played since the Carling Cup humiliation against Doncaster. He hadn't expected to be out this long but suffered a reaction when he first attempted a come back. Will be great to have the player back, his scrapping qualities were especially missed in the FA Cup game last weekend against Hull.

Villa have denied any interest in Igor Tudor, the Juventus defender we were linked with last week. A Villa spokesman said: 'This stuff about a delegation being sent is utter nonsense. There's no interest in Tudor.' The initial link was reported here: Click Here

Villa have been drawn at home against Port Vale in the 4th round of the FA Cup draw. I believe the tie will be played on the 28th January. O'Leary says 'We're delighted with the home draw and obviously we're looking to build on a solid, professional job at Hull on Saturday.'

Before our 3rd round victory against Hull 41% of those polled on this site said Villa wouldn't make it passed the 3rd round. That has now decreased (!) and we have 27% saying we can go all the way to the final! Funny old game!

Still hearing positive things about the takeover and whispers that the deal will go through. Ink dry on the contract, then we'll all believe it I guess!

There is also some disturbing whispers about Doug's health. I hope they are unfounded and untrue, he might not be our most favourite of chairmen, but he's fought manfully against his illness and deserves a full recovery.

Middlesbrough have been linked to a move to take Eirik Bakke from under our noses.

Former Villa defender Steve Staunton has been handed the Ireland managers job. Reports suggest he will work alongside former Newcastle favourite Sir Bobby Robson. Staunton was involved with Paul Merson in the management set up at Walsall.

Thought for the day: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst, for they are sticking to their diets.

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Go on, get vitalled!