HomeAuthorsBill Howell

Bill Howell

Bill Howell

Confidence is high at Aston Villa after win

MARTIN O'Neill believes confidence is high among his Villa troops heading into Wednesday's difficult trip to Blackburn. Read

Carson thanks Aston Villa fans for support

SCOTT Carson today broke his self-imposed silence following his nightmare for England last week and paid tribute to Villa's supporters for their backing at Middlesbrough. Read

Carew hoping Aston Villa goals will flow

JOHN Carew is looking for a confidence boost following his second goal of the season. Read

Cahill set for talks on his Aston Villa future

MARTIN O'Neill is planning talks with Gary Cahill in the near future to map out the defender's future. Read

Abgonlahor won't set goal targets at Aston Villa

GABBY Agbonlahor netted his sixth goal of the season - all in the last 11 games - but continued to insist he will not be setting any targets this season. Read

Villa goalkeeper Carson backed to beat boo-boys

MARTIN O'Neill says he always knew Scott Carson would be made a scapegoat by away fans for his Croatia blunder. Read

O'Neill backs strike duo to terrorise Premiership defences

VILLA manager Martin O'Neill believes Gabby Agbonlahor and John Carew can strike up a fearful partnership in front of goal now that they are playing with confidence. Read

Mellberg delighted to claim goal against Middlesbrough

OLOF Mellberg admitted he didn't think his wonder strike at Boro would stand. Read

Middlesbrough 0 Aston Villa 3

ASTON Villa piled the pressure on former favourite Gareth Southgate as they beat Middlesbrough 3-0 at The Riverside Stadium. Read

Carson urged to follow Shilton's example

SCOTT Carson has been backed to bounce back after his horror show against Croatia, with Villa boss Martin O'Neill sighting Peter Shilton as the man he has to emulate. Read

Moore's putting Villa before himself

LUKE Moore insists he is happy to put the team before his own personal quest for goals - even though he admits there are times when he would rather have the shackles taken away. Read

Gardner vows to fight for his place at Aston Villa

CRAIG Gardner is hoping for the best birthday present of all from Martin O'Neill this weekend - an invitation back into the Villa team. Read

O'Neill: Why I can't leave Aston Villa for England

MARTIN O'Neill revealed he decided to stick with Villa because he could not walk out on the club at a time when he can see real signs his rebuilding work is beginning to pay dividends. Read

O'Neill believes his England chance has gone

MARTIN O'Neill concedes that he may never be approached to manage England again. Read

Why Villa boss Martin O'Neill ruled himself out of the England job

MARTIN O'Neill revealed that he decided to stick with Aston Villa because he could not walk out on the club for the England job at a time when he can see real signs that his rebuilding work is beginning to pay dividends. Read

O'Neill has a mixed dressing room to deal with at Aston Villa

VILLA manager Martin O'Neill admits he will today inherit a mixed bag of emotions in his dressing room following the international break. Read

Agbonlahor in line for new Aston Villa deal

MARTIN O'Neill has dangled the carrot of a potential new contract for Gabby Agbonlahor - which would be his third in three seasons - to keep him away from the clutches of the big clubs. Read

Aston Villa's Riverside record counts for nothing - O'Neill

ASTON Villa's outstanding Premiership record at Middlesbrough counts for nothing, according to Martin O'Neill. Read

Aston Villa striker vows to see off new signings

LUKE Moore is confident in his ability to see off any new signings Martin O'Neill brings to the club in January. Read

Ellis confident O'Neill will reject England

FORMER Villa chairman Doug Ellis does not believe Martin O'Neill will be tempted away from the club by the England job. 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.