retired_loubou

great start keep it up

retired_embartl

Thanks for the support people Oh and Binny I know it's a bit of a poor mistake - corrected just for you now though Tricky Winger - are you questioning the Express' truthfulness? :eek:

Daily Mirror Tuesday 23rd
Arrogant Alpay Upsets Fans
by Piers Moron

Ozalan Alpay the Turkish centre back at Aston Villa has demanded a move away from the club. It seems that being named in the World Cup Select X1 has inflated Alpay’s ego to the point where he feels Aston Villa are no longer worthy of his esteemed services. Demanding excessively high wages and various clauses have led to the Villa Board having no other choice but to slap Alpay on the transfer list. The Arsey Turk is still smarting from having to pay his own medical bills when he went for corrective surgery on his knee injury. Fancy that – a highly paid star having to pay his own bills. Unfortunately what he also fails to understand is that Doug Ellis and so on are no longer members of the board – in fact Doug Ellis is no longer alive. Fans are congratulating the Board’s decision to get rid of this ‘problem child’ as he’s “not worthy enough to wear the claret and blue” as spokesman Jonathan Fear revealed. “ With Ronny Johnsen now at the club and plenty of young players able to come in and replace him it will be good riddance.” As yet there are no clubs prepared to come in for the Turk who is supposedly also unhappy with the typical climate in England. Apparently he wishes to move to sunnier climes with Spain and Italy as possible alternatives. However it remains a mystery as to who will want such a disruptive influence in their side.


Rumoured replacements for the displaced Turk include young Nottingham Forest centre back Michael Dawson who is highly rated by his club. Several Premiership clubs, including Villa are said to be keeping an eye on his progress this season. If Michael Dawson does not become a viable proposition the Mirror are reliably informed that Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini are the next targets for the Birmingham side.



The Daily Mail Wednesday 24th

Soccer Snapshots

Ronaldinho is being linked with a £10million move to Man Utd after a shareholder of the club was spotted in France relaxing in the Dordogne.

Elsewhere Rod Davies looks to build his own squad with the possible signing of Michael Dawson to replace the tempestuous Turk who has demanded to leave. His division one colleague Michael Tonge is also being linked with the B6 side after Mail reporter, HRH Duke of Edinburgh, claimed to see him driving on the M6 motorway. Reported exits are Mark Kinsella to Fulham or Charlton his former club who have just sold him. Hassan Kachloul’s agent informs us that there also appears to be mass interest across the channel from a few French sides. Developments are expected later in the week. Keep reading the Mail for 100% inaccurate transfer reports.

Thursday 25th July - Birmingham Post
Villa Victory Secures Semi Final Berth
by T. Spall

With a slightly weakened side, deprived through injury, Aston Villa still comprehensively outplayed their downtrodden opponents with another 3 goals in the net, this time without reply. For 10 minutes it seemed as though the Turin based side were going to threaten a remarkable comeback, however an early goal from the Swedish sensation Marcus Allback settled the home side down and ended the spirits of Torino. For the following 80 minutes the game was a one sided affair with any Torino resistance broken up by the ever dependable Ian Taylor. Shortly before the break though Aston Villa confirmed their superiority in this game with a well taken goal from Allback again, this time finishing off a fine move following Hassan Kachloul's well timed cross. The Morrocan in recent days has been linked with a move away from the club but as his manager said after the game, "Hassan's a quality midfielder who fully deserves his place in the side, especially on his latest performances".

This was evident later on in the second half that led to the crowning moment of the match. A gentle passing rythym developed from the back, greeted with huge cheers from the 27,000 strong crowd. As the unbroken pass count reached the 20 mark, mexican waves developed amongst the happy supporters. It was some atmosphere for a pre-season Intertoto game! Then the goal. Hassan received the ball for the 3rd time that move and he ran straight for the Torino defence, A Stanley Matthews feint, A Cruyff turn and a Bunny Hop later left him in the clear and a pass to Dion Dublin gave the experienced striker acres of space to thump in the final goal. A classier goal this season will be hard to find. So another victory for Villa then as they move a step closer to the UEFA Cup round proper.

Aston Villa 3 Torino 0

Man of the Match - Undoubtedly Hassan Kachloul on the left of the 4 man midfield. Incisive running, outstanding class and he never stopped despite the irrelevance of the latter stages of the match. A man with a firm eye on the left midfield spot come August. Special mention also goes to Ian Taylor, the number 7 who was as energetic as ever. A year to go on his contract and he continues to perform like he did when he first signed in 1995.

Football Round Up

Mark Kinsella seems set to depart the club after the club agreed a fee with Fulham of around £1 million for his services. Newly arrived from Charlton it seems he just was never going to stand a chance in Rod Davies' plans. He is expected to agree terms later this afternoon. Fulham however did not make it through in the Intertoto going down 3-2 on aggregate to French side Troyes.

Whilst Mark Kinsella seems set to leave, there are strong rumours linking Aston Villa with Swedish sensation Kim Kallstrom who currently plays for Djurgården. It is believed that Kallstrom - highly rated by many major European sides - has a get out clause that will enable him to leave for around £2 million.

One rumour that can be dismissed is that relating to Richard Langley of QPR as we reported yesterday. However the club have moved quickly to dispel this as merely a suggestion that was put forward by John Creswell, chief scout, that was subsequently dismissed by Rod Davies.

retired_carlos.jango71

Nice start Brian If you want to make it more journalisty try writing in shorter paragraphs.

retired_embartl

Thanks for the tip LP

Claret and Blue – Just For You – August Edition

Selected Articles

The Olof Mellberg Interview
by Jonathan Fear

It’s not often that as a fan that I get the chance to speak to the players that I pay £20 to watch every week. However as you’ll be aware Aston Villa FC are under different stewardship, but we thought we’d continue with Claret and Blue in the spirit it’s intended. To start off then we bring you the views of Olof Mellberg as I caught up with him at Bodymoor.

Olof, at 24 already has 26 caps for Sweden and is generally considered to be one of the best defenders in the world. He has already shown himself to be capable of looking after several of the world’s top strikers so is there anyone he believes that he hates playing against?

“ Well no not really, I feel comfortable in my ability and if I do my job as I’m supposed to then I feel I can handle anyone. If I had to name someone who gives me the most problems I would have to say Thierry Henry because I believe he is an awesome striker with pace that frightens all defenders regardless who you are. Defending against him... yes defending against him is probably the toughest challenge that I have faced, but I enjoy it – it makes me a better defender, which is good for Villa and Sweden.”

Considering the regard in which Mellberg is regarded, both Internationally and at club level – second in fans player of the year last year to Juan Pablo - does he ever regret not moving to Inter Milan last year when he had the chance?

“ Oh I get asked this a lot because people look at Villa last year and then Inter Milan but for me it was an easy choice. Villa are a big club and I’m sure we can win trophies here – if I didn’t feel that then I would have asked to leave by now. We have a new board and a new manager and I am looking forward to this season quite a lot now. I’m looking to stay here as long as I can. I love the area and I am very settled here. Marcus is a great striker and we get on very well. I have no reason to leave.”

Well I’m sure that will delight all the readers here who would definitely agree with Olof’s commitment. Partnerships and relationship’s in football are very important if a club is to go forward, which is why none of us will be too disappointed if Alpay decides to leave, but how does our Swedish rock get on with the new manager and Ronny Johnsen?

"Well you know it’s not really that hard to get on with people here at the moment! Everyone’s really positive and there are no arguments that I know of, although Alpay has unfortunately stated he has to leave. He was a good player last year but It’s not for me to say what’s happening there. Ronny is of course a class defender with experience at Manchester, and so far we have got on very well. There’s not much rivalry you know between Sweden and Norway! (Laughs) I hope we can continue to do well for Villa. As for the gaffer well there’s no problems there either. He’s very serious about the football which is good and the rules are strict but you know there is humour about the place also which is good also.”

Well that’s Olof Mellberg for you with is views on the state of play at Villa Park.It's good news for us it seems then with another player committed to Aston Villa. Now we also have a briefer chat with Ian Taylor, who begins the first of our 10 questions feature. The questions are random selections chosen from our list of 100.

23. What is your favourite TV Sitcom?
Well for me it has to be Friends. It just seems to get better with age. There’s something we can thank the Americans for!

12. What car do you drive?
A forklift truck! Haha! No only joking. At the moment I’m afraid to admit I have a BMW but I’m looking to move on to a nice Jag fairly soon!

14. If you could have dinner with any 3 people past or present who would they be?
Oh that’s a tough one. Er… well I think I’ll just go for the obvious ones, Ghandi, Jesus to do that bread thing, and er… Socrates. That would be a good laugh.

01. Is football better than sex?
Sex? What’s that? I sleep football! No seriously. it is football every time.

99. What is your favourite personal football experience?
Ah it has to be scoring the second goal in the League Cup Final in 1996 against Leeds. Closely followed by lifting the cup at Wembley. Brilliant.

67. If you hadn’t made it as a footballer what would you have done?
Killed myself probably! Nah probably still be a fork lift truck driver in Solihull Ha Ha!

34.What’s your favourite Book, Film and Song?
Michael Crichton – Timeline, erm Die Hard with a Vengeance, and probably Queen/David Bowie – Under Pressure- but it’s a tough call!

24. Who’s the best ever player?
Pele without a doubt. A World Cup star at 17? He was simply incredible

50. Put yourself in the best ever Villa side that you’ve known.
Damn that’s a tough question – so many good players! (long pause) Ok in a 352 formation it would be: Schmeichel, McGrath Ehiogu Mellberg, Townsend, Ian Taylor! , Merson, Barry, Draper, then I think Yorke and Saunders – although I think this is subject to change fairly soon given the quality of our squad!

72. Favourite holiday destination?
Ah an easy one this – Mauritius – a brilliant place that!

retired_embartl

Wednesday 31st July - The Guardian

A Contract For Life!
by Brian Cohen

Juan Pablo Angel, Aston Villa's Columbian striker has stated his desire to stay at the club for the rest of his career. As another Villain settled down and prepared for the season ahead it seems the mood is certainly on the up. From the period of discontent, players demadning exits and slamming the questionable ambition of the previous management, it is now mcuh more settled at Aston Villa - the graveyard of players careers as it was dubbed quite cruelly in some of the tabloids in the past.

Now Angel, 27, wants to commit himself to a club which matches his ambitions. When he first joined the club he suffered many probems settling into the country, with difficulties over the new climate and his wife's illness. Even worse was the poor treatment meted out to him by the club who shifted him from hotel to hotel without a care in the world.

At this time Juan was lonely without a care in the world - the only friend he could trust was John Gregory - who he knew had faith in him and respected him as a player. The unhappiness subsided and he let his football do the talking, scoring 16 in his first season and being voted Fans Player of the Year 2002. When Gregory resigned following a "meeting" with the board, those problems resurfaced and lhis life was thrown into turmoil. The temporary appointment of Stuart Gray as manager did nothing to subside such issues and as a result Juan Pablo wanted to leave the leave the club whcih had treated him with such disdain.

However the recent change in management has left him optimistic. During the hard times he could always count on the fans for support and since the fans are now in control, Juan Pablo Angel believes that he can play a big role in the club's future. A positive relationship with the club's new manager Rod Davies and support from his teammates were critical factors as the Columbian himself explains:

" Joining a club of Villa's stature was a dream come true for me. A chance to test myself in Europe is what all the South American footballer's crave. Sadly though things did not work out initially as I ihad many problems, with the new style of play, my wife and even the club itself. Only Mr Gregory and the supporters kept me happy and motivated. When Mr Gregory left I was devastated and thought my career had ended. Now, however thanks to the fans I find myself happy again. I am settled in Birmingham and the people at the club are much better, especially the board and manager. Hopefully I can see us working together for a long time for the good of Aston Villa. If I have the chance I would sign to stay here for all my playing days. Firstly though I hope we tonight."

It is thought a contract will be drawn up for him shortly. Tomorrow is the day when contracts are officially up for renewal so it will be intersting to see what happens and it will be an indication of the clubs finances if they can afford wage increases.

Juan Pablo Angel may be delighted to hear of rumours linking Aston Villa with Brazilian Alessandro Santos of S-Pulse. They may speak different laguages but they come from a similar background. Rod Davies is eager to improve his squad before the deadline in August so if he wishes to purchase Santos he will have to work quickly to push through the work permit. However Villa will make it easier to attract Samba stars by qualifying for Europe and they have an important clash with Malaga to start with tonight.

The Times

Aston Villa News

Upset defender Ozolan Alpay has been loaned out to Espanyol for 6 months whilst the club look to offload him permanently. The Spanish side will pay his wages during the period but it is not known if the club are interested in making it a permanent deal. Manager Rod Davies certainly would like to having made his feelings on the rebel Turk clear. Sadly Alpay's agent Hakan Makan de Sasan has made it clear that the defender wants to leave. The departure will allow Olof Mellberg to solidify a promising partnership with Ronny Johnsen at the back. More positive news is that Thomas Hitzlesperger and JLloyd Samuel have received U21 call ups for Germany and England respectively.

retired_embartl

Thursday 1st August – Birmingham Post

Villa’s Guardian Angel Keeps Hopes Alive
by T. Hanks

Last night Aston Villa took another step towards the UEFA Cup with a narrow victory over Spanish side Malaga in the Intertoto Semi Finals. In the same day that Juan Pablo Angel stated his desire to commit to Villa, the Columbian bagged 2 goals in 5 second half minutes as if to prove a point. However a late goal from Dario Silva still means there is a long way to go in this tie.

The match was a tense affair to begin with however with neither side willing to give possession away too cheaply, with Hassan Kachloul’s long range efforts the only chances in a tight first half that even Aston Villa Manager Rod Davies admitted …“ wasn’t a classic spectacle by any stretch of the imagination.”

Yet after the break the match offered more of what the talent on show promised and as defences slackened, attackers pounced. With an hour gone Villa regained possession from a throw in and made a steady charge for the Malaga goal. Lee Hendrie, enjoying a good game, held the ball up well bringing the other Moroccan Mustapha Hadji into play who crossed for substitute Dublin, on for Vassell, to head into the path of Juan Pablo Angel who lit up the faces of thousands of Villa fans with a sweetly struck shot that gave Villa a probably deserved lead.


With Malaga still busy trying to re-establish their own game, 5 minutes later the lead was doubled through Juan Pablo Angel again as the Columbian scored a fine solo effort to set Villa on the way to a promising first leg lead.

Yet with 10 minutes to go the direction of the tie wasn’t so clear-cut as Dario Silva beat a clearly tired defence to swing the pendulum back in favour of the Spanish side. A 2-1 lead going to Spain is still a good result but if the Spanish side score first it will be a very interesting game. As manager Rod Davies commented after " a win is a win and we achieved that. I'm not concerned that Malaga scored late on as I was always going to be heading to Spain with the intention of winning the match. This result just enforces that desire somewhat."

Post Man Of the Match : Juan Pablo Angel. Running and skill upfront was a handful for the defence and scored 2 fine goals to hand victory to the Villains. A good performance in Spain could be key.

Thursday 1st August – Daily Mail

Victorious Villains Celebrate With Contractual Confirmation
A Bigot


Contract talk in Birmingham today was positive with Ronny Johnsen and Ian Taylor two of the senior players negotiating extensions to their contracts. Both players seem content to commit their future to the club and deals are expected to be concluded later this week.

However experienced defender Alan Wright is said to be considering his options after Rod Davies announced he was looking to the future, especially with the crop of quality youngsters he has in the side and as a result the diminutive defender has an unclear future ahead him at the end of the season approaching.

One contract that has already been drawn up and signed is the three year deal that midfielder Lee Hendrie has signed, reported to be worth £15,000 a week. With the reported commitment of Columbian Juan Pablo Angel to the club the board are now preparing a new long-term contract for the player whose contract expires in the summer.

Angel will also have to play sufficient games to warrant a work permit allowing him to stay in the country; otherwise he will be classed as working here illegally and will have to be deported back home before he takes any more benefits.

The contract news will come as an added bonus’ to supporters who saw their side defeat Malaga, in the Intertoto Cup, last night 2-1 with goals from Columbian import Juan Angel. Villa are flying the English flag with pride in Europe with Fulham having already been cheated out of the tournament by some very suspect tactics employed by the foul French side Troyes.

Official Spin Free Aston Villa Website Thursday 1st August

Whilst many of the national papers have mentioned contract negotiations amongst our senior squad, it is well worth noting that two of our most promising youngsters Luke Moore and Stephen Cooke have also been offered longer contracts. We don’t envisage any problems. Luke will be ready to sign a full Professional contract when he turns 17, and as many of you know, no-one at the club wants to lose such a promising talent.

Friday 2nd

www.avfc.co.uk/nomorespin reports the squad for the European games. In a squad of only 19 Peter Crouch is the only notable absentee, due to the manager feeling he has more than enough capable strikers to complete the qualifying stage. The reduced squad will also enable boss Davies to add any new signings to the next squad.

retired_embartl

Sunday Paper Talk

The Sunday Times

Villa sign Swedish hotshot
by Joseph Tucker

Aston Villa manager Rod Davies completed his first signing yesterday, when he officially announced the arrival of Kim Kallstrom from Djurgården for £2.8million- a figure that activated a release clause fee in the young Swede’s contract. There had been rumours circulating amongst some of the nationals that this would happen and so it proves.

The deal is reported to be worth £1.3million per year for 3 years. The 19 year old midfielder is very versatile and can play in several positions across the midfield of the park. A strong left foot will also add competition to the spot currently held by Hassan Kachloul.

In a press conference yesterday Rod Davies expressed his delight at purchasing the bright prospect for a small fee. " Although this has eaten up most of my limit for this season in terms of transfer fees it is a deal that I am 100% confident in. "

"Kim is a remarkably talented player for his age and as soon as he get's the chance to demonstrate his ability this coming soon I have no doubts that several major European clubs will be kicking themselves for missing out on such a bargain. I back him to become one of the best midfielders in the country given time and I hope he is still with us winning honours when he is at the peak of his game."

Having introduced his new charge proudly to the media for the first time, the young midfielder was then given the chance to speak about the move with the familiar questions over why Villa and what hopes he has for the future.

" Well really once I heard that big clubs from England were in for me I was very interested. Of course I wanted to make sure it was not rumours so I spoke with my agent, Joe Sveldvest and Djurgården to confirm the rumours and I was told there was interest. Once I knew about Villa I asked to leave because to come to England is such a big opportunity for me to prove myself. I am confident in my ability and I will always work harder to improve myself which is of course very important for me and Aston Villa."

On the club's future prospects the young Swede was highly ambitious in stating his desire to compete with the best sides in Europe, having first conquered England.

" For sure you know I think this club can go very far. From what I have read in the papers and seen when I was here to sign the players look very good. I know that both Olof ( Mellberg ) and Marcus ( Allback ) are both excellent players from playing for Sweden so I know this is definitely a good club. I have spoken briefly with both of them and I have no doubts that we can challenge for the title. Maybe not this year but after that I am very hopeful. We are certainly capable of targeting Europe and I hope we can prove that this year in the UEFA Cup"

Guardian on Sunday

Villa snap up Swedish sensation
by Brian Cohen

Hotshot Kim Kallstrom completed his move to Villa Park yesterday as spirits continued to soar in the Midlands. After listening to Rod Davies express his delight at his prized asset who he tips to become an outstanding midfielder and then to Kim Kallstrom reveal the reasons behind his move and the ambitions he holds, The Guardian gained some exclusive information from fellow Swedish team mate and relative new boy Marcus Allback. The 29 year old striker reveals his delight at the signing of this Swedish youngster who is tipped to enjoy a bright future.

" Indeed I am delighted that we have signed Kim. He is an outstanding prospect and it only highlights the ambition that this club have. I believe Rod Davies has discovered a true bargain which is very good for the club and hoefully this is a reflection of the managers transfers to come, young and fabulous."

"I have played with Kim for Sweden and I know just how good he can be. There is still work to do but I am confident we have the right coaches to get even more from him. It is great now that there are so many Swedish people at the club - it's almost like home! ( Laughing ) Of course there is also Ronny and Leo from Norway and Peter Enckelman of Finland too! Kim will have no problems settling in here, of that I am sure."

As Rod Davies continues his quest to build his own squad for the future, he can be reassured in the knowledge that he has the old guard to guide them along. Both the energetic anchorman Ian Taylor and Ronny Johnsen have agreed extensions to their current deals whilst promising youngster Stephen Cooke has put pen to paper on a new long term deal.

retired_embartl

Thursday 8th - Birmingham Post

Magnificent Lions Overcome Stern Test
by J. Saville

An Aston Villa side hit by the absences of Thomas Hitzlesperger, Mustapha Hadji and Ovyind Leonhardsen to injury, and Olof Mellberg, Mark Delaney, JLloyd Samuel, Ronny Johnsen, Peter Enckelman, Steve Staunton, Juan Pablo Angel, Marcus Allback and new boy Kim Kallstrom to internationals did superbly well to overcome a tough Malaga side with a carbon copy scoreline of the first leg.

The inexperienced side that included youngsters such as Leon Hylton and Steven Davis were run ragged in the first half as they tried to stick to their 442 formation and contain the Malaga threat. An early thunderbolt from Ruano though looked to have set the ball rolling for a heavy defeat and the pressure then increased tenfold but the Birmingham boys showed they were made of sterner stuff in the second half.

Whatever Rod Davies said at half time it certainly worked as the players approached the second half more cautiously and with a long ball system, to Dion Dublin and substitute Peter Crouch. Villa certainly won much more of the ball in the air. However the equaliser was a long time coming with just 9 minutes left on the clock when Villa won a free kick down the Malaga right.

Lee Hendrie, recently on as sub to replace Steven Davis swung in a precise free kick which Dublin headed in. Hendrie’s performance is particularly commendable as even before the match boss Davies admitted Lee was still carrying an injury to his shoulder inflicted in training. That goal gave Villa a 3-2 aggregate lead but not even the optimistic of fans could have predicted what happened next.

As Malaga swarmed forward desperate for a second goal to force extra time, the Villa boys held firm and in the 89th minute won a throw in – again on the right. Alan Wright with all his might propelled the ball into the area where it found it’s way to Dion Dublin who knocked it high back to the edge of the area. In the ensuing chaos Francescu Arnau rushed forward to grab the ball. He missed and Peter Crouch, all 6 foot 6 of him knocked the ball home into an unguarded net to seal a quite remarkable victory.

They say the Intertoto is a meaningless competition but it’s a route to Europe and just watching the players emotions throughout the 90 minutes revealed a hunger and desire to retain their spots in the side. For these players at least it was one of the most important matches of their seasons.

After the match boss Davies expressed his delight at achieving such an impressive win. “I’m so proud of the players on show tonight. It was a tough game out there in sweltering conditions but we played superbly and never gave up.” Asked on whether any one in particular stood out he shook his and said that all the players were equally impressive but he did add “… however I think mention must be made for Dion Dublin tonight. I know I said I wouldn’t single any one out but I’m changing my mind for Dion. A superb example of the model professional, and hopefully he can continue to play an important role for us this season.” Davies left soon after, looking breathless, confused, worn out and delighted all at once, but no one will begrudge him a day off after his boys did him proud tonight.

Malaga 1 Aston Villa 2 – Dublin, Crouch.

Men of the Match – a joint award this evening which goes to debutant Leon Hylton for a quite superb performance at the back. He faced strikers with international experience yet dealt with them like they were nothing more than schoolboys. Dion Dublin is the other recipient of the award for a commanding role. Captaining an inexperienced side, the former England international never gave up and was shouting encouragement all night. One of the nicest men in football must surely now be staking a claim for a good run in the side.


Saturday 10th -Daily Mail

Mellberg Manchester Bound - Exclusive
By Matt Lawton

Swedish International Olof Mellberg is reportedly set to join Title chasing Manchester United in a 5 million pound bid for the highly rated defender as the Mail can exclusively reveal. Sources from both camps are highly suggestive.

With Sir Alex Ferguson apparently desperate to shore up his defence to mount assaults on both the Premiership and the European Cup he has gone for Aston Villa's valued centre half. Mellberg, 24, turned down Inter Milan to join Aston Villa last year but after enduring a fairly average season the Swede will surely be keen to test himself against the top players and what better place to do this than at The Theatre of Dreams?

An insider from the Old Trafford club informed us " Talks are very positive at this stage and we hope to complete negotiations as soon as possible. Olof is a quality centre half and we look forward to him lining up alongside the very best." If the move goes through as expected it will cover the cost of Aston Villa's purchase of Kim Kallstrom and will enable the Birmingham side to re-invest in their side, possibly for a strike partner that suits Bosko Balaban best.

The Daily Mail spoke to a source close to the Villa board and it seems they are in fact prepared to sell their highly rated defender because economic conditions dictate it is in the clubs best interests to do so. The insider, who would not reveal his identity spoke frankly about the possible actions Villa may need to take to go forward.

" With the transfer market subsided at the present time an offer of such magnitude would be difficult to refuse. Rod Davies clearly needs to strengthen the squad but in order to do so he must sell his most valuable assets to gain the funds to pay both the board members wages and any left overs can then be put forward to the clubs transfer kitty. I would expect the likes of Vassell and Barry to leave soon as well, to ensure saleable assets like Peter Crouch can develop into world beaters."

retired_icee

I agree, quality stuff here

retired_embartl

Thanks for the kind words, appreciated.

Sunday Times 11th August
Ansell Disgraced as Hodgson Reveals Truth Over Mellberg
by Roger Holmes

According to reports in the Daily Mail yesterday Olof Mellberg seemed set to join Sir Alex Ferguson's men at Old Trafford with the deal apparently agreed to. However a club announcement yesterday stopped any rumours about the proposed move dead in its tracks.

The Aston Villa chairman, Howard Hodgson, announced on their offical website ( www.avfc.co.uk ) that under no circumstances was Olof Mellberg going to be sold. This seems more acceptable given the Swedish international's recent commitment to Aston Villa in an interview for the club magazine, "Claret and Blue".

Hodgson continued to express his revulsion at the supposed link to Aston Villa and he revealed that this "insider" figure was none other than former financial director Mark Ansell attempting to provoke a backlash from the fans who might then see the Ansellis years as not so bad after all.

" I cannot believe that the man would go to such an extent to sully the Aston Villa name. Suggesting that we are a selling club that needs to sell our most valuable "assets" - as he puts it - to function effectively is absolute nonsense - a load of hogwash from a ruined man, making pathetic final parting shots. Olof is central to our plans for success at the club and idea of selling him is completely out of line with our ambitions for our football club .

"I hope you are listening Mr Ansell. I said football club, not a business where the deluded directors come up with even more ludicrous schemes to incorporate wage increases. I know how a business organisation works Mr Ansell, and how good effective ones work, as you might care to note with my enterprise, "Howard Hodgson's Home Improvements" for example."

Mr Hodgson proceeded to attack the former director's record whilst on board at Aston Villa before returning to comment on the Olof Mellberg situation, where categorically once again it was denied that Villa need to sell their best players. This will come as an enormous relief to a few fans who were calling phone-in shows and expressing disgust at the potential sale. But now the Swede, it seems is finally able to concentrate on establishing a firm relationship with former Manchester United defender Ronny Johnsen at the heart of Villa's defence.


Wednesday 14th August - Daily Star

Football Round Up
collected by M.T. Noggin

Aston Villa manager Rod Davies will be without the services of his loaned Icelandic midfielder Joey Gudjonssen for two months after the bald headed tackler was allegedly beaten up by Birmingham City defender Matty Upson following a brawl outside Euphoria nightclub in Bromsgrove.

It is believed the brawl started when Upson was found in a compromising situation with Guddy's girlfriend, but boss Davies will be more concerned that the Icelandic one was out partying so late at night - with the incident occuring at about half past one. Police have been informed.

I have to say that if I was Joey Gudjonssen I'd be pretty narked off too. As the photo on page 3 will show - she has the finest breasts I have ever known - and thats saying something. However as a consumate professional he should have known better. The knee injury will take some time to heal properly but when the two teams meet on the football field later in the year, Matty Upson had better beware should a certain hard tackling midfielder step out to play.

Also absent from Villa's soiree to France to take on Troyes this evening is Morrocan, Mustapha Hadji who is suffering from a calf strain although this occured in a regular fashion on the training pitch.


Darren Bent has turned Scitzo on gaffer Joe Royle over the size of the squad. Following the departure of midfielder Jamie Clapham, Bent got angry with Royle for letting the squad go so cheaply. The fact that the club are broke meant nothing. It was out of Royle's hands but still led the young striker to claiming

" If this guy had any balls he'd stand up to the board and get them to change the situation cos it's frankly ridiculous that all of our top players are leaving! How are we supposed to advance anywhere if we have no squad. No offence to the other little kiddies here, but they aren't up to the standard needed - well not for 3 or 4 years when we'll no doubt be in the conference with just the 16 player minimum squad or something stupid!"

Bent will probably end up being given a warning for his comments.