Behind Enemy Lines: An Aston Villa Fans' View

Newcastle-Online.com go behind enemy lines to bring you the views of Aston Villa fan John Atkin who runs a Villa fanzine called 'The Villa'. Here we get John's views on James Milner, the game on Saturday and other things.

Questions compiled by Aphrodite (Friday 2nd December 2005)

Q: Villa were famously dumped out of the Carling Cup by Doncaster a few days ago, just a fluke or a sign of things to come?

It was no fluke as Doncaster thoroughly deserved their win against an inconsistent Villa outfit. Not sure about it being a sign of things to come, however. That would only have been the case if O'Leary had walked out the ground with a napsack slung over his shoulder.

Q: How is James Milner performing for you at the moment?

If footballing ability was decided on looks then Milner would be pretty poor. Thankfully, that's clearly not the case - see Ronaldinho - and the youngster has been outstanding for us all season. One of two rays of light (Steven Davis) is the other, in an otherwise turgid campaign.

Q: Have the singings David O'Leary made over the summer impressed you?

With names like Patrik Berger, Wilfred Bouma and Eirik Bakke, of course not. Aaron Hughes and Ratboy Phillips have shown flashes of hope.

Q:What are your opinions about your manager, David O'Leary?

Annoying, repetitive, uninspired, deadwood. Never won anything. Has to go.

Q: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the current Villa side?

The strengths are all individuals - Baros, Davis, Milner and Mellberg. Sadly, the weaknesses are the remaining individuals in the squad, who are too long in number to list. Coupled with an apparent dearth of team cohesion.

Q: 'Deadly' Doug Ellis- what are your views on him?

It would be a little harsh to say that were you to drop the 'ly' from his moniker, many fans would be happy, but it's true to say that many think it's time he moved on. The club has gone stale.

Q: If you could choose one Newcastle player to put in your team, which one would it be?

Shay Given - it's a toss-up between him and Peter Cech for the best keeper in the Premiership. Class.

Q: Which team would you most like to beat this season, and which game are you most looking forward to?

Birmingham, of course, and at last we did. And the second derby game. A double would be nice.

Q: What reception will Solano get from the away fans this weekend?

Hard to say but they will be cognisant of the fact that Milner is thriving at Villa Park while Solano seems to be struggling at St. James'.

Q: Predict where both Newcastle and Villa will finish this season in the Premier League, and can you see silverware for either club?

Both mid-table, between tenth and 14th. And no chance.

Q: Who do you see as the biggest threat in our team to you when we meet on Saturday?

Miguel Owen. I haven't been able to see much of him this season but he was class for Madrid. And of course Alan Shearer. His stray elbows could be a threat to our defenders' noses.

Q: If you've been to St. James' Park, what do you think about the stadium and the town?

Newcastle is every fans' second team. Not mine though, but anyone who lived through Keegan's 'loveit' reign has to have some affection for the club. The stadium is stunning, although it's a shame that seemingly nothing has remained of the older parts of the ground, and i've never managed to pluck up the courage of a trip to the Strawberry. And I like the city a lot, it's impossible not to - big wide streets in the centre, hills, character, greenery. But The Ship should be sunk.

Q: And finally, a prediction for Saturday, including scorers?

It's hard to give a prediction for a game involving two of the most inconsistent sides in the Premiership. 2-1 Newcastle I guess. One each from Owen and Mary Poppins and a Ridgewell header in reply.

Many thanks to John for taking the time, at short notice, to answer the questions.

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