In a weekend minus an Aston Villa game, there was still time for our players to be making the headlines.

Firstly, and most importantly, the charity match in aid of our former captain Stiliyan Petrov went ahead at Parkhead with a sellout 60,000 crowd left with not a dry eye in the house as our former skipper took to the pitch in Celtic colours.

Secondly, at the very same game, our very own Gabby Agbonlahor attracted the ire of teenage girls worldwide as the 50/50 challenge with Louis Tomlinson of One Direction left the letter in a heap. Despite the result of the singer’s actions – culminating in throwing up pitchside – you’ve got to admire someone who tries to go toe-to-toe with one of the fastest players in the league.

Getting away from Simon Cowell designed bands for a moment, Villa fans can be proud of their contribution to the event in Scotland as whilst it was invariably Celtic Football Club that took centre stage, our own club from Birmingham will always have a place in Petrov’s heart.

Looking forward to the week ahead, there are still five more long days before we can get a glimpse of our boys again. Following the Liverpool game, many were lamenting the impact that three high intensity games had on the team, and whilst Rotherham United were played the Wednesday after the home defeat to Brendan Rodgers’ team, I imagine the break will have benefitted the team.

For us, however, the insatiable fans who want to see our team play, the waiting is nothing short of agony. Whilst Villa’s three points from the opening three league games may not be a a stellar achievement, it is more than many had predicted given the challenge of the opening three matches.

Coming next are Newcastle United, a team who have been up and down more times than a yo-yo in recent times. Since their promotion back to the Premier League following the ignominy of a relegation – handed to them by none other than us – the Magpies have been a mixed bunch, and that inconsistency must be something that Villa seize upon.

Whilst there is no doubting that Newcastle have talented players, the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa being just two of a distinctly French flavoured squad, the appointment of Joe Kinnear as director of football has seriously undermined manager Alan Pardew.

Who is, if we need reminding, a man who was given a seven year deal by owner Mike Ashley. Whilst both Ashley and Villa chairman Randy Lerner have had similarities in their desire to want to run their respective clubs as a business, Villa fans can be thankful that such a strange plan hasn’t been enacted in B6.

After all, whist opinion on the appointment of a director of football may be split amongst fans, is there anyone out there who would be delighted had Villa made such a move for a man known more for his lack of knowledge of football than he is for his knowledge?

So whilst Villa didn’t play a game this weekend, having the chance to focus on the Newcastle game does give us a few insights – despite the Magpies having several players that Villa would be glad to have in their team, our fans can be glad we don’t have a relic of late 90s kick-and-rush football in charge of the pursestrings.

The weekend may have been dull and boring, but the week ahead lends us to believe that we can push on from our three points achieved so far. It may not be a predicted stellar season ahead this time around, but I’m sure I won’t be the only fan feverishly waiting to get back down to B6 in less than a week’s time.

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