Krfeskivilla is next up for the Vital Villan interview.
Krfeskivilla is next up for the Vital Villan interview.
1 – How long have you been a Villa fan and how did you first get the Claret & Blue faith?
I evidently watched the 1957 FA Cup Final on a black and white telly and got very excited about the Villa winning. I was only three at the time, so I can’t remember too much, but I guess I was a Villain from that day onward.
2 – What was your first game?
My first game was the first of the 1962-63 season (Yes, I am that old!). We beat West Ham 3-1, and the late Derek Dougan got a couple. Ironically, my son’s first game at Villa saw us beat the Hammers 3-1 as well, on Boxing Day 1991 or 1992, not sure. My friend’s Dad used to take us to the match in those days because my Dad wasn’t a big football fan. However, when he saw how keen I was, he started to go to matches and as a Xmas present in 1968 bought me and him a season ticket in the Witton Lane Stand. Dad remained a season ticket holder for years, but is well in his 80’s now and follows the matches via the radio and television.
3 – What is your most memorable moment as a Villa fan?
I have so many memorable moments. A lot of the younger fans have covered the more recent events, so I will go back a bit in time! The best football I have ever seen was in 1976 when we were 5-1 up against Liverpool at half time. Not even 1970 Brazil was as good as that. Whilst in the Third Division, Christmas 1970, beating Manchester United (Best, Charlton etc) 2-1 at Villa Park in the League Cup Semi Final in front of 62,500. Winning 4-0 at Sheffield Wednesday in 1975 to finally get back into the top flight with at least 20,000 Villa fans at Hillsborough that evening in party mood was unbelievable. Highbury 1981 was an awful game, but we won the league. HOWEVER, number one has got to be Rotterdam 1982. When the final whistle went and mayhem broke loose, I stopped and thought back to going to Tranmere on Friday nights, the joys of the Shay at Halifax and standing on mud banks at Rochdale in our Third Division days. ASTON VILLA – CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE. It was all worthwhile, it doesn’t get any better!
4 – And the worst moment?
Lost 4-2 at home to Everton in 1966 which relegated us to Division Two was very depressing as a youngster. Also any time we lose to the unwashed down the road.
5 – Who are your favourite current Villa players?
Too old for that really, but Martin Larsen is awesome. I would have said similar about Gareth Barry not long ago!
6 – Which former player/s are your ultimate heroes?
Willie Anderson, Chico Hamilton, Pat McMahon, Bruce Rioch and Andy Lochhead. When we were at our lowest, they were my heroes. Nowhere near as good players as others, but stars in Division Three. The whole Championship and European Cup winning team, and I used to rave about Brian Little, John Gidman, Andy Gray, Dwight Yorke, and of course Paul McGrath.
7 – Which player do you think was the worst to ever put on the team colours?
Cammie Frazer. I bet you never heard of him? He wasn’t very good! However, the one I detest most is without doubt, Steve Hodge. Older Villa fans will know exactly why.
8 – What is the best goal you have seen Villa score and which is your favourite game?
Best goal – Peter Withe in Rotterdam, no problem. Probably the best game (if not performance) as well.
9 – Best away ground visited?
Always loved going to Bloomfield Road in Blackpool. Great day out. Ewood Park is now, IMO, the best away day.
10 – Who would you like to see Villa sign this summer?
Paul Robinson, American dude Brad someone, Miguel, Justin Hoyte, Anton Ferdinand, David Bentley, James Milner, Steve Sidwell, Rafael van de Vart, Darren Bent. Usual names banded around.
11 – What are your predictions for us this season in the:
a) League 6th
b) Europe Quarter Finals
c) Carling Cup Winners
d) Fa Cup Stupid question – lose in the 3rd round to Man Utd.
12 – What is your opinion of Martin O’Neill?
MON is perfect for AVFC. I would like him to be a bit braver in the transfer market, but I am 100% in support of him.
13 – What is your opinion of Randy Lerner and the new board?
Along with Steve Gibson at Boro, I think the best ‘owner’ in the Premiership. I really appreciated how he has upheld, and enhanced, the tradition of Aston Villa Football Club. IMO he has done everything right so far. Long may it continue.
14 – Where do you sit at Villa and are you a season ticket holder?
I am a season ticket holder (since 1968) in Lower Holte. I had a season ticket in Witton Lane until standing season tickets were available and I have always been at the Holte End since.
15 – And finally (stolen without shame from Vital Arsenal!) 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)
The totty would be Cameron Diaz, no problem. I think I would go for Paul Merson, Andy Gray, Ron Atkinson and Johnny Dixon. What is it like to win the FA Cup?
With thanks to…Krfeskivilla
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