The Villa Times - 24/12/2010

Unoial Villa News...

Politically correct seasonal wishes from Vital Villa: Happy Winterville/Christmas To All Vital Villans

Christmas message from the Villa players, coaches, manager etc... Click Here

Welcome to the monthly e-letter from Aston Villa Former Players Association, keeping you up to date with the news, events and happenings within the organisation. Full news: AV Former Players Association Newsletter 10

Bus details for Boxing day game Villa v Spurs.... Click Here

Gerard Houllier has assured fans in recent press interviews that he is fully focused on our upcoming Xmas games, and not dreaming of the January transfer window. With our raft of injuries so far this season added to those players who seem to prefer to put their effort into moaning instead of playing, most would forgive Houllier for attempting to be as busy as he can be in January to boost our squad, but rightly he doesn't want to buy for the sake of it (with some believing he's simply going to fill the squad with cheap French imports anyway) but he's far more interested in his main job which is getting results on the pitch. Full article: Houllier Not Distracted By January

Gabby Agbonlahor has declared himself fit and raring to go, and is determined to give the fans something to cheer about (cue corny cliche about presents to the fans!) Speaking to the E&S Gabby knows his season hasn't been great so far with all the niggly injuries he's had to overcome, and to be honest he must be getting pretty bored of saying he hopes he's turned the corner and will remain injury and illness free for the rest of the season. Full article: Gabby Targeting Xmas Turnaround

After numerous rumours the last week, Gerard Houllier has apparently confirmed that Steve Sidwell is having a medical with Wet Spam. Quotes from ESPN suggest Sidwell will be West Ham's first signing of the January window although there is no mention or suggestion of the fee involved, however it's unlikely to be anywhere near the sum paid (assuming there is any fee) given his contract runs out in the summer. Full quotes: Houllier Confirms Sidwell Medical

The latest transfer talk: Ash IN - OUT - IN - OUT - AVFC Transfer Talk

Gerard Houllier and the Board are on the same page when it comes to January transfer deals, and will meet again after the Cup clash to finalise any moves they wish to make. Speaking to the Birmingham Mail Houllier said that he meets with the board pretty much every week as a matter of course, and whilst we look to promote the youth Houllier knows it makes no sense to fill the squad with players who would block their progress unless they could make a serious impact in terms of improving our first 11. Full details: Board And Manager On Same Transfer Page

Villa have announced that our postponed clash against Wigan will now take place on January 25, 2011. The new date will see us travel up to the DW Stadium for a glorious evening kick off at 7.45pm. Fans wishing to get a refund on their tickets should now be able to do so as the new date has been set. I would expect news later today or on Boxing Day if the club have a preferred means of handling that.

Missing Liam Ridgewell? Click Here

Marc Albrighton has highlighted Gareth Bale as Spurs dangerman and knows he will have to track back and support Eric Lichaj if we expect to get anything from the game. Speaking on the Official Site with little over 48 hours left before we pick up our league campaign again (snow willing obviously), Albie said of Bale: 'I rate him massively. He is having a fantastic season and is showing himself to be an unbelievable player.' Albrighton will obviously be tasked with creating chances of our own, but he knows he has a big job working with Lichaj to nullify the threat that Bale brings. Full article: Albrighton Won't Bale On Defensive Duties

The ever brilliant: Something For The Weekend (313)

Spurs build up:

Aha goodie, another clip collection of some of the finer moments in recent years against Tottenham. Whether it's the 4-4 stormer back in 2007, Reo's 2008 rarity or Albie's debut goal earlier this season that warms your cockles, they are all there for your enjoyment. Video: Festive Fun To Spur You On

Spurs preview as only Murph can do! Great stuff: A-Beye in a Manger (Spurs Preview)

My interview (bit of a man one) on Vital Spurs: Click Here

Vital Spurs interview on Vital Villa: Click Here

Villa v Spurs ticket news: Click Here

Mystic Mug and Lawro face off for Villa v Spurs: Click Here

At the moment the only 'fresh' injury worries we have ahead of Spurs on Boxing Day are both the Young's, although it's still hopeful that Ash will make it. Houllier says: 'Luke I don't think will be involved. Ashley is touch and go for the moment. It's a medial ligament so we don't want to take risks. If you ask me I would say I doubt he will make it.' All the other injuries remain as they were. Despite Petrov and others returning to training they simply won't be fit enough yet for the bench, let alone a starting place although I'd guess there's a loose possibility Reo-Coker may be back in contention now although I'd be surprised if he was fit enough to start.

Previous Villa Times: The Villa Times - 23/12/2010

Thought for the day: A gossip is someone with a great sense of rumour.

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