Mat takes the Vital Villan interview.
1) When did you become a Villa fan and why?
I went to my first Villa game when I was about 4 years old – my old boot (father) was a steward back in those days (I went to every home game for about 8 years in a row then) and I used to duck under the turnstyles to go in with him. So basically have always been a Villa fan.
2) Best moment/moments as a Villa fan?
1982 – winning the European cup – watching at home on TV while my brother (who is 10 years older than me was there)
2000 – FA Cup Semi vs Bolton – starting the Aston Villa FC ar by far ….song with my mate 10 mins before kick off and 20000 + Villa fans joining in – top feeling !
3) Worst moment/moments as a Villa fan?
Any time we lose to anyone – especially Small Heath – I go in a strop and refuse to watch anything with football in for the rest of the day
4) Best and worst away ground visited?
Worst : I thought Highbury was a dump when I went there to watch a Milk Cup match back in the day
Best : San Siro – but that cheating git was over the line when he crossed it
5) What did you think of last season? Good, bad or indifferent and do you think we progressed?
Typical Villa really – I think around christmas with the exception of the Arsenal game we rode our luck a bit (not that we werent due some)
Not felt that deflated since our stint at the top with Johnny G – still blame Shearer for ruining our chances that year by taking Ugo out
6) Which player/s should Villa sign this summer? And do you think Villa will spend enough this summer to progress?
I may have said this once or twice on the forums but and with some really wishful thinking –
Distin +/or Hangeland, Bale (when he’s fit), Kranjcaar, Cahill +/or Arteta, Wagner Love +/or Owen
I hope we spend enough to get some quality in
7) What do you expect next season?
Premier League: At least Euro Disney qualification
FA Cup: Yes Please
Europa League: Gives us something to do on a Thursday night I suppose
Carling Cup: Let the youth team play it
8) Your opinion on Martin O’Neill now he is approaching his 4th season in charge?
Slowly, cautiously – although I do like him – think he needs to work on his position rotation policy and substitution timings
9) Your opinion on Randy Lerner and his board?
His cheque book is looking a bit dusty at the moment – but has been there for us so far – not bad for a soccer fan.
10) Favourite current player?
He’s bigger than me and you
11) Favourite former player/s?
Gary Shaw, Peter Withe, Alan McInally, David Platt, Dean “getting no supply so I go and get the ball myself” Saunders, Alan Thompson, Didier Six
12) What did you make of the Gareth Barry exit?
To leave Villa for Middle Eastlands was for money, nothing else – so I’d have got his coat and dropped him there myself
13) Right, lets lower the tone… which celebrity would you most like to bang?!
Kate Hudson
With thanks to………Mat
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