HomeAuthorsBill Howell

Bill Howell

Bill Howell

Osbourne and Cahill go on loan from Aston Villa

ISIAH Osbourne and Gary Cahill could lead a mini-exodus of Aston Villa players farmed out on loan. Read

Aston Villa boss O'Neill targets Spurs defender Pascal Chimbonda

MARTIN O'Neill has focused his attentions on Spurs right-back Pascal Chimbonda - and still hopes Jermain Defoe can be prised out of White Hart Lane. Read

Aston Villa's Thomas Sorensen to decide next move

THOMAS Sorensen of Aston Villa has held preliminary talks with Derby County but the Rams have decided to pursue other goalkeeping targets. Read

Cup exit could have silver lining, says Aston Villa keeper Scott Carson

SCOTT Carson believes Aston Villa's early FA Cup exit could yet prove a "blessing in disguise" if a less hectic fixture list helps them into Europe. Read

Tickets on sale for Aston Villa legends dog night

TICKETS are still available for when Aston Villa go to the dogs. Read

Martin Laursen: I would be happy to stay at Villa

MARTIN Laursen has given a big hint that he sees his future at Villa Park. Read

Villa youngster Harry Forester signs deal

VILLA'S exciting young England midfielder Harry Forrester has signed his first professional contract. Read

O'Neill: Forget Man Utd result, this Villa team is learning

ASTON Villa's woeful record against Manchester United since August 1995, their last meaningful victory, was not something manager Martin O'Neill wanted to dwell on after their 13th successive defeat. Read

O'Neill discounts Capello's presence for Villa pair's form

MARTIN O'Neill discounted stage fright as a reason behind an unusually subdued display from Aston Villa pair Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor. Read

Aston Villa 0 Manchester United 2

AS Peter Kay recites in his stand-up routine. Aston Villa were more like a Digestive biscuit than a Rich Tea, able to soak up only so much coffee after a dunk before crumbling to pieces. Read

Manchester United injuries and form make no difference to O'Neill

MANCHESTER United's faltering form and lengthening injury list has cut no ice with Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill. Read

Olof Mellberg: Consistency will break United stranglehold

OLOF Mellberg chalks up his 250th Aston Villa appearance tomorrow calling for 90 minutes of consistency if they are to finally shatter their Manchester United jinx. Read

John Carew touch and go for Manchester United FA Cup tie

MARTIN O'Neill has revealed Aston Villa will give Norwegian striker John Carew as much time as possible to get fit for tomorrow's FA Cup clash with Manchester United. Read

O'Neill backs the Holte End road to give Villa FA Cup tie boost

MANAGER Martin O'Neill is banking on the roar of the Holte End to help Villa pull off an elusive FA Cup victory against Manchester United. Read

Agbonlahor on FA Cup quest for Villa

GABBY Agbonlahor says Aston Villa have already shown they can hurt the big four and must target at least a replay against Manchester United in the FA Cup this weekend. Read

Martin O'Neill keeps faith in Luke Moore

ASTON Villa manager Martin O'Neill has shrugged aside claims by Luke Moore's agent that the player wants to leave and looks odds-on to stick with the young striker. Read

O'Neill determined to keep Martin Laursen at Aston Villa

MARTIN O'Neill today admitted he was "desperately determined" to keep Martin Laursen at Aston Villa. Read

Villa boss O'Neill ready to make his transfer moves

ASTON Villa are attempting to make headway in a couple of areas in the January window. Read

O'Neill hails great Dane Laursen

MARTIN O'Neill hailed Martin Laursen as Mr Incredible as his late goal in the 2-1 win against Tottenham lifted Villa to sixth in the Premier League. Read

Villa boss O'Neill hails great Dane Laursen

MARTIN O'Neill hailed Martin Laursen as Mr Incredible as his late goal in the 2-1 win against Tottenham lifted Villa to sixth in the Premier League. 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.

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