The start of 2008 has been bright for the Villa. It was seen in with a rousing 2-1 victory over Spurs as Martin Laursen again proved his worth.
The Danish defender took his tally to six goals with the winner in that game and a new contract was to follow soon after. The deal was apt reward for the player of the season so far and his signature was possibly the most valuable for any club in the transfer window.
The win over Spurs was swiftly forgotten as the Claret and Blue were again knocked out of the F.A. Cup by old nemesis Man Utd. It was a creditable performance but again Rooney and Ronaldo overhauled the Villa resistance.
It would be nice not to draw Ferguson's men just once and see where we could get to. Last time they weren't in the competition we nearly won it
The bitter blow of being knocked out was soon replaced by that winning feeling. This time it was Reading on the end of a backlash as we defeated them 3-1 at Villa Park. Again set pieces were the key as two of the three goals were scored from dead ball situations.
It was an easy victory in truth against a Royals side without a win on the road.
That form was in stark contrast to the Villa's away record as the Claret and Blue simply refused to be beaten. This determination was illustrated at Anfield, where we came from a goal behind to nearly clinch an amazing victory.
We displayed a desire that showed the fans present and watching on TV, we could just be contenders for that fourth place finish.
Another draw was to follow as Villa were held at home to gritty Blackburn. The away side set out to frustrate and they stuck to their task well. Eventually a spectacular Ashley Young free kick ruined the Rovers resistance. A fair draw all in all.
Surprisingly Martin O'Neill was yet to dip into the transfer market despite the fact that he said he had a small squad.
A few days later, Gary Cahill was sold to Bolton and confusion emerged around Villa Park about just why there were no signings.
Eventually Wayne Routledge was brought in, despite the fact that he had hardly even been linked with Villa. This was an antithesis to players such as Jermain Defoe and Pascal Chimbonda who were apparently making similar trip from Spurs.
Defoe joined Portsmouth on the final day of the window and frustration loomed. The Villa deal for American keeper Brad Guzan was called off and the signings total had reached just one.
However, there was some positive news at the same time as five, yes five, of the Villa squad made Capello's first call up. It was just reward for Scott Carson, Curtis Davies, Gareth Barry, Ashley Young and top scorer Gabby Agbonlahor.
It showed how home grown talent can prosper if the manager has faith and steers them in the right direction.
We finished the month in a brilliant fifth place, just two points away from Everton in fourth. Great work again from the Northern Irish, master manager.