The Villa Times - 06/08/2009

Unoial Villa News...

avfc48: As this time last year I remain confident Martin O'Neill will bring in a few players eventually, but as the Premier League scene stands now, I'd say all of our teams Manchester City excluded and perhaps Chelsea are weaker than last season, with 8 days to go to kick off. Full article: Looking At The Season Ahead TODAY

Our last poll asked: Fabian Delph? 76% voted 'Great signing, could prove brilliant'. 12% 'A signing for the future, not now'. That left 11% voting a 'good signing' 1% 'ok signing' and interestingly no one voted 'poor signing'.

Our latest poll asks how many more new players you are expecting.

For more previous polls and results, simply Click Here

MON says that Nathan Delfouneso IS NOT going out on loan: "I don’t know where this has come from. It is nonsense, absolute nonsense. Nathan is not going out on loan."

Mike Field: Nope, don't think I could make that headline any worse, so here goes. O'Neill has said that Delph has all the 'talent and determination' to be a huge hit in the Prem. Speaking on the official site today about our new signing, O'Neill also confirmed that fans will get the opportunity of seeing the wonderkid in the upcoming friendly against Fiorentina. O'Neill insists Fabian Delph has the 'talent and determination' to be a massive Barclays Premier League hit. Monny's Delphinitely Happy With Fab New Signing

Tickets still available for Villa v Fiorentina: Click Here

Martin O'Neill has confirmed that the England U21 players James Milner, Gabby Agbonlahor and Craig Gardner will all start the friendly game v Fiorentina on Saturday.

Injury updates for Stiliyan Petrov, Luke Young, Curtis Davies and Wilfred Bouma: Petrov Back In Training + Other Injury Updates

Martin O'Neill has admitted that his priority is the defence having lost retired Martin Laursen and sold Zat Knight to Bolton. He hints here that a move (or two... we can but hope?!) are imminent: 'I wouldn't mention individual names but we are in the throes of trying to improve the team. Like everything else, it takes a bit of time but we do have a couple of weeks before the deadline finishes.' Full article: Martin O'Neill Hints At Defender Arrivals

Villa say: Villa's fantastic Holte Suite will open its doors once again this weekend. The historic landmark venue has been renovated this summer but it will be relaunched to supporters attending the Fiorentina this weekend. Season ticket holders will be given admission - as always - on a first-come-first-served basis with the impressive building open from 12noon and remaining available up until an hour after full-time. The extensive alterations follow on from the refurbishments of our Trinity Road Stand and the Holte Pub over the past few seasons. It's not just a matchday facility, however. It is also perfect for conferences, banquets, exhibitions and private celebrations - so don't delay, book today. For more information, contact 0800 612 0960, enquiries@avhe.co.uk

Martin O'Neill has slated the England friendly v Holland, set 3 days before the Premier League kick-off as 'pointless.' Good point, just wonder if he'd be saying that if he was the England manager!!! I hate friendlies at the best of times and have to agree, the timing is ridiculous! O'Neill said: "It is not just the England international. You've also got World Cup games being played three days before the season starts. It seems really strange and pointless to be playing those sort of games so near to the start of a season."

More reports are linking us to Newcastle United defender Habib Beye. Sebastien Bassong, linked to us this week, is apparently now set to join Spurs for around £10m.

MON has told the press he has yet to decide who to make captain following the departure of Gareth Barry and the retirement of Martin Laursen. "Stiliyan has captained his country on a number of occasions. He had a brilliant season last year and got the armband on Saturday, but I’ll make a decision closer to the opening day of the season." He says there are several under consideration including John Carew wh captained Norway and Nigel Hokey-Cokey who was captain of the U21's, West Ham and has been Villa captain in the absence of the others before now.

We asked on 01 June: If Barry goes, who should skipper Villa? Stan, Bulgarian captain and reliable 73%, Reo 'Coker 6%, Milner, England U21's captain 5%,
Carew, bigger than everyone else! 4%, Davies, former WBA skipper 4%, Brad Friedel 4%, a.n.other 4%

Thought for the day: I told my mum that I'd opened a theatre. She said, 'Are you having me on?' I said, 'Well I'll give you an audition, but I'm not promising you anything.'

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