August 2008 Archives

ASHLEY Young was today paid a compliment by one of the most successful and respected coaches in Europe - before being cruelly snubbed once again by another.

The ego boost of being singled out by Rafa Benitez for special attention should send the Aston Villa winger's confidence soaring like one of his setpiece specials.

But his ongoing rejection by Fabio Capello could have him crashing back down to the Villa Park turf more spectacularly than one of his trademark dives.

If it was a difficult day for Gareth Barry then it was twice as tough for his younger claret and blue colleague who was stifled by Liverpool and ignored by England.

THERE was one man happier than most down at Bodymoor Heath today when Villa pulled Litex Lovech out of the hat for the next round of the UEFA Cup.
No, it wasn't Martin O'Neill after finally coming out on top in his summer-long pursuit of James Milner nor was it the now ex-Newcastle flyer himself having finally been handed the move to Villa he longed for two years ago.
Villa's very own happy chappy was bouncing Bulgaria international Stiliyan Petrov who was skipping around like a kid on Christmas morning.
But a return to his homeland wasn't the reason behind Montana-born Petrov's delight.
'At least we're not going somewhere where we might get kidnapped' remarked the excitable midfielder affectionately known as Stan.

Now that we have secured the signing of James MIlner I wanted to find out who Villa fans would have wanted given the choice??

My view is that two years ago I would have said Wright Phillips every time but since Milner was last with us he has improved no end as a player and if anything SWP has gone the other way.

Milner is definitely the more reliable of the two. Possibly SWP would have been the more exciting signing. MIlner will finally give us much needed balance on the right and his work ethic is second to none.

Couldn't resist using this shot of Gabby celebrating one of his recent hat trick goals for this week's caption competition. Over to you....

VILLA were today given a tricky UEFA Cup first-round clash against Bulgarian side Litex Lovech.

But should they win the two-legged tie, they will join 40 other teams in the lucrative group stage.

Villa are away for the first leg and Gareth Barry said he was delighted with the draw and the fact the club were once again in Europe.

"It's important for this club to be back in the UEFA Cup,'' he said.