Bouma, Hiddink, Wilkins and George

Terrific news to have Wilfred Bouma back and playing football again.

It's been a long road back, but 90 minutes against Chelsea's reserves tonight in front of a decent crowd will do his comeback no end of good.

Bouma may have cause to feel more misery at Villa's limp exit from Europe last week more than most.

Had Villa not even set out on the InterToto - UEFA Cup route back in July then perhaps then he may have avoided serious injury.

Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

I'd be interested to hear Nicky Shorey's private thoughts on Bouma's return - which I'd have thought would not be for quite some weeks yet such is his shortage of match fitness.

Still, it's great to have him back.

Nigel Clough was there tonight.

As was Sunderland scout Ian Atkins.

Who are they watching? Well, Marlon Harewood would be a very decenmt acquisition for anyone in the Championship for a month or two.

Guus Hiddink and Ray Wilkins were there too.

I only know that because they stumbled across my young three year old lad as they exited a lift on the third floor of the Trinity Road Stand.

Hiddink look at young George, sat quitely on the carpet on his backside, and said to him: "You've got the right idea!"

Wilkins almost fell over himself laughing at the sight of the youngster - small in size but with big blue eyes and naturally spikey hair that would make him a natural for a hair gel advert - taking it easy and they departed through the double doors and to the directors reception.

I couldn't say anything at the time.

I was actually on the telephone to Martin O'Neill who was about ten minutes away from the ground on his way to the game. (The media department had sorted a pre- Manchester City press call for which I am grateful).

I was struck by their friendliness, albeit in just a fleeting exchange.

It was a great night all round: fans in for free, seven goals and the return of a very popular figure.

George watched five minutes of his first ever football match, then wanted the toilet, then returned briefly to want the orange team to win (the Chelsea keeper was wearing orange), then he got bored and was shown how the Trinity Road turnstiles work by a friendly steward.

It's funny but my eldest lad William, almost six, has the distinction of only ever seeing one football match, and that was when Villa were out in Dubai playing a friendly some years back.

Suddenly those Stoke goals aren't quite so vivid in the memory.