Villa Blogsville

DeanoVilla – Vital Villa Interviews 2019

|
Image for DeanoVilla – Vital Villa Interviews 2019

When did you become a Villa fan and why?

Unofficially from birth as my Dad wouldn’t have had it any other way…officially I think I was about 6 when I fully bought into it. I remember owning a pair of Everton shin pads as a 5 year old (my 2 best mates were older and Everton fans…in Birmingham)…they mysteriously disappeared. Thanks Dad!

What is your favourite Villa moment of all time/most treasured memory?

1996 Cup Final against Leeds takes some beating. Cracking day from start to finish. Inter Milan at Villa Park was awesome too…me and my Dad snuck out of my secondary school open day to get there on time.

If you could bring back a former Villa player into this team (at his peak) who would it be and why?

McGrath would be the obvious answer but we don’t actually need him if we sign McGrath Mk II (Mings). In the big league you need a big striker who will get you lots of goals, so I’m gonna plump for Rambo, big Alan McInally! Yorkie and Deano were options but not sure how they’d fair in the modern game with 1 up front. Think McInally would be ideal in that formation.

How do you rate head coach Dean Smith’s time in charge so far?

Job done. That’s all you can say really. I had my doubts, I didn’t really warm to the appointment and when Grealish was out and he seemingly didn’t have a plan B I did worry I might be right….but the proof is in the pudding and we got up, so credit where it’s due.

Best and worst moments of last season?

Best. Obviously the playoff final. Worst. That nob jockey who threw the cabbage at Brucie. Say what you like about the man’s management style, he was a gent, a hard worker, had been through a lot personally, and did not deserve that!

Your opening opinions on Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens?

Jury still out for me. If they are serious then Man City are the blueprint. Their owners came in and spent good money on good proven players like Adebayor, Barry, Bridge, Bellamy…we’re being linked to Brentford’s squad. This makes me worry they are happy to keep us a mid table side to earn a bit of money rather than really going for it.

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 is an absolute MUST signing. And yes I’d go up to £25 million for him no problem. Bargain in today’s market. I’d also love to sign Tammy too. He’s a goalscorer and they are hard to come by. He’s far from the finished product but he’s still so young and will no doubt improve loads in the years to come.

Jack Grealish has proven himself to be a key man, how do you rate his development?

Incredible. The talent has always been there, but the new found maturity has turned him into a true top quality player. I think he’ll shine in the Prem.

Player of the Year?

McGinn. Bargain of the century.

All time favourite Villan?

Wow, thats a tough one. McGrath cos he’s the best? Tayls coz he was one of our own? Barry coz of his consistency and longevity? Dion coz he had a 12 inch………..err….. I’m gonna plump for Steve Staunton as I used to model myself on him as a kid. A left foot that could open a tin of tuna from 12 yards.

Hope’s for the coming campaign?

That the owners prove to be the real deal. We sign Rose, Trippier, Butland, Mings, Gomez and a quality DM, and we finish 6th to win me £660.

One Bit Of Non-Football Wisdom For Us?

If you see something beige on a beach at night don’t kneel on it thinking it’s a rucksack as it might be a dog…oops.

Villa, Promotion, The Summer Of 2019 – Yup, It’s Time For The Vital Villa Interviews!

Share this article