McGrath For Pope is next for the Vital Villa interview.
McGrath For Pope is next for the Vital Villa interview.
1) When did you become a Villa fan and why?
Both my grandfathers, upon moving over to Birmingham from Ireland, decided to adopt the Villa as their team and so passed this support to their children (with the exception of one who went ‘rogue` and to the dark side of small heath). Like a young Skywalker I managed to avoid the ‘lure` of the dark side (‘rogue` uncle dragging me to an appalling Blues 0 – Norwich 0 snooze-fest) and follow my father into supporting Villa. He brought me to my first Villa game, versus Everton, the day before my birthday, 5th November 1989. The first time I laid eyes on Villa Park, Paul McGrath (who scored an own goal) and the magnificent David Platt (who scored two) it felt right. The fact we won 6-2 probably helped, and I settled down to what I imagined would be a future of unrivalled success
2) Paul Lambert? Your opinion please?
I thought we should have tried to pinch him last summer so I`m very pleased with the appointment. So long as we as fans manage our expectations and don`t demand too much too soon I think he could do a fantastic job here.
3) Best and worst moments of last season?
Last season? Surely last season never happened? If you push me on it though then the best was probably watching the kids in the NextGen. Worst has to be that Bolton game at home – most poisonous atmosphere I`ve witnessed at Villa Park and the moment I felt everything came to a head.
4) Your opinion of Randy Lerner and the board, can a decent season next season make up for last season?
I still have faith in Randy and the board though it has been severely tested by events last season. If they back Lambert sufficiently they will win back most people`s full support I`m sure. Third time lucky lads.
5) Which player/s should Villa sign this summer?
Attack wise – Stephen Fletcher, Victor Moses, Justin Hoillet would all improve us and would be realistic. N`Zonzi or Diame would strengthen midfield. Defence – well that needs some major surgery and I wouldn`t know where to start, Kyle Naughton perhaps? Really depends on funds
6) Which player/s should Villa get rid of this summer?
I would personally pay to see the back of N`Zogbia and Hutton. Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Albrighton and Delfoneso would all follow if we could bring in higher quality replacements (which wouldn`t be difficult). Unless Lambert feels there is some untapped brilliance he can pull out of Bannan and Agbonlahor, I`d probably cash in there too. Other than that though I`m very happy with our squad
7) Favourite current player?
Probably Chris Herd – for the effort he puts in.
8) Favourite all time player/s?
McGrath, Platt, Yorke, Townsend, Taylor, Merson, Laursen.
9) What do you expect us to do/finish this season assuming a decent transfer window with £25m or so spent?
Premier: Top ten would be great – anything above 12th will be fine.
FA Cup: No reason we can`t go for it and win it – reality of modern football is that we may as well concentrate on domestic cups.
Carling: Same as the FA Cup.
10) You can ask yourself any question you want to about Villa and what is your answer?
Favourite games I`ve attended? Villa vs Inter (Big Ron and Pens), Villa 3 – Arsenal 2 (the comeback game!), Villa 2 – Atletico Madrid 1 (OK we went out but what a night, what an atmosphere, what a goal from Collymore!)
11) 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? David Bowie – to hear stories and have a jam!
b) Age 29 (for 5 more months L)
c) Location: Solihull
d) Favourite alcoholic drink: Lager, Guinness, Champagne, Brandy, a good Red wine – can`t decide!
e) Favourite non-alcoholic drink: Coca Cola
f) Favourite Film/s: One Flew Over The Cuckoo`s Nest
g) Favourite TV Show/s: The Sopranos, The Office, Alan Partridge, Match Of The Day (NOT MOTD2!!!!)
h) Music?: Love it – Bowie, The Smiths, Half Man Half Biscuit, Blur, The Clash, Dylan, The Kinks, Oasis, Primal Scream, Rolling Stones
Suppose Indie and Rock covers it – enjoying American Folk and Roack-a-Billy at the moment though!
i) Best ever moment in your life: The birth of my daughter 7 months ago.
j) Ambitions: To make a living playing music.
k) Wise words: It`s nice to be important but it`s important to be nice.
now your turn, how to submit an interview: click here
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