Interview with Villan-in-Cyprus
1 – How long have you been a Villa fan and how did you first get the Claret & Blue faith?
It’s funny because I was born in Wolverhampton into a Wolves family, however I was brought up in Tamworth (which is obviously Villa territory) and Dean Saunders was my boyhood hero so it just made sense! By about 1992 (aged about 9) I was Villa through and through. My mates were Villa fans and we were actually winning stuff/competing with the likes of Manure etc… I still keep tabs on the Wolves and go to a few of their games. Me and my older brother have loads of banter.
2 – What was your first game?
I think it was at home to Newcastle, it was 0-0 and now i’d think it was the most boring game ever, but it was my first time at a proper stadium. It was awe-inspiring and I fell in love with the place, the team, the crowd, just magic! From that moment I knew which side my bread was buttered.
3 – What is your most memorable moment as a Villa fan?
Aston Villa 5-1 Small Heath
4 – And the worst moment?
Enkleman, Mellberg . . . . need I say anymore?
5 – Who are your favourite current Villa players?
A month ago I would’ve said Gareth Barry, but now i’d have to say Martin Laursen. The man is truly commited to the cause, a lion at the back. I feel as long as he is fit, he’ll never let us down. Secondly i’d go with Ashley Young, what a talent!? I believe there’s tonnes more of surprises to come from him.
6 – Which former player/s are your ultimate heroes?
Peter Withe, Tony Morley, Nigel Spink, Gordon Cowans, and obviously Dean Saunders. Not to mention Ian Taylor, met him loads of times. What a top bloke.
7 – Which player do you think was the worst to ever put on the team colours?
At a push, Milan Baros.
8 – What is the best goal you have seen Villa score and which is your favourite game?
I think my favourite goal must be Gary Cahill’s scissor kick stunner which left Birmingham in a whole sea of devastation. We hadn’t beaten them for ages and we had to get that monkey off our back – now it’s off and order has been restored:) My favourite game was knocking Chelsea out of the Carling Cup Quarter final at VP.
9 – Best away ground visited?
Ewood Park. They do lovely pies, but they ran out of beer pretty quick:( We won 4-0, never seen a stadium empty so fast! As soon as the second goal went in they were gone!
10 – Who would you like to see Villa sign this summer?
David Bentley, Henry, Paul Robinson, Van der Vaart, James Milner, Miguel
11 – What are your predictions for us this season in the:
a) League Depends on the transfer window really. Ideally i’d like to overtake Liverpool and finish in the top four, but I think 5th is probably more realistic, and STILL progress! I’d be happy with 5th.
b) Europe Again, depends on signings. I think we’ll qualify for the Uefa Cup, but I don’t expect a good run.
c) Carling Cup Judging by MON’s team selection for the home game to Leicester City, I don’t think he takes this competition seriously. First couple of rounds maybe?
d) Fa Cup We’ll be drawn against Manure and depart in the 3rd round.
12 – What is your opinion of Martin O’Neill?
If anyone can awake the Giant, that is Aston Villa FC, it is Martin O’ Neill. His man-management is second to none. He keeps the player’s heads out of the clouds and tells it like it is. I am yet to be entirely convinced by his dealings in the transfer market, but at the moment I trust him.
13 – What is your opinion of Randy Lerner and the new board?
Extremely professional and certainly know how to strike a good deal. I can’t praise them enough for seeing through the Acorn’s deal, it’s not yet even on the shirts yet and it’s already seen massive publicity for them across Europe! Even more so as we embark on our European adventure. They’ve played hardball with Liverpool over Barry and shown we are a force to be reckoned with, both on the pitch and in the boardroom.
14 – Where do you sit at Villa and are you a season ticket holder?
I always have been, and always will be a Holte Ender. I was a season ticket holder, although I now work in Cyprus as i’ve been in the RAF for 6 years. I still managed 20 games last season, including home and away- now that’s commitment!!! You’d be surprised how many of us Villans there are in the Armed Forces. Some of my fellow Villa fans are Army, Navy and Marines. We’re even trying to set up a Supporters club in Limassol in case anyone’s interested??
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)
Hmmmm, not sure if there’s any top totty at Villa. Although the young lass who works in the Villa Village is rather nice;) Martin O’ Neill, Randy Lerner, Peter Withe and Ian Taylor.
PHEEEW! That was hard work. See you on the message board!
With thanks to Villan-in-Cyprus
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