Improvements Due To Villa Park.

Randy Lerner has said categorically that Villa Park will not be expanded until we fill the existing stadium but promises that any future plans will take into account our history and reflect it.

The Chairman and owner of Villa said: ‘I think the stadium is beautiful.’ Adding ‘The idea of building without success is out of whack. You’ve got to be a winner not only to build a bigger stadium, but also to feel good about doing it. I want to make sure the stadium is full. That helps you win games.’

‘My understanding is that we have planning approval to grow the stadium by 10,000 seats. That was already in place. I love the history of the club, but there are things we can do to Villa Park to make it more beautiful.- and I think it is beautiful. I love the stands, although the North Stand is my least favourite.’

‘You go to the Holte End and you have a wonderful piece of 19th Century Victoriana. Then you have the façade which we are working on and trying to give a more authentic feel. At the moment we just have a big ‘Aston Villa’ sign in plastic. Then we’ll work around the stadium with big Claret and Blue painted gates. Little things like that. Then, when we get to the North Stand, we may look at something more progressive architecturally – going from the deeply historical to the current.’

Well, there might not be any football at the moment but with comments like that, I can’t help but grin. It has only taken the new guys a few short months to realise the ground has history but things like the plastic crappy signs around the place are totally out of place and work needs to be done! Exciting times.

One Randy Lerner, there’s only one Randy Lerner. Well, in truth there are two, but the other is a recluse who lives in a hut in the Isle of Wight, so we don’t talk about him!