USA - Belgium 2-4 : Goals Christian Benteke

England v Ireland as it was tweeted...

Happy Birthday Charles & Kyle...

We here at villamad.co.uk would like to wish Many Happy Returns to Charles N'Zogbia and Kyle Walker.

Kyle had a successful loan spell at the Villa under Monsieur Houllier, managing to provide more assists to Darren Bent than either Ashley Young or Stewart Downing. He's gone from strength to strength since returning to Spurs and looks set to secure his spot in the England squad as the World Cup looms.

Charles remains something of an enigma, but when he does hit form, he is still one of the most exciting players in the league as he proved when given a run in the team in a more central role. Rumours of a move to Monaco persist, but maybe he's a luxury we can actually can afford to keep.

So Happy Birthday chaps.

Villa bounce back to win the Shield in Hong Kong

Aston Villa bounced back from an agonising last eight defeat to Leicester City to bag a trophy at the Hong Kong Sevens.

Wins over South China and Manchester City enabled Sean Verity's charges to take the Shield.

Villa's day began with extra-time heartbreak in an extraordinary quarter-final against Leicester.

In the Leicester game, Villa had look dead and buried but a brace from Jack Grealish and a late goal from Jerell Sellars took the game into sudden death.

Michael Cain

Sadly, Michael Cain netted just 30 seconds into the extra period to break the Young Lion's hearts

However, the Villa lads showed their character, responding with 3-1 victory over South China with Grealish and Sellars again providing the goals.

Facing Manchester City in the Shield final, Villa suffered a set back when City took an early lead

Villa took control in the second half, Grealish equalising with a pearler and then providing the free kick which Janoi Donacien converted with an audacious back-flick to secure the silverware.

The clear out begins...

The clear out at Villa Park has begun in earnest as news filters through that three players aren't to be offered new deals.

Simon Dawkins departure won't be a massive shock, as his presence has barely registered since his arrival on loan from Spurs during the transfer window.

A handful of substitute cameo appearances never really gave him the stage to impress with Villa faithful. Though he seems to be blessed with good ball skills, there always seemed to question mark over his pace and a last chance saloon appearance as the Wigan game petered out did little to enhance his chances.

Hopefully he can go back to the MLS where he appeared to have found a niche.

Veteran goalie Andy Marshall's departure was no surprise (but then we wouldn't be THAT surprised if we re-signed him yet again). Villa's impressive Swiss stopper Benji Siegrist is now twenty one years old and can surely be trusted to become the club's number three, while Bradley Watkins and Craig Hill have both put in impressive performances between the sticks for Under 21s this season, Watkins' heroics being a major factor in the Next Gen triumph.

More surprising is that we are saying goodbye to useful fill-in fullback Eric Lichaj.  Only as recently as the Chelsea game, Eric had showed how capable he can be be when called upon and his ability to slot in at either right back or left back was a handy one to have. Fans will be wondering if Chris Herd is to be the understudy right back or whether a new signing is in the offing.

Stan's the man: Petrov takes on coaching role

Stiliyan Petrov has joined the coaching staff at Aston Villa.

Just a few days after Petrov Day at Villa's last game of the season in Wigan marked his departure as a player, he has a new role at the club

Long time friend Paul Lambert had hinted there would be a place for the midfield maestro on his coaching team, an offer which he has now accepted. He will work as assistant to Villa development coach Gordon Cowans.

"I'm very excited by this new challenge and I wish to thank the club and the manager, Paul Lambert, for giving me the opportunity to continue my association with Villa, which I have always regarded as a privilege.

"I will study for my coaching badges over the coming months and I am looking forward very much to working with Gordon Cowans, someone I know and respect, a true Villa legend.

"My hope is that I can assist Gordon through my own experience in the game and that I can help the young lads to progress, become better players and better human beings. There are important values that we have always stood for at the club and we will continue to do so."

Petrov joined Villa from Scottish Premier League side Celtic in 2006.

Dunne and dusted

Media reports suggest that Richard Dunne, Villa's almost forgotten centre half, has been released by the club as his contract comes to an end.

Dunne, an O'Neill acquisition, failed to make a single competitive appearance under Paul Lambert. The Republic of Ireland international has failed to make any real impression under the previous two managers - having a particularly fractious relationship with Gerard Houllier - and despite noises to the contrary from Lambert earlier in the year, his departure seemed inevitable.

Ironically, it has been in defence that Villa have struggled in the Lambert era, with many fans calling for an experienced defender to steady the ship.

With Villa seemingly unable to keep a clean sheet and Lambert pouring cold water on the prospect of bringing in experienced players, the Villa faithful will be intrigued to see just how the backline can be strengthened before the new season kicks off on the 17th August.

We at villamad.co.uk wish Richard  every success for the future and will be reminiscing about the good times and the early days of his partnership with James Collins.

Who do you think you are kidding Mister Nike?

Mutton dressed as Lahm

England's new kit under new manufacturers Nike has been revealed and caused a storm!

Jack Wilshire was given the honour of unveiling the new design in a Tweet earlier today and reaction was swift as fans and journos were quick to point how similar the design was to that used by West Germany in the sixties and early seventies.

The away kit, in contrast is a "polo shirt" style design in England red and seems more acceptable to supporters.

The furore over the new kit may prove to a storm in tea-cup though as England seem to change the shirt design more often than they change their socks...

Like this kid, my England dream began here, so he was first in #theshirt – England’s new kit from @nikefootball twitter.com/JackWilshere/s…
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) May 20, 2013

Villa face Malaga at home: Pre-Season Fixtures

Villa have announced a pre-season friendly at Villa Park against surprise Champions League package Malaga C.F..

The match will take place just a week before the Premier League returns and will be the culmination of a pre-season programme which takes Villa on a mini-tour of Germany before tackling some lower league opposition in the UK.  Meanwhile many fans will be saving their pennies and digging out their leftover Euros for a clash against Shamrock Rovers in Dublin.

Wed 10 Jul
SV Rodinghausen v Aston Villa

Fri 12 Jul
SC Paderborn v Aston Villa 

Sun 14th July
VfL Bochum v Aston Villa

VfL Bochum sounds familiar

Sat 20th July
Wycombe Wanderers v Aston Villa

Tues 23rd July
Luton Town  v Aston Villa

Fri 26th July
Crewe Alexandra v Aston Villa

Wed 31st July
Walsall v Aston Villa

Sun 4th August
Shamrock Rovers v Aston Villa

Sat 10th August

Aston Villa v Malaga C.F.

Wigan v Villa as it was tweeted...

Villa Park to host Chelsea/Arsenal Third Place Play Off (if needed)

In the possible event that Arsenal & Chelsea finish the Premier League with identical records, they will be forced to play off to see who finishes third and Villa Park is in line to host the vital game.

Villa Park - well used to neutral matches

Third place matters because the third placed team progresses automatically to the Group stages of the Champions League, while the fourth place team will have to face a potentially tricky two-legged qualifier to make their way into the lucrative tournament.

In order to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, a date of Sunday 26th May has been set for the match and ticket prices have been set at an affordable £20-£30, after the FA Community Shield, held at Villa Park in August, was marred by the site of swathes of empty seats.

There will be a play-off in the event that Chelsea draw against Everton at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal win by a single-goal margin at St James' Park having scored two more than their London rivals. For example, a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge and a 2-1 victory for Arsenal would result in a dead heat.

It will surely be an embarrassment to Boris Johnson and his London cohorts that no suitable venue for a clash between two London teams can be found within the capital so soon after hosting an Olympic Games.

David Beckham Retirement Statement

"I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level. If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy. I'm fortunate to have realised those dreams.

"To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country. I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country. I'm honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch.

"I wouldn't have achieved what I have done today without my family. I'm grateful for my parents' sacrifice, which made me realise my dreams. I owe everything to Victoria and the kids, who have given me the inspiration and support to play at the highest level for such a long period. I also want to thank Simon Fuller and his team for their continued support.

"I want to thank all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from. I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.

"Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love, however I feel like I'm starting a new adventure and I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead. I'm fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it's my time to give back."

#DavidBeckham retiring.... #icon

— Ian Taylor (@IanTaylor7) May 16, 2013

Best wishes as David #BeckhamRetires His magical free kicks for @mufc and England will live long in the memory of all football fans

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) May 16, 2013

Andrew Ridgley has decided to hold back his press release announcing his retirement from music for at least another 24 hours.

— Danny Baker (@prodnose) May 16, 2013

David Beckham, one of the most iconic figures in global football is retiring from playing. It’s the end of a chapter of an amazing story.

— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) May 16, 2013

David grew up as a football loving child & achieved his dreams, and unquestionably inspired millions of boys & girls to try & do the same

— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) May 16, 2013

Whatever he chooses to do next I’m sure he’ll approach with the same dedication & good grace he displayed the last 21 years. Good Luck!

— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) May 16, 2013

The villamad.co.uk 2012/13 Awards

The end of the season and time to hand out the villamad.co.uk end of season gongs:

Player of the Season: Brad Guzan

Where would we be without Bradley? Quite possibly the npower Championship, that's where. Mister Guzan, who we very nearly lost last summer has positively flourished under Mister Lambert and given the standard of the defending in front of him, he's not been  short of opportunities to show just how good he is. He's had to do it under pressure too. Any drop in form and Shay Given would have easily taken his place.

Goal of the Season: Matthew Lowton v Stoke City (Away)

Villa nerves were starting to jangle up in the Potteries as Stoke had just clawed their way back into the game, but Matt's wonder strike did the bizzo and sent the claret and blue travelling faithful into rapturous appreciation. Alan Shearer didn't like it but what does that washed-up goal-hanger know?

Breakthrough Player of the Season: Andi Weimann

Paul Lambert believes in giving a youth a chance and Andi has grabbed his opportunity with both ends, moving from bit-part player to one of the first names on the team sheet. a tireless worker and a natural eye for goal, he has also proved to be a perfect foil for the likes of Gabby and The Beast and become a fan favourite to boot. Top notch.

The Golden Boot: Christian Benteke

Defenders have nightmares about Christian Benteke. Strong, skillful, determined, when he's in the mood he'll cause problems for anyone's back line. We've waited donkey's years for a free flowing striker to keep us on our feet. Let's hope we can keep hold of him for a bit longer.

The Comeback Kid Award: Gabby Agbonlahor

Poor Gabby had seemed a bit lost under Monsieur Houllier and Mister McLeish. Neither really had a clue how to get the best out of him and niggling injuries didn't help. This season, despite competition for places from the likes of N'Zogbia, Bent new boy Bowery, Mister Aston Villa has found his form, scored vital goals and his pace has been a key part in Villa's at times scintillating attack. Welcome back Gabby!

Young Player of the Year: Jack Grealish

If you've not been watching the Under 21s or the Under 19 Next Gen lads, you've been missing out. They play some lovely stuff. Samir Carruthers has come on in leaps and bounds but we're really excited by the potential of Jack Grealish, who could grow into a very promising player indeed. Already when he's combining with the likes of Samir and Daniel Johnson, the hairs on the back of the neck stand up. Take a trip to watch the youngsters next year, it's entertaining football.

Only 895 extra tickets for Wigan

Wigan Athletic is only releasing another 895 tickets for Sunday's season climax clash.


"Supporters who have requested to be placed on the waiting list for tickets will be given first option on securing a seat for the 4pm kick-off.

"Supporters on the waiting list are being contacted but, if you have not received a call to date, you are asked to contact Consumer Sales on 0800 612 0970 before 3pm on Thursday May 16 to secure your ticket(s).

"The surplus of tickets will be made available to season card holders who have attended three-or-more away Barclays Premier League fixtures in the 2012-13 season.

"This will be to personal callers only from 9am on Thursday May 16.

"Tickets will not be sold over the phone to supporters other than those who were placed on the waiting list on Wednesday April 25."

Wigan Away: Greater Manchester Police Statement

Greater Manchester Police is asking Aston Villa fans not to travel without a ticket for the football match at Wigan this weekend.

The fixture between Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa on Sunday 19 May 2013 at the DW Stadium is due to kick off at 4pm and is an all ticket game.

Aston Villa has sold out its original allocation of 3,000 tickets and today (15/05/2013) a further 1500* has been made available to them. There will be no ticket sales available on the day. Those without a match ticket will not be able to get in to the stadium.

Superintendent Neil Evans said: “We are working closely with Aston Villa Football Club and are urging Aston Villa fans to make sure they do not travel to Wigan for the last game of the season without a ticket.

“While we understand this is a major game, supporters who turn up to the stadium without a ticket will not be allowed entry and no tickets will be available to buy on the day. Fans will no doubt be disappointed if they can’t get in so we would urge them not to make the journey without a ticket.”

*N.B. Aston Villa state they have only been given 895 extra tickets for the Wigan game

Villa v Chelsea as it was tweeted...

For Stan

Apologies to our Twitter followers

villamad.co.uk would like to apologise to all those who enjoy reading our Twitter feed.

Unfortunately our Twitter account is currently under suspension  (though we don't actually know why).

In the short term we are seeking to get the account re-established, could take a bit of a while though. They seem to be ignoring us. In the longer term, we'll be seeking to communicate via social networks that don't stomp all over us in their dirty great jackboots.

Our lovely Facebook page remains available.

Stan Petrov Retires

Aston Villa's inspirational club captain, Stiliyan Petrov has retired from football as he continues his battle against leukaemia.

Stan was diagnosed after feeling unwell after a match at the Emirates Stadium in March 2012 but is now in remission.

Everyone associated with villamad.co.uk wishes Stan the very best for the future.

His statement in full:

"I've never been a person for making grand statements. I've only ever got on with my job, while remaining grateful to have great team-mates, great people around me and, most of all, a fantastic family. They have been powerful pillars of support when I have needed them most over the past year. To my wife, Paulina, and my sons, Kristiyan and Stiliyan, I love you very much and I will always for your constant love and support. Also to my mum and dad, my brother and Paulina's mum and the people who have been closest to me throughout this time - you know who you are and I love you all. Each and every day I thank God for giving me the opportunity to still be with my family.

"Football has been the other great love of my life, so it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from the game. The emotions are overwhelming really, but the continued support of family, friends and the great people I have come to know will make it easier for me to move on from the only life I've ever known.

"That I am ready to embrace new challenges will make this process much easier. Since being diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March 2012, I have come to understand and appreciate the way in which this disease impacts the lives of so many people. I can help and I want to help and, in setting up a foundation to help address the issues involved when people are diagnosed with this illness, I hope to make a difference. This will be my new challenge, one I will face with all the enthusiasm, energy and drive with which I have faced every single challenge.

"I remember when I was a young player at CSKA Sofia and the good life was all I was interested in. Celtic came in for me and I moved to Glasgow, to another country, to a new world. I didn't speak the language and I thought it would never happen for me. I knew nobody.

"Fortunately, I met people who helped me to turn my life around. I came to know great teammates who showed me the proper way, the way I had to be if I was going to be a serious professional and compete at a high level. I came to appreciate so much the opportunity to work with that level of professional people because it made me something like them. At Celtic Football Club and at Aston Villa Football Club I was privileged to live a life competing at a high level and playing the game I love, supported by the most passionate fans.

"Then something crazy happened, something I thought was just a cold but turned out to be something more serious, something life-changing. I played 90 minutes for Villa against Arsenal at The Emirates and I felt fatigued, not myself at all. But I thought it was nothing serious. The diagnosis by Dr Richard Lovell was a complete shock.

"Around 7,600 people in the UK are diagnosed each year with leukaemia and about 2,300 people with acute leukaemia. Fortunately, I was able to make decisions very quickly and I started my treatment quickly. I needed to. My leukaemia is now in remission and I have finished my high intensity treatment. From now on I'll be on the softer treatment, which is two years on tablets. I feel lucky. Not everyone is as lucky as I have been.

"For this I need to thank Professor David Linch at University College London Hospital, his PA Teresa Macdonald and all of the nurses and staff at that wonderful institution. Thank you also to Professor Charlie Craddock, Sandeep Nagra and all of the nurses who have looked after me at University Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

"For the life I've lived in football, I will always be incredibly grateful. For the opportunity this crazy thing that happened in my life has given me, I also feel grateful in a strange kind of way. This crazy thing, somehow, has touched people and I want to try to channel this in a positive way. This will be the greatest challenge of my life.

"I wish to thank the fans of Aston Villa and the Villa chairman, Randy Lerner, chief executive Paul Faulkner and manager Paul Lambert, also the fans of Celtic, the Bulgarian fans and fans of football all over the world who have helped me through the past year with their incredible displays of support and with their personal, moving messages. I would also like to thank all of the managers I have worked under and all of the team-mates I have played alongside. I loved playing football with all of you and you will always remain in my heart. Also to the agents who represented me, including my current agents Base Soccer. I am moving on and I am excited by this. There is a deep joy in my heart because of what you have shared with me, not only in this past year but over the years I have been in football. I felt privileged. I still do. I always will."

We Won the Cup!

Villa's Ladies triumphed in the FA Women’s Premier League Cup Final at York City's Bootham Crescent after a nail biting 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory over Leeds.

The match had ended goalless after extra-time after Villa's valiant defence had shut Leeds out and Villa's goalkeeper Megan Walsh was the hero in the shoot-out as she made the decisive save from Leeds skipper Clare Sykes.

Substitute Carly Davies kept her nerve to slot home the winner and send the Villa contingent into wild celebration.

“We’re over the moon with the victory,” said Villa boss Joe Hunt.

“The girls who stepped up were very confident and didn’t look like missing.

“Leeds are a very good team and we knew that. But we dug in and defended very well.”

Leeds manager Andy Burgess added: “I'm bitterly disappointed with the way we lost the game.

Aston Villa: Walsh, Vaughan, Mannion, Merrick, Petrovic (capt), Richards, Follis (Fergusson, 78), Moran (McCue, 55), Jones, Cusack (Davies, 100), Clarke

Leeds United: Draycott, Lipman, Emmonds, Lee, Sharp, Sheen, Sykes (capt), Huegett, Rich (Thackray, 83), Staneff (Coates, 120), Lee (Bass 46).

Referee Helen Byrne
Attendance 1257

Norwich v Villa as it was tweeted...