Benteke U-Turn, he signs till 2017

Christian Benteke has withdrawn his transfer request, pledged his future to Aston Villa and scribbled his moniker on a contact extension.

The Villa striker has been the subject of fevered speculation linked with Tottenham Hotspur since Villa confirmed that he'd asked to move last week.

The goal-machine must now battle to re-win the hearts of the Villa faithful and regain his place in the first team line-up after successful line-leading performances from Andi Weimann and Nick Helenius on the German tour. His extended break means he'll not be considered for tomorrow's Wycombe clash.

The Beasts of B6 said: "I spoke with the Manager when I returned to training and we had a good talk. I am very happy to be back here in Birmingham and at Aston Villa, and to sign a new contract.

"This is a great Club and it has given me a lot. Now I have to give back to my teammates and the fans who have always been right behind me.

"The end of last season was very good and the lads were very strong. It was not easy but we came through it and the confidence is high. So everyone knows what we have to do now - be better. I need to be better than last year."

Paul Lambert added "It's a huge bonus and I'm sure the supporters are every bit as delighted as me to have him on board and raring to go."

Benteke Bombshell: Villa confirm transfer request.

Aston Villa has confirmed tonight that star striker and Belgian international Christian Benteke, a man with THREE YEARS left on his contract, has handed in a transfer request.

Villa's media geezer Brian Doogan confirmed the news in a series of tweets:

In respons 2 reports @bentekechris20 has not traveled 2 Germany with the Club and has made a transfer request, both r accurate ... #avfc
— Brian Doogan (@doogan_brian) July 8, 2013

2/5 ...4 clarity’s sake, however, he had already been given xtra time off until July 18 & was reminded ther r 3yrs remaining on his contract
— Brian Doogan (@doogan_brian) July 8, 2013

3/5 we consider him 2 b a Villa player & xpect he'l b with us for the 2013-14 season. Having received transfer request, we've also informed
— Brian Doogan (@doogan_brian) July 8, 2013

4/6 ..him that shud we receive offer within appropriate timeframe durin preseason that meets valuation we would act upon it. But he'l remain
— Brian Doogan (@doogan_brian) July 8, 2013

5/6 a Villa player should this not happen. Villa manager PL said “While we’re hugely disapointd Christian has put in a transfer request, its
— Brian Doogan (@doogan_brian) July 8, 2013

6/6 important ppl appreciat we'r tryin bild somethin strong&vibrant @AVFCOfficial, something Club demands&stands 4 &we want CB b part f it.”
— Brian Doogan (@doogan_brian) July 8, 2013

This website feels that nobody is bigger than the Villa and if he doesn't want to play for Aston Villa, he should never play for us again.


However, we DO feel it is time time that clubs took a stand against the power players and their parasitic agents think they hold over the game and if Paul Lambert and Randy Lerner decide it's appropriate to deny the request and let the player rot, training with the development squad and missing the World Cup as a consequence, then they have this website's full support.

Aston Villa has always been a pioneering football club. Maybe we should be the first to draw the line in the sand.

We are, however, HUGELY sceptical about the timing of the announcement, coming AFTER season ticket renewal deadline day.

Sharp practice?

New deal for Weimann, Benteke in talks...

It's widely reported that Aston Villa have to come an agreement with Andreas Weimann and he is set to scribble his moniker on a new three year deal.

The Austrian front-man enjoyed his breakthrough season last term, quickly establishing partnerships with Christian Benteke and Gabby Agbonlahor, forming part of a front line which terrorised Premier League defences.

Andi's existing contract had just a year to run, which meant the only real options were a new deal or to cash in on the player before he became eligible for a free transfer.

With Belgium's summer fixtures now done and dusted, talks on a improved deal for Benteke will recommence, though with plenty of time left on his existing deal, the Belgian is likely to remain at Villa Park even if terms on an upgraded contract can't be struck. Paul Lambert will anxious to convince the player that another season at Villa will be beneficial to his ambition to star in the World Cup in Brazil.

Update: Weimann's signing was confirmed on Twitter by the man himself:

I'm really happy to announce that I have just signed a new 3 year contract at Aston villa ! #utv @avfcofficial twitter.com/andiweimann/st…

— Andreas Weimann (@andiweimann) June 10, 2013

USA - Belgium 2-4 : Goals Christian Benteke

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.

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Beneteke in PFA Young Player shortlist

Belgian goal machine Christian Benteke has been short-listed for the PFA Young Player of the Year. The unstoppable force snapped up from Genk has fired home 19 goals in his debut season for Aston Villa.

The Holte End favourite is on course  to break an Aston Villa goal-scoring record this season, as he looks to become the first player to score 20 league goals in an Aston Villa shirt since the glory days of Peter Withe.

The Beast of B6 is up against Gareth Bale, Jack Wilshire, Romelu Lukaku, Danny Welbeck and Eden Hazard for the award.

Villa v West Ham as it was tweeted...

Villa goals in Liverpool win

listen to ‘Villa goals in Liverpool win’ on Audioboo

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Norwich City v Aston Villa as it was tweeted

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Benteke Scores for Belgium!!!!!!!

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Christian Benteke - You Tube