Rapid Vienna have issued an official apology to Andreas Weimann and Aston Villa after their fans’ deplorable behaviour during Thursday’s Europa League match, showering him with abuse and drinks as he was stretchered off, clearly in a state of distress.
One of the things I love about being back in Europe, even if it’s just the Europa League, is the exposure to a different set of footballing cultures. I think we were all blown away by the experience in Vienna
It would appear James Milner’s 24 hour ultimatum has forced some action and it’s currently being reported that he is heading to Manchester for a medical. Presumably he’ll pass Stephen Ireland on the way. Not sure they’ll wave to each other.
As it stands, it sounds like our side of the bargain will be Stephen Ireland plus £16m. What will happen to that money is another question, but I wouldn’t assume it will all go to fund new
Not the greatest of shocks, it was looking dicey 10 days ago, but it’s been confirmed that James Collins and Carlos Cueller will not be available for the season opener against West Ham on Saturday. As far as I know, Richard Dunne came through Ireland’s 1-0 loss to Argentina unscathed and there should be no issue with Ciaran Clark.
Curtis Davies and Gabby Agbonlahor are both back in training and there’s some optimism that they will be available. Ashley
Squad Numbers for 2010/11 have been announced and the only significant change is Stephen Warnock taking the number 3 shirt after Freddie Bouma left the club at the end of the season. If you’re wondering what Freddie’s up to, I’ve heard nothing since he went back to PSV on trial in June and I’m assuming that’s still the case. Perhaps no news is good news, but surely we would have heard by now if they were going to
We were required to submit our Europa League squad for the play off round by midnight Monday and while I’ve waited for that information to filter through, part of me has wondered whether discussions about that squad could have been a catalyst for Martin O’Neill walking out.
I don’t know whether that was the case, I don’t know whether it was rushed through after MON walked, but at the moment it appears that Nathan Delfouneso and Marc Albrighton have not been
OK, it’s not a new signing, but with the current sombre atmosphere, I thought it worth bringing some good news. Oh, and this was something I got a little sniff of back in June. I know, hold the front page, a major scoop for AVC and high fives all round!!
The details were correct, it is a new 3 year contract and Lichaj is looking forward to trying to force his way into the first team at Villa Park
It’s brief, it doesn’t reveal much, but the General’s words, which I’ll add below shortly, don’t paint a rosy picture of the scenes behind closed doors at Villa Park.
On the basis of what’s been emerging in the last few days, why Martin O’Neill signed another 12 month contract not two months ago is a mystery to me. I’m sure he’ll give his own version in due course.
Randy Lerner
Having had some time to reflect on Martin leaving, I can say
I’m tempted to apologise for the cynicism as it’s generally not my style… but no, forget it, the timing is little better than MON’s resignation.
I appreciate that information will be coming from the club in due course, but pumping out silly bits of PR guff as if nothing has happened is a little insulting. I’m sure it’s not as bad as I’m portraying in this cartoon, but it certainly feels a little like that.
However, my jadedness to one side,
Big shock. That’s all I know right now, but it’s absolutely confirmed. Not a joke.
Martin O’Neill has resigned with immediate effect. Kevin McDonald has been named as caretaker manager ahead of the game against West Ham on Saturday.
I’ll drop links in here as they emerge.
This is the club statement in full:-
AVFC
Aston Villa can confirm that Martin O’Neill has resigned as manager of the football club with immediate effect.
Kevin MacDonald, reserve team manager, has assumed the role of