HomeAuthorsBill Howell

Bill Howell

Bill Howell

Gareth Barry refuses to give up on the race for Europe

GARETH Barry has far from given up on a top-five finish and says Aston Villa can "last the pace". Read

Stiliyan Petrov

Stiliyan Petrov is still in Aston Villa's plans

STILIYAN Petrov has not been frozen out by Martin O'Neill, who is hoping the former Celtic player will be "raring to go" after being taken out of the firing line. Read

Zat Knight warns Aston Villa to beware a Middlesbrough backlash

ZAT Knight has warned against a Middlesbrough backlash at Aston Villa Park tomorrow night. Read

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill insists Aston Villa are in it to win it

MARTIN O'Neill has pinpointed a significant difference in approach by his Aston Villa team to many others in the Premier League because they go into games looking to win - not simply to avoid defeat. Read

Zat Knight

Martin O'Neill: Dropping Zat Knight did him good

ZAT Knight has improved since his time out of the first team, according to Martin O'Neill. Read

Gabriel Agbonlahor

Gabriel Agbonlahor goal drought doesn't worry Martin O'Neill

MARTIN O'Neill has insisted he isn't too concerned by Gabriel Agbonlahor's Aston Villa goal drought. Read

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill pledge on Europe chase

MARTIN O'Neill admits Villa have now got their work cut out to qualify for Europe - but he insists the players are happy to be playing catch-up and will give it their all. Read

Martin O'Neill: This is crunch time

MARTIN O'Neill believes Villa are now facing a make-or-break period in their season and has described the coming days as: "a massive week ahead". Read

Break was good . . . and bad, says Martin O'Neill

VILLA boss Martin O'Neill concedes there are pluses and minuses to having enjoyed a free weekend to prepare his side for Wednesday's visit of Middlesbrough. Read

Martin O'Neill: I'll blast Aston Villa into the big time

MARTIN O'Neill has vowed to do all he can to blast Villa into the big time and admitted the "whole club needs re-igniting". Read

Duo give Aston Villa an injury boost

ASTON Villa have been boosted by positive news on influential midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker and the imminent return of Olof Mellberg for Wednesday's must-win Premier clash against Middlesbrough. Read

Gabriel Agbonlahor backed to fire Aston Villa into Europe

MARTIN O'Neill believes Gabby Agbonlahor can re-find his shooting boots and fire Aston Villa closer to Europe. Read

Patrik Berger's words of advice for injured Stephen O'Halloran

STEPHEN O'Halloran has revealed a pep-talk from Patrik Berger has convinced him not to get too downbeat about his serious knee injury. Read

Aston Villa Youth told to enjoy their big final at Chelsea

ASTON Villa youth coach Tony McAndrew has urged his players to be positive, enjoy the big occasion and not to freeze as Villa look to take a giant step to their third FA Youth Cup Final in seven years. Read

Zat Knight's ready to take advantage of Curtis Davies' misfortune

ASTON Villa defender Zat Knight says he cannot afford to feel too apologetic towards injured team-mate Curtis Davies as he now sets his sights on playing the final 10 games of the season. Read

Don't rule Aston Villa out of the top four race - Zat Knight

ZAT Knight has refused to give up on a top-four finish as he called for one final push from his Aston Villa team-mates in their quest for European football. Read

Don't judge us against Arsenal performance - Martin O'Neill

MANAGER Martin O'Neill believes Aston Villa are reaching a consistent level of performance but has appealed for his side not to be judged on Saturday's superb display against Arsenal. Read

Aston Villa have no fear - Martin O'Neill

MARTIN O'Neill believes his Aston Villa side are now playing without fear as they continue their march towards Europe. Read

Gareth Barry hails Aston Villa improvement

SKIPPER Gareth Barry has hailed the progress made by Villa this season and labelled it the biggest advancement for a number of years. Read

Stephen O'Halloran back at Aston Villa after injury setback

STEPHEN O'Halloran has returned to Aston Villa after sustaining a cruciate ligament injury in his loan spell with Leeds United. Read

Author Profile

Bill Howell started covering Midlands football for the Sunday Mercury in March 1998. He moved to the Birmingham Mail, writing solely on Aston Villa, following the 2000 FA Cup Final. Previously he was a sports reporter in Aberdeen, covering the Old Firm, and before that he was a news reporter in East London.

Get involved

We want your local stories, videos & pics.