Brad Guzan plays lights out in a rare start (Brad Friedel was rested) in Aston Villa’s 1-0 UEFA Cup win over Slavia in Prague.
Great atmosphere (4:40 mark).
UPDATE - Looks like the FA had decided that Barton will face no action following the incident with Agbonlahor.
He’s been warned that if he receives another “Violent Conduct” Red Card following his admission of guilt in the Olivier Dabo assault case in which he was ordered to pay a 25 Thousand Pound fine and handed a 6 match suspension, Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton’s other suspended 6 match ban from the case could be invoked by the English Football Association.
After getting their second home win in as many weeks against Aston Villa through Obafemi Martins’ 2 goals, television and print media had a field day with the picture above.
And it can never be good when former Premier League referee Graham Poll throws his hat into the situation saying, “If Steve Bennett had seen the situation you can’t deny he would have sent him off. He actually does strike the opponent.”
Barton said, “Nothing has gone on, people are making a mountain out of a mole hill. With the referee, linesmen, the fourth official and all the television cameras, you know you cannot raise your hands these days – and at no stage have I done that.”
image via DailyMail
Aston Villa boss man Martin O’Neill has handed down a significant fine to Norwegian striker John Carew after said forward was caught out at a “Lap Dancing Club” in the wee hours of Thursday morning.
Left out of the Uefa Cup squad against Ajax (a game in which Aston Villa won), Carew’s decision to go out after the match forced O’Neill to confront the big man.
Via the BBC
O’Neill said: “John was disciplined because he breached the rules. John thinks there are mitigating circumstances. I listened and then I made a decision he was wrong.”
“John assures me it won’t happen again so I will believe him. It wasn’t the brightest thing to do. Most of the players in the dressing room are saying it should be doubled.”
image via Sehit
Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry has decided to issue a statement to the press / fans through his agent Alex Black regarding the ongoing drama surrounding his on again / off again possible move to Premiership side Liverpool.
In a statement released to Sky Sports News, Black said: “After much speculation I can confirm that Gareth Barry will not leave Aston Villa before the transfer window closes.“
Gareth made the decision to stay two weeks ago and informed Aston Villa of his intentions. During this time discussions have taken place to decide the best way forward for all parties. Any talks regarding potential new contracts at Aston Villa will not take place until the end of the season.
“Gareth wants to concentrate on playing on the best of his ability for Aston Villa, and we hope this draws a line under the matter.”
With the decision to stay now, is there any chance the Barry could sign a new contract with Villa?
Current Olympian and former Chivas USA goalie Brad Guzan has been granted his UK Work Permit the second go around after initially being turned down during the winter transfer window.
While many have been riding Guzan hard this year after a couple of rough performances, this is still a 23 year old kid who’s got a very bright future ahead of him. And with Brad Friedel as Martin O’Neill’s number 1, Guzan will have the opportunity through trainings, Reserve team action and Cup competitions to solidify his game and growth.
image via Imgs
UPDATE - It’s looking as if Barry’s deal with Liverpool will go down as the latest reports have the England International heading to the Champions League side for 17.5 Million Pound AND right back Steve Finnan.
Will the trickle down effect have Jermaine Pennant heading to Blackburn to replace David Bentley?
Aston Villa are claiming that the time for Liverpool to make a deal for Barry has come to an end. This could very well be another ploy that Villa is using to get more money out of the Reds, or it could just be that this saga has come to an end. Could be a tough one for Gareth as the fans have not been happy with him these days. How long do you think the Villa fans can hold a grudge?
UPDATE - Looks like Blackburn and Villa have agreed to a 2 Million Pound move rather than a 4 Million Pound move for Brad Friedel.
How well has this worked out for Blackburn? After signing for Graeme Souness on a free transfer (leaving Liverpool after 3 seasons) just after the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Friedel went on to a long 8 years of service that saw Blackburn not only gain promotion to the Premiership and make their way to the upper half of the table, but also gain their way into UEFA Cup competition with Friedel in the nets.
That’s a pretty damn good return if you ask me! And PS - His first Premiership appearance was against Aston Villa.
With Paul Robinson’s White Hart Lane nightmare almost finished with his proposed 3.5 Million Pound move to Blackburn, Brad Friedel might very well be on his way to Aston Villa in a 4 Million Pound move.
If you’re a want-away like Gareth Barry is from Aston Villa, how should the home side fans react in your first appearance since the collapse of a proposed move to Liverpool?
They boo. They boo every time you touch the ball. They boo when you shoot. They boo even when you’re substituted. Then they applaud that you’re off the field.
