Big Day For Vassell

Darius Vassell faces his former team for the first time since his £2million summer move to Manchester City.

Vassell, who was at Villa for 15 years having come through their youth academy, has said he doesn't quite know what to expect!

'This is a big day for me. I won't know what crowd to run to when I get on the pitch. I left at the right time but I'm proud that I was at the club for a long time. That will stay with me. I'll never truly move on because I've got strong links down there.'

Vassell has two goals in 11 games this season.

Former team mate and Villa right back Mark Delaney said:

'We all know what he is like and what he can do and, from what I've seen of him up at Man City, he looks like he is enjoying it and he has got a new lease of life with Andy Cole. Darius had a long time at this club. The move has showed it has worked for him. For some people it doesn't work but Darius had been here a long time and needed a fresh start.'

He has also praised Manchester City under the managerial guidance of Pearce:
'Manchester City ended the season fantastically and have taken it on to this season and under Stuart Pearce they have done really well and it is going to be a tough game. Pearce is the type of manager you want to play for and give 110% and everyone on the pitch who plays for Man City does that and hard work goes a long way to getting results. We are going to have to be on the top of our form but, if we can put in a performance like in the win against Birmingham, we will be alright.'

I hate it when opposition players are nice about us, means I can't slate them!