Villa Blogsville

Stephen Jay Hawkings – Vital Villa Interviews 2019

|
Image for Stephen Jay Hawkings – Vital Villa Interviews 2019

When did you become a Villa fan and why?

Late 80’s, early 90’s, no idea really, being a young Irish lad riding the wave of Italia ’90, it must have been something to do with Paul McGrath or even Tony Cascarino. “You don’t choose Aston Villa, it chooses you”. That old saying probably sums it up.

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

Hard to pick one. Maybe winning the League Cup in ’96, everything went right. Visiting Villa Park for the first time in ’97 getting Dwight Yorke’s autograph. I think Hutton’s goal vs Blues will live with me until I die, I couldn’t believe what I was watching, can’t remember going as nuts for a goal in many years.

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

Paul McGrath. He’s God isn’t he?

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

Excellent. He came in and I enjoyed watching Villa again. And then he gets us promoted. In Deano we trust.

Best and worst moments of last season?

Best moment has to be the final whistle at Wembley. The relief. Worst was maybe being 4-0 down at Sheffield Utd, I couldn’t believe how badly everything was going again.

Your opening opinions on Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens?

Nothing but positive. But will they pay the fine?

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. A real leader on the pitch. Must be a done deal almost anyway.

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

Brilliant. He’s become the player we all hoped he would be over the last 2 seasons, now he’s ready to really take on the Premier League. The thought of losing him before he’s even hit his prime was utterly depressing, but its all changed now. Villa boy, Villa captain.

Player of the Year?

I’d have to give it to Super John McGinn. I think we still owe Hibs around £27.5m.

All time favourite Villan?

Dean Saunders was my first Villa hero, had his name on the back of my shirts. I was devastated when he was sold. I’ll go with him for that reason, but obviously the likes of God, Merson, Barry, Mellberg, Laursen etc get honorable mentions.

Hope’s for the coming campaign?

Make Villa Park a fortress. Play on the front foot home and away. But obviously be smart about it considering the sides we’ll be playing. Mid-table will do for a start.

One Bit Of Non-Football Wisdom For Us?

“All the atoms of our bodies will be blown into space in the disintegration of the solar system, to live on forever as mass or energy. That’s what we should be teaching our children, not fairy tales about angels and seeing grandma in Heaven.” – Carolyn Porco

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
Old Trinity Villan
david-avfc

Share this article