Friday, 29 August 08, 01:47 PM
Right, first things first, the Milner deal is done and as someone commented earlier, it feels nice after all those Newcastle fans came on to the site a couple of weeks ago saying he'd never leave for Villa.
But he is clearly an intelligent lad, so he did. I think he'll have a great game on Sunday too and who fancies a cheeky bet that he gets a goal? I'll check those odds tomorrow and put them up in my punt post.
Friday, 29 August 08, 11:48 AM
It's almost a serious question. I'm in town today and not in front of a PC and by the time this finds itself on the web, it could very well be old news.
But the talk is, he's on his way and if he is, he'll play on Sunday and help us beat red scouse.
Also, if he does arrive, we'll have an in the spotlight post from Adam. Keep your fingers crossed, any right winger will do now.
Thursday, 28 August 08, 09:47 PM
The first half was all Craig Gardner and he showed why he is one day going to be a very good central midfielder, if he's given the chance, but the second was really quite poor.
Delfouneso came on in the second half for Gabby and Osbourne got a start. Osbourne had a good game, Delfouneso would probably have wanted more time and maybe a few more chances. Still, this match was only ever about giving a few of the younger lads a run out and getting into the next round.
Thursday, 28 August 08, 09:30 AM
For several reasons I'm really looking forward to this match. The main reason is because I think it's a match where we can pick up three points.
Our game raises against the bigger teams and Liverpool are a big team; not one of the top three but big enough for our game to raise. I've also got a feeling that the atmosphere for this game is going to be a little different than what it usually is and that will be good for our players.
Thursday, 28 August 08, 08:47 AM
Tonight should be a formality, but I suggested that about last Saturday and look what happened. However, I'm going to go all out and actually say, it is a formality.
It's not that they're not a decent side, you can only play what is put in front of you week in week out, it's that we're a much stronger side and we're at Villa Park.
I'd actually be a little worried if we didn't have the three goal advantage and if it was all square or maybe just the one goal, I'd maybe not be as confident but I think it's fair to say we'll go through after tonight.
Martin O'Neill is set to rest some players ahead of the visit from Liverpool this weekend, but with him allowed to have the rest of the first team squad on the bench, if things do start t
Thursday, 28 August 08, 06:29 AM
Morning. I've just woken to see that the site has almost successfully moved to OleOle. We have a few issues that the technical guys have been emailed about and I'm sure more are going to come up, but for now, this post is just to say, we're here.
It's also a place for you to leave any comments about the site so if you find any bugs tell us, because we need to make it better. Also, if there is anything you don't like, tell us, we'll do our best to change it if it's possible.
Wednesday, 27 August 08, 06:12 PM
James Milner handed in a transfer request a week ago. If Martin O'Neill didn't know about that and if James Milner hadn't already indicated that he wanted to come to Villa, or whatever club has suggested he hand in a transfer request, then I'd be very surprised.
Much like Liverpool chasing Barry all summer and Martin O'Neill telling Liverpool the price, surely if Martin O'Neill has been given a price and really wants James Milner, all he has to do is offer it?
Okay, maybe it isn't that simple, in fact I know it's not that simple but it's not as difficult as Martin O'Neill is making it. James Milner is represented by the PFA and you don't mess them about. If Newcastle have told us a price, then Martin, if you want him, you're going to have to offer it.
Wednesday, 27 August 08, 07:40 AM
It's a rumour in the Daily Mail and we're linked with him along with Newcastle. Those are the two reasons why it is probably made up.
He plays for Standard Liege, who are playing Liverpool tonight in the Champions League and one of the teams, probably Liverpool, will be entering the UEFA Cup proper. The other will in the Chumpians League.
The rumoured price is £10mn. and he's a midfielder. I watched the Liverpool game a couple of weeks ago and nobody really stood out for me, on either side, although Standard Liege really should have won and I hope they do tonight. I'll also be looking out for this player.
That's it so far this morning, but no doubt something else will come up this afternoon as there are six days left of the transfer window and I'm expecting a signing a day.
Tuesday, 26 August 08, 02:05 PM
Saturday started with the expectation that by 5pm we would be chanting 'we are top of the league', but it certainly didn't go to plan.
Let's try to forget about dodgy penalty decisions and Rory Delap's extraordinary long throws. Despite the Stoke defeat we all need to stay positive because all the signs so far are that Villa are going from strength to strength and are now ready for the next phase of the Randy and Martin revolution.
Success this season will be either some silverware or a top four finish. With a couple of class signings this week and holding on to Gareth Barry we are ready. The defence will soon start to click and we haven't even seen the best player in the SPL last season, Carlos Cuellar, in a Villa shirt yet.
Monday, 25 August 08, 02:36 PM
On Wednesday night, at about 11pm UK time, the site will be taken off line for a few hours. While it is off line, it will be moved and become part of another site, namely OleOle.
OleOle is a new community driven football website and I decided, actually quite a while ago now, to join up with them and become part of the fastest growing football website on the planet.
Why did I do this? Well, basically they sort of offered me a job. The job isn't doing anything that I'm not already doing but the guys at OleOle are actually going to pay me to keep the blog running.
It took a while to agree everything, mostly because it was very important that the only thing that really changed was where the site was hosted and that we as a community still have control of what happens on the blog.
We've got that control and with everything else that was offered, it made the decision of moving very easy.