James Milner - The New Mr Ronseal?

I like El Tel!

The ex England manager (Terry Venables if you are too young to know who El Tel is!) says that James Milner can make the 2010 World Cup and compares him to pocket dynamo Alan Ball. believes James Milner could be England's 2010 version of Alan Ball.

Venables say on the official site: 'There is a striking resemblance in the way James is staking a late claim to be in the squad for next summer's finals in South Africa. It reminds me so much of how Bally played his way into Sir Alf Ramsey's plans in 1966.'



In the comparison stake he says 'Like Ball, Milner is an industrious midfielder in his early 20s. Like Ball, Milner has the uncanny trait of keeping the ball moving on the pitch while he decides how best to use it. He might not have the pace of Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon or Shaun Wright-Phillips. But as the tortoise will confirm, the hare does not always win the race.
Milner does have an ability to wrong-foot defenders. He can also create vital extra yards by dropping a shoulder one way, and going the other.'

He also says that Milner is consistent adding that his form for Villa has been 'outstanding' for Villa this year.

Must admit I thought Milner stood out yesterday in our pointless (?) friendly v Brazil.

Full interview: official site:

Oh no, he's reminded me of the old Gavin McCann match report status, Mr Ronseal, as El Tel says 'Milner also does what he says on the tin'

Right though!



Talking about Milner, his shirt is at the top of the bidding war at the moment:

Villa Promo: The signed match-issued shirt of our England international midfielder from the Villa v Bolton clash is fetching in excess of £500 on auction site eBay following 35 bids.
The shirts of John Carew, Gabby Agbonlahor Richard Dunne and Ashley Young are all topping the £400 mark, with that of Stephen Warnock just short of that figure. The auction follows Villa's decision to donate the commemorative shirts from Saturday's win to help raise funds for two very worthwhile charities. All 14 shirts, including those of the used subs, had a special poppy embroidered on the front to commemorate the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces. They are now being auctioned with all funds being handed to Acorns and Help for Heroes.

To bid: Click Here

International round up on the official site including a penalty goal for John Carew.: http://www.avfc.co.uk

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