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Bill Howell

Bill Howell

Pearson is danger man for Derby

MARTIN O'Neill has pin-pointed Derby's workmanlike Scottish international midfielder Stephen Pearson as one to be wary of as his Villa side look to get back to winning ways against Derby County. Read

Gabriel Agbonlahor

Boss hopes players will be at Best

THE late, great George Best may not be facing Derby tomorrow but Martin O'Neill is looking for some of his current crop to start taking a leaf out of the genial Irishman's book. Read

Martin O'Neill

O'Neill relishes the extra spice

THE visit of Derby County to Villa Park tomorrow is a long overdue first Midland derby since Blues were sent crashing to defeat in April 2006. Read

Martin O'Neill

Villa at battle stations

MARTIN O'Neill has called for the right approach from his players against Derby tomorrow but has warned them to prepare for a tough afternoon against the basement battlers. Read

Martin O'Neill

Martin: Records are there to be broken

HE may enjoy listening to records of the musical variety but Martin O'Neill will never be one to read too much into the statistical variety. Read

Martin O'Neill

O'Neill: Don't write off the Rams

MARTIN O'Neill believes Derby County could still be a force to be reckoned with this season, because personal experience has taught him that promoted clubs can take a little while to get to grips with the top flight. Read

Stiliyan Petrov

O'Neill: Petrov can hack it at the top

MARTIN O'Neill believes Stiliyan Petrov heads into Saturday's home clash with Derby County with a burning desire to finally show what he is capable of. Read

Curtis Davies

Davies will grab his chance, says boss

MARTIN O'Neill today backed Curtis Davies to make a roaring success of his career at Villa. Read

Scott Carson

Red card duo sweat on recall

SCOTT Carson and Nigel Reo-Coker will be kept on tenterhooks as to whether they will win automatic recalls to the Villa side following their one-match suspensions. Read

Olof Mellberg

Juventus link no worry for O'Neill

VILLA remain deep in discussion with Olof Mellberg over a new contract with manager Martin O'Neill unflustered by the latest speculation in Sweden that has suggested Juventus are showing an interest. Read

Gabriel Agbonlahor

Gabby plans a Ram-raid

GABBY Agbonlahor has spoken of the importance of Villa heading into the crunch derby with Blues on a winning note. Read

Gareth Barry

Gareth set to cash in

MARTIN O'Neill will attempt to keep Gareth Barry at Villa long-term and away from the clutches of the glamour clubs by promising him a money-spinning testimonial. Read

Craig Gardner

O'Neill: Craig will come good

MARTIN O'Neill admitted he got his team selection wrong at Bolton as he was once-again out-foxed by Gary Megson and had made his mind to address the problem after just 15 minutes. Read

Martin O'Neill

I got it wrong, admits Martin

MARTIN O'Neill admitted he got his team selection wrong at Bolton as he was once-again out-foxed by Gary Megson and had made his mind to address the problem after just 15 minutes. Read

Luke Moore

Luke can set new goals now

MARTIN O'Neill is looking for Luke Moore to push on after the Villa striker ended his Premier League goal drought at the Reebok. Read

Gareth Barry

Barry: I'm staying put at Villa

GARETH Barry today put the minds of thousands of Villa supporters at rest when he declared he had no interest in leaving the club amid fevered weekend speculation that Chelsea were about to pounce. Read

Martin O'Neill

Bolton 1 Villa 1

A GAME made for television, only if you possess both the remote control in one hand and a stiff gin and tonic in the other. Read

Thomas Sorensen

Sorensen ready to scrap for his place

THOMAS Sorensen staked his claim for a Villa recall with a clean-sheet as Villa reserves cruised to a 6-0 victory against Chelsea last night. Read

Villa are on the right track - O'Neill

MARTIN O'Neill believes Villa are starting to play the style of football he has been craving. Read

O'Neill: Villa are better this time around

MARTIN O'Neill is convinced Villa have a better side than 12 months ago when Manchester United got the better of them three times in a matter of just a few short weeks around the turn of the year. 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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