Villans returning in quest for fourth title
Three-time champions Aston Villa, whose exciting brand of attacking soccer has won them many fans here over the years, will return to defend their title at the HKFC Philips Lighting International Sevens next month.
Last year, Gordon Cowans' side defeated shock finalists, Australia's Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in the final, thanks to a wonder goal by Mark Albrighton and fans can look forward to more excitement at Asia's leading soccer sevens at Hong Kong Football Club (May 23-25).
Villa, who also won the showpiece Hong Kong tournament in 2003 and 2004, will this year be joined by fellow English Premier League club West Ham United, Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic and for the first time the Australian national Under-20 team. The tournament will also include Dutch masters PSV Eindhoven, who earlier this week won their fourth Dutch league title in a row, and reigning Asian club and 2006 Hong Kong soccer sevens champions Urawa Red Diamonds. Local clubs Kitchee, Bulova Rangers and Happy Valley will also be appearing.
Villa manager Martin O'Neill had high hopes for a fourth Hong Kong title in six years.
'We're very happy to be returning to the soccer sevens to defend the cup we won last year,' he said.
'It's an excellent tournament that allows young players to express their skills and a visit to Hong Kong also provides them with an important life experience. We'll send a strong squad and do our best to retain the trophy.'
Villa sent one of the youngest squads in the event's history last year with an average age of less than 18.
Meanwhile, the masters' competition will provide added interest with stars from yesteryear parading their skills.
Glasgow Rangers All Stars will feature some of the players who helped them win nine Scottish League titles in a row from 1989-1997, including Gordon Durie, Mark Walters, John Brown and Andy Goram.
The Barclays Wealth All Stars will include ex-England midfielder Peter Beardsley, who will be returning with Dave Beasant and Warren Barton.
'This year's tournament promises to be the best yet,' said tournament chairman Tony Bratsanos.
