Aston Villa's James Milner calls on home fans for passion ... and patience

Sep 19 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“Our fans were brilliant at Birmingham and it was great to give them that win, but the main thing is that they get behind us and support us all the way through at Villa Park.”

Milner was impressed with the way the fans stayed with the team from first whistle until last at Blues and appealed for similar patience against Portsmouth today.

The former Newcastle wideman believes Gabby Agbonlahor’s late winner on enemy territory was proof of the adage that “good things come to those who wait”.

Villa only won seven Premier League games in front of their own fans last season, as visiting teams came to Villa Park intent on frustrating O’Neill’s team.

It was a far cry from their away form, with Villa winning 10 games on the road including a club record seven successes on the trot between November and February.

But after successive Villa Park victories over Rapid Vienna in the Europa League and Fulham in the Premier League this term, Milner is hoping the home hoodoo has been banished.

“Birmingham was a tough game, but with these type of games, you’ve just got to be patient and it’s the same at home,” added Milner.

“We’ve had a decent couple of seasons so teams are going to come and defend well against you.

“Portsmouth have not had the best of starts, but you can see them coming and being very organised.

“You’ve just got to be patient. You might not score in the first-half; you might not score in the first 89 minutes.

“If you get a goal in the 90th minute and you’ve been patient and you’ve kept doing the right things, then you’ll be happy.

“It’s about not getting worried or changing the way you’re playing, especially at home as well.

“There’s obviously a lot of expectation and obviously the fans want to come and see you win three and four nil. It doesn’t happen like that.”