Back in Training

[Legion]

From Pravda:

Villa's stars return to training in the morning [Thursday] as they begin preparations for the 2010-11 season.

Martin O'Neill and his first teamers report back to Bodymoor Heath after their short summer hiatus.

O'Neill and his coaching staff will put the players through their paces, with the pre-season programme of matches firmly on the horizon.

All those competing in the World Cup - James Milner, Emile Heskey, Stephen Warnock and Brad Guzan - have been given additional time off to recover and recuperate ahead of the coming campaign.

Villa's media team will be on hand as the manager and players arrive and will bring you up-to-the-minute pictures and reaction.

We'll also bring you training footage on AVTV as the players get back to work in preparation for the challenges which lie ahead.

Villa kick off their pre-season programme with a reserve friendly against Basingstoke on July 18 before a trip to London Road the next day for a clash with League One Peterborough.

Then it's on to Dublin on July 24 as the claret and blue troops take on League Of Ireland Premier side Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

Villa then make the short trip to Walsall's Banks's Stadium for another friendly on July 27 before heading off to Portugal for the Guadiana Cup.

Villa face Feyenoord on July 31 and Benfica on August 1 in the three-team tournament before heading back to Villa Park for a prestigious friendly with Spanish giants Valencia on August 6.

Pre-Season Matches Confirmed

July 18: Basingstoke v Villa XI - The Camrose - 2pm
July 19: Peterborough v Villa - London Road - 7.45pm
July 24: Bohemians v Villa - Dalymount Park - 3pm
July 27: Walsall v Villa - Banks's Stadium - 7.45pm
July 31: Villa v Feyenoord ­- San Antonio Stadium - 9.15pm
August 1: Villa v Benfica - San Antonio Stadium - 9.15pm
August 6: Villa v Valencia - Villa Park - 7.45pm

[TheSandman]

Pray tell why Guzan and Warnock get a break?

They've just had a nice South African holiday.

[The_0ne]

Even if they didnt play they still had to train everyday with the rest of the squad whilst carew & co sunned themself abroad or in carews case he was probably busy shagging more women

[Greg N'Ash]

emile deserves all the time off he gets. first the world cup, then he had to put on that dress and win wimbledon

[eastie]

I thought that was emile at wimbledon when he kept hitting the ball over the net so often!

[timeoutbigbar]

shame carlton cole got put out by that bulgarian lass

[eamonn]

Just four players at the World Cup...a bit shit really in't it?

[*shellac*]

Just four players at the World Cup...a bit shit really in't it?

There's four more (probably five) still in South Africa.

Villa
Forlan
Mueller
Sneijder
That Paraguay lingerie model

[VillaZogmariner]

Just four players at the World Cup...a bit shit really in't it?

When you look at the squad though there are only really a couple of other players who could've made it (Gabby and Ashley).

[Dave P]

Just four players at the World Cup...a bit shit really in't it?

When you look at the squad though there are only really a couple of other players who could've made it (Gabby and Ashley).

Exactly.  If Ireland, Wales, Bulgaria, Norway, Senegal and err Togo had qualified, we would have had loads more.

[FiveKenMcNaughts]

Just four players at the World Cup...a bit shit really in't it?

I know its not great (and he didn't get a game either) but there were five, Lowry was with Australlia too wasn't he?

[Concrete John]

All those competing in the World Cup - James Milner, Emile Heskey, Stephen Warnock and Brad Guzan - have been given additional time off to recover and recuperate ahead of the coming campaign.

When it comes to the opening game to West Ham, Milner is unlikey to still be with us, Heskey we hope won't be and Guzan won't be playing.  So only Warnock is affected and he didn't get a kick in South Africa.

Given that, does in put us at an advantage against some of our rivals, as our players had more of a rest during the summer?

[VillaZogmariner]

Just four players at the World Cup...a bit shit really in't it?

I know its not great (and he didn't get a game either) but there were five, Lowry was with Australlia too wasn't he?

He never made the final 23

[darren woolley]

I just hope martin break's with tradition and sign's player's early so that they can have pre-season together.

[cheltenhamlion]

You might be disappointed Darren.