The Villa Times - 09/09/2010

Unoial Villa News...

Phil Thompson has explained in the LIVERPOOL ECHO why he turned down the chance to work with Gerard Houllier again... this time at Villa. It actually makes good reading, especially interesting for those who have said some pretty rough things about the fella this week. I find it a bit baffling that fans think staff have to support the Villa to work here. We are the fans, the best in the land (I know that because it says so in our The Bells Are Ringing song!) and all Villa need are the very best staff! Full article: Phil Thompson On Why He Turned Down Terrific Villa

Fieldy: Ugo Ehiogu (yes I can still spell it!) has backed Kevin MacDonald to secure a place in Houllier's coaching staff. Speaking to Talksport the former Villa centre half suggested that employing Kevin MacDonald for Houllier's staff is a 'no brainer' as he would provide both the continuity and knowledge of the players and the club that the Frenchman will sorely need. Full article:
Former Favourite Backs Mac For Assistant Role

Not sure why his opinion is sort to be honest, he failed in his career. Anyway... Fieldy: Stan Collymore Not Impressed By Appointment

Save me going through them all again, here are links to all the coverage on Houllier so far. Some of it makes for very good, positive reading: Houllier - The Coverage Thus Far!

Fieldy: Ok, don't do many of these but following on from the fuss about the incessant Ash to Spurs nonsense, it'll be nice to put this one to bed about Gary Gardner before it takes on a life of its own. Skysports.com has today released a thoroughly unquoted, speculative story about starlet Gary Gardner being tracked by Inter Milan and a number of rival Premiership clubs with the intimation that he is off and that Villa are 'keen' to hold on to him. Full article: It's Press Silly Season - Gardner To Leave

Marc Albrighton has praised Kevin MacDonald for the role he has played in his emergence at B6. Speaking to the BBC following the England U21 victory over Lithuania, Albie was quick to praise the faith shown in him this season by our caretaker manager. 'I think he's really helped me out over the last two seasons with Villa reserves, he's given me confidence and he's given me that chance in the first team. I'd like to think I've taken it.' Full article: Albrighton Praise For MacDonald

Last Villa Times: Click Here

Hercs: *We join the lads as their new boss introduces himself* Hercs in The Dressing Room Houllier! Celebrate!

Ticket news including Bolton ticket offer: Houllier 'Amazing Fan's Bolton Ticket Offer

High praise for Gerard Houllier: Click Here
Factfile: Click Here
Gerard Houllier: The distinguished career of Villa's new boss Click Here

Big Ron has spoken about the hiring of Gerard Houllier. He told AVTV: 'I think that his first job - it is those existing players if he can get a little bit extra out of them, a little bit of extra motivation. For me I look at the scenario and it is not that much different to when I came to West Brom the first time, when the team was doing ok so you make gradual changes. When I came to Villa I think we bought eight players in a week or something like that - surgery was required. But it is not required at Villa at the moment. What he needs to do is to maybe get a little bit extra out of the squad that he has got.' Full article: Click Here

Thought for the day: If you think nobody cares whether you're alive or dead, try missing a couple of mortgage payments.

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