USA - Belgium 2-4 : Goals Christian Benteke

England v Ireland as it was tweeted...

Happy Birthday Charles & Kyle...

We here at villamad.co.uk would like to wish Many Happy Returns to Charles N'Zogbia and Kyle Walker.

Kyle had a successful loan spell at the Villa under Monsieur Houllier, managing to provide more assists to Darren Bent than either Ashley Young or Stewart Downing. He's gone from strength to strength since returning to Spurs and looks set to secure his spot in the England squad as the World Cup looms.

Charles remains something of an enigma, but when he does hit form, he is still one of the most exciting players in the league as he proved when given a run in the team in a more central role. Rumours of a move to Monaco persist, but maybe he's a luxury we can actually can afford to keep.

So Happy Birthday chaps.

Villa bounce back to win the Shield in Hong Kong

Aston Villa bounced back from an agonising last eight defeat to Leicester City to bag a trophy at the Hong Kong Sevens.

Wins over South China and Manchester City enabled Sean Verity's charges to take the Shield.

Villa's day began with extra-time heartbreak in an extraordinary quarter-final against Leicester.

In the Leicester game, Villa had look dead and buried but a brace from Jack Grealish and a late goal from Jerell Sellars took the game into sudden death.

Michael Cain

Sadly, Michael Cain netted just 30 seconds into the extra period to break the Young Lion's hearts

However, the Villa lads showed their character, responding with 3-1 victory over South China with Grealish and Sellars again providing the goals.

Facing Manchester City in the Shield final, Villa suffered a set back when City took an early lead

Villa took control in the second half, Grealish equalising with a pearler and then providing the free kick which Janoi Donacien converted with an audacious back-flick to secure the silverware.

The clear out begins...

The clear out at Villa Park has begun in earnest as news filters through that three players aren't to be offered new deals.

Simon Dawkins departure won't be a massive shock, as his presence has barely registered since his arrival on loan from Spurs during the transfer window.

A handful of substitute cameo appearances never really gave him the stage to impress with Villa faithful. Though he seems to be blessed with good ball skills, there always seemed to question mark over his pace and a last chance saloon appearance as the Wigan game petered out did little to enhance his chances.

Hopefully he can go back to the MLS where he appeared to have found a niche.

Veteran goalie Andy Marshall's departure was no surprise (but then we wouldn't be THAT surprised if we re-signed him yet again). Villa's impressive Swiss stopper Benji Siegrist is now twenty one years old and can surely be trusted to become the club's number three, while Bradley Watkins and Craig Hill have both put in impressive performances between the sticks for Under 21s this season, Watkins' heroics being a major factor in the Next Gen triumph.

More surprising is that we are saying goodbye to useful fill-in fullback Eric Lichaj.  Only as recently as the Chelsea game, Eric had showed how capable he can be be when called upon and his ability to slot in at either right back or left back was a handy one to have. Fans will be wondering if Chris Herd is to be the understudy right back or whether a new signing is in the offing.

Stan's the man: Petrov takes on coaching role

Stiliyan Petrov has joined the coaching staff at Aston Villa.

Just a few days after Petrov Day at Villa's last game of the season in Wigan marked his departure as a player, he has a new role at the club

Long time friend Paul Lambert had hinted there would be a place for the midfield maestro on his coaching team, an offer which he has now accepted. He will work as assistant to Villa development coach Gordon Cowans.

"I'm very excited by this new challenge and I wish to thank the club and the manager, Paul Lambert, for giving me the opportunity to continue my association with Villa, which I have always regarded as a privilege.

"I will study for my coaching badges over the coming months and I am looking forward very much to working with Gordon Cowans, someone I know and respect, a true Villa legend.

"My hope is that I can assist Gordon through my own experience in the game and that I can help the young lads to progress, become better players and better human beings. There are important values that we have always stood for at the club and we will continue to do so."

Petrov joined Villa from Scottish Premier League side Celtic in 2006.

Dunne and dusted

Media reports suggest that Richard Dunne, Villa's almost forgotten centre half, has been released by the club as his contract comes to an end.

Dunne, an O'Neill acquisition, failed to make a single competitive appearance under Paul Lambert. The Republic of Ireland international has failed to make any real impression under the previous two managers - having a particularly fractious relationship with Gerard Houllier - and despite noises to the contrary from Lambert earlier in the year, his departure seemed inevitable.

Ironically, it has been in defence that Villa have struggled in the Lambert era, with many fans calling for an experienced defender to steady the ship.

With Villa seemingly unable to keep a clean sheet and Lambert pouring cold water on the prospect of bringing in experienced players, the Villa faithful will be intrigued to see just how the backline can be strengthened before the new season kicks off on the 17th August.

We at villamad.co.uk wish Richard  every success for the future and will be reminiscing about the good times and the early days of his partnership with James Collins.