O'Neill factor has fans flocking to Villa

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Despite the fact that today's New Year dust-up with Tottenham is live on satellite television, kicking off at 5.20pm, the sell-out signs are close to going up. Again.

O'Neill: gives players belief

The O'Neill factor has pushed Aston Villa's attendances to their highest level since 1949-50, just below the 40,000 mark.

Five thousand Brummies made the trek to Wigan and, with Villa emerging as genuine European contenders for the first time since John Gregory's formative years in charge, there is little doubt that the club is on an upwards curve once more.

O'Neill knows they are far from the finished product, and knows his squad, undoubtedly light on numbers, has escaped relatively scot-free.

"The atmosphere at Villa Park has been great," said O'Neill.

"We lost our last two games before facing Manchester City, and while our away record has been outstanding recently, the players really enjoy playing at home.

"Some people have said — in the dressing room and in the media — that it's the best atmosphere at Villa Park for a number of years."

O'Neill has praised the positive attitude of the Villa fans this season, which is in stark contrast to the later days of David O'Leary's reign.

"You know, if you pay your money, I believe you are entitled to say what you want and chant what you like for the team," said O'Neill. "You can show your annoyance at something you feel is wrong, within reason.

"But it's vociferous. You know, when Villa Park gets going, it's a fantastic football theatre.

"It was one of the reasons that brought me back. I take a look around this ground and think to myself sometimes, what would it be like if we were to be successful?"

Left back Wilfred Bouma has been one of the successes of O'Neill's reign.

Bouma bought for £3.5million from PSV Eindhoven, was, until last Saturday at least, part of a rearguard that remained unchanged for 17 Barclays Premier League fixtures.

And he says O'Neill has rebuilt the side's selfconfidence. 'The difference now is that there is a self-belief in the dressing room,' said Bouma.

'Before this manager was here, when we went down in a match I don't think we ever came back to level or win.

'He believes in me, so it's up to me to perform. The manager will let you know if he rates you. Otherwise, you won't be playing.'