KRFESKIVILLA takes the Vital Villan interview.
KRFESKIVILLA takes the Vital Villan interview.
1) When did you become a Villa fan and why?
First match of 1962-3 season. Eight years old. Beat West Ham 3-1, and Derek Dougan scored 2. Taken by my mates’ Dad. Hooked ever since, my Dad bought me my first season ticket when Doug arrived in 1968, and I’ve had one since. The only time I seriously considered about packing it in was the last season under O’Dreary.
2) Best moment/moments as a Villa fan?
So many at my age.Wembley 1971, 1975, 1994 and 1996 (not 1977 that was awful). 1969 cup run Southampton matches, beating United in 1970 semis, Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday away in 1974-5, stuffing Liverpool 5-1 in 1976, Tranmere semi in 1974, but of course ROTTERDAM 1982 has to be the one!
3) Worst moment/moments as a Villa fan?
The three relegations I have seen, and every time we lose to the unwashed.
4) Best and worst away ground visited?
Best … Rotterdam
Worst… Tough, between Spotland (Rochdale) and The Shay (Halifax)..but those Division Three days were great fun, taking over every ground we visited (except Bradford with a rail strike!)
5) What did you think of last season? Good, bad or indifferent and do you think we progressed?
Overall I really enjoyed it, but it was very disappointing the way we finished. IMO it was down to tiredness and staleness. As we all know the squad is too small. I think there was some progression, but we missed a great opportunity. Next season will be tougher still to even regain 6th spot.
6) Which player/s should Villa sign this summer? And do you think Villa will spend enough this summer to progress?
I think we will spend realistic amounts ( net £25-£35m) but this will only be enough to ‘stand still’. My priority would be Upson. I would also like Naughton, Defour, Huddlestone, Downing, Owen and Sturridge.
7) What do you expect next season?
Premier…6th
FA Cup…5th round
Europa League…Qtr finals
Carling Cup…Out very early
8) Your opinion on Martin O’Neill now he is approaching his 4th season in charge?
He has done well so far. You must remember the shambles when he arrived. He has given the club its’ respect back. The next stage of our progression is going to be very very difficult though. Is he the man? Well I can’t think of anyone better who would be a realistic target.
9) Your opinion on Randy Lerner and his board?
Excellent. Along with Steve Gibson the best around. Everything they do oozes consideration for the history and culture of the club, and benefits the real fans.
10) Favourite current player?
Difficult with recent departures! I’m too old for current favourites, but I will say Petrov and Milner.
11) Favourite former player/s?
How long have you got!!! From Tony Hateley, Andy Lochead, Chico Hamilton, Pat McMahon, Willie Anderson, Brian Little, Andy Gray, John Gidman, the whole 1981-2 squad, through to Dwight Yorke, Paul McGrath, Ian Taylor, Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen
12) What did you think about the Gareth Barry exit?
Disappointed where he went, but also relieved the saga is over quickly. He was a great player for us.
13) Right, lets lower the tone… which celebrity would you most like to bang?!
Cameron Diaz…there is something about Mary!
With thanks to KRFESKIVILLA
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