James06 is next for the Vital Villa interview.
James06 is next for the Vital Villa interview.
1) When did you become a Villa fan and why?
The old man finally started taking me down Villa Park in the mid-eighties, after many tears over what seemed like years when he would go without me. First game was a 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town: I loved it!
2) What is your favourite Villa moment of all time/most treasured memory?
The penalty shoot-out win against Tranmere in 94, I couldn`t hold back the tears of joy as the Villa fans celebrated on the pitch. After years of soaking up the stats, collecting stickers and knowing every cup final match up and result for a decade or more: my team at Wembley was something I`d waited ages for, and thought I`d never see.
3) If you could bring back a former Villa player into this team (at his peak) who would it be and why?
Whilst sensibly thinking we could do with a McGrath or Laursen: the thought of a Benteke and Yorke pairing up front has me drooling!
4) Paul Lambert? Your opinion please?
Like him a lot. I love how he`s fulfilled the task he was given so far by sticking to his guns, and I like his style of play. For the first time since we were fed the line, I do actually see ‘a bright future.`
5) Best and worst moments of last season?
Best was the Sunderland home game when it really ‘clicked,` just a shame it wasn`t Mr O`Neil on the receiving end or it would have been a contender for question 2! Worst was Bradford at home, least said about that the better.
6) Some say last season was a success, others not so much. What is your opinion?
Maybe not success in the traditional sense, but I think fans are happier today than they have been for quite a while, there is a renewed optimism and a feeling of pride and togetherness – that has to be deemed a success I think.
7) Your opinion of Randy Lerner and the board?
I was caught up, hook line and sinker when they joined, but with hindsight they were naïve and a bit clueless, and followed that up with being stubborn. I`m hoping now that lessons have been learned all round and we can move on with controlled growth and ultimately success. I was disappointed with pulling out the Olympics, only for the proposed building work not to take place, and still not have taken place or be in the pipeline from my knowledge. The North Stand needs attention.
8) Which player/s should Villa sign this summer?
Overall strength in depth is required, to not only take the physical pressure off the young squad but also keep pushing them. It`s all about replacing the deadwood with ambitious young talent and the ongoing building programme.
9) Which player/s should Villa get rid of this summer?
Given, Hutton, Dunne, Ireland, Bent
10) Favourite current player?
Hard to pinpoint. Going through the squad it`s hard to see past our number 1. Not just his all round performances but also his commitment, passion and personality: I put Brad Guzan right up there.
11) Who was your first footballing hero and who are your favourite all time player/s?
Alan Rambo McInally was my first hero. All time, just like everyone else I guess, it`s Mcgrath, I doubt he`ll ever be beaten.
12) What do you expect us to do/finish this season?
Depends on who we keep, who we buy etc
it`s still very early days. Hopefully though a top ten finish.
Premier: 10th
FA Cup: 5th round
Carling: Winners
13) You can ask yourself any question you want to about Villa and what is your answer?
What do you think of the Villa support? It`s not good enough and it`s our biggest let down. The club and fans need to work together to firstly get bums on seats (by offering affordable tickets, discounts) and then improve the atmosphere with funding/sections/promotion for groups such as Brigada 1874
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? Pat Sharpe, to get that 40 quid back he owes me.
b) Age 35
c) Location: Solihull
d) Favourite alcoholic drink: Lager
e) Favourite non-alcoholic drink: Aldi summer fruit squash
f) Favourite Film/s: Monsters Inc
g) Favourite TV Show/s: Countryfile
h) Music?: I like a non specific mix from old american crooners to britpop. (with the exception of heavy metal or rap)
i) Best ever moment in your life: The birth of my son
j) Ambitions: To provide for and support my family in all they need
k) Wise words: There are three sorts of people in the world, those who can count and those who can’t.
Now your turn, how to submit an interview: click here
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