HomeAuthorsBill Howell

Bill Howell

Bill Howell

We are confident against the big four - Martin O'Neill

MARTIN O'Neill has been buoyed by Aston Villa's performances against the big four this season. Read

Martin O'Neill praises his key Aston Villa trio

MARTIN O'Neill has pointed to the rise in confidence of three key players - John Carew, Martin Laursen and 'super sub' Marlon Harewood - as Villa look for a first win at Arsenal in almost 15 years. Read

Curtis Davies: We fancy our chances against Arsenal

CURTIS Davies believes Aston Villa will go into tomorrow's clash at Arsenal "fancying their chances" but he insists it is a folly to suggest they can allow the Gunners to dominate possession. Read

Arsenal won't be distracted - Martin O'Neill

MARTIN O'Neill says he would love to see Arsenal "take their eye off the ball", but he insists the Gunners will not be sidetracked by the prospect of trying to keep their Champions League hopes alive against AC Milan just 72 hours after facing Villa. Read

O'Neill tells of his pride in players

MARTIN O'Neill today spoke with satisfaction and pride at the major advances made by his Villa team in the 18 months since their first trip to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Read

Aston Villa have nothing to fear at Arsenal

ASTON Villa should not to be "deterred or frightened" by Arsenal's fearsome home record and Martin O'Neill says it will be the Gunners who will be running scared on Saturday. Read

Marlon Harewood

Marlon Harewood is built up by Martin O'Neill

MARTIN O'Neill says that Marlon Harewood's build-up play is now as good as at any stage in his footballing career. Read

Martin O'Neill

Aston Villa promise to attack Arsenal

VILLA's 3,000 sell-out army of travelling fans have been promised an attacking display from their side at Arsenal. Read

Scott Carson

Martin O'Neill takes time over Scott Carson deal

SCOTT Carson's desire to get his future sorted holds little sway with Martin O'Neill. Read

Former Aston Villa captain Jimmy Dugdale dies

FORMER Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion FA Cup winner Jimmy Dugdale has died in hospital at the age of 76 after a long illness. Read

Gabriel Agbonlahor

Gabriel Agbonlahor: I want that England cap

ASTON Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor believes his return to fitness and a continuation of his good form can earn him a senior England call-up. Read

Stephen O'Halloran

Stephen O'Halloran faces loan from AstonVilla

STEPHEN O'Halloran could yet leave Villa on a short-term loan deal, but Isaiah Osbourne will now remain at the club after breaking back into the squad. Read

Patrik Berger

Martin O'Neill's joy at Patrik Berger return

MARTIN O'Neill has spoken of his delight at Patrik Berger's return to fitness and says he is now looking for the Czech play-maker to play his part in helping send the club into Europe. Read

Stiliyan Petrov

Stiliyan Petrov is stood down by Martin O'Neill

ASTON Villa's Stiliyan Petrov has been withdrawn from "the firing line" by Martin O'Neill in an effort to boost the Bulgarian's shattered confidence. Read

Martin O'Neill: Aston Villa were excellent

MARTIN O'Neill believed Villa were full value for their victory, which further enhanced their European credentials. Read

Relief for Gareth Barry as Aston Villa stay on course

GARETH Barry spoke of his relief that his penalty miss at Reading was not damaging to Villa's European aspirations and insisted he aims to continue as the club's spot-kick king. Read

John Carew immense for Aston Villa, says Martin O'Neill

JOHN Carew has more belief in himself now than at any time in his nomadic footballing career, according to Martin O'Neill who hailed the Norwegian for his second-half display at Reading. Read

Marlon Harewood

Marlon Harewood: Don't call me Super-Sub!

MARLON Harewood insists he does not want to be known as "Super Sub" and has Read

Gareth Barry

Gareth Barry appearance record praised by Martin O'Neill

BIRTHDAY boy Gareth Barry has been hailed by Martin O'Neill for his "phenomenal" appearance record at Villa as he prepares to step out for the 381st time at Reading tomorrow. Read

John Carew

John Carew ready for a Royal scrap at Reading

JOHN Carew says Villa are flying ahead of Sunday's trip to Reading - but the in-form Norwegian striker is warning of a real scrap ahead at the Madejski against a side fighting for their lives. 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.