Villa Squad and Results 1999/00
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Last updated 20 Aug 00
The Squad
1-David James 2-Steve Watson 3-Alan Wright 4-Gareth Southgate 5-Ugo Ehiogu 6-George Boateng 7-Ian Taylor
8-Mark Draper 9-Dion Dublin 10-Paul Merson 11-Alan Thompson 12-Julian Joachim 13-Michael Oaks
14-Neil Tarrant 15-Gareth Barry 17-Lee Hendrie 20-Najwan Ghrayib 21-Darren Byfield 22-Darius Vassell
23-David Hughes 24-Mark Delaney 26-Steve Stone 27-Michael Standing 28-Tommy Jaszczun 30-Adam Rachel
31-Jlloyd Samuel 32-Aaron Lescott 34-Colin Calderwood 39-Peter Enckleman 40-Matthew Ghent
Fixtures/Stats/ Match Reviews
Sat Aug 07 Newcastle United 0 - 1 Aston Villa
Shearer was sent of in the 70th minute for a second seemingly innocuous offence, and on 75 minutes Julian slotted home the winner with a glancing header. Villa Started with David James, Ugo, Gareth S, Calderwood, Wright, Boateng, Taylor,Thompson, a first start for young Mark Delaney, Dion and JJ. Stone came on for Calderwood (87 mins) and Lil' Lee (56 mins) for Boateng. Delaney, Thompson and Ugo were booked (plus four yellows and the red for Newcastle). 36,500 were there to see it. Garayeb stayed on the bench. This result has Villa 5th in the opening league table.
Aug 11 Aston Villa 3 -0 Everton 7:45pm
The same starting line up saw a fairly quiet first half attacking the North End, apart from a beautiful strike from Julian. The crowd were getting restless with a lot of square balls in midfield, prompting a lot of put-the-ball-in chanting. The crowd had a good time getting on to David Unsworth's case ('does your missus know you're here?') right through the game. Everton had Dave Collins sent off for two yellow card trips on Mark Delaney, who is beginning to show through a little. Dion scored a lovely second half volley into the Holte from Alan Wright's cross. Hendrie came on for Boateng, Merson for Dublin and Stone for Thompson all in a rush around 70 minutes making a more attacking side and from there on in it was a party atomosphere with the Only One Ian Taylor adding a third, and Julian trying hard to make it four. No place even on the bench for Gareth Barry, Steve Watson and Mark Draper, showing how much stronger our squad is getting.
The match was watched by just over 30,000 including one Kevin Keegan. Villa went top of the premier league.
Mon Aug 16 Aston Villa 2-2 West Ham 8pm
The same team started again, but why did only 26,000 turn up? Dion struck on 5 mins into the North End. Unfortunately Gareth put through our own 2 mins later (it deflected of him, he didn't know much about it). West Ham played the better in the latter stages of the half. After the break Hendrie started for Boateng (no surprises there) and Villa were much more lively for it. Dion volleyed his second, but then Villa inexplicably dropped deep and tried to defend the lead, West Ham attacked with gusto, and dissapointingly got a last kick equalizer. Stone came on later for Thompson. Wright got the one Villa yellow, while West Ham got three. Villa 2nd in the prem with 7 points (Utd are top also with 7, Arsenal 3rd with 7).
Sat Aug 21 Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa 3pm
I was on holiday, so I don't know much about this one, maybe someone can enlighten me. I know the game was decided by an OG (misdirected defensive header) from Ugo, I hope this is a habit we give up soon. I gather we played fairly well and Hendrie was used in preference to Boateng.
Tue Aug 24 Watford 0-1 Aston Villa 7:45pm
Still on holiday (yes, I had a good time) I just know that Mark Delaney scored his first senior Villa goal on 69 mins. A good performance from David James I understand.
Sat Aug 28 Aston Villa 1-0 Middlesbrough 3pm
Villa back to second in the league with a 5th minute strike from Dion- this is one habit I hope he really gets in to. Hendrie started again and this time Boateng stayed on the bench right through. Merson started today, and stayed on for the full 90. Good news that Thompson didn't even make the bench today, he never does anything anway. Very good news, Darius Vassel was on the bench and came on the last 15 minutes for JJ. We should make more use of this talent, to bolster our goalscoring tally. While this game was more of a slog than a display of flair from Villa, I do think this version of the side is the one with the most potential. No yellows for Villa, two for Boro, but the small crowds persist, just 28,000 again - looks like we won't be needing that extended Trinity Road stand.
Sat Sep 11 Arsenal 3 - 1 Aston Villa 3pm
Villa took a 1 minute lead completely against the run of play on 42 mins, a nice shot (in the event Villa's only shot on target) from JJ. David James had picked up a knee injury during the week before the game and started with it strapped up. During the first half it troubled him more and more. Just before half time in a bizzare refereeing decision he was booked for timewasting and a direct free kick was given 10 yds from goal, from which Arsenal scored (46 mins). In truth David was waiting for a defender to come back so he could throw out, since he did not feel confident to kick out. Peter Enkleman made his debut after half time, when James did not return to the field. In the end a dissapointing performance, with Arsenal dominating midfield and attack for most of the game. However, our defence was good, and we good have gotten a point if not for the ref, or maybe John Gregory if he had brought Enkleman on sooner. Arsenal's third came just before the end.
Tue Sep 14 Chester City 0 - 1 Aston Villa 7:45pm (Worthington Cup 2nd rnd 1st leg)
The basic news was this: Grayhib played his first game for us, and Peter Enkleman his first full game in goal (he looked very comfortable there, too). Hendrie missed a second half penalty but scored the rebound.
HOWEVER, the real story at Chester is what a sorry state Villa are in right now. Chester are bottom of the third division. We should simply have wiped them off the field. This dull style of play is not going to get us anywhere. JG - you just can't be this cautious, get going for heavens sake or you'll be down the road.
Sat Sep 18 Aston Villa 1 - 0 Bradford City 3pm
I wish I could say that Bradford played out of their skins to avoid a pasting, but sadly it just ain't so. Another lacklustre performance in which it was a full hour before Villa got a shot on target. Saying that, Enkleman was never troubled, and Gareth Barry played a full game and impressed, so we have something to be thankful for. Another thing is that about 60 minutes in Vassel and Merson came on (for JJ and Thompson) and there were some improvements. It was the Person's pass from which Darius' shot was saved, Dion on hand to finnish the job (71 mins). Ain't that what we pay him for. Barry and Boateng collected yellows, still only 28,000 turned up despite reduced prices in the Witton Lane stand.
Tues 22nd Sept Aston Villa 5 - 0 Chester City (WC 2nd Rnd, 2nd Leg)
I suppose we should just expect this result, but I was pleased to see it actually occur. We need to see Mr Gregory use this more attacking style in the premiership. Enkelman played again, and finally Darius got a full game for us. Shame he didn't get on the score sheet. The scorers were Boateng 17 Taylor 32 Hendrie 46 Hendrie 47 (go, boy!) and Thompson 50. Incredibly, Villa had three goals dissallowed, and Chester scored a penalty from an Ugo foul (surely some mistake). Well, the ref saw some infringement so they had to retake, and Enkleman saved it.
Sat Sep 25 Leicester City 3 - 1 Aston Villa 3pm
A very dissapointing result, not least due once again to JG's unambitious team selection - still sticking with the awul Alan Thompson, and not giving starts to our in form pair, Vassell and Merson. Leicester's second goal was Southgates second og of the season. A Villa late show gave some hope with Dion's goal and Ugo going painfully close from a Gareth Barry (another fine performance, thank you Gareth) cross. Meanwhile the other Gareth was somewhat harshly sent off, for the first time in his career, for two yellows. Bad day for him, time to give him a break, JG.
Sat Oct 02 Aston Villa 0 - 0 Liverpool 3pm
Finally a full house of 39,217 saw this game, including 3 Liverpool supporters loud-mouthing it in the Holte. They were asked to leave. Much to the approval of the crowd, so was Steve Staunton for a second yellow card offence (encroaching on a free kick) - even if it did prove later that the ref was completely wrong. Villa pretty much dominated the entire game, while only rarely threatening Liverpool's goal. The number of crosses and corners was incredible, but no-on getting on the end of anything. On this display, we need strikers more than anything. I'm sure Darius will be right into the team when his hamstring is sorted. Villa played Enkleman, Southgate, Ehiogu, Barry, Delaney, Boateng (Merson 65), Hendrie, Taylor, Thompson (Stone 80), Joachim, Dublin in a 442. Watson and Oakes stayed on the bench. Another point of note, Liverpool had 7 yellows as well as the red, and Villa 3 yellows, in a game that was not all that angry, its just this seasons refereeing trend. If this carries, on will change the game. For better or worse...
Weds Oct 13 Aston Villa 3 - 0 Man Utd Worthington Cup 3rd Round
Utd put out one of the weakest sides ever due to their current injury problems. The only regulars were Cruyff and Soljaar and, wait for it, Bosnich. The latter of course providing enormous entertainment for the barracking Villa crowd. In fact, if not for his presence the score would have been many more. Villa put out a full team with Thompson showing his wortlessness once again. A superb strike form JJ on 18 minutes, one from the only one Ian Taylor midway through the second half, and an injury time 3rd from Steve Stone, his first goal for Villa. The ManUre youngster showed some promise on the flanks, but were woeful in defence.
Mon Oct 18 Sunderland 2 - 1 Aston Villa 8pm Unfortunately no reviews of these games due to me being busy moving house. Villa played consistently well and got consistently poor results during this period, putting Gregory under pressure for his job. Deadly Doug stood by his manager, unusually.
Sat Oct 23 Aston Villa 1-1 Wimbledon 3pm
Sat Oct 30 Manchester United 3-0Aston Villa 3pm
Sat Nov 06 Aston Villa 0-1 Southampton 3pm
Mon Nov 22 Coventry City 2-1 Aston Villa 8pm
Sat Nov 27 Everton 0-0 Aston Villa 3pm
Sat Dec 04 Aston Villa 0-1 Newcastle United 3pm
Sat Dec 11 FA CUP Villa 2 -1 Darlington
Villa would have played ManU, except for them electing to boycott the FA Cup in favour of the world club championship. Where they lost. Meanwhile, one of the second round losers got to play again in the third round. Little did we know, this game marked in incredible return to good results.
Sat Dec 18 Aston Villa 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday 3pm
During this game, Dion had a fairly innocuous looking clash with a Sheff Wed defender, following which he left the field. It later turned out that he broke a vertibrae, and is not expected to play again this season. Good news for Villa though. This forced the use of Merson playing up to Carbone, and a much more inventive Villa emerged. It was also the start of JG's 6 match touchline ban for arguing with refs. This was also thought to contribute to the turn around in fortunes, as Gregory sits in the Directors box and actually watches the game, rather than just hassling the players.
Sun Dec 26 Derby County 0-2 Aston Villa 3pm
During this game, Deadly Doug wore his father christmas hat. Little did we know how important this would prove.
Tue Dec 28 Aston Villa 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur 3pm
Widely thought to be the best Villa performance all season, and Spurs can count themselves VERY lucky. Doug did not wear the hat.
Mon Jan 03 Leeds United 1-2 Aston Villa 3pm
Doug was back in the hat for this away game agains the league leaders. Incredibly Gareth Southgate scored both the goals. The last time he scored two, it was for Palace, against Villa.
Sat Jan 08 FA CUP Round 4 Villa 1 - 0 Southmpton
Doug wore the hat again. Get the picture?
Tues Jan 11 Worthington Cup Round 4.West Ham United Vs Aston Villa
The original version of this tie was three weeks earlier. Villa though they had it with a Dublin goal on 89 minutes, but the ref responded immediately with a penalty for West Ham. It ended 2-2. Afer penalties it was 4-4, so sudden death. We let Gareth take one, so that was that. Later it came to light that West Ham had fielded a cup-tied player, and the FA ordered a replay.
At full time it was 1-1, and Ian Taylor goal levelling the scores on 80 minutes. In extra time we thought we had it when JJ scored. The (same) ref responded immediately by awarding WHU a penalty. But this one David James saved! Then The Only One Ian Taylor popped up to add a third. What a cracking night. The semi will be a 2 legger against Leicester, the other semi is Bolton Vs Tranmere! That cup has our name on, methinks.
Sat Jan 15 West Ham United 1-1 Aston Villa 3pm
Great first Half from Villa, poorer second half with David James making some bad mistakes. Oh Dear. Merson played behind JJ and Benny in attack, with Darius coming on for Benny at about 65 mins, which is becoming a habit of JGs. Also, Calderwood came on for Boateng for a more defensive last 15 minutes, the secong time in a row this has happened. Most of the match we played 3-4-3 (Barry/Southgate/Ehiogu-Wright/Taylor/Boateng/Stone-Person/JJ/Benny); I presume the closing formation was 4-3-3.
Sat Jan 22 Aston Villa 0 - 0 Chelsea 3pm
Tues Jan 25th Villa 0 - 0 Leicester. Worthington Cup Semi first leg.
Leicester turned up for nil nil, with 8 at the back, and they're good at it. Villa have Dublin and Vassel injured, and Carbone cup-tied, so that didn't help. Rookie Richard Walker tried hard, but we couldn't find a way.
Sun Jan 30th. Aston Villa 3 - 2 Leeds Utd. A good first half from Leeds gave them a 2-1 half time lead. But a super second half perfomance from Villa, the completion of a Carbone Hat Trick did the job. Benny has still not been offered a contract, though. This was live on ITV, but still a bit surprising that only 30,000 turned up to watch.
Weds 2nd Feb Leicester 1 - 0 Villa
Soon as they had the one, 9 at the back. Its a dull way to play football, but it seems to work for them.
Sat Feb 05 Aston Villa 4 - 0 Watford 3pm
Stone, Merson (2) and a first goal for Richard Walker. All in the second half. It seems that Villa can only really play when attacking the Holte. Maybe we need to rotate the ground at half time.
Mon Feb 14 8 pm Middlesbrough 0 - 4 Aston Villa 3pm
Carbone 2 and JJ 2. A fiery display against an inept Middlesboro side that failed to produce a shot on target. Villa only made 5 shots on target, so the conversion rate was fabulous. Merson was annoyed at being subbed for lil Lee after an hour, although he could hardly complain when 3 of the goals went in after this. The boss has to keep Lee sharp of course. Merson apologised later. David James came off injured and this provided a first appearance for Neil Cutler, who nearly fumbled his first ever touch, after that all went well for him. Paul Gasgoine was carried off after a collision with George Boatengs head. George was OK, serves you right Paul.
Sun Feb 20 4pm FA CUP Round 6 Everton 1-2 Villa
Villa's first was from Steve Stone after George headed accross the face, and the second a tap-in from Benny after a fine solo run from the person ended in the goalie touching it away but into Benny's path. Villa won 6-5 on shots-on-target, while Everton had 70% of the play, although not so much of the inventive play. Once Villa had the lead the second time they played like Leicester played against us, hoofing the ball upfield and everyone in the box waiting for it to come back. It worked, but a hate to see Villa play like that. David James went of, but no matter, Enkleman is fit again.
Sat Feb 26 Bradford City 1-1 Aston Villa 3pm
A first half Merson goal cancelled out late on. In the first half Villa looked like hitting a second with many near misses. But in the second Bradford worked very hard (as bottom three sides do at this end of the season) and had US hanging on.
Sat Mar 04 Aston Villa 1 - 1 Arsenal 3pm
I went to this game thinking we had no chance. But Villa were quite well organised at the back and Arsenal did not really threaten, so when we went one up after half time I was all expectant of a win. But Villa sat back on their lead, and against a side with Petit, Bergkamp, Kanu, Henry et al, it was never going to work.
Sat Mar 11 Aston Villa 1 - 0 Coventry City 3pm
Sat Mar 18 Southampton 2 - 0 Aston Villa 3pm
Sat Mar 25 Aston Villa 2 - 0 Derby County 3pm
Sun April 2nd FA CUP SEMI FINAL Bolton 0 - 0 Aston Villa AET Villa win 4-1 on penalties
Not really the dour game that many called it, just that none of the chances went in. Carbone wore gold boots, so heaven knows what he'll turn out in for the final. And who would have credited it, we found some people who could take penalties. Stone, Hendrie (his only kick of the game), Barry and Dublin. So Southgate was not called upon. David James the real shoot out hero thought, he saved two!
Weds Apr 05 Sheffield Weds 0 - 1 Aston Villa 3pm
Sun Apr 09 Aston Villa 1 - 0 Leeds United 3pm
Sun Apr 09 FA CUP Semi Finals
Sat Apr 15 Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 4 Aston Villa 3pm
Sat Apr 22 Aston Villa 2 - 2 Leicester City 3pm
Mon Apr 24 Liverpool 0 - 0 Aston Villa 7:45pm
Sat Apr 29 Aston Villa 1 - 1 Sunderland 3pm
Sat May 06 Wimbledon 2 - 2 Aston Villa 3pm
Sun May 14 Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United 4pm
Sat May 20 FA CUP Final Chelsea 1 - 0 Villa = I just don't want to talk about it, okay.