Aston Villa are the proper champions of the Premier Reserve League. We won the Southern League and last night we beat the winners of the Northern League, Sunderland.
This isn't something to be taken lightly and should be something richly rewarded and it's nice to have something really positive to write and think about. For those going to Villa Park on Sunday, you'll probably see the kids doing a lap of honour and you should stand and applaud with pride. What was the slogan used; bright future?
It's also nice that Martin O'Neill and Randy Lerner seem to have left that part of the business to continue the success that they've been building for a few years now and it would be even nicer if one or two of them made the step up and were given a proper chance. I think one or two will and maybe one day soon, you never know.
So, moving on from some good news, to some speculation. First up there is talk that Zat Knight might be leaving to go play for The Clowns. The Clowns are also linked with Lucas Biglia who we were linked with recently and the price getting printed is £8mn., about £55mn. more than they can afford.
Knight won't leave Villa until we have a replacement and you know what, as squad players go, Zat Knight isn't that bad and does he really want to go get tainted as a clown? He'd be mad to leave us for them and Martin O'Neill might also want to consider the benefits of having a local lad in the team and one that is a decent enough squad player.
Another rumour started by someone last night is that West Ham are looking to offload Dean Ashton and they're hoping us or Newcastle will show interest again. Now, you can't doubt Ashton is a goal scoring machine but you also know he's going to get injured for large parts of the season and for that reason, we know it's not going to happen.
Martin O'Neill wants to build a consistent team and not bring in players that are injury prone. This won't happen and while I'd love a fit Dean Ashton, he'll not be fit for a season again so he's not for us.
Well done to the reserve team again and that is it for now. Match preview coming later and a link to a new forum.