Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: SoccerHQ on November 19, 2018, 09:58:25 PM
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Probably going to get the Vassell book for xmas so popped into my local waterstones to see if they had it in stock and instead came across Ticket to the Moon which is an apparent indepth summary of our 5 year decline after winning European cup. Didn't recognise the author's name e.g. it's not Tony Matthews so was wondering if it was worth getting aswell for anyone who's already purchased it?
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http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=59026.0
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I have put 'Ticket To The Moon' and 'Wingin' It' (Mark Walters book) on my Christmas list. 'The Odd Man Out', Graham Denton's book on Ron Saunders is a very good book. Peter Withe's book was good apart from several glaring inaccuracies. The books on/by McGrath, Merson, Cascarino and Burridge were all good too. Woody And Nord by Gareth Southgate and Andy Woodman was another good one. Kenny Swain's wasn't bad either.
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Sir Brian's new book is launched next week.
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Rob Bishop's Euros & Villans is an excellent read and full of interesting anecdotes that I had not heard before.
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I'll probably get Sir Brian's book to add to my small collection of Villa books.
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Looking forward to Brian Little's book coming out and must get Mark Walters book.
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Dave has kindly given me the Ok to give my own book a plug:
https://villaareforlife.co.uk/
It is my own story and experiences of watching Villa play, starting in 1970 and leading all the way through to the turmoil of this summer. Only on writing this book did I realise how much things have changed for football fans over the past 40/50 years or so. Some of the crushes I/we experienced are unimaginable today and one game (Newcastle away 1976), I didn't even get into the ground because of the home fans attacking us. It was a golden age to watch the Villa but as many my age will testify, it wasn't a bed of roses at times.
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Dave has kindly given me the Ok to give my own book a plug:
https://villaareforlife.co.uk/
It is my own story and experiences of watching Villa play, starting in 1970 and leading all the way through to the turmoil of this summer. Only on writing this book did I realise how much things have changed for football fans over the past 40/50 years or so. Some of the crushes I/we experienced are unimaginable today and one game (Newcastle away 1976), I didn't even get into the ground because of the home fans attacking us. It was a golden age to watch the Villa but as many my age will testify, it wasn't a bed of roses at times.
Just bought my copy when's the book signing? Surely you've got a date for the Holte Suite.
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Did Gary Shaw ever write a book?
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Dave has kindly given me the Ok to give my own book a plug:
https://villaareforlife.co.uk/
It is my own story and experiences of watching Villa play, starting in 1970 and leading all the way through to the turmoil of this summer. Only on writing this book did I realise how much things have changed for football fans over the past 40/50 years or so. Some of the crushes I/we experienced are unimaginable today and one game (Newcastle away 1976), I didn't even get into the ground because of the home fans attacking us. It was a golden age to watch the Villa but as many my age will testify, it wasn't a bed of roses at times.
Just bought my copy when's the book signing? Surely you've got a date for the Holte Suite.
Thanks WW - There are many games in there that I'm sure you'll relate to and have similar tales to mine. Sadly, I don't think I'll reach the giddy heights of a signing in the Holte Suite. I might have to settle for a quick pint in there after Sunday instead. :(
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Did Gary Shaw ever write a book?
He was asked but he always refused.
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Dave has kindly given me the Ok to give my own book a plug:
https://villaareforlife.co.uk/
It is my own story and experiences of watching Villa play, starting in 1970 and leading all the way through to the turmoil of this summer. Only on writing this book did I realise how much things have changed for football fans over the past 40/50 years or so. Some of the crushes I/we experienced are unimaginable today and one game (Newcastle away 1976), I didn't even get into the ground because of the home fans attacking us. It was a golden age to watch the Villa but as many my age will testify, it wasn't a bed of roses at times.
Looks decent, I’ve stuck it on my Christmas list!
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Dave has kindly given me the Ok to give my own book a plug:
https://villaareforlife.co.uk/
It is my own story and experiences of watching Villa play, starting in 1970 and leading all the way through to the turmoil of this summer. Only on writing this book did I realise how much things have changed for football fans over the past 40/50 years or so. Some of the crushes I/we experienced are unimaginable today and one game (Newcastle away 1976), I didn't even get into the ground because of the home fans attacking us. It was a golden age to watch the Villa but as many my age will testify, it wasn't a bed of roses at times.
Just bought my copy when's the book signing? Surely you've got a date for the Holte Suite.
Thanks WW - There are many games in there that I'm sure you'll relate to and have similar tales to mine. Sadly, I don't think I'll reach the giddy heights of a signing in the Holte Suite. I might have to settle for a quick pint in there after Sunday instead. :(
When I speak to people about life in the 70's people don't believe me just how few would go to games at places like Newcastle (I didn't go first game up at Newcastle but went the next season and yes it was rough), Leeds, Chelsea etc. Am sure looking forward to reading your book. UTV
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Dave has kindly given me the Ok to give my own book a plug:
https://villaareforlife.co.uk/
It is my own story and experiences of watching Villa play, starting in 1970 and leading all the way through to the turmoil of this summer. Only on writing this book did I realise how much things have changed for football fans over the past 40/50 years or so. Some of the crushes I/we experienced are unimaginable today and one game (Newcastle away 1976), I didn't even get into the ground because of the home fans attacking us. It was a golden age to watch the Villa but as many my age will testify, it wasn't a bed of roses at times.
Just bought my copy when's the book signing? Surely you've got a date for the Holte Suite.
One more book for my Christmas list. ;)
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Did Gary Shaw ever write a book?
He was asked but he always refused.
Ta. Strange as I've seen him interviewed a bunch of times.
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I've 'looked inside' on Amazon. It looks interesting. £12 something.
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Dave has kindly given me the Ok to give my own book a plug:
https://villaareforlife.co.uk/
It is my own story and experiences of watching Villa play, starting in 1970 and leading all the way through to the turmoil of this summer. Only on writing this book did I realise how much things have changed for football fans over the past 40/50 years or so. Some of the crushes I/we experienced are unimaginable today and one game (Newcastle away 1976), I didn't even get into the ground because of the home fans attacking us. It was a golden age to watch the Villa but as many my age will testify, it wasn't a bed of roses at times.
Just bought my copy when's the book signing? Surely you've got a date for the Holte Suite.
Thanks WW - There are many games in there that I'm sure you'll relate to and have similar tales to mine. Sadly, I don't think I'll reach the giddy heights of a signing in the Holte Suite. I might have to settle for a quick pint in there after Sunday instead. :(
When I speak to people about life in the 70's people don't believe me just how few would go to games at places like Newcastle (I didn't go first game up at Newcastle but went the next season and yes it was rough), Leeds, Chelsea etc. Am sure looking forward to reading your book. UTV
It looks a great book that was about the time my dad started taking me down I saw my first game in 1969 and watched most of 1970/71 season from the dirt at the back of the witton end. Can’t wait to read this
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Mark, I would like to buy your book but I live in Australia.
Would you let me know postage to Oz and I will send you total by PayPal.
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Dave has kindly given me the Ok to give my own book a plug:
https://villaareforlife.co.uk/
It is my own story and experiences of watching Villa play, starting in 1970 and leading all the way through to the turmoil of this summer. Only on writing this book did I realise how much things have changed for football fans over the past 40/50 years or so. Some of the crushes I/we experienced are unimaginable today and one game (Newcastle away 1976), I didn't even get into the ground because of the home fans attacking us. It was a golden age to watch the Villa but as many my age will testify, it wasn't a bed of roses at times.
Just purchased Mark, look forward to reading
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Dave has kindly given me the Ok to give my own book a plug:
https://villaareforlife.co.uk/
It is my own story and experiences of watching Villa play, starting in 1970 and leading all the way through to the turmoil of this summer. Only on writing this book did I realise how much things have changed for football fans over the past 40/50 years or so. Some of the crushes I/we experienced are unimaginable today and one game (Newcastle away 1976), I didn't even get into the ground because of the home fans attacking us. It was a golden age to watch the Villa but as many my age will testify, it wasn't a bed of roses at times.
Looks decent, I’ve stuck it on my Christmas list!
just bought
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Thanks guys - I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. UTV.
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I've 'looked inside' on Amazon. It looks interesting. £12 something.
Mine came yesterday well pleased with it.
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Thanks guys - I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. UTV.
I got a copy off Steve Gough love my Villa books.
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Thanks guys - I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. UTV.
Just bought.
All the best with it.
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Blimey!. Ordered it Tuesday night, and it was there when I got home yesterday!.
In the hooliganism chapter, Mark, you mention the special being stoned at Burnley in ‘72. My mate was looking out of the small window in our compartment, and one of the pieces of ballast hit him straight between the eyes/ top of his nose!. Never seen so much blood in my life’. He’s still got the scar 46 years later.
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Blimey!. Ordered it Tuesday night, and it was there when I got home yesterday!.
In the hooliganism chapter, Mark, you mention the special being stoned at Burnley in ‘72. My mate was looking out of the small window in our compartment, and one of the pieces of ballast hit him straight between the eyes/ top of his nose!. Never seen so much blood in my life’. He’s still got the scar 46 years later.
You've ruined the book for me!
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Blimey!. Ordered it Tuesday night, and it was there when I got home yesterday!.
In the hooliganism chapter, Mark, you mention the special being stoned at Burnley in ‘72. My mate was looking out of the small window in our compartment, and one of the pieces of ballast hit him straight between the eyes/ top of his nose!. Never seen so much blood in my life’. He’s still got the scar 46 years later.
I'd only been to a handful of away games prior to Burnley. Up until that point, I'd traveled in the car under the supervision of my Dad or another adult who was in charge of supervising me. I'd often go in my Villa tracksuit with scarf around my wrist. Burnley was the first away game that I traveled to on my own. It was such an eye opener and such a contrast to going in the car. I went on to take a lot of what went on that day for granted in the following years but Burnley really frightened me at times as a 12 year old. I could hear the missiles banging loudly against the train and it doesn't surprise me to read that some hit passengers inside. I think that most will agree that whilst the 70s were a golden era, some things are far better off left there.
I would like to make it clear that the book is not about hooliganism, it is my story of my personal experiences of watching Villa over the years. However, when covering the 70s, it would be impossible not to have had unpleasant experiences of hooliganism from that era. I tried to confine it all to one chapter and apart from a couple of other incidents, that is exactly what I have done.
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Good luck with your book Mark. I'm adding it to my Christmas list as I'm of similar vintage to you so expect I went through a lot of the same experiences you enjoyed / endured.
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Blimey!. Ordered it Tuesday night, and it was there when I got home yesterday!.
In the hooliganism chapter, Mark, you mention the special being stoned at Burnley in ‘72. My mate was looking out of the small window in our compartment, and one of the pieces of ballast hit him straight between the eyes/ top of his nose!. Never seen so much blood in my life’. He’s still got the scar 46 years later.
You've ruined the book for me!
Sorry, mate! 😉
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what is the name of the Brian Little book ?
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what is the name of the Brian Little book ?
A Little is Enough
https://www.brianlittleofficial.com/shop
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Thanks
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Sod Brian Little's book - one of many; Brassneck's the one !
Made up though he missed the QPR replay and Liverpool 2-1 win at Anfield bommie night , cause that season I missed Everton first away win back in Div 1 although I did go to Maine Road a few days before.
Read up to Chapter 8 so far - the only additions I would have made would have been the first win back at St Andrews (the sid vicious game) , Leeds away ( the 40 on the bank holiday special ) and Blackburn in the cup.
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I am going to buy, Odd man out and the Brassneck book
Save Brian until I read a review.
I tried to buy Villa in the 70,s but sold out on Amazon, any ideas ?
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Best book on the Villa is From One Season to the Next. Need volume two.
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I got the Mark Walters book at the Weekend looking forward to reading it.
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The 70’s book always on eBay. Don’t pay over - the book is good but the print awful. The only thing about my copy is it’s full of autographs
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If you haven't read Children of the Revolution by Richard Whitehead , it's a fantastic book about Villa in the 70's.
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Thanks for the advice about eBay. Amazon ,out of stock had a new one priced at 38 pounds
Children of the revolution is great
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Is that the one about the schoolboy who lives in dingleland
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Brassneck’s book is so good. Best ever villa book that covers my villa attending The only period dubbed over 82-87
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Brassneck’s book is so good. Best ever villa book that covers my villa attending The only period dubbed over 82-87
That's really good to hear mate. There is little to no money to be made in writing these books. My motive has always been to share my experiences with fellow Villa fans who can relate to the stories. Your comments really make it worthwhile. I know you were there for a lot of the games because I used to see you regularly. First time I recall was QPR, first season back in Div 1, first away game and I heard this cockney voice shouting next to me after QPR had scored:
"You sound just like Chelsea do! C%&?s"
Sorry about after the missing bit - There wasn't a lot I could write given I had virtually stopped going during that period.
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I love all the books written about Aston Villa I've got nearly all of them and they are brilliant I first started collecting Villa books when I read Dave Woodhall's books which are brilliant and from there I really caught the collecting bug.
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I love Darren.
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Any more planned Dave? I too have always enjoyed your books
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I always remember getting the first 100 years book one of the best villa reads of all time
Apart from brassneck’s book where I know quite a few of the characters- danny’s Effort for names is excellent even though the heresay stories are not 100%. The other fan’s book if you can call it that hardcore is hit and miss - not an awful lot about the match in it
If you want to see in photos what supporting the villa was like in the 70’s nothing better than terry weirs book though
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Any more planned Dave? I too have always enjoyed your books
Always felt insider view from someone of the Lerner years would be a cracking read on how it all fell apart so quickly and some of the bonkers managerial decisions we made in that time. More interesting than the numerous books that popped up on Liverpool's american owners a few years ago anyway.
BTW Brian Little is at Sutton Waterstones from I think midday tomorrow signing copies of his new book.
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Any more planned Dave? I too have always enjoyed your books
Always felt insider view from someone of the Lerner years would be a cracking read on how it all fell apart so quickly and some of the bonkers managerial decisions we made in that time. More interesting than the numerous books that popped up on Liverpool's american owners a few years ago anyway.
BTW Brian Little is at Sutton Waterstones from I think midday tomorrow signing copies of his new book.
It'd be difficult because so many Any more planned Dave? I too have always enjoyed your books
Always felt insider view from someone of the Lerner years would be a cracking read on how it all fell apart so quickly and some of the bonkers managerial decisions we made in that time. More interesting than the numerous books that popped up on Liverpool's american owners a few years ago anyway.
BTW Brian Little is at Sutton Waterstones from I think midday tomorrow signing copies of his new book.
It'd be difficult because so many of the main players are either on the other side of the Atlantic, vanished or wouldn't raise an eyebrow without being paid. I could never do the managers book now - imagine Sherwood or O'Neill agreeing to talk to me about their times here?
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Ah I remember that one, did it come out before O'Leary was appointed?
Yeah was thinking Paul Faulkner might have some interesting things to say but he'd be still loyal to Randy I guess given he plucked him from obscurity which gave him chance to get big roles even after he left us.
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Ah I remember that one, did it come out before O'Leary was appointed?
Yeah was thinking Paul Faulkner might have some interesting things to say but he'd be still loyal to Randy I guess given he plucked him from obscurity which gave him chance to get big roles even after he left us.
It was just after O'Leary got the job so I did get a few quotes from him thanks to Phil Mepham. I don't think Paul Faulkner thinks very highly of Randy now but I do imagine that Randy could afford a much better lawyer, so that one's out.
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Half way through the Ron Saunders book, I bought for myself as a Christmas present.
A few lump in the throat and tingly eye moments.
Saunders, Saunders, Saunders ringing out.
Also a few anecdotes I had not known, fell out with a few of my favourite players, Charlie Aitken for one. Always time for a change and reinventing and evolving the team he did it very well, but it seems sometimes a bit callously.
I read on.
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My daughter got me a booked called ‘Aston Villa - on this day’ which is a lovely little book with an historical fact about a Villa event for every day of the year.
Well, it is lovely until you flick half way through and there is a full page picture of Steve Hodge starting back at you.....it’s not even titled c***.
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Brassneck’s one is up there with any of this year’s new offerings made ev n better when you know half the grids in the photos
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Got that one also, next on the reading list.
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I'll put a link to Brassneck's book on our FB Page. Only just read through this thread.
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How did the idea of having Ron celebrated on the 81st minute against Leeds come about? I thought he'd died at first.
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How did the idea of having Ron celebrated on the 81st minute against Leeds come about? I thought he'd died at first.
Through Project B6 who do the pre match flag displays in the Lower North Stand
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How did the idea of having Ron celebrated on the 81st minute against Leeds come about? I thought he'd died at first.
Me too. I clapped along thinking he had died
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@Brassneck will your book be available on kindle, i am in shanghai
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How did the idea of having Ron celebrated on the 81st minute against Leeds come about? I thought he'd died at first.
Through Project B6 who do the pre match flag displays in the Lower North Stand
I didn’t have a clue. We had Leeds penned in their right back corner and I just assumed everybody was pushing the team onwards
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Just finished Brassneck's book (started it yesterday). Really enjoyable read that although I'm too young for the majority of the era.
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The last Villa book I read was the Ron Saunders one a couple of months back, which was excellent. 'The Odd Man Out'. Although very much mainly about his time at Villa, it also covered his time both before and after Villa quite well. I got 'Ticket To The Moon' (Aston Villa The Rise And Fall Of A European Champion) for Christmas but haven't started it yet.
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The last Villa book I read was the Ron Saunders one a couple of months back, which was excellent. 'The Odd Man Out'. Although very much mainly about his time at Villa, it also covered his time both before and after Villa quite well. I got 'Ticket To The Moon' (Aston Villa The Rise And Fall Of A European Champion) for Christmas but haven't started it yet.
I've got them Damo still waiting to read them.
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Did the Ron one contain any recent interviews with the man? By recent I mean even a decade ago when he was at VP and spoke to Pravda. His health in more recent times would probably have precluded any involvement in a book about him even if he wanted to.
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Completely forgot I bought this before Christmas, left it in my desk.
Time to start!
(https://i.ibb.co/4WXCmWw/622-CC787-8194-4-A33-9-CFB-5-D05-EB980701.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4WXCmWw)
(https://i.ibb.co/6nZxJqK/21923-F98-7996-450-C-A138-0-B95312-FA4-F8.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6nZxJqK)