The summer 2017 interviews continue with none other than Mike Field…!
1) When did you become a Villa fan and why?
This is going to be my stock answer in future years because the brain isn’t getting any sharper and I struggle to remember what I did yesterday, let alone over two decades ago!
It was the days of Platty, God, Daley and GT. Mates at the time introduced me to the notion of Aston Villa and it just stuck basically.
First game (I remember) was Trabzonspor – nothing like VP at night – although I do have programmes from before then, but I can`t remember any other games so I’m blaming my senility
There’s no way I was drinking at VP back then, so I can’t blame it on that 🙂
2) What is your favourite Villa moment of all time/most treasured memory?
Too many moments stick out over the years for me to pick just one.
Some of God’s thunderous own goals which Shaun Teale tried to compete with at points. The Atkinson goal against Wimbledon. The 13 pass piece against Ipswich was it? Inspiring about 40 fans in the Holte to join me in a chant of ‘you’re going for a piss and you know you are’ when a mate was caught short 20 minutes into a game. Stan scoring from a corner.
One thing is for sure, the memories these days are incredibly nostalgic and go back a fair bit – the last few years have just been ‘meh` and nothing in reality stands out from on the pitch moments.
3) If you could bring back a former Villa player into this team (at his peak) who would it be and why?
Former incarnations of these interviews always sees me mention God, Platt in his heyday, Sir Ian of the Taylor and I`ve even gone for the evil ‘tosh` of Kevin Richardson before. Today though, I`m back to Taylor. Energy, drive and a goal threat from the middle of the park.
4) Steve Bruce? Your opinion please?
Gone up in my estimation since coming in, clearly relishing the chance of managing us, clearly getting the expectation that surrounds us and seems to really be proud he has this opportunity which is a pleasure to see – especially with his humour – given the melons we`ve had with soundbytes in recent years. I did however think we`d see more of a style of play come through in the second half of last campaign and a lot more dominant moments in matches. That`s the question mark now and with so many changes last season, not least the managerial switch, even if you give him all the leeway in the world – that doesn`t apply from July onwards.
I have doubts but I`m hoping he rams them back down my throat.
5) Best and worst moments of last season?
You mean there was a last season? I thought football had been on holiday for the last 4 years. I don`t think I have a best or worst moment, there were small highpoints, Jonathan Kodjia`s impact, Chester and Baker, the Beard in midfield and even Grealish taking a few small steps of improvement – not least Green`s impact. But apart from that mini week where the Play Offs seemed doable the campaign was still ‘meh` largely. Oh we won, played crap, oh we lost, played worse. Nothing I can hang my hat on.
6) Your opinion of Doctor Tony Xia and our CEO Keith Wyness?
Not really put a foot wrong yet for me. Clear aims, clear plan and the hiccups we have had have been rectified pretty quickly and nobody gets everything spot on. Pleased with the continuing interaction on social media with the fans, but it`s been tempered down from the early days which I think was right to do.
Impressed so far and long may it continue.
7) What do you think we need most in the transfer window?
Valium.
Goalkeeper obviously, a trim out of the squad but I look at the names we now have and how they played elsewhere and the main thing for me is a lack of ethos and identity. 3-4 quality additions should do us, as I don`t think the playing squad is the main problem now.
8) Which player/s should Villa get rid of this summer?
The list would write itself and the only disagreement between many would be maybe the likes of Veretout and Gil being given six months to show they could possibly hack it, but we`re back to the question then of settling them in given they`ve been back abroad.
9) Favourite and least favourite current player? (Explanation if you wish)
I think I`ve got to that age now where I don`t actually have a favourite and whether it`s because I`m mellowing or the anger has drained out of me with so much ‘meh` over the years, I don`t even particularly have a least favourite anymore. I can`t be bothered to have one.
10) Who was your first footballing hero and who are your favourite all time player/s?
Paul McGrath tops a very long list for players who made the game look effortless for me.
11) What do you expect us to do/finish this season coming?
I seem to expect less each and every season but 2017/18 isn`t about me. The club have made Play Off promotion the very least we can expect so they`ve put the pressure rightly on themselves on my little ol` thoughts are irrelevant.
12) You can ask yourself any question you want to about Villa and what is your answer?
Why do we do it? There is no answer.
And if you don`t mind:
Just to change the theme slightly, a snap shot of you outside of football, answer or ignore at your leisure:
(based on our WHO ARE YOU thread!!!)
a) Which celebrity/s would you most like to meet and why? Those willing to donate their bank balance to me.
b) Age A lot older and greyer than the last time you asked.
c) Location: In front of the computer.
d) Favourite alcoholic drink: I still maintain Carling is an energy drink.
e) Favourite non-alcoholic drink: Coffee.
f) Favourite Film/s: Way too many to list.
g) Favourite TV Show/s: Way way too many to list.
h) Music?: Depends on my mood, classical through rock, pop and some rap.
i) Best ever moment in your life: The two kiddies continue to take that prize.
j) Ambitions: Still to keep breathing.
k) Wise words: Pull my finger.
How to submit your own interview: Click Here
JuanPabloAngel
