KEVIN BLACKWELL is hoping the spirit of 2001 will sweep Leeds back into the big time via the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs.

Sheffield United 1 Leeds 1

Sheffield United 1 Leeds 1

David O’Leary’s position as Aston Villa manager is under no immediate threat despite a trio of poor results which has left some supporters calling for him to be sacked.

Aston Villa midfielder Patrik Berger is finally set to start on the comeback trail by resuming full training on Monday.

Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis is set to open preliminary talks with Newcastle counterpart Freddie Shepherd about signing James Milner on a permanent basis.

David O’Leary has urged Aston Villa’s fans not to verbally abuse defender Jlloyd Samuel, who could make a rare appearance in today’s FA Cup clash against Port Vale.

Tottenham 0 Aston Villa 0

Jermain Defoe started only his second match in the last 12 for Tottenham as replacement for African Nations Cup striker Mido as the North London team looked to cement fourth place in the Premiership after two defeats in a row, including an FA Cup exit.

Aston Villa are boosted by the availability of Gareth Barry for tomorrow’s trip to Tottenham.

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary is unlikely to bring in another loan signing to replace Eirik Bakke after revealing his disappointment at failing to retain his services until at least the end of the season.

Aston Villa fans and shareholders are “baffled” by the club’s failure to retain the services of midfielder Eirik Bakke for the remainder of the season.

David O’Leary has admitted Aston Villa cannot afford to make Eirik Bakke’s move from Leeds into a permanent deal during the January transfer window.

Lee Hendrie has insisted there is no rift with Aston Villa manager David O’Leary but admitted he may have to consider leaving the midlands club to obtain regular first team football.

Alan Pardew plans to “make a statement of intent” about West Ham’s ambition to young players such as Anton Ferdinand and Nigel Reo-Coker by making new signings in the transfer window.

Aston Villa 1 West Ham 2

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary made three changes from the side which had overcome Hull in the FA Cup for today’s Barclays Premiership visit of the West Ham.

Aston Villa are boosted by the return of striker Milan Baros from suspension for the home clash with West Ham.

Aston Villa’s on-loan Leeds midfielder Eirik Bakke has told David O’Leary he wants to remain with the midlands club for the remainder of the season.

Juan Pablo Angel returned to the Aston Villa starting line-up as his side sought to avoid more knockout humiliation in the FA Cup third round at Hull today.

Juan Pablo Angel will return to the Aston Villa starting line-up in the FA Cup third round match at Hull after being a permanent substitute during the festive programme.

David O’Leary is hoping to extend Leeds midfielder Eirik Bakke’s loan spell with Aston Villa until the end of the season.

West Brom 1 Aston Villa 2

James Milner is Aston Villa’s most significant new fitness doubt for the Premiership clash with Fulham.

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary is keeping his fingers crossed that rookie defender Liam Ridgewell can stand up to the demands of playing four games in eight days during the festive programme.

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has been told by chairman Doug Ellis he will have no money to spend in the January transfer window.

Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 1

Aston Villa midfielder Patrik Berger has suffered another setback as he bids to return to fitness after knee surgery.

Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 2

Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez made only one change from the side which beat Anderlecht in the Champions League for the Barclays Premiership clash at Aston Villa.

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has only 16 players to choose from for the visit of Wigan after further injury setbacks.

James Milner admits his deadline day loan move from Newcastle to Aston Villa was tinged with disappointment at missing the chance to play alongside Michael Owen.

Aston Villa boss David O’Leary insists he is delighted with his club’s deadline-day transfer business – despite Nolberto Solano’s return to Newcastle.

England striker Michael Owen completed his move to Newcastle and there was a flurry of activity at Tottenham as the transfer window closure neared.

Aston Villa are set to sign Leeds midfielder Eirik Bakke on loan until January, according to the player’s agent.

Leeds skipper Paul Butler is poised to sign a new contract which will keep him at Elland Road for another two years.

Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell has revealed midfielder Eirik Bakke is unlikely to play again this season.

Leeds midfielder Eirik Bakke is set for another month on the sidelines after undergoing a second operation on his injured knee.

Chelsea and Arsenal may be the front two in the Barclays Premiership title race but Alan Smith reckons Manchester United remain the team other clubs want to beat the most.

LEEDS midfielder Eirik Bakke has been ruled out for the season with cruciate ligament damage.

Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner today saw yet another player leave Elland Road and then insisted: “More will follow.”

Blackburn 1 Leeds 2

Leeds midfielder Eirik Bakke is again likely to be absent for another crunch relegation showdown against Blackburn at Ewood Park.