Interview with a Villan!

With Mikey away for a few days, I had the great pleasure of doing the weekly interview with Vital Villa.

The results of my interview can be seen at

http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7502356

The following is the return interview with Vital Villa's Jonah

1) Mr O'Neill has really transformed the club in the time he has been at Villa. What do you think his main strengths as a manager are?

He is definitely 'old school` he insists upon total control over the playing side of the club and his word is law as far as that is concerned, as shown in his recent 'contretemps` with Reo Coker. Although he can be very frustrating for us fans in his transfer dealings, in that he often seems to leave things to the last minute, he does seem to have a good eye for a player, Ashley Young being the perfect example. He doesn`t always get it right (cough) Marlon Harewood, but hey, even Fergie gets it wrong sometimes.

2)4 Wins and a Loss, can Aston Villa maintain the great start to the season and break into the Elite 4?

Breaking into the top 4 is going to be difficult, top 5 now I suppose with man City and their financial clout. But I think we have as good a chance as any other side of doing so. The opening game against Wigan at home was truly awful, the worst villa display since O`Neill came to the club I think, and nobody would have given us a chance at Anfield following that, but we went on to win 3-1.

The other games have been steady but not spectacular, we haven`t played particularly well but to be honest we haven`t had to against the sides we have played so far. We have Man City coming up in a few weeks, I think that will be more of a yardstick for us than anything we have seen so far.

2)What are your impressions of Ex Rover, Stevie Warnock. How has he fared so far this season, and can he make a claim for the England Left Back spot?

Like our results, I think Warnock has been steady but not spectacular so far. Early days yet but I`m sure he will do fine. As for England, I can`t really see him getting ahead of Cole and Bridge, be great for us if he could though.

3)Out of our lovely squad, which member of the team would you love in your squad?

Without wishing to upset all you Rovers fans out there, I can`t think of anybody (now we have Stevie) there that I would like to see at Villa. I do like Samba, I loved watching him at the end of last season when he was playing up front, just not sure that he is good enough for us at the present time.

4)As an outsider, do Blackburn really play an ugly style of football?

No, not at all, you have to play to your strengths and, again, without being disrespectful, Blackburn are hardly in the Arsenal mode of football at the moment. Big Sam is a great manager and I am sure he knows how to bring the best out of the players you have there.

5)Predictions for the big game?

I can`t see anything other than a Villa win. Our defence hasn`t conceded a goal in 4 games and is looking really good at the moment. So, same as last season for me, 2-0 Villa.

Cheers Jonah and good luck for the game!

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