Fans spark will help Aston Villa - O’Neill
Oct 16 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
Martin O'Neill
O’Neill believes Villa Park can be one of English football’s most atmospheric venues on its day and cites its history as a former FA Cup semi final venue as proof.
“The atmosphere against Manchester City was very intense and it would be great if Villa Park could be like that every week,” he said.
“Saying it and doing it are different things and we know that we have to try and lift the crowd by the way that we play.
“But there is a great tradition at this football ground, that’s why it’s held so many semi finals over the years.
“I’ve got friends who have come to watch some of our home games and commented on how good the atmosphere is.
“Whether they just got lucky by choosing the right games I don’t know, but our supporters are capable of generating that.”
O’Neill advocates making the Villa Park atmosphere as unwelcoming as possible for away teams after just seven home league wins last season.
But the Villa boss is happy for the club’s ground staff to roll out the green carpet by maintaining a lush playing surface conducive to passing football.
“The pitch is in great shape,” he added. “Against Manchester City the groundsman got it softened up for us so we really wanted to play.
“It was totally different to the long grass we faced at Blackburn the previous Saturday.
“We want to get out and play and we don’t fear any opposition, even teams who are really good footballing sides.
“We will try to get the pitch in as perfect order as possible whereas other clubs, during the course of the year, would leave the grass a bit longer.”
O’Neill will assess the condition of his returning international contingent today and hinted that fit again full-backs Wilfred Bouma and Luke Young are also in contention to join the match-day squad.
