The Road to Persia

[SoccerHQ]

I was in the stadium and as soon as I saw him walking up to take the penalty I knew he was going to miss. Typical Villa luck. To be honest, I was just glad the game was over. The tension around the whole stadium was like nothing I'd ever witnessed, helped by the fact the crowd were split 50/50 and there was no segregation, not a hint of trouble but the noise was endless throughout.

By my calculations, Aston Villa players taking (shoot-out) penalties for England have a score-miss record of 1-2. Platt in 1990 did the business (although I have vague memories of the German keeper getting gloves on it, but only deflecting it in) whereas Southgate (1996) and Vassell (2004) missed. Ashley Young was a Man Utd player when he missed against Italy in 2012. And David Platt was an Arsenal Player when he scored (twice, against Spain and Germany) in 1996.

Not just England. Mellberg missed in the same tournament as Vass and Vlaar in last world cup.

I might get the book actually. Always like Vassell here as he didn't live that far from me just off Penns Lane so always used to see him going to training.

Just another who stayed a bit too long and went stale but he was a very effective player for us for a few season with his pace unsettling defenders. Despite what the review says his partnership with Angel was easily the best of all the strikers he combined with.

Is there a chapter in it when he describes treating a toe injury he had with a drill?!

[Salsa Party Animal]

is it not available on Amazon yet ?

[Stu]

You can only purchase the book through Darius's own publishing company here: http://inamagroup.com

Postage is a bit pricey, but I'll happily pay it to support one of our own like Dazzler. Good luck to him.

[Russ aka Big Nose]

Through work a couple of years ago I met him and spent some time in his company.

Anyone can be on their 'best behaviour' for a couple of hours but he struck me as a genuinely nice bloke. Very much a Villa fan and knowledgeable about the squad at that time and the situation in the league (next few games etc.)

For part of the time we were at Acorns and it looked like the staff knew him because of visits made rather than just recognising him.

Hopefully an interesting read. Good luck to him.

[villa `cross the mersey]

"Is there a chapter in it when he describes treating a toe injury he had with a drill?!"

Yes, but only a little bit

[brentastonb6]

Always liked him as a genuine one of our own , I never remember him not trying his best, sometimes it just wasn't good enough but like Walters, Daley and Gabby in his prime Darius was a player who got fans on their feet . Sounds like a good read which I might just buy.