The Week In Villa #56 (11/9/09 - 17/9/09)

Friday, 11th September

As the build-up to Sunday`s derby continues, the focus is on ex-SHA striker Emile Heskey. He says he isn`t worried about taking any flak, and MON says he needs to be more selfish.

In other news, Shane Lowry decides to pledge his international future to Australia rather than Ireland.

Saturday, 12th September

Lee Carsley says he believes Richard Dunne will be a success for Villa. He also says, however, that "Villa will not finish in the top 6. It will be difficult enough for them to finish in the top half". Thanks for doing MON`s job mate.

In addition, David Gold is still - yeah, seriously, STILL - moaning about General Krulak`s 'pigs in mud` comment and whines that he has not had an apology.

Meanwhile, the Academy lads draw 2-2 with Ipswich. Arsenio Halfhuid, having to operate as an emergency striker, did very well as he got both goals.

Sunday, 13th September

SHA 0-1 Villa. Isn`t derby day good when you win? They`re a strange commodity really. I mean, when you look at it, they dragged us down to their level for 70 minutes or so, then we started to take control and got the inevitable winner. But hindsight is a wonderful thing, because it certainly didn`t feel like that at the time! The simple fact is though, we were the better team in the latter stages and I think a 1-0 win to us seemed about a fair result in the end. Gabby`s winner was a good 'un; he seems to enjoy playing against that shower.

Monday, 14th September

Gary O`Connor says we were lucky to win the derby. Garbage.

The reserves beat Pompey 2-0 with cracking goals from Barry Bannan (brilliant solo run around three defenders in the area) and Chris Herd (long range drive) sealed the points.

Tuesday, 15th September

Rumours suggest that Marlon Harewood`s move to Newcastle may still happen.

Wednesday, 16th September

One word; BOOOOUUUUUUMMMMMAAAAA!!!! He is back in training and says the only thing missing is match fitness. He may never be the same again and if he isn`t, so be it. But there is no doubt that he is popular with the fans and everyone will want him to enjoy as many injury-free years as he can get out of the remainder of his career.

There are rumours that Marc Albrighton may be heading to Nottingham Forest on loan. I think Albrighton, Bannan, Delfouneso and Clark - and probably more - could benefit from loan spells at Championship clubs.

Steve Sidwell says he understands NRC`s frustration at being substituted in the derby game. To be honest, I think it was the right thing to do as we were trying to win the game and Sidwell offers more going forward. The previous game where he was substituted - the win against Fulham - was harsher in my opinion, as we were looking to protect the lead and therefore I`d have kept NRC on and took Sidwell off.

Thursday, 17th September

Shane Lowry joins Plymouth Argyle on loan for three months.

Oh, and we can end with a transfer rumour… Feyenoord midfielder Jonathan De Guzman is apparently on his way to us in January. Will any of us remember that come the end of the night, let alone January? Nah, didn`t think so!

That`s that then. A derby win week is always a good week…!

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