2012-13: The season you couldn’t make up

Source: The Sun

STEVEN HOWARD brings you all the thrills, spills, highs and lows from one of the most eventful campaigns ever

Aston Villa target £3m Peterborough striker Dwight Gayle

Source: Mail Online

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert plans to continue his youth revolution at Villa Park with a £3million move for Peterborough striker Dwight Gayle.

Arsenal and Tottenham target’s agent hints at summer move

Source: Fanatix by Dan Kilpatrick

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke interested in talking to clubs playing in Europe, says agent.

The agent of Arsenal and Tottenham target Christian Benteke has again hinted that the striker is interested in leaving Aston Villa this summer.

On Thursday, Benteke reportedly said he would not be forced to remain at Villa Park, prompting Villains boss Paul Lambert to urge the 22-year-old to take a ‘reality check’.

Benteke’s agent, Eris Kismet, has angrily dismissed the player’s quotes as false but done little to dampen speculation linking Benteke with a move away from the Midlands club.

“Christian and I are surprised and disgusted by a story in the Sun newspaper claiming Benteke can do what

Premier League Transfer Talk

Source: The Telegraph

Transfer Talk: follow all the rumours and gossip from the Premier League.  

Back pages, May 25: Andros Townsend thrown out of England squad for betting

Source: Mail Online

Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend withdrew from England's Under 21 squad last night. Read the headlines from the national newspapers on Saturday, May 25.

Paul Lambert admits he cried over Dortmund exit

Source: The Sun

EXCLUSIVE: SCOT helped the Germans to their only Champions League triumph, beating Juventus in 1997 final

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert joins forces with Jurgen Klopp to plot another glory night for Dortmund

Source: Mail Online

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert lent his support to his former side Borussia Dortmund as they set their sights on being crowned champions of Europe.

Striker Kone to leave Nimes

Source: Sky Sports

Nimes striker Seydou Kone has confirmed that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Aston Villa upset at Christian Benteke transfer comments

Source: BBC Sport by BBC

Aston Villa's Christian Benteke hints at a transfer but the club will demand around £25m if they agree to his departure.

Benteke disgusted by reports

Source: Sky Sports

Christian Benteke's agent has moved to distance the Aston Villa striker from comments suggesting he would try to force a move away from the club.

Aston Villa's Paul Lambert says Christian Benteke needs reality check

Source: The Guardian

• Striker says Arsenal is club he would like to join
• Manager insists he has plenty to prove at Villa

Paul Lambert, the Aston Villa manager, has warned Christian Benteke that he faces a "reality check" after reports suggesting the striker could be keen to leave the club.

The 22-year-old old Belgian scored 19 goals in his first season in the Premier League and has been linked with a move away from Villa Park.

But Lambert, who said talks had already begun over improving Benteke's existing contract that has three years left to run, insisted the player still has plenty more to prove. Lambert told

Paul Lambert insists Christian Benteke will stay at Aston Villa

Source: The Sun

VILLA boss has told his top scorer to take a ‘reality check’ after the Belgian said he would move if a big club came calling

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert says striker Christian Benteke needs 'reality check' after Belgian hints at move

Source: The Telegraph

Aston Villa manager says striker needs "reality check" after Belgian claims he would happily "join a club like Arsenal". 

Paul Lambert has warned Christian Benteke he faces a 'reality check'

Source: The Guardian

• Striker says Arsenal is club he would like to join
• Manager insists he has plenty to prove at Villa

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has warned Christian Benteke he faces a "reality check" after reports suggesting the striker could be keen to leave the club.

The 22-year-old old Belgian scored 19 goals in his first season in the Premier League and has been linked with a move away from Villa Park.

But Lambert, who said talks had already begun over improving Benteke's existing contract which has three years left to run, insisted the player still has plenty more to prove.

Lambert told

Champions League Final - Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich: Graham Poll Football Friday Google+ Hangout

Source: Mail Online

Former World Cup referee Graham Poll reveals what the atmosphere's like in the Bayern boardroom after you've refereed one of their defeats as Sportsmail looks forward to the Champions League final at Wembley.

Premier League to increase bans for horror tackles after video review

Source: Mail Online

Players could find their punishments for reckless challenges increased after plans to use video evidence to review contentious incidents were backed by football’s powerbrokers.

Christian Benteke wants Arsenal move; Paul Lambert says he needs reality check

Source: Mail Online

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has warned Christian Benteke he faces a 'reality check' after the striker revealed he would consider a move to Arsenal.

Lambert dampens Benteke talk

Source: Sky Sports

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists Christian Benteke needs a 'reality check' after reports claimed he was interested in joining a Premier League rival.

Football - Lambert: Benteke needs reality check

Source: Yahoo! Eurosport

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has warned Christian Benteke he faces a "reality check" after reports suggesting the striker could be keen to leave the club.

Paul Lambert urges Arsenal and Tottenham target Christian Benteke to stay put

Source: Fanatix by Dan Kilpatrick

Boss says Belgian should stay at Villa Park.

Paul Lambert has urged Christian Benteke to snub interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, and continue improving his game at Aston Villa.

Benteke has been linked to the north London duo after a stunning début season in the Premier League in which he bagged 19 goals for the Midlands strugglers.

The Belgium international claimed on Thursday that he would ‘not necessarily accept’ being forced to remain at Villa Park this summer.

But Lambert is hopeful the 22-year-old will chose to remain at the club and believes

Premier League - Benteke angles for Villa exit, mentions Arsenal

Source: Yahoo! Eurosport

Striker Christian Benteke has told Aston Villa he "won't necessarily accept" it if they tell him he cannot leave the club.

Football - Benteke won't be forced to stay at Villa

Source: Yahoo! Eurosport

Striker Christian Benteke has told Aston Villa he "won't necessarily accept" it if they tell him he cannot leave the club.

Standings

Source: Yahoo! Eurosport

Striker Christian Benteke has told Aston Villa he "won't necessarily accept" it if they tell him he cannot leave the club.

Premier League Transfer Talk

Source: The Telegraph

Transfer Talk: follow all the rumours and gossip from the Premier League.  

Back pages, May 24: Manuel Pellegrini set target of five five trophies in five years by Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano

Source: Mail Online

Incoming Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini given a target of five trophies in five years. Read the headlines from the national newspapers on Friday, May 24

Benteke in Villa quit threat

Source: Sky Sports

Christian Benteke insists he will leave Aston Villa if one of the Premier League's top clubs wants to sign him.

Christian Benteke casts doubt on his Aston Villa future

Source: The Guardian

• Benteke says he may ask for a transfer this summer
• Striker mentions Arsenal as a club he would like to join

Christian Benteke has cast doubt on his future at Aston Villa by indicating that he would like to leave if a leading club such as Arsenal try to buy him.

Villa want the striker to sign a new, improved contract but Benteke has given a press conference on international duty with Belgium before their friendly against the USA in which he is quoted as saying that he may demand a transfer: "If Aston Villa say I must stay, I won't necessarily accept that. I do not in any way want to feel I didn't

Thomas Hitzlsperger says German clubs are jealous of the Premier League

Source: The Sun

THE march of Munich and Dortmund to Wembley has seen many predicting a shift in Euro footballing dominance

Christian Benteke: Aston Villa cannot make me stay

Source: The Sun

BELGIAN striker put a host of big clubs on alert with Spurs, Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea leading the chase

Christian Benteke casts doubt over Aston Villa future by admitting he would consider move to Arsenal

Source: Mail Online

Christian Benteke's Aston Villa future has been thrown into doubt by the player himself. The striker revealed that he could be tempted to leave if Villa received an offer from one of the Premier League elite.

Christian Benteke casts doubt over Aston Villa future by admitting he would consider move to boost career

Source: Mail Online

Christian Benteke's Aston Villa future has been thrown into doubt by the player himself. The striker revealed that he could be tempted to leave if Villa received an offer from one of the Premier League elite.

Christian Benteke casts doubt over Aston Villa future by admitted he could not turn down big move

Source: Mail Online

Christian Benteke's Aston Villa future has been thrown into doubt by the player himself. The striker revealed that he could be tempted to leave if Villa received an offer from one of the Premier League elite.

Barclays goals of the season 2012-13 video

Source: The Sun

VIDEO SPECIAL: BARCLAYS today unveiled their Goal of the Season shortlist. Click here to watch and vote in our poll

Cheeky pint, Benteke quotes, a broke Dunne and a trip to Germany

Source: Aston Villa Blog

Petrov has taken a roll at the club assisting Gordon Cowans from next season. I for one think that is nice and I'm sure everyone else does too.

I'm not entirely sure how it is going to work because Petrov doesn't need the job and if he is serious about coaching, assisting Cowans isn't going to be where he wants to be, but it is a good place for him to get his badges.

It's nice anyway and I wanted to start with some news, because the rest is speculation. Or is it?

If Aston Villa say I must stay, I won't necessarily accept that. I do not in any way want to feel I didn't get the most out of my career. With my family I will decide where my future lies.

Possibly Christian

Which WAG is the British public's favourite?

Source: Mail Online

The Premier League season may have drawn to a close, but one table's top spot was still up for grabs... until now.

The fall from grace of Aston Villa and England striker Darren Bent

Source: Mail Online

When Darren Bent gave an interview to the written press after his televised welcome to Aston Villa two years ago, one motive for his switch from Sunderland quickly became clear.

Arsenal target drops massive hint that he will leave Aston Villa this summer

Source: Fanatix by Dan Kilpatrick

Christian Benteke insists he won’t be forced to stay at Villa Park.

Arsenal and Tottenham target Christian Benteke has dropped the biggest hint yet that he will leave Aston Villa this summer.

The Belgium international, 23, has enjoyed a stunning début season in the Premier League, netting 19 goals and almost single-handedly saving Paul Lambert’s side from the drop.

Beteke has been linked with a host of European clubs, with north London duo Arsenal and Spurs, said to be leading the chase for his signature.

Lambert has stressed that the

Awards time – Jack O’Meara

Source: AVFC - Ashton Villa Fan Site by Jack O'Meara

So there we have it, the season has finished, survival has been assured and planning and preparation for next season can now begin. However, I am now going to take a look back at the campaign and give out my very own awards for all things Aston Villa! Feel free to get involved, and give me your opinion in the comments section below:

Player of the season: Christian Benteke – ah where would be without the big, loveable Belgium. It was close between him and Brad Guzan but I’ve opted for the big man due to the fact that his 19 premier league goals were the catalyst for our 2013 revival and whichever scout pointed him out, they deserve a pay rise in my opinion! Machine.

Young player of the season:

Big-money attacker set to depart Aston Villa

Source: Fanatix by Seth Williams

Midlands oufit do not see a future at the club for their ex-skipper.

Aston Villa will listen to offers for unsettled front man Darren Bent when the transfer window reopens later this summer, according to reports in the Daily Mail.

The some-time England international was only used as a bit-part player last season under new Villa head coach Paul Lambert, and this despite the fact that the 29-year-old had started the campaign as the club’s No 1 attacker.

However, the devastating form in front of goal of new Villa forward Christian Benteke forced his fellow striker out of the

Premier League Transfer Talk

Source: The Telegraph

Transfer Talk: follow all the rumours and gossip from the Premier League.  

Back pages, May 23: Sergio Garcia faces losing millions after Tiger Woods race row

Source: Mail Online

Sergio Garcia is facing losses running into millions after Tiger Woods comment. Read the headlines from the national newspapers on Thursday, May 23.

Christian Benteke in more talks over Aston Villa pay rise

Source: The Sun

VILLA’S £20k-a-wk top scorer, wanted by Spurs, Man City, Arsenal and Dortmund could get a bumper pay rise to stay

Aston Villa face £18m loss on record buy Darren Bent after striker is shown the door

Source: The Telegraph

Darren Bent could leave Villa Park for £6 million with Fulham only suitor so far as Christian Benteke is offered double his salary to stay in the Midlands. 

Darren Bent told he can leave Aston Villa this summer

Source: Mail Online

Darren Bent has been told he is free to leave Aston Villa this summer as the Birmingham club prepare to take a huge hit on their investment in the England international.

Stiliyan Petrov takes up role with Aston Villa academy

Source: The Sun

BULGARIAN will work alongside academy development coach Gordon Cowans following retirement

Stiliyan Petrov 'excited' after accepting Aston Villa coach role

Source: BBC Sport by BBC

Former Aston Villa club captain Stiliyan Petrov is to take up a new role as an assistant to development coach Gordon Cowans.

Recently retired Petrov takes up coaching role at Aston Villa

Source: Fanatix by Tom Seymour

The former captain becomes the new club’s new development assistant.

Aston Villa have announced that retired club captain Stiliyan Petrov will still be working at the club next season, as assistant to development coach Gordan Cowans.

Petrov did not play for Villa at all this campaign as he continued his ongoing battle with acute leukaemia, after the midfielder was suddenly diagnosed with the disease in the summer of 2012.

The Bulgarian has been in remission since August last year but decided that he was too ill to continue playing football and hung up his boots

Premier League - Petrov to take up Academy role

Source: Yahoo! Eurosport

Aston Villa have confirmed that Stiliyan Petrov will take up a role as assistant to development coach Gordon Cowans.

Stiliyan Petrov to start Aston Villa coaching role

Source: Mail Online

Stiliyan Petrov's association with Aston Villa will continue after the former skipper accepted a coaching role with the club.

Stiliyan Petrov accepts coaching role at Aston Villa following retirement

Source: The Guardian

• Former captain to work with club's academy
• Petrov in remission after battle with acute leukaemia

Aston Villa have confirmed their former captain Stiliyan Petrov will take up a new role as the assistant to development coach, Gordon Cowans, at the club's academy.

The 33-year-old Bulgarian announced his retirement earlier this month having spent over a year out of the first team, battling acute leukaemia. Petrov is in remission and has been charged with helping Cowans nurture Villa's future talent.

"I'm very excited by this new challenge and I wish to thank the club and the manager,