WOKE up this morning, got showered, put on my £50 Asda suit...checked my telephone for text alerts or missed calls from anyone at Aston Villa...nope, nothing there.....thank God!
My heart couldn't have taken it. Why break the habit of a lifetime just when everyone is starting to enjoy themselves!
Another quiet day at Villa Park. I've only covered them for ten years. Almost eight on the Mail.
Only once - when John Gregory's team were splashing out and riding high near the top of the Premier League towards the end of the last decade - has there been so much optimism around the place.
The fans feel it. The players feel it, even the manager. Went to see him yesterday afternoon. 12 noon, almost prompt.
Martin O'Neill is all things to many men but will never get a TV advertising contract from Seiko or Timex. He is always late.
On this occasion, a good half an hour...but when he can be on form such as, who the devil cares?!
O'Neill was a little tanned after a few days break last week with his family. He was relaxed, he was open, honest, attentive. The chat lasted a little less than an hour.
There was the usual smattering of good humour. He revealed that he had told Martin Laursen he would be "wasting his time" playing for Denmark last weekend as they would be knocked out of the Euro Champs for certain.
Sure enough, Spain got the better of them.
"I can't wait to wind him up when he gets back", O'Neill said.
What's this?.... An e-mail from Villa's media department.
Randy Lerner is to hold a press conference at 11am tomorrow at the Holte Hotel. I am struggling for breath.... somebody loosen my tie... this is too much.
I look forward to bringing you the news tomorrow.
Comments (5)
How can you afford to buy your suits from Asda?
Posted by Trinny & Susannah | October 18, 2007 3:05 PM
Posted on October 18, 2007 15:05
Is this a Squeeze song?
Posted by Jools Netherland | October 18, 2007 7:55 PM
Posted on October 18, 2007 19:55
I thought were more man at C&A
O'Leary was right about you
Posted by Anonymous | October 19, 2007 1:59 PM
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:59
Speaking of which, where is O'Leary now? Thought he'd be at least in charge of Real Madrid. Maybe he'll be back in the papers linked with the England job. At least Bill Howell is still going strong.
Posted by Lord Lucan | October 19, 2007 3:44 PM
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:44
I've seen David O'Leary. He was working down Cork high street wearing a hat with a buckle and carrying a pig under his arm.
Posted by Spotted Dick | October 23, 2007 11:59 AM
Posted on October 23, 2007 11:59