gmvillan is next for the Vital Villa interview.
1) When did you become a Villa fan and why?
More of a birth rite than ever ‘becoming a fan.’ (1968). I was on the ‘shelf’ at the front row of the old Trinity Road stand in my carry-cot!
2) What is your favourite Villa moment of all time/most treasured memory?
Plenty to choose from but Rotterdam 1982 still ranks as the best, along with having my picture taken as a nipper with Tony Morley at Bodymoor Heath in 1981.
3) If you could bring back a former Villa player into this team (at his peak) who would it be and why?
The obvious answer is God McGrath, but based on last season I think it would be a toss-up between Sir Dennis and Rico. Both would give us that steel, leadership and stability that we so desperately needed. With either of them in that team we’d have conceded 50% less goals and NEVER would have blown leads in the way that we did.
4) Paul Lambert? Your opinion please?
Better than I expected to be honest. I wasn’t hyped up about him before he came but I give him tons of credit for sticking with the kids and having the belief (self and in the players) to stick to his guns. He also values and appreciates the fans – more so than any other manager since Ron Saunders.
5) Best and worst moments of last season?
Too obvious really – 0-8 at Chelski was the worst. Best was probably the culmination of three months of excellent performances with the 6-1 hammering of Sunderland.
6) Some say last season was a success, others not so much. What is your opinion?
Definite success if you look forwards. Like many I was VERY fearful in December/January but again, credit to the manager and the club for not panicking and having faith in the youngsters. Every one of those players have now banked a year of experience and won’t want a repeat….
7) Your opinion of Randy Lerner and the board?
No problems with either. They are trying to do things the right way and have learned from the mistake of allowing a manager to have complete say in all aspects of transfers and wages.
8) Which player/s should Villa sign this summer?
A solid back-up goalkeeper to cover Brad
A good centre-back, either young and hungry or experienced with the correct attitude. Lescott would be a good choice because he’s a Villa fan and wouldn’t sit on his paycheck….
To be honest it would be futile to mention anyone by name. This time last year I’d never have said Westwood, Benteke and Lowton!
I have great faith in Lambert to get the right players in…
9) Which player/s should Villa get rid of this summer?
In addition to those already on their way (Dunne, Given, Lichaj) I think that Ireland, Bannan and Bent should be moved on. I don’t think Bannan is a disaster as some think, but he’s probably not quite good enough. Bent is not a good fit in a team that rely on a collective work ethic. Same for Ireland really – he is an absolute liability defensively, doesn’t keep the shape, and creates very little in attack. I wouldn’t be surprised, nor especially upset, if N’Zogbia was moved on also….
10) Favourite current player?
As an ex-pat in the USA (and a goalkeeper coach) I have to be biased and go with Big Brad. 🙂
11) Who was your first footballing hero and who are your favourite all time player/s?
Tony Morley – absolute legend. I was a left winger as a youngster and he was a big-time hero.
God McGrath, Gary Shaw, Jimmy Rimmer, Brian Little, Kenny Swain, Andy Townsend, Ian Taylor, Alan Wright, Dean Saunders, Tony Daley, Paul Merson.
12) What do you expect us to do/finish this season?
Premier: 11th
FA Cup: Quarter finals
Carling: Early exit
13) You can ask yourself any question you want to about Villa and what is your answer?
Least favorite all-time players due purely to the lack of respect shown to this great club upon/after departure:
Steve Hodge, Steve McMahon, Steve Foster, Nigel Callahan, Dwight Yorke, Martin Keown, Peter Schmeichel, Ugo Ehiogu.
14) 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? Ron Saunders – to pick his brain on management and to thank him for creating history in my lifetime that I was so lucky to be part of.
b) Age 44
c) Location: New York
d) Favourite alcoholic drink: All kinds of vino
e) Favourite non-alcoholic drink: Pineapple juice
f) Favourite Film/s: The Green Mile
g) Favourite TV Show/s: NCIS/Elementary
h) Music?: Anything except jazz
i) Best ever moment in your life: Meeting Alycia
j) Ambitions: Win a national championship/happy have a happy and comfortable life
k) Wise words: Never trust someone driving in a hat (got that from Mum and it’s so true!)
Now your turn, how to submit an interview: click here
Other interviews:
jimbovillain
deanovilla
Astonmilan
Trekker
Villan in Exile
Share this article
Related Articles
