Simon Dawkins is determined to make up for lost time after joining Villa on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder is a late starter in the Barclays Premier League, having had the early part of his career disrupted by injuries.

But now he is determined to make an impact - and he is the subject of an exclusive interview in the latest issue of the Villa News & Record.

Dawkins talks about his time with MLS club San Jose Earthquakes over the past couple of years, his substitute appearances in the last two games, his faith in God - and what he hopes to be doing beyond the end of this season.

It's a fascinating insight into a player with an intriguing story to tell, one we're sure all Villa supporters will enjoy reading.

Talking of reading, there's also a fantastic competition in which one lucky Villa fan could see his or her name included as a character in the next Jack Reacher thriller.

Reacher is the hero in the novels of Lee Child - a staunch Villan - and the New York-based author is offering this incredible opportunity to his fellow fans.

To find out how YOU could be a Jack Reacher character, check out the programme for the Manchester City match.

There's also a photo gallery of the players in training, while Charlie Aitken - the club's record appearance-maker - tells us about his favourite Villan.

Skipper Ron Vlaar, meanwhile, is the man in focus in the Kidzone section, while our Villa Vault section turns the spotlight on the 2005-06 season.

At £3, the Villa News & Record is an essential part of your matchday experience, so be sure to pick up a copy at the programme kiosks situated all around Villa Park.

And for even better value, why not go for our special five-for-a-fiver deal - the current programme, plus three back issues and a Poster Book - all for just £5.

Back issues from the games against Newcastle and West Ham will also be available at £3, while the Capital Cup semi-final special edition costs £5.

Subscribe to the matchday programme now.

You have have full [£66] or half [£33] subscriptions in the UK. For Europe and Worldwide, check the links below.

For details, call 0845143 0001, click here or email avfcpublications@trinitymirror.com.