When did you become a Villa fan and why?
I started going on a regular basis in 1969. My Nan lived in Nechells and I used to walk 3 miles to the ground to meet my best friend and his Dad outside the Holte pub. Would you let an 11 year old do that nowadays?! My Mom’s family are staunch Villa so it was no-brainer.
What is your favourite Villa moment of all time/most treasured memory?
Outside the obvious European Cup. The league cup final replay at Old Trafford. Just an amazing atmosphere and I had taken a Villa supporting girlfriend with me. We celebrated!
If you could bring back a former Villa player into this team (at his peak) who would it be and why?
I got to be good friends with Keith Leonard when I worked behind the bar at Moor Green FC. His best mate played for them. He was trying to get over the cruciate ligament injury but never made it back. He was on the fringes of the England team and I’ve always wondered how far he could have gone in the game.
How do you rate head coach Dean Smith’s time in charge so far?
Expected him to do well in the Championship although I thought promotion would have been in season 2.. I’m looking forward to seeing how he handles the greed league.
Best and worst moments of last season?
Best has to be the final whistle of the final. I admit to shedding a few tears. The worst for me was losing to the Albion at Villa Park.
Your opening opinions on Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens?
They appear to be in this for the long term with a plan to match. I’m cautiously optimistic. Cautious only because we have had our fingers burnt before.
Tyrone Mings has arguably been the standout loan signing, but we only have a matching offer clause. Would you break the proverbial bank to secure his signature or do you go for Tammy Abraham?
Tyrone impressed me more than Tammy. I think he had a more influential effect on the team as a whole. Man crush!
Jack Grealish has proven himself to be a key man, how do you rate his development?
He’s really come of age this season. Love watching him play. I get that real buzz of excitement when he’s on the ball. There’s a lack of that type of player in the modern game. I can’t wait to see if he can step-up to the premiership. I’m sure he can.
Player of the Year?
I’ll go Super John McGinn but it’s a close call. He’s been more or less ever present and has incredible energy, drive, skill, etc……..
All time favourite Villan?
So many but God edges it for me. I was a centre half back in the day. I was in awe of his reading of the game and his positional sense.
Hope’s for the coming campaign?
Now we are back let’s stay there and build a team to be reckoned with.
One Bit Of Non-Football Wisdom For Us?
If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got! Love that and apply it regularly.
Take part yourself and read the other interviews below!
Villa, Promotion, The Summer Of 2019 – Yup, It’s Time For The Vital Villa Interviews!
DeanoVilla
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