It has been a little quiet around here over the past few days, and with the transfer window now closed and it being International week it is quite understandable.

International football, is a part of football I don’t enjoy, except the major tournaments when there is no domestic football at my exposal, but looking around, looking for something to write about, it brings me to one thing, the negativity from Aston Villa fans.

OK, non of us wanted Alex McLeish, but its old news now, and no matter how much moaning we do on blog’s and forums alike, nothing is going to change – so move on and give the man a chance, after all he isn’t going anywhere any-time soon anyway.

The signings we have brought it is another groan for many Villa fans, something I’m struggling to understand why. Let’s face it, we are not as good as the likes of Manchester United and the Chelsea’s of this world so trying to bring in ‘world class’ names just isn’t going to happen in modern day football.

I believe those who were brought in were the best that we could of hoped for, I would of maybe had a go for someone like Shaun Wright-Phillips as I am an admirer of the winger, but apart from that, there was no-one else available that would of improved us as much as people are saying.

Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton both come to Villa Park with something to prove, they are both talents without a shadow of doubt, they just need the opportunity to show what they can do once again.

Then there is Shay Given, yes he maybe a little prone to injury, but so far so good, he has played in all three fixtures Villa have faced in the Premiership so far and again in my opinion he is up there with the top 5 goalkeepers in the Premiership, present and past.

And that leaves me to Charles NZogba, he hasn’t set the world alight and he wasn’t my first choice as I previously stated I believe Wright-Phillips or even Blackburn’s David Hoilett could of offered more, but never the less he will come good – he has to as Alex McLeish has to many people waiting to pick bones in anything bad they possibly can about him.

Positive

So what I am getting at is, just stop and have a look at the situation. We have played four games this season, and we are still undefeated. We have a 23 man squad plus any youngsters trying to make a name for themselves, that isn’t as bad as some are making out.

Just take a look at Manchester United, they have a lot of youth on offer this season and they already look a good bet for the title. They will slip up just like our side will, but they will learn from the bad points and build on them.

So if you have a few spare quid after paying the bills this week, and haven’t done so already, get yourself down to Villa Park and buy a ticket for the upcoming home fixture against Newcastle United, and support the lads, after all when the goings get tough, isn’t this when the players and the clubs needs us most?

Weather you agree or not, Aston Villa are one of the major football clubs in world football and have had their fair share of England internationals since the club was established back in 1874.

Villa have supplied England with all sorts of players from Gordon Cowans, to Brian Little, to local boy Gabriel Agbonlahor and in this book Trevor Fisher tells the story of all seventy one players who have represented our country while wearing the famous Claret and Blue shirt.

Each player has there own section, with a special Pantheon sections for the Villa greats.

Villa’s history has been a roller coaster ride. The massive success before World War One led to high expectations which were not matched by performance in the middle years of the 20th century.

Since returning to the top level, Villa players have been chosen for England sides and World Cup squads. England managers have found Villa Park a rich source of talent, which current manager Fabio Capello following this tradition.

‘Villa for England’ tells the story of Villa’s contribution to the national side.

Villa for England is available for £16.99 from DB Publishing and all good book stores.

Competition – Win a copy of ‘Villa for England’
For your chance to win a copy of Trevor Fisher’s ‘Villa for England’ simply tell us how many Aston Villa players have represented England between 1882 and 2011?

• A. 17
• B. 71
• C. 177

Aston Villa had a couple of things to shout about today, and although its not the new signings we all crave its nice to hear something positive about our beloved club.

Fan Chants placed a decibel meater in every Premier League stadium in the 2010/11 season to see just who are the loudest football fans in the League, with Villa coming out a very respectable third!

Now I am not going to get into a debate of just how reliable this is, as Liverpool was named the loudest in the league, and I have visited Anfield many of times and never really been blown away with how loud it is, but eh? This is a blog and I’m entitled to my opinion just like yourself.

Here is the full results from this test:

Villa Park – 1oth Most visited

Plenty of sources today have run with the story about which football grounds have been visited the most in the UK, over the past year with Villa Park being the 10th most visited.

As you would expect Manchester Uniteds Old Trafford come out top with 114,000 visits from tourists. Villa Park beat grounds like Ibrox, Celtic Park and even Newcastle’s St. James Park with 17,000 visitors.

Last season we would miss chances like missing a number on some online bingo game, however it didn’t matter as we knew another chance would come around because lets face it, that’s what Aston Villa were all about.

The problem last year was conceding. The chances where if we were able to keep a clean sheet then, we would win the game yet I’m worried this season wont quite be the same. Now before you all jump on my case, this isn’t me criticizing the team, this is just me worried what this season has in store for us.

I would of taken a draw at Fulham at 3pm Saturday afternoon as Craven Cottage isn’t an easy place to visit, but the fact we only had one shot on target is pretty poor. Almost all the time in these circumstances this usually comes down to the strikers.

However, can you really blame Darren Bent? Can you remember a chance that was actually created for the England striker?

This summer we have lost all the creativity in our side, with both Ashley Young and Stewart Downing moving on to pastures new. We have replaced them with Charles N’Zogbia, who in time I believe will be a very good replacement, however he is expected to create almost as much as two top creative players would.

So were else will the creativity come from at Villa Park this year? Stephen Ireland has a big season ahead of him and I really hope Alex McLeish can get the best out of him, however no-one knows what we will actually get from the Irish man.

Then there is the young prospects in Marc Albrighton and Barry Bannan. You should all know my views about Marc Albrighton by now, but I believe given the chance Barry Bannan could be a very big player for this club. Yet something in me wonders if Alex McLeish either believes in the younger players or is to scared that they will fail.

Either way, this Saturday against Blackburn, in order to win the game chances will have to be made and I can’t see the home support being as generous as those who travelled to Fulham if we have the same sort of attacking display.

The draw for the second round of the Carling Cup has taken place and Aston Villa have been drawn alongside minnows Hereford United at Villa Park.