Vital Villa Interviews 2012: Nick Shale
Nick Shale is next for the Vital Villa interview.
Nick Shale is next for the Vital Villa interview.
1) When did you become a Villa fan and why?
It was 1979 and I was 5yrs old. My folks had just moved back to Birmingham after living over in Burntwood Staffs for a while (the place was full of Wolves fans, thankfully that influence never stuck!), and we moved into a semi-detached in a cul-de-sac near Pype Hayes Park. My Dad was never a follower of football so I never had any of that ‘This is my dad’s team, so it’s my team’ influence on me. However I soon became best friends with the kid who’s family we’d moved next door to, and they were all fanatical Villains. They took my to my first home game (against Notts County in 1980) and that was it for me, I never looked back…I was Villa til I die.
2) Paul Lambert? Your opinion please?
Fantastic appointment! And considering how dire the last 2 seasons have been for us. I’m actually looking forward to some attack minded football down at VP again this coming season. I must admit I was swayed with the thought of OGS coming to VP when the rumour mill was churning it out that he was going to be our next manager. But, in hindsight it’s worked out for the best. OGS will be a great manager I’m sure, but right now he’s an unknown quantity as a Premiership boss, and we need some established stability – Lambert’s that man.
3) Best and worst moments of last season?
There were good moments last season?! Honestly, I haven’t seen a Villa side that bad since the days of Dr Joe. Okay, best moments would be the victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on new year’s day. I was in a hotel in Southampton surrounded by ‘Laaarndeners’ whilst nursing a monster hangover from the previous night’s frivolities. There’s something very satisfying about seeing Cockneys unhappy when their team get’s done over.
4) Your opinion of Randy Lerner and the board, can a decent season next season make up for last season?
Lerner is fine. Doesn’t encroach on the manager’s decision making and supplies the £££’s, can’t ask any more than that in a Director. Faulkner on the other hand…
5) Which player/s should Villa sign this summer?
Lionel Messi? Honestly, I think the loss of big Carlos Cuellar at the back is going to take some replacing – So I’d like to see a big established centre back come in….ironically Melberg really impressed me in the Euros.
6) Which player/s should Villa get rid of this summer?
Charles N’zogbia and Steven Ireland. I think they’ve had enough chances now and just haven’t lived upto the expectation.
7) Favourite current player?
Stan Petrov
8) Favourite all time player/s?
Paul ‘God’ Mcgrath. Sid Cowens.
9) What do you expect us to do/finish this season assuming a decent transfer window with £25m or so spent?
Premier: Top 8 would be realistic I think.
FA Cup: Hah! The holy grail. If we have a decent cup run I’ll be happy.
Carling: Winners
10) You can ask yourself any question you want to about Villa and what is your answer?
Do you want the old round Villa badge re-established? A) YES!!!
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? Alive or Dead? I’d have to say Audrey Hepburn. One classy lady.
b) Age 37
c) Location: Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield)
d) Favourite alcoholic drink: Margaritas – I love tequila.
e) Favourite non-alcoholic drink: Coke with ice
f) Favourite Film/s: Goodfellas, Apocalypse Now, Shawshank Redemption
g) Favourite TV Show/s: MOTD, 24, Not Going Out, Anything on the History Channel
h) Music?: Northern Soul, Ska, Original RnB, Break Beat, Soul, Funk, Hip Hop
i) Best ever moment in your life: Taking my 1964 Vespa out on the road for the 1st time after spending 2 years restoring it.
j) Ambitions: World Domination
k) Wise words: ‘You can bring a horse to water, but you can’t force it to wear crotchless panties if it doesn’t want to’
now your turn, how to submit an interview: click here
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