Friday: Martin or Mourinho .. ?

Depending upon who you listen to, you'd be forgiven for thinking the Football Association had already appointed Martin O'Neill and/or Jose Mourinho as the next England manager.

The Telegraph seems to think that the Villa man has the job wrapped up - watch this space.

Elsewhere, it appears that the rumours linking Olof Mellberg with a move abroad might actually be true. The Swede is expected to struggle to retain his place next season, though can walk into the 1st-teams of Juventus and Milan.

What a strange game this really is ..

Knight slams Bennett ..

Zat Knight has weighed into referee Steve Bennett following the official's handling of the Birmingham derby at the weekend, as The Daily Mail reports.

Meanwhile, Stilian Petrov has been talking up his side's chances of using the win as a springboard for the rest of the season.

I thought it was West Brom who went "boing"?

Monday: Tribute to Liam Ridgewell

You've got to feel sorry for the lad.

An own goal against his former club, in the biggest game of the season. Then a late header off the line to deny victory, then getting outjumped by Gab Agbonlahor as Villa snatch it. Who'd be a footballer?

Anyway, here's the reaction from across Villa-land, from Dem's Small Heath verdict to The Telegraph's slightly more sympathetic coverage.

Check out also the whinges from Steve Bruce, courtesy of IC Birmingham. On a cold Monday morning, how very warming ...

Thursday: Is Olof Offski? ..

Hmmm - didn't see that one coming. The Old Lady of Italian football have supposedly sounded their interest in long-serving Villa defender Olof Mellberg. Check out the full story here courtesy of the Talking Soccer website.

Meanwhile, with the weekend derby edging ever-closer, check out the Express & Star website website for the chance to sound out all of your derby memories. (All of the good ones, that is.)

Wednesday PM: 'Baldy' Cowans inspires the Villa ..

Stiliyan Petrov is ready to hit form, and regards this weekend's derby match against City as the best opportunity. Check out Stan's interview with Aston Villa Official ahead of the crunch clash.

Meanwhile, some nice tributes for Villa legend Gordon Cowans who is doing great things behind the scenes at the club. Check out the excellent AVFC Blog and post your own praise for the "baldy-headed old coot" - (that's manager Martin O'Neill's quote, not mine, alright?)

Young's time to come

Gareth Barry has told Villa team-mate Ashley Young he will soon make his senior England debut reports avfc.com

"If he keeps playing well for Villa, I'm sure he'll get another call-up." said Barry, who is hoping to keep his place in Steve McClaren's team for tommorrow's crunch Euro qualifier against Russia.

Sorensen to quit Villa?

Thomas Sorensen is prepared to take a pay cut to get away from Villa Park according to Goal.com

The 31 year-old Dane is disappointed at losing his place to on-loan 'keeper Scott Carson.

Luton are seeking a loan deal for Aston Villa midfielder Zoltan Stieber report tribalfootball.com.

The Hatters watched the young left-sided midfielder in the reserves last week and Villa manager Martin O'Neill may send Stieber for some first-team action.

The Hoyte man for Villa?

Arsenal right-back Justin Hoyte has emerged as January target for Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill according to several reports

O’Neill has made signing a new right-back his priority when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year.