Mellberg at Villa crossroads
Olof Mellberg has been warned he is at the crossroads of his Villa career.
The Swedish defender is out of contract in the summer and free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a non-English club from January 1.
Villa manager Martin O’Neill says he wants to keep the 30-year-old, but talks to extend his stay have so far stalled between both parties.
Speculation has increased that Mellberg could be on his way after he was forced to play right-back this season after over six years at centre-half, and he has been linked with Juventus, AC Milan and Roma.
Now retired right-back Mark Delaney says his former Villa team-mate may have to move on.
“It’s time for Olof to sit down and decide if he wants to continue to play at right-back, a position which is relatively new to him in the Premiership, at a time when he’s moving on in terms of age as well, or if he moves on to pastures new,” said Delaney.
“He’ll either accept that personal challenge and move or will stay somewhere where he’s comfortable. Either way he’s in line for a bumper contract.”
Delaney claims Mellberg remains the club’s best centre-half.
“I’ve studied the defence this season and particularly the right-back spot having played there myself,” he said.
“Olly has been an integral part of the team for the last six or seven years, and in my opinion is still the best centre-half at the club. He’s one of the best signings Villa have made.
“He’s very similar to Gareth Southgate in that he gives you 100 per cent every week.
“The players are all happy with him, he enjoys the club.
“His heart is at centre-half and yet he sees everyone else playing there, although it has not yet come to the point where he’s demanding to play in his favourite position. I’m not telling Martin O’Neill how to pick his team.
“I’m suprised Olof has not been linked with bigger clubs in previous years, both abroad and in England, but there are the rumours now about Juventus,” said Delaney.
http://www.expressandstar.com/2007/12/22/mellberg-at-villa-crossroads/
Olof Mellberg has been warned he is at the crossroads of his Villa career.
The Swedish defender is out of contract in the summer and free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a non-English club from January 1.
Villa manager Martin O’Neill says he wants to keep the 30-year-old, but talks to extend his stay have so far stalled between both parties.
Speculation has increased that Mellberg could be on his way after he was forced to play right-back this season after over six years at centre-half, and he has been linked with Juventus, AC Milan and Roma.
Now retired right-back Mark Delaney says his former Villa team-mate may have to move on.
“It’s time for Olof to sit down and decide if he wants to continue to play at right-back, a position which is relatively new to him in the Premiership, at a time when he’s moving on in terms of age as well, or if he moves on to pastures new,” said Delaney.
“He’ll either accept that personal challenge and move or will stay somewhere where he’s comfortable. Either way he’s in line for a bumper contract.”
Delaney claims Mellberg remains the club’s best centre-half.
“I’ve studied the defence this season and particularly the right-back spot having played there myself,” he said.
“Olly has been an integral part of the team for the last six or seven years, and in my opinion is still the best centre-half at the club. He’s one of the best signings Villa have made.
“He’s very similar to Gareth Southgate in that he gives you 100 per cent every week.
“The players are all happy with him, he enjoys the club.
“His heart is at centre-half and yet he sees everyone else playing there, although it has not yet come to the point where he’s demanding to play in his favourite position. I’m not telling Martin O’Neill how to pick his team.
“I’m suprised Olof has not been linked with bigger clubs in previous years, both abroad and in England, but there are the rumours now about Juventus,” said Delaney.
http://www.expressandstar.com/2007/12/22/mellberg-at-villa-crossroads/
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