Depending on what report you read today, John Carew is off in January after his war or words with the manager at the weekend or the paid have called a truce. I still believe what I wrote yesterday; on the face of things all will be okay, but he won't get another contract and I actually wouldn't be surprised now if Carew never played again.
But, that is the story of John Carew and Gerard Houllier and I don't think any of us are that surprised and I hope Carew gets a good send off if he does wear the shirt again.
But enough of that; we have news! Jeff Vetere is the new chief scout of Aston Villa Football Club and he comes with a pretty impressive CV. I've also read somewhere today that he has an 'encyclopaedic knowledge of footballers', which can only be a good thing.
We're delighted to have Jeff at the club. He comes with a fine pedigree as a talent spotter and is well connected in the game.
Speculation
A rumour doing the rounds yesterday that put a smile on my face was that Mark Hughes was interested in putting in a bid for Stephen Ireland in January. I wouldn't be surprised if there was some truth in this, but I can't see it happening just yet but if it did, we'd need £10mn for him and I think we'd get it.
Mark Hughes is also apparently interested in Luke Young. I can't see this one happening, but that is just me.
Another rumour, something that isn't new but is gathering momentum, is that Robert Pires has been offered a player coach role at the club. I know this isn't one that many like, but I don't think it can do any harm. He has qualities we've not got at the club and the League does have older players playing at a higher level.
Now, this next bit is from The Mirror, so believe it if you want to believe it, but Nigel Reo-Coker has turned down the first offer received from the club to extend his contract and Steve Sidwell is injured and needs surgery.
You never accept the first offer, so I wouldn't be surprised if it was true Reo-Coker wants more and if the Sidwell injury is true, then I'm afraid all things do start to point towards something that is happening at Bodymoor - there are too many injuries now to start suggesting otherwise.
Last rumour of the day is that we are interested in Celtic fullback Emilio Izaguirre. He hasn't been at Celtic long and before that he played for Motagua. He plays on the left and likes to get forward. You know what; I really wouldn't be surprised if there was some truth in this as I have a feeling the manager isn't the biggest Stephen Warnock fan.
On that note, I'm off. Not much happening at the moment, big game tomorrow and I'm hoping we get something from the manager later when he does his pre-match press conference.