Aston Villa Fans Left Understandably Fuming at Gerard Houllier

In a week that Aston Villa bowed out of The FA Cup for yet another season; Villa fans are left wondering why the experienced Gerard Houllier devalued the competition by naming such an under-strength side. Villa travelled to Man City and were on the receiving end of a 3-0 beating on Wednesday night, so what was going through Houllier's mind when he named that team? I intend to assess Wednesday nights events in relation to the remainder of another season without silverware for Aston Villa. 

Villa 'Reserves' were truly crushed at Eastlands. Photo: Metro

Darren Bent at Aston Villa…Fantastic! However, why was Martin O’Neill not given £18m for a Striker?

Darren Bent’s impending move to Aston Villa this afternoon has filled me with excitement. As a Aston Villa fan, I have been begging for the club to sign a striker with a proven record of scoring goals in the Premier League. If this transfer was to go through we would certainly be getting a Striker with an excellent track receord. TalkSport presenter and ex-Villain Stan Collymore however seems to be against the move, suggesting that the transfer is an act of desperation from Villa. So, why is Randy Lerner spending a reported £18m (rising to £24m) on Bent when he did not appear to show the such faith in Martin O'Neill?

Darren Bent has proven he is a class act in the Premier League. Photo: Guardian

Aston Villa - Tough Times Lie Ahead As Houllier Loses The Fans

Following the scenes at Anfield on Monday night, Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is not a popular figure amongst the Villa faithful. His widely reported comments following Villa's 3-0 loss to Liverpool were a final kick in the teeth to fans who have been given nothing to cheer about recently. Houllier's job has now been made a great deal harder. Not only does he need to somehow haul Aston Villa from the wrong end of the Premier League table; he must now tackle scathing Villa fans who feel his loyalties in some ways remain on Merseyside. 

Houllier was welcomes back by the Anfield faithful, but quickly dismissed by angry Villa fans. Photo: AFP

Aston Villa - What Does An Experienced Free Transfer Add To A Young Premier League Team?

When news broke that Aston Villa had signed Robert Pires at the ripe age of 37 it got me thinking...why has such a signing been made? and who stands to benefit from it? I hope to look at the value of such a signing and whether experience is the key in the ever-changing modern game. Can a Premier League team benefit from signing an experienced player whose career will soon be drawing to a close? Can you think of any past success stories or catastrophes at your cub? If so I would really like to hear from you!

Does Robert Pires offer more on the training ground than he does on the pitch? Photo: AVFC.

When Robert Pires spoke of his six month contract at the club, he said: "I hope to bring my experience to the team and help the younger players". This statement suggests that perhaps his role as a player at the club may precede his role as a mentor.