There’s genuine disappointment in the changing room....

  • by Gordon Thrower
  • Sunday, 10th September 2006

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill looks back on the day's events at the Boleyn ...

I think that with the chances we created there’s genuine disappointment in the changing room that we didn’t win. That’s an encouraging sign.

We had good chances in the first half but there’s always a chance that they’ll come back to haunt you. Even at 1-1 we had two, maybe three great chances.

Stilian Petrov was outstanding today and I originally thought that was in from the angle I had at the time. Yeah I’m disappointed but I’m really pleased with the team. There was a lot of effort put in. West Ham had decent possession at times but we always looked good.

Petrov? I’m delighted with the way he settled in. We haven’t the largest squad in the world and that might affect us later.

Players like Berger and Baros are just coming back but they need a few more games. We were close to getting young Milner in but it was Newcastle’s prerogative to recall him. That was a wee bit disappointing. Whatever.

Do I sympathise with Alan Pardew over recent events? No I think it’s genuinely great news. There’s more than a tinge of envy from some managers over the deal. When they’re fit they’re going to be big acquisitions. I think Alan Pardew can handle it!

Do I think the signings show how the Premiership has changed since I was last here? Absolutely. There’s no doubt about it. With the quality players that are about the top four sides it’s a bold move if they’re able to do it.

I don’t know the ins and outs of the deal but if it’s above board it’s great. It led to a great atmosphere today. I suppose as a traditionalist I’m slightly concerned about clubs not owning players but that doesn’t stop me from being envious!

Our improvement? It’s too early really for me to make an assessment. Aaron Hughes is out of the side through injury so I was searching for a full-back. We made a few adjustments which I don’t like having to do.

Mellberg, who’s been great at centre half, moved to full-back. I told him as late as possible before he got really angry! I was delighted with their determination.

Barry for England? Having failed interviews for that job the last thing I want to do is to start telling others how to do it! I’m sure the present manager will have people telling him who is good and who isn’t!

Barry certainly has the ability but Aston Villa will have to be doing well – it’s no good him playing well in a poor side. We’ll have to be doing well for him to get the attention.

Is it my arrival that’s prompted the improvement – no! It’s just not true! It’s not self-effacement you all know I can be as big headed and as bolshy as anyone! It’s the players. They’ve put in a tremendous effort – with 87 minutes gone they were still looking at winning the game when I was more concerned with not wanting to lose it.

That concerned me – I don’t think they knew what I meant! It’s very nice of you to say so but honestly we could get turned over at Watford next week. You know what it’s like.

We’ve got 8 points and that’s a few more than I thought we might have at this part of the season.

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