Aston Villa: Why only James Milner will decide what happens next season
Jun 19 2010 By Mat Kendrick
DION Dublin reckons only James Milner himself can decide where he will be playing his club football next season.
Manchester City are still interested in luring the England midfielder away from Villa despite having an opening £20 million bid rejected.
And although Randy Lerner and Martin O’Neill are keen to retain Milner their resolve could be fiercely tested by an improved City offer.
But Dublin insists the ultimate decision on the Yorkshire youngster’s future will be made by the player himself after the World Cup.
“James Milner’s a bright young lad and he’s got a sensible head on his shoulders so I’m sure he’ll do what’s best for his career,’’ said Dublin.
“There’s bound to be a lot of haggling between Villa and Manchester City and possibly a few other clubs.
“Villa will have their idea about what he’s worth and City will have their idea about how much they are willing to pay.
“But at the end of the day it will be down to James to decide where he wants to play his football. If he thinks he’s got more chance of achieving things away from Villa it will be hard to keep him. From what I hear he’s the type of lad who won’t rock the boat.
“But the way football is today, if a player is not happy at a club and wants to move somewhere else then that’s usually what happens.”
Meanwhile former Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger is looking forward to returning to Villa Park with new club West Ham on the opening day of next season.
The German midfielder, who could make his competitive debut for the Hammers in the August 14 fixture, said: “I am looking forward to it, be good to go back there.
“I made over 100 appearances for them and it was great. But I am looking forward to going there as a West Ham player and helping my new club get a good result.”
■ Fans wishing to attend Villa’s first pre-season friendly at Bohemians on Saturday July 24 can book a coach and ferry package.
The coach departs from Birmingham at 8pm on Friday 23 July for an overnight ferry from Holyhead to Dublin.
The return ferry leaves Dublin at 9.15pm on Saturday. The package, not including match ticket, costs £79.
To book phone Premier Entertainments on 01543 426426 or 07712 653356.
