Why Aston Villa won't let Spurs beat them to academy title

Mar 28 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

VILLA youth coach Tony McAndrew insists his in-form side have no intention of allowing Spurs to usurp their Academy League title.

His side trail the Group C leaders by four points after 22 matches, having been beaten just three times all season.

They are currently on an unbeaten eight-game run since losing to Leicester City in January and have netted 22 goals in those eight games.

Today, they travel to face the might of Arsenal who are 20 points clear at the top of Group A.

Arsenal, of course, dumped Villa out of the FA Youth Cup in December after a five-goal thriller at Villa Park.

The Gunners have since gone on to reach the semi-finals where they have taken a first-leg lead by winning away at holders Manchester City.

“Without a doubt, it’s going to be tough,” said McAndrew, “but I keep telling these lads it is better than working for a living.

“This is a great life. They are playing in a reserve side battling to win the league again and playing for a youth side that is battling to hold on to its youth title.

“They are trying to improve their game. That is what it is all about.

“This is a fantastic life. We are very fortunate. Anyone who works in football, we are the luckiest people in the world as far as I am concerned.

“They come to work in a great facility and get paid for something that they actually love.