The Villa Times - 07/08/2010

Unoial Villa News...

Ok, back from my holiday. I had intended to update Villa Times whilst in New York, once I got there, I realised I'M IN NEW YORK ... so didn't do much work!!!!!!!!!!!

Back in time for the new season though, the break probably did you all as much good as it did me?!

Join the Vital Villa fantasy league: Click Here

Martin O'Neill spoke to The Official Site about Stewart Downing after the Valencia friendly at Villa Park on Friday night. The Villa boss said of the player we signed last summer whilst recovering from an injury picked up in a tackle with Stiliyan Petrov that his game is all about confidence and that a confident Downing is top class. Full quotes: Stewart Downing - It Is All About Confidence

As those that were at the friendly v Valencia at Villa Park last night will no doubt have noticed, Villa have changed their official beer from Carling to Heineken UK (who also do cider brands). The official site announced the three year deal last week along with a tie in with Fiat. Full details: Heineken UK & Fiat Deals Announced

Villa Ticket info for West Ham, Bolton, Everton + Newcastle away: Click Here
Villa ticket info for Rapid Vienna at VP: Click Here
Reminder of the new cup criteria: Click Here
MON said last week he doesn't listen to the transfer window criticism: Martin O'Neill Impervious To The Criticism

General Krulak explains the late availability of the kit: Click Here

Valencia coverage:

MON post match reaction and images: Click Here
Probably the best match report in the world ever... Click Here (or not)
Stats: Click Here

Ok, so the James Milner move to Manchester City looks set to happen any day now. Having read the quotes from Martin O'Neill and the 'anger' from Mike Field, directed more Villa/MON's way than the players way, see: Bye Bye Milner I wondered what you thought? The latest poll by chance....!.... asks the very same. What Do You Make Of The Mi£ner Situation?

What if we had no signings? Click Here

Transfer news round up for Saturday 7th: Click Here
Shorey and Milner on way out: Click Here
Friday's transfer talk: Click Here

Info from Fieldy on the Villa players on international duty: International Updates - More Than You Think

Have we missed anyone in the transfer window so far? I don't think so, here is the list: Click Here

Injury situation: Gabby and Cuellar have hamstring troubles.Curtis Davies is still struggling with his knee injury. James Collins is also still suffering from his calf problem. Collins and Cuellar are seriously doubtful for Wet Spam, but O'Neill is pleased Clarkie stepped in so well. Click Here

Custard Cream: Last week I wrote a piece for this website about the lack of love for football at the moment, and how it was hard to muster up the enthusiasm to get excited about this season. I`ve traded in my season ticket for an armchair, and thought it might be interesting to document it and see how long it is until my will breaks and I purchase my first ticket. I must admit it was nearly over before it began. The HTML flyer sent by the club about the West Ham game had me thinking - but I must be strong - I am still really disappointed about the lack of improvement in the squad and retaining some of the - shall we say - poorer of the players in our squad. Full article: An Armchair Villa #1: Spanish Stroll?

Rapid Vienna are our Europa play off opponents:
Last season v them: Click Here
Details of our opponents: Click Here
Draw: Click Here

Some poll results in my absence:

Vital Villa asked.... As it stands, where do you think we will finish? What? Surely not? 23% voted 13th to 20th. Get out of it... no way! Full results: Click Here

We recently asked whether you would swap Ashley Young for Spurs trio - Jermain Jenas, David Bentley and Robbie Keane. And we have a result! 79% said - 'No sir, I would not' The rest said yes.

Which Striker Would You Most Like Back (At Peak)? The results are in from our recent poll, in many ways it was down to two charismatic centre forwards, one from Columbia and the other from Trinidad and Tobago. Juan Pablo Angel narrowly won with 32% of the votes, just beating Dwight Yorke who had 30%. Full results: Click Here

Would you like to see Gareth Barry back in exchange for Milner? Thats what we asked, poll suggested by johnproche and here are the results:- 58% of you voted 'No. Never go back',
Full results: Click Here

Thought for the day: ketamine - just say neigh!

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