It is Col8’s turn on the Vital Villan Interviews..
It is Col8’s turn on the Vital Villan Interviews..
1 – How long have you been a Villa fan and how did you first get the Claret & Blue faith?
I was lucky; my older brother was a Villain before me so there was never ever a chance of me being anything else. Way back in the 60’s he was forced by my Mom to take me to the matches. The first game I ever remember going to was a pre-season friendly against Birmingham City. I remember clearly my brothers advice “If they score just fall back off the bar and I will catch you” Back in those days the Holte End was standing and the crush barrier was the Ideal height for a nipper to sit on and watch the game, people never seemed to mind in those days.
2 – What was your first game?
see above
3 – What is your most memorable moment as a Villa fan?
Watching Denis M lift the European Cup, the euphoria stayed for weeks. The European Cup back in those days was play home and away, win go through lose and out you went. Today you can lose a couple of games and still go through. As I said my big brother is a Villa supporter was lucky enough to be there I know it’s a night he treasures.
4 – And the worst moment?
The FA Cup Final against Chelsea, the stage was set for Villa, the Final ever Cup Final at the Empire-Wembley Stadium Villa never turned up, gutted for weeks and weeks after. I am not a bad sport and will take a defeat with as much grace as a trip to Doncaster Rovers in the Cup but that day was the worst ever as a Villain, had we gone there and lost 3-0 having a go I would have been proud of the lads. It made me cast my mind back to the League Cup final against Leeds a few years back when Howard Wilkinson managed the second worst team ever to play in a Cup Final.
5 – Who are your favourite current Villa players?
Like so many Ash Young and Martin Laursen.
6 – Which former player/s are your ultimate heroes?
Sorry before hand to the younger members reading this, when I was a kid it was always Willie Anderson or Ray Graydon “on the wing on the wing” Players like Charlie Aitkin showed such loyalty to the club players today will never ever reach the commitment shown by this bloke. I had the pleasure to meet him in Sutton Park as a kid, I asked for his autograph and the true Gent he is he even went over to his car and got a pen to sign my KitKat wrapper. Charlie Aitkin is Mr Aston Villa never mind those former board members who purport to his crown as Mr Aston Villa.
7 – Which player do you think was the worst to ever put on the team colours?
Scott Carson absolutely shocking keeper, players like Spink must have fancied their chances of a recall last season.
8 – What is the best goal you have seen Villa score and which is your favourite game?
Atkinsons solo brilliance against Wimbeldon or Stanly Victors brace against Liverpool in the last home game of the season under Gregory.
9 – Best away ground visited?
Turf Moor, that’s Burnley for the kids, the ground was like a “rose bowl” a real “Old” stadium.
10 – Who would you like to see Villa sign this summer?
The question should be how many? A few real quality like Bently, Guzan and Finnan would do nicely.
11 – What are your predictions for us this season in the:
a) League 8th if we are having a good cup run in three Cup comps
b) Europe Semi-final Uefa
c) Carling Cup Finalist
d) Fa Cup Out first round away to Manyoo at Old Trafford :o(
No pressure lads!
12 – What is your opinion of Martin O’Neill?
I think some people assume he is a bumbling idiot, personally I think he is so astute as a manger his insight into what his players can achieve is way beyond that of us mere mortals. Last season most of us spent focusing on the defensive frailties MON focused on what he had to work with and his tactics proved he is no one’s fool. I never heard people mention the right back when Chelsea left Villa Park with their tails between their legs. A lot of people like him to Brian Clough and say he is trying to emulate his mentor, he would never be so foolish as to try and be another “Big Ed” but if he is half as successful as Brian Clough we will be very happy indeed.
13 – What is your opinion of Randy Lerner and the new board?
Randy is all that most chairmen are not, he is not a self publicist, General Krulak once said “Randy Lerner will speak when he has something to say” amen to that. I have yet to meet Randy Lerner but when I will my smile will be bigger than his. True professionalism end of.
14 – Where do you sit at Villa and are you a season ticket holder?
Love it in the Holte End, saw two from the North Stand last season lost both. I am not a season ticket holder for two very good reasons. I work every other week end and a season ticket would be wasted. Before anyone who is a season ticket thinks any less of me I would like to point out my visits to Villa Park over a season cost me more than someone living locally. £30 ticket, £60 Fuel (and rising) food x 6 = £500 +
15 – And finally if you could invite 4 people connected to Villa, living or dead, to a dinner party, who would they be? And you can add one bit of top totty as well to make the party go with a ‘bang’ ;o)
Charlie Aitkin, Still Skeggy, Lord Ron Saunders and Colin Jones. Marilyn Munro I want to know who did the deed.
With thanks to Col8
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