cherchian

Bookies seem confident that we will survive. 20/1 on Betfair. We still have a couple of weeks before any panic should set in.

Although the quality of football has been terrible for the most part this season, the points return is one awful result away from being very respectable. Had we won against Palace at home we would be 10th on 26th points - as close to 5th as to 18th. Mid-table with minimal stress levels. That defeat has created an anxious season where there should not have been one. Most would have taken a mid table finish this season.

We played Fulham 18 days ago. At that point we were unbeaten in 5 games, keeping clean sheets regularly and looking like a resolute if unspectacular team. 18 days ago.

Who would have thought without Bent and Gabby we could score 7 goals in 2 games. We genuinely have 4 strikers at the club (if you count Gabby!).

From Sky Sports: Houllier confirmed that Delfouneso will make his first Premier League start after 14 appearances as a substitute during the past three seasons. "It is an ideal opportunity for the young Nathan to step up. He will definitely be the main striker," concluded Houllier.

I will be sad to see him go, but he gets too much stick on here for me. He has been offered the opportunity to challenge for the title with a group of world class players while doubling his wages. He is ambitious. We admitted last week that trying to win the title was beyond us. It appears that we have to sell someone before we can buy this window. It is a no-brainer for his career if he is wanted by Man City. Gutted that this is the state of affairs, but can't blame the bloke.

From OS: Team: Guzan, Beye, Davies, Cuellar, Shorey, Milner, Gardner, Sidwell, Reo-Coker ©, Young, Heskey. Subs: Friedel, Agbonlahor, Albrighton, Delfouneso, Delph, Petrov, Lowry. I like it.

General, First of all, I would like to say how privileged I feel being able to make direct contact with a director of the Football Club that I love so much. Unfortunately, I have a problem that I would like to communicate to you. For over 25 years, my uncle, cousins and I have driven from London to Villa Park as Season Ticket holders. We have always parked in the Official Villa Car Park (behind the Aston Villa Leisure Centre). Over the years, getting out of the car park and onto the M6 to return south has become more and more difficult. It can take over half an hour to get out of the car park because of the number of pedestrian supporters leaving the ground and walking past the car park exits. There is no Club staff stationed to help cars out or channel the flow of pedestrians to allow cars and people to leave. In addition yesterday, it took a further 25 minutes to get onto the M6 motorway as the traffic on the Aston Hall Road was solid. On matchday, this road is often made one-way, and the police at the top of Aston Hall Road give priority over the traffic lights to allow cars speedy exit away from the ground. None of these measures was in place yesterday. I love all the improvements that have made at Villa over the past 12 months. If anything can be done allow cars easier access out of the Official Car Park and onto the motorway, my long suffering family and many others who make long journeys to watch the match would be very appreciative.