Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

O'Neill factor lured Young

24 Jan 2007 - 07:59:10

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New Aston Villa signing Ashley Young claimed the chance to work with Martin O'Neill persuaded him to move from Watford to the Midlands in a £9.5million deal.

Young has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal at Villa Park and becomes the most expensive player ever signed by the former Celtic and Leicester City manager.

The England Under-21 international rejected a move to West Ham last week, but jumped at the chance to sign for Villa after speaking with O'Neill.

"The manager is one of the best in the country and I'm looking forward to playing under him," he told the club's official website.

"I've met the manager before and the way he came across in our talks made him someone I wanted to play for.

"He has real enthusiasm and he gets the best out of his players. Hopefully he can do the same for me.

"There's a lot of ability here and a good mix. We've got a lot of young players who have done well, but some experience as well. I just want to get in and gel with the boys.

"I already know Gabby Agbonlahor from when he came on loan to Watford last year and we've been away together with the England Under-21s as well, so we've got a good understanding already."