Sorry, Peter

I am no professional sports journalist. But I would have thought that a News International sub-editor would be more demanding than to allow Peter Lansley of The Times to write an article in Tuesday's edition and then write it again in Saturday's. How very unimaginative.

How disappointed, too Lansley must be that Villa seem to have hit some form, thus putting a dent in his repetitive little scoop.

Lansley sniffed a story, which (wow!) goes like this: Villa sign one of the best managers in the world, spend ?20m, and then get relegated. Oops!

I expect Villa to beat Wigan tomorrow and then to take at least a point at the Riverside next weekend. The main reason this would be good news is that it would move Villa closer to the top half finish I think they will ultimately achieve, especially if the side continues to play as they have done in their last three halves of football.

The other reason is this: it will put an end to Peter Lansley's chirping little story, and render obsolete this irritating and witless commentary.