Darren Clinton aka Holte ender 1969 takes the Vital Villan interview
Darren Clinton aka Holte ender 1969 takes the Vital Villan interview:
1) When did you become a Villa fan and why?
I became a fan from birth really as my family are from B’ham and it was a simple choice seeing as my old man had a season ticket year on year.
2) Best moment/moments as a Villa fan?
When I was 12 and listening to WM radio commentary live from Rotterdam, need I say more!
3) Worst moment/moments as a Villa fan?
In my lifetime it was getting to the F.A Cup final against Chelsea and we never really turned up and lost.
4) Best and worst away ground visited?
Best – sad to see the old wembley knocked down. The original field of dreams!
Worst – Walsall & Notts County.
5) What did you think of last season? Good, bad or indifferent and do you think we progressed?
Overall it was a good effort and the school report was a credible B+. We have plenty of promise and must add quality to our thin squad otherwise we will drop away from what we have achieved already. It will be very hard next term without filling the void of Laursen and Barry but we must prove we are not a one man team and that just may work in our favour.
6) Which player/s should Villa sign this summer? And do you think Villa will spend enough this summer to progress?
Rather than spout my own opinions I would rather say where I think (in the team) we are lacking and the rest is down to MON to conjure up some quality signings and actually play the players in their correct positions to get the best out of them. A keeper as Brad F is on his last season really and Brad G doesn’t do it for me, sorry. A quality creative midfielder and a defensive midfielder. Also a fox in the box who’ll get us 15-20 a season. Beckham and Owen would raise the profile but not sure if MON’s into quick fixes and would they even come to B6! I do have to say though some have said Dean Ashton and David Villa, that will mean Ashton Villa in attack.
7) What do you expect next season?
Premier League: Eurorean qualification position.
FA Cup: Providing we do not get Manure in 3rd round, semi-final/final.
Europa League: last 32.
Carling Cup: Can see us winning it next season.
8) Your opinion on Martin O’Neill now he is approaching his 4th season in charge?
A passionate man who instills trust and belief into the players. A man who gets the most out of whoever plays. So far a man who we have trusted and he has worked to his plan so far. I do wish though that he was more willing to spend in the transfer market on quality when it comes availlable. Some think it will be his last season in charge if we don’t push on but I prefer a long term manager and in MON I think we can trust but we must be patient. Progress is progress afterall.
9) Your opinion on Randy Lerner and his board?
From Ellis to Lerner, does it get much better than that! A quiet man of honour and word and not one to get embroiled in team matters or vent in the media like some chairmen. The best for our club and long may he reign!
10) Favourite current player?
Ashley Young and Carew for his passion!
11) Favourite former player/s?
Morley, Shaw, Withe, Angel, Platt, Dublin to name a few. Also his name escapes me but the dutch forward we had and he bust his leg and had to retire. {Luc Nilis.. ed}
12) What did you make of the Gareth Barry exit?
Good servant and ready to leave so we made good money. Still miss him and hard to fill that hole, so come on MON let’s see what we have out there in the market to replace him.
13) Right, lets lower the tone… which celebrity would you most like to bang?!
My wife obviously, but all of the playboy girls at once would be nice!
With thanks to Holte ender 1969
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