Should We Continue The 19th Minute Applause?

There is an interesting debate going on in the forum, or is it ongoing in the forum…? And in actual fact, does it really matter? And why am I arguing with myself about the correct sentence structure? I would say I`ve not started this particularly well at all….!

McGrath4Pope has asked: Should we continue with the 19th minute applause?

He says:

After the fans forum with Paul Lambert last night it appears that he feels that the 19th minute applause for Stan has run its course and should maybe be put to bed. He also said that it wasn’t for him to say when it stops and that it should come from Stan – which would obviously be the best way.

I’ve been meaning to put this poll up for a while as I happen to agree with Lambert – the 19th minute has been a fantastic gesture of support from the fans which has provided some real human emotion and a real sense of solidarity at the club. Which is a part of one of the two reasons for me feeling it should now stop:

1) Stan is now in remission – thankfully. I know this doesn’t mean he’s out of the woods yet but he is out the deepest darkest part. He’s back at work and is now looking forwards not back.

2) As I mentioned above, last season the 19th minute applause was a genuine display of support and affection delivered from the heart. It would be a real shame if such an amazing gesture became a ritual that is mindlessly observed ad hoc. If there’s one thing that grates against me it’s a pious football crowd in full swing false togetherness – I physically cringe when I hear the Scousers warble ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ or the West Ham cock-er-nee strains of ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ or a bunch of inbreds slurring ‘Keep Right On…’. The reason being that it all feels so contrived and I hate the idea that what has been rightly praised by all connected with Villa, the media and other clubs could be reduced to something we’re perceived to be ‘milking’ in order to show what great fans we are.

As is so often the case, surely it’s better to let this end whilst it’s still something pure and special than let it become something cheap and manufactured.

Forum thread and forum poll: Should we continue with the 19th minute applause? It is currently over 70 saying no, just 4 saying yes. I`ve also added that as our new poll on the front page.