In news you’ve probably already heard:-

John Carew & Freddie Bouma entered light training last week and are both are now back in full training. Good news at both ends of the field. Despite our unbeaten run, we’ve certainly missed Carew up front. When he returns, one of the midfield five will need to make way, the question is who?? Well, it’s Sidwell isn’t it, let’s be honest.

Personally, I’m really looking forward to seeing Freddie back, I’m sure we all are. It will be especially encouraging to see Luke Young switch back to the right so we can field a back four all playing in their proper positions. Bad news for Reo-Coker though.

Doncaster beat Cheltenham 3-0 yesterday to win the right to host us on Saturday in the 4th Round of the FA Cup. I’m sure no one will need reminding about our last visit to Doncaster, least of all Gareth Barry & James Milner who played that sad night.

Villa legend Johnny Dixon has passed away aged 85. He played for the club for 17 years and captained the ’57 FA Cup winning side and later coached the youth side for several years. They don’t make ’em like that anymore.

Stan Petrov is entering into new contract talks which sounds good to me. Again, probably not so good for Reo-Coker.