Sir Dennis - Vital Villa Interviews 2019

When did you become a Villa fan and why?

From birth really. My Dad was from a big family who were/are all Villa fans and I was never going to support any other team. I went to my first game aged 4 in 1969.

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

Most treasured memory I should say winning the European Cup, but for a 11 year old lad, going to Wembley for the first time in 1975 and seeing us win against Norwich was something I will never ever forget.

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

Sir Dennis Mortimer. Simply a great player and it is a national disgrace that he never played for England.

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

Fantastic. I often watched Brentford outplay us and wished that we could play like that, and now we are. To come from 14th in February to getting promoted whilst playing some terrific football was a magnificent achievement.

Best and worst moments of last season?

Worst is a toss up between Sheffield Utd away and the Preston game at home. Best moment is hard to nominate one having watched every minute of our 10 game run. Apart from Wembley obviously, Sheffield Weds and Rotherham away stand out but I will go a little left field and go for the Jed Steer stare on Holgate in the penalty shoot out.

Your opening opinions on Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens?

Well apart from rescuing us they seem to be doers and not talkers which I find is often the best way. I think they are serious owners.

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?

Mings all day long and if we have to pay over the odds for him, then so be it.

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

He is a man now. I think Terry has being a big influence on him, and taught him how to act professionally. He is so much fitter and that has made him a better player. Giving him the captaincy was a masterstroke from Deano.

Player of the Year?

Super John.

All time favourite Villan?

Sir Dennis Mortimer obviously.

Hope’s for the coming campaign?

I think we will be ok, I really do. The way we play will give us a chance of winning a few games and I loved Deno’s statement that we will go and try to win every game we play.

One Bit Of Non-Football Wisdom For Us?

If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

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