Post by David Walker
Aston Villa
Odds: 750/one
Very last Five Seasons2005/06 – sixteen (Premiership), 2004/05 – 10 (Premiership), 2003/04 – six (Premiership), 2002/03 – sixteen (Premiership), 2001/02 – 8 (Premiership).
2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Fifth Round (replay) vs Manchester Metropolis (a) – misplaced 2-1.Carling Cup Fourth Round vs Doncaster Rovers (a) – lost 3-.
Leading Target Scorer 2005/06: Milan Baros (striker) – twelve goals.
Gamers OutJamie Ward (Torquay United – Totally free)
The occasions surrounding Aston Villa have given the press plenty to publish about this summer – with manager alterations, doable get about bids and player mutiny all aspect of the fun and video games at Villa Park.
Martin O’Neill took more than as manager on a twelve month rolling contract and replaced David O’Leary who was sacked in July. O’Neill has been out of the game for a lot more than a year when he determined to leave his post at Celtic, in which he had won the Scottish Premier League three occasions, to search right after his unwell spouse.
O’Leary left the club by mutual consent following an inquiry by the board into a statement which criticised chairman Doug Ellis and was supposedly issued by the enjoying squad. O’Leary liked a productive 1st time at the club and took them to a sixth area finish but issues soon turned sour, with the Midlands aspect finishing tenth in 2004/05 and then sixteenth previous season.
The arrival of O’Neill has lifted spirits with each Gareth Barry and Olof Mellberg all set to commit their futures to the club. The two gamers had been believed to be disillusioned under former manager O’Leary.
Villa has been the matter of extreme takeover speculation this summer time, with regional businessman Michael Neville, American billionnaire Randy Lerner, Nicholas Padfield QC and a consortium lead by Sven-Goran Eriksson’s agent Athole Nonetheless all displaying an curiosity in acquiring the club.
Villa turned down a £4.5 million bid for Gareth Barry from Portsmouth. The midfielder joined the club in 1997 and created over 300 appearances. He has also worn the captain’s armband for won 8 England caps.
However, there could be a return to former club Sunderland for striker Kevin Phillips, subsequent Niall Quinn taking over the North East club. Phillips loved a prolific spell at the Black Cats between 1997 and 2003, scoring 115 targets in 209 league appearances.
VerdictThe arrival of Martin O’Neill as supervisor is a good action as Villa were touted as possible relegation fodder this time. The 2006/07 campaign is probable to be one particular of transition for the club, with no transfer funds available until a takeover is total. Until eventually this time, O’Neill will have to get the best out of the gamers at his disposal and difficult for a top rated 10 spot is not beyond their capability.
About the Writer
David Walker runs Bet365 free of charge wager and fruit machine cheats websites. A totally free electronic mail program: “7 Days to Far better Betting” is offered at the two of these internet sites.