Carlos Cuellar today hit out at the way the Villa board handled his contract situation and claimed he was left “stressed” despite remaining loyal to the club.

Ex-Braga boss Domingos Paciencia today emerged as one of several candidates who have stated their interest in the vacant Villa manager’s job.

The West Midlands football family today rallied round Stiliyan Petrov after the Villa captain was diagnosed with acute Leukaemia.

Shay Given today admitted Villa team-mate Richard Dunne will have been “tearing his hair out” while he’s injured but is on course to be fit for Euro 2012.

Shay Given today urged Brad Guzan to a sign on the dotted line with Villa after the club offered the back-up goalkeeper a new contract.

Shay Given today insisted Aston Villa’s dressing room is a harmonious one despite recent incidents involving Charles N’Zogbia and Stephen Ireland.

Alex McLeish hailed the “fighting spirit” of Villa’s Irish connection after the players lined up for a picture celebrating the club’s very own Ireland XI.