"I believe that the time has come to take a break. NOT because I am concerned about the "good, bad and ugly" that might come from the thread but, rather, because any comments I make become cannon fodder for the media...and that media has no qualms about twisting my words to be incendiary. At the end of the day, this does not help the Club nor does it help the Fans.Heroes and Villains is a hugely important site...and one that has had a major impact on how the Club has proceeded over the past few years. Like Vital Villa and Villa Talk, Heroes and Villains has, been important to me personally and to the Club. Every member should be proud of what they have accomplished over the years. I have grown to appreciate, respect and admire those who have taken the time to post on my thread...even though some of the posts could be pretty rough at times. As I have said many times, you pay for your ticket, you have the right to comment!For those who have thought that I was only a PR stunt for the Club or a "spin-meister"...believe me, you are wrong. I have tried, at all times, to be honest and straight forward on every subject. I have given my honest opinion at all times and have attempted to make the distinction between me as a Fan and me as a Board Member. Unfortunately, the media has never been able to make that distinction and that has been THE problem.As General Douglas McArthur said, 'I shall return'."
As General Douglas McArthur said, 'I shall return'."
I agree with Mark as well, it's a shame the media have hijacked the thread and misquoted the General. But it is sensible to leave it for a while.
A shame, but I would like to add a qualification. It was great to be engaging with the fans when everything in the garden was rosy, i.e. when most Villa fans were happy that the person in charge wasn't Doug, the manager was the one that nearly every other fan would want in charge at their club, and the team were on the up. However, I would suggest that if you're happy to do it then, it becomes, if anything, even more important to do it when things aren't as rosy.
However, I would suggest that if you're happy to do it then, it becomes, if anything, even more important to do it when things aren't as rosy.