Lee Child's thrillers have sold more than 40m copies in 75 countries and been translated into 38 languages.

But when he is not keeping his readers on the edge of their seats, the New York-based novelist's big love is Aston Villa - and he writes exclusively in the latest edition of the Villa News & Record.

We featured Child and the vast array of Villa names in his books earlier this season. Now he has come up with an appreciation of his all-time favourite Villa player - written in the gripping style which has made his Jack Reacher novels a worldwide phenomenon.

Be sure not to miss it in the programme for the big match against Manchester United, which is a blockbuster in more ways than one.

Apart from Child's intriguing column, we also have an exclusive interview with Paul McGrath, one of the greatest players ever to pull on a claret and blue shirt.

Macca isn't talking about football on this occasion, though - he tells us all about his new career as a singer.

Jermaine Jenas, meanwhile, reveals how he intends to follow in the footsteps of a great No. 8 during his season-long loan at Villa Park.

Then there's an extensive, in-depth interview with chairman Randy Lerner, regular columns from Alex McLeish, Stiliyan Petrov and Stan Collymore, plus reports and action photos from our last three games.

We cater for younger fans, too, with puzzles on our Kidzone pages.

And there's a real treat for youngsters in the programme for the United game - a FREE set of Premier League stickers.

Be sure to pick up a copy. At £3, it's great value - and your matchday experience isn't the same without it.

Apart from the current issue, numerous back issues will be on sale at the programme kiosks around Villa Park.

These include this season's games against Wigan, West Brom and Norwich, and there will also be programme from games against Manchester United in 1986, 1989, 2001 and 2004, all at £1.

And there's still a limited number of our hugely-popular Villa Poster Books, containing pictures of all the players, at just £2.

Click here to buy Manchester United tickets.