Views Of Villa Fans Needed

Established reporter David Conn (who did the excellent article on Doug’s reign at Aston Villa for the Guardian: Click Here ) got in contact with me last week and we met up before the match against Charlton.

He spent some time interviewing Villa fans and then went to the match in the press box (where I saw him grab a chat with Charles Krulak!).

I asked him to summarise what he was doing at present and this is what he said:

I’m writing a major piece for 442 about Villa in the light of the recent takeover. It will look at the takeover by Randy Lerner, and at the Ellis years, and also at Doug Ellis’ earnings over the years from Villa, as I put in my piece in the Guardian.

The piece will also take a broader look at Villa, its history, traditions and fanbase, and ask what the club is. Sleeping giant or middling provincial club? Huger than Blues, or similar? Also, how do the fans seem themselves and see the club? How important is the heritage to them, and what hopes do they have of the future now? I know VFC are wholly positive about Randy Lerner, but I would like to hear from fans who have reservations too – if there are any.

So if you want to express your opinions, do so in the forum, in the article comments or email me at: editor@astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk and I’ll pass on your communications.