Vital Villan Interviews

The Vital Villa Interviews 2017: randy.stand

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randy.stand takes the summer of 2017 Vital Villa interview…


randy.stand takes the summer of 2017 Vital Villa interview…

How to submit your own interview: Click Here

1) When did you become a Villa fan and why?

Well I had no choice. My whole family are Villa fans. My grandad used to tell stories of standing on the old Witton End bank with his Villa rattle. The villa gene was passed on through generations and fortunetly my Mom then met a Villa fan and married him. Rejoice!

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

I started following Villa in 1999 so I would have been 7. I enjoyed those first few years, loved John Gregory’s sides and the run that got us to the Wembley FA Cup Final in 2000. Skip the following years but then the O’Neill years were pretty good in parts. The Blues games, Man Utd win away & the cup runs again pretty memorable.

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

Paul Merson. I loved the guy. He was incredible, could be totally out of the game for large parts but you knew he had that one moment of magic in his boots. I remember at Everton away, awful day weather wise on a Sunday, tipped it down the whole day. Terrible game, we was really poor and in the 91st minute he saw the goalkeeper off his line and chipped him from what just have been 30 yards out to give us the win. Total class. Was gutted when he left and replaced him with Mark Kinsella!

4) Steve Bruce? Your opinion please?

I like Bruce. He’s a real football guy and a steady hand which I think we needed at the time. I think he came in and did what could have been asked. Disappointing we had that dreadful new year period which eventually cost us a challenge for play offs. Times I have questioned him like with his tactics and players out of position but I think every manager in Villa history I have. I think he is the right man and needs to be given time. It was a huge rebuilding job at Villa.

5) Best and worst moments of last season?

I quite enjoyed it to be honest. Our home form was good for a change. The win against Blues was obviously a highlight. The away defeat at Cardiff was my worst. Such an inept showing that day.

6) Your opinion of Doctor Tony Xia and our CEO Keith Wyness?

Whilst remaining cautious, I love Dr Tony’s passion and enthusiasm for the club. No one can argue about the money he has already invested and it’s time for the manager to pay him back on the field. I do think his direction was so important we secured that summer. We was only going to get worse under Lerner’s regime. On Keith, he seems a good guy. Has a lot of experience in football and more importantly seems to get the club. Also seems to have time for the supporters which couldn’t be said for his predecessor.

7) What do you think we need most in the transfer window?

That bit of quality. A goalie, CB, CM and an attacking player. A real leader. We’re not far off, we have a good squad at this level.

8) Which player/s should Villa get rid of this summer?

Richards, Gabby, Elphick, Amavi, the loaners.

9) Favourite and least favourite current player? (Explanation if you wish)

I love Kodjia, the guys class. Quite like Neil Taylor, gone about his job quietly but well since joining. Least favourite is Micah Richards. Just robbing a living off our club.

10) Who was your first footballing hero and who are your favourite all time player/s?

My first was Paul Merson. Loved Dublin, Southgate, Angel, David James, Barry & Milner. Carew and Benteke honourable mentions.

11) What do you expect us to do/finish this season coming?

I expect to be in the running for automatic promotion and I would be disappointed if we aren’t come seasons end.

12) You can ask yourself any question you want to about Villa and what is your answer?

Have we as a club started righting the wrongs?

Yes, I think Dr Tony stopped the alarming speed we was heading towards League 1. It’s been a frustrating few years but do believe we are on track to get back. The least the fans deserve who have been incredible throughout.

Just to change the theme slightly, a snap shot of you outside of football, answer or ignore at your leisure:

a) Which celebrity/s would you most like to meet and why? none
b) Age: 24
c) Location: Great Barr, Birmingham.
d) Favourite alcoholic drink: Magners
e) Favourite non-alcoholic drink: Diet Coke
f) Favourite Film/s: Back to the Future
g) Favourite TV Show/s: Phoenix Nights/Father Ted
h) Music?: Pop
i) Best ever moment in your life: Graduating from university and Qualifying as a Nurse against all odds. Also meeting someone who makes you happy.
j) Ambitions: Go on & progress myself in my job. (back to Uni in September) and continue to improve myself. I’d love to go and experience new places at some point.
k) Wise words: Don’t ever let anyone tell you can’t do something, it may be difficult but put your mind to it and you can achieve anything.

How to submit your own interview: Click Here

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