Aston Villa
A no-brainer: With over 100 games for Aston Villa, this veteran star would be perfect for Dean Smith

Why signing James Collins is a no-brainer for Dean Smith and Aston Villa
As per a report on Express & Star, Championship club Aston Villa are ready to offer ex-West Ham centre-back James Collins a short-term deal once he proves his fitness to the club. The 35-year-old is currently training at Villa since mid-September and manager Dean Smith is prepared to sign the defender to cover the current dearth in centre-back options.
The report claims that the 35-year-old is nursing a niggle, which won’t keep him out for long. He is a free agent now and Villa won’t be charged a penny for his transfer. The Wales international trained with Ipswich Town, before moving to Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.
Here’s why the Birmingham-based club signing James Collins is a no-brainer:
Collins’ experience and quality would be key
James Collins is an experienced centre-back who possesses the know-how of English football. Having played more than 300 Premier League games, you could imagine he has the ability to handle pressure circumstances with a calm head on his shoulders.

James Collins
Moreover, the 35-year-old has featured over 100 times for Aston Villa, between 2009 to 2012. Hence, he knows the atmosphere and the pressure of wearing the jersey. Talking about his attributes as a player, Collins is a physically strong defender who wins aerial duels in abundance. That makes him a genuine threat from set-pieces.
He is an excellent tackler and can make clearances to relieve the pressure on his defence. He possesses the experience to deal with tough situations.
Villa have two centre-backs at their disposal – James Chester and Axel Tuanzebe. Mile Jedinak can fill in if required but the Aussie is not an automatic replacement. Under Dean Smith, the team has regained form and are looking upwards towards the playoff spots for Premier League promotion.

Dean Smith
Having been heartbroken in the summer in the playoff final, the club will be aiming to get a top-six finish and get the job done this time. For that to happen, they cannot go a full season with two recognised centre-backs, with one being young as well. Hence, it makes sense that they are signing Collins on a short-term deal.
This move will help the Birmingham-based club to challenge for the promotion spots and also aid the manager to rotate his centre-back partnership when required.
Aston Villa
Bruno Fernandes Reveals What He Admires About Jess Park’s Game as Man United Captain Praises Fellow Number Eight’s Smashing Season

Bruno Fernandes is a big fan of Manchester United Women midfielder Jess Park. The Portugal international shares the number eight shirt with Park and has been impressed by her debut campaign following her summer move from Manchester City.
Park has registered nine goals and five assists since joining from crosstown rivals in an impressive first season. The England international has won United’s Player of the Month award a team high four times, which demonstrates her consistent quality.
Not as Easy as It Looks
Fernandes watched back some of Park’s best moments for United, including her Goal of the Month winner against the London City Lionesses. The midfielder came in off the left flank to beat her marker before driving into space and picking out the far bottom corner.
“It all starts with the first touch. She gets the control there away from the player, she gets a lot of space to then run. Then the speed to run quick like that and then to be very accurate with the shot, it’s a very good thing. It’s not as easy as it looks,” Fernandes explained, which is an absolutely spot on analysis.
Lot of Futsal in That Goal
The United captain also praised Park’s winner against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium. Park helped start the move with a dribble from deep before getting into the box and finishing by picking out the far top corner.
“We spoke about the number eight shirt, and she was in the middle, creating and dictating the tempo. Then she follows up and she ends up in the box with the opportunity to finish. I think the finish is fantastic. There’s a lot of futsal in that goal there,” Fernandes said.
Very Quick With Her Feet
Fernandes watched Park’s solo effort at Aston Villa, which won another Goal of the Month prize. “She’s very quick with her feet and goes onto her left foot, which the defender was probably not expecting,” he acknowledged.
Also read: Hanna Lundkvist Makes Feelings Known After Manchester United Women Stalemate Against West Ham
Aston Villa
Khadija Shaw Scores Record Breaking Hattrick in ‘This’ Time as Manchester City Thrash Tottenham 5-2

Khadija Shaw produced a sensational performance at the Joie Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Jamaican striker netted a hat trick in just 21 minutes as Manchester City demolished Tottenham 5-2 to extend their lead at the summit to seven points with four matches left.
Shaw’s treble set a new WSL record for the fastest three goals, beating Kelly Smith’s mark from 2014. City responded emphatically to last weekend’s goalless draw at Aston Villa, with Kerolin and an Amanda Nilden own goal completing the rout before halftime.
Fourth Successive Treble Against Spurs
Shaw opened the scoring in the eighth minute, giving City an early advantage. Spurs hit back immediately through Olivia Holdt, which briefly threatened to make things interesting. However, the Cityzens’ response was brutal and decisive.
Shaw restored the lead with a towering header just two minutes later. Her third arrived shortly after breaking Smith’s 12 year record, which is absolutely remarkable. It marked Shaw’s fourth successive hat trick in home league games against Tottenham, which demonstrates her dominance over Martin Ho’s side.
Cruised to Victory After Halftime Blitz
Lauren Hemp provided the assist for Kerolin’s fourth before Vivianne Miedema saw her header deflect in off Nilden. Five goals before the break allowed Andree Jeglertz to rest key players in the second period.
Spurs grabbed a late consolation through Beth England but suffered back to back WSL defeats for the first time this season. City, meanwhile are closing in on its first title since 2016, which is frankly long overdue for a club of their stature.
Shaw now has 18 WSL goals this campaign, double the tally of her nearest challenger. A third consecutive Golden Boot appears certain alongside the championship trophy.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa Shirts Slashed to ‘This’ Price in Limited Time Flash Sale as Club Offers Huge Discount on 2025-26 Home Away and Third Kits Until Monday

Aston Villa Women supporters can grab this season’s shirts for just £30 in a surprise flash sale that runs until Monday morning. The club have slashed prices from £85 to £30, representing a massive 65 percent discount on home, away, and third kits, which is absolutely brilliant news for fans.
The sale includes all short sleeve versions of the 2025-26 jerseys, with the deadline set for 9.30 am on Monday, March 23. This means supporters have just days to take advantage of the offer, which undercuts other retailers, including Fanatics, where the same shirts cost over £36.
Kids Kits Start at Just £20
While the women’s shirts are now available for £30, the kids versions start at an even better value at just £20, which is frankly exceptional. The deals are live at the Aston Villa Official Store and represent some of the cheapest prices seen for WSL team kits this season.
The timing coincides with a crucial period for Natalia Arroyo’s side, who sit ninth in the Women’s Super League table. Villa have lost their last four WSL matches, including the recent defeat to Manchester City, and desperately need points in their remaining fixtures.
Sale Follows Launch of Originals Collection
The flash sale follows last month’s launch of the Aston Villa adidas Originals Collection, which includes retro tracksuits, tees, and jumpers. The Originals Track Top costs £85, while the Crew Sweater is priced at £75, with both items featuring classic claret and blue designs.
However, select sizes in the Originals range have already sold out, demonstrating the popularity of Villa merchandise among supporters. The club’s store, run by Fanatics, has received thousands of positive reviews on Trustpilot, with customers praising quick delivery and product quality.
Villa supporters attending upcoming matches at Villa Park will now be able to do so in official club colors without breaking the bank, thanks to this limited time offer.
Also read: Marc Skinner Blasts Man United Women After Latest Chelsea Loss, Calls The Blues’ Goals ‘Rubbish’
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