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Aston Villa Blog & News Feeds

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Blogs
  • Solskjaer – the Scandinavian saga continues

    20 May 2012, 1:11 pm
    Hearing about his talks with Randy Lerner on Friday, many people of a claret and blue persuasion expected that the former Manchester United player might soon become a Villan, not a villain. Unusually, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer experienced turbulence after his flight from Birmingham. Upon returning to his hometown, he discovered that his current club’s main...
  • The Managerial Merry-go-round

    17 May 2012, 6:57 pm
    At the start of the week, Villans breathed a collective sigh of relief as Alex McLeish, whose initial appointment was deemed an own goal by many, was shown the red card. Now, we find ourselves on the managerial merry-go-round once again. After the rather bizarre scenes at Carrow Road last Sunday, which involved the travelling...
  • Exclusive: Lerner’s Plane Spotted in Norway

    17 May 2012, 6:35 pm
    AVillafan.com can break the news that Randy Lerner’s jet is currently sitting in Norway The below image was sent to by a gentlemen in Norway                   The gentlemen who sent it me had this to say: Randy Lerner’s private jet landed in Kristiansund to fly Ole Solskjaer...
  • Onwards and Upwards..

    16 May 2012, 6:41 pm
    This season’s grand total of seven league wins is our lowest since 1890-91, when there were only twelve teams in the top flight. We’ve also equalled the record for the highest number of draws in a thirty-eight game Premier League campaign. We’re all, I’m sure, glad to be able to put an abysmal season to...
  • End of Season Report.

    14 May 2012, 7:39 pm
    Well last night when I originally wrote this post, I thought it would only be a matter of time before McLeish went and today we got the news we all wanted to hear. Personally for me Martinez is the man, but I don’t think he will join us although the fact we have moved so...
  • CLOSED FOR RE-CONSTRUCTION

    25 April 2011, 10:58 am
    CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RE-CONSTRUCTION....
  • Bolton Wanderers 3-2 Aston Villa

    6 March 2011, 9:49 am
    The Villa fail to convert a sackful of chances and go down to another goal in the final five minutes......
  • Manchester City 3-0 Aston Villa

    2 March 2011, 5:42 pm
    Rubbish team selection! Rubbish tactics! Rubbish performance! Substitutions when we're three goals down and 20 minutes left ? The fans, particularly the travelling faithful,......
  • Aston Villa 4-1 Blackburn Rovers

    26 February 2011, 12:24 pm
    The Villa ease up to 12th in the league after what eventually turned out to be an easy three points......
  • Blackpool 1-1 Aston Villa

    13 February 2011, 8:01 am
    With a two-week break pending, due the the lack of foresight of the FA, the Villa were pegged back by......
  • Advanced Look Ahead to Reebok Road Trip


    Villa face a Bolton side this weekend who have the worst home record in the Premier League having won just 1 and lost 6 of their opening 7 games at the Reebok. Despite this, Bolton’s home advantage makes them slight favourites according to SkyBet and Betfair football, with a draw unsurprisingly the longest odds with [...] ...
  • Villa Preview vs Tottenham: Van der Vaart Fitness the Key


    Villa face Tottenham having not beaten Spurs in their previous 5 encounters, with Redknapp’s side doing the double last season in strangely similar fashion. Both games ended 2-1 and while Marc Albrighton scored in each game for Villa, Rafael van der Vaart netted all four of Tottenham’s goals past Brad Friedel, now a teammate of [...] ...
  • McLeish’s Villans ready for Spurs, Swansea and Man United


    Aston Villa will be primed to re-launch their flailing Premier League campaign this season after the international break starting with Tottenham Hotspur, then facing Swansea City and finally coming up against Manchester United in a busy few weeks for the midlands club. With just two wins in their last 10 games (wins against Wigan and [...] ...
  • Could Jermaine Signing be a Stroke of Jenas?


    Aston Villa have 12 points after 10 games, the exact same tally as last season, and despite sitting 9th, could be in a dangerous position were they to lose, or even perhaps draw with Norwich. With United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal all to come in the next two months, Alex McLeish will no doubt [...] ...
  • Villa Preview vs Sunderland: Goals at a Premium


    It is fair to say that Villa have not exactly set the world alight under Alex McLeish so far and they will be aiming to prevent a third successive defeat in Darren Bent’s first return to Sunderland. Aston Villa After a 7-game unbeaten run at the start of the season, albeit with 5 draws thrown [...] ...
  • Ashley Young: Should We Sell?

    16 April 2011, 8:59 pm
    I don’t think even the most wishful Aston Villa supporter would be surprised to see the back of Ashley Young this summer. We’ve all come to terms that, after 4 and half wonderful seasons, our £9.75m bargain will take his … Continue reading →...
  • Bent’s Pricetag in Perspective

    31 January 2011, 3:22 pm
    £18m rising to £24m… I never once denied how overpriced this transfer fee for Darren Bent was. At the time, I used Man City’s valuation of £28m for James Milner as justification for our extravagant spending. I pointed to Barcelona’s … Continue reading →...
  • How Important is Bent?

    24 January 2011, 8:52 pm
    As soon as the record-breaking signature of Dazza Bent went through last Tuesday, I rejoiced for the acquisition of what we have been missing for so long. I claimed that it had been years since we had a natural goalscorer, … Continue reading →...
  • Sunderland, Quit Your Whining

    18 January 2011, 5:21 pm
    The transfer of Darren Bent to Villa is imminent – in fact, it will probably be completed as I write this short piece. But the move is somewhat being soured by petulant Sunderland fans who, for some reason or another, … Continue reading →...
  • A Goalscorer: Villa’s Forbidden Fruit

    17 January 2011, 5:12 pm
    Well, we’ve always wanted our 20-goals-a-season front man… it looks like we just may have got him. I read a comment earlier saying, “Aston Villa are mugs”. But, are they? £18m (possibly £24m) is an absolutely extortionate fee, granted. Aston … Continue reading →...
  • What the Villa Faithful Want From Their New Manager

    17 May 2012, 5:17 pm
    This post has been written by Sam Tighe, and I’m delighted he’s taken the time to contribute to the site. He’s produced some great work previously, so if you’re on Twitter give him a follow using the link at the bottom of the article. He loves his football and loves his Villa, great combo ‘Aston [...]...
  • Mick McCarthy? No Chance

    15 May 2012, 9:22 pm
    Why must it seem like everyone is trying to wind us up at the moment? First we had links with Karl Henry in the press last week, now the bookies have made everyone panic by dramatically shortening Mick McCarthy’s odds to be the next Villa manager. It’s worrying to see him up there, and it’s [...]...
  • Updated next manager odds

    14 May 2012, 10:16 pm
    We wrote a post yesterday when McLeish was still in a job and the market only seemed to be open with a couple of bookmakers. Just had another quick look and a number of the same lot from yesterday are still there, with the top two unchanged: Roberto Martinez 11/10 Paul Lambert 11/8 Gus Poyet [...]...
  • Randy, it’s over to you

    14 May 2012, 8:12 pm
    Wowzers what a day. I read that it looked like Mr McLeish’s spell as Villa manager might be drawing to an end this morning, then naturally had to attend a course for the majority of the day which meant I couldn’t spend it glued to my laptop. Lunchtime came and he was still our manager, [...]...
  • Next manager and relegation odds

    13 May 2012, 8:29 pm
    I love a cheeky bet, so was interested to see what prices had been drawn up for a few markets. The most interesting at the moment is the next manager market and even though we of course still have one at the moment, it’s worth looking at who the bookies think might be the next [...]...
  • Match Preview: Why Aston Villa should beat Liverpool this weekend. #avfc #lfc

    6 April 2012, 8:00 am
    It’s a jovial time of year.  Chocolate eggs, smiling children and two glorious bank holidays.  So, trust Villa to have a vital fixture sandwiched amongst this, all primed and ready to put a massive downer on things.  However, whilst Villa go to Anfield in search of vital points towards guaranteeing Premiership status, our hosts are on arguably an even worse run of form.  Indeed, Liverpool’s six recent league defeats are particularly remarkable given the calibre of some who they h...
  • Debunked: Joe Cole free transfer rumour. #avfc

    5 April 2012, 10:37 am
    Hot on the heels of our article discussing free transfer possibilities yesterday, the rumour mill has identified Joe Cole as a possible target for Villa this summer.  The suggestion is that Liverpool would be willing to release Cole for nothing at the end of the season following his inspired loan spell at Ligue 1 outfit Lille. The real question has to be why Liverpool would release him for nothing?  Cole is contracted to Villa’s looming weekend opponents until June 2014 and his performa...
  • Summer Transfers: Free deals worth pursuing? #avfc

    4 April 2012, 2:15 pm
    What with Carlos Cuellar, Brad Guzan and the mighty Emile Heskey poised to depart on free transfers at the end of the season, perhaps it’s time Villa looked to take advantage of some freebies?  Indeed the club are already looking to set adopt this strategy (see Brett Holman) in order that saved transfer fees can be put towards player salaries. But who is up for grabs this year?  Who could Aston Villa, on the back of a poor overall season reasonably expect to attract?  Here are a few na...
  • Aston Villa: It's time to be honest. #avfc

    4 March 2012, 6:33 pm
    The writing has slowed at Vilr Towers of late. This is because the writer ponders the words that you take the time to read, never rushing for fear of publishing on a whim. Great willpower is used in resisting the urge to vent, searching for the positives or at the very least looking at the bigger picture. The latter being something that we as football fans are as guilty as any of remembering to apply when voicing our opinions. It would be improper, indeed, delusional to suggest that all is we...
  • Stewart Downing. No Goals, No Assists, No Good? #avfc #lfc

    16 December 2011, 8:00 am
    Regardless of what one might have thought, Villa selling Stewart Downing to Liverpool for £20 Million (2011 summer transfer window) still felt like reasonably good business at the time.  A few months down the line, Downing has produced literally none of the glimpses of talent Villa fans witnessed for his new employers at Anfield.  It now feels like even better business.  But there is a reason for this. 15 games into his Liverpool career Downing has produced nothing.  Not so much as an own ...

Newspapers
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keeps the line open to call from Aston Villa

    19 May 2012, 4:19 pm
    • Solskjaer's U-turn after his chairman withdraws backing• Norwegian still prepared to honour contract at MoldeOle Gunnar Solskjaer is prepared to listen to an offer from Aston Villa if they make contact with him again, but is happy to "stand by" the remaining two years of his contract with Molde.Solskjaer, his wife Silje and agent Jim Solbakken were flown by private jet from their home town of Kristiansund to Birmingham for a four-hour meeting with Villa representatives on Friday. They retu...
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer withdraws from race to become Aston Villa manager

    19 May 2012, 12:42 pm
    • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he will 'stand by' present club Molde• Solskjaer interviewed about Aston Villa post on FridayAston Villa's search for a new manager will continue after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared to rule himself out of contention. The Norwegian held talks with Villa on Friday but said he intends to honour the remaining two years on his contract at his current club, Molde, who are second in Norway's first division and the defending champions.Solskjaer, his wife Silje and agent J...
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opens talks with Aston Villa over manager's job

    18 May 2012, 10:00 am
    • Solskjaer flies to Birmingham on Randy Lerner's jet• Former Manchester United star is manager of MoldeOle Gunnar Solskjaer said he had held "informal" talks with Aston Villa and not substantive negotiations over the vacant manager's job after flying from Norway for discussions with the club's owner, Randy Lerner, on Friday.A private jet belonging to Lerner flew into Solskjaer's home town of Kristiansund to collect the 39-year-old and take him to Birmingham. The former Manchester United str...
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is surprise contender to be Aston Villa manager

    17 May 2012, 10:00 pm
    • Manchester United legend led Molde to title in Norway • Odds on Solskjaer getting Aston Villa job tumble Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on the shortlist for the managerial vacancy at Aston Villa. The former Manchester United striker, who is in charge of the Norwegian club Molde, has emerged as a surprise contender to replace Alex McLeish.Solskjaer's odds tumbled on the betting markets on Thursday and although no talks are yet planned to take place between Randy Lerner, the Villa owner, and the 39...
  • Aston Villa striker Darren Bent dismisses transfer speculation

    16 May 2012, 2:38 pm
    • 28-year-old denies he wants to leave struggling club • 'I signed for Villa because I wanted to be here and I still do'Darren Bent has pledged his future to Aston Villa and promised the squad will get behind the club's new manager.The 28-year-old, who missed the last three months of the season after rupturing ankle ligaments, was linked with a move away in January.Villa struggled without Bent, who scored 11 goals, and their 16th-place finish only two points above the relegation zone cost Al...
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer storm over Aston Villa trip

    19 May 2012, 10:00 am
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will today face tough questions about his designs on the Aston Villa manager’s job after talks with Randy Lerner caused a storm back in his native Norway....
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer jets in for Villa talks

    18 May 2012, 10:21 am
    Villa owner Randy Lerner was today embarking on a selling job to persuade Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to become the club’s next manager....
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer jetting in for talks with Randy Lerner

    18 May 2012, 7:52 am
    Villa owner Randy Lerner was today set to embark on a selling job to persuade Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to become the club’s next manager....
  • Transfer rumours – May 18

    18 May 2012, 6:35 am
    Expressandstar.com brings you the latest transfer talk from Wolves, West Brom, Aston Villa, Birmingham and Walsall....
  • Time to map out a plan for Villa’s future

    18 May 2012, 5:45 am
    The season is over.  The door shuts on another campaign as Alex McLeish finally lost his fight for his job last week and the Birmingham club embark on the latest leg of their long history, writes Villa blogger Matthew Turvey....

Web and Broadcasters
  • Solskjaer awaits next development

    19 May 2012, 3:09 pm
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is prepared to listen to an offer from Aston Villa if they make contact with him again, but is happy to "stand by" the remaining two years of his contract with Molde....
  • Solskjaer's Villa visit angers Molde

    19 May 2012, 12:45 pm
    Molde manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's visit to Aston Villa for an "informal first chat" has caused a storm among sponsors and supporters in his native Norway....
  • Premier League - Solskjaer cool on Villa job

    19 May 2012, 12:39 pm
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has distanced himself from the vacant Aston Villa job despite friction with Norwegian side Molde....
  • Solskjaer plans to stay with Molde

    19 May 2012, 12:26 pm
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appears to have ruled himself out of the running for the Aston Villa job....
  • Solskjaer opens 'informal' Villa talks

    18 May 2012, 7:27 pm
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed he has held talks with Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner about becoming the club's next manager....
  • Solskjaer - No Villa offer

    19 May 2012, 1:31 pm
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is happy to stay at Molde after confirming he has not received an offer to become the new Aston Villa manager....
  • Solskjaer holds 'informal chat'

    18 May 2012, 6:47 pm
    Molde coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted meeting with Aston Villa but claims no official negotiations or interview have taken place....
  • Solskjaer Villa talks confirmed

    18 May 2012, 10:54 am
    Molde coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has returned to Norway after holding talks with Randy Lerner about Aston Villa's managerial vacancy....
  • Villa make Solskjaer contact

    18 May 2012, 8:21 am
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as a candidate for the Aston Villa manager's job after he held talks with club officials....
  • McLeish reveals Villa regret

    17 May 2012, 2:21 pm
    Alex McLeish has expressed his regret at letting down Aston Villa supporters after a disappointing Premier League campaign....

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