Live Chat for an hour with Ian Taylor on Wednesday from 7pm

[Legion]

From Pravda:

Holte End hero Ian Taylor answers your questions.

Fan favourite Ian Taylor is next up in our popular Live Chat series.

Following the success of supporter interaction with General Krulak, James Collins and Ashley Young, former midfield ace Tayls has agreed to take time out of his busy schedule to join the media team in a Q&A with supporters.

Taylor will be online and interacting with fans for an hour on Wednesday from 7-8pm, alongside web editor Paul Brown and web writer Dan Harrison.

Just like the General's session online, we are expecting masses of interest in the answers of Taylor as he goes through the questions one-by-one.

Quiz him on anything - his favourite goal, his best memory, his dream team or how it felt to go from fan to icon over the space of a few years.

Few players can claim the special affinity with Villa supporters which Ian Taylor held.

He stood on the Holte End when he was a boy. He cheered Villa to League Cup glory over Manchester United in 1994 and was back at Wembley two years later. This time he was on the pitch, scoring the crucial second goal as they beat Leeds United in the 1996 final.

And whenever he was out of the team through injury, he was frequently spotted among the fans, both home and away, invariably prompting a rendition of "There's only one Ian Taylor."

He was a magnificent servant to the club, too. Maybe he arrived at Villa Park later than he would have liked, initially playing non-league football for Moor Green before making his mark in the professional game with Port Vale and Sheffield Wednesday, his contribution to the claret and blue cause was phenomenal.

For nearly nine years, Taylor was an integral part of Villa's midfield, producing non-stop graft which was so beneficial to his team-mates.

Essentially, he was a player's player but the fans loved him, too, appreciating that he was realising all their dreams of wearing the famous shirt.

Don't miss out, make sure you're in and behind your computer as the Holte End hero gives you an insight into his claret and blue character.

And remember there's plenty more to come in the weeks and months ahead.

[peter w]

If it was a live webcam with our Ash would it start around 11pm?

[villa1]

No, but it'd probably have an 18 rating!

[darren woolley]

I will enjoy the live chat with Ian Taylor allways been one of my favourite players at the Villa.

[taylorsworkrate]

I will take the opportunity to thank him.

I think he should know he had a big influence on my username.

[Ross]

I wonder if he'll be asked if he regrets confusing his role as 'Villa Legend' (tm) with his job working for an agent when he appeared on TV saying Villa should let Barry join Liverpool.

Sorry, but it still irks.

[Legion]

If I remember, I'll ask!

[SX150]

Absolute legend, could do with him now. Will look forward to listening in on that. It will give me an uplift listening to someone with a real passion for the club.

[The Left Side]

Excellent, I enjoyed the last one with the General even if the questions seemed to be a bit repetitive!

[Mac]

I wonder if he'll be asked if he regrets confusing his role as 'Villa Legend' (tm) with his job working for an agent when he appeared on TV saying Villa should let Barry join Liverpool.

Sorry, but it still irks.

Doesn't it

[Legion]

Transcript:

19:02
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Hi all. Great to be with you for this live chat. Looking forward to it. Fire away.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:02 Ian Taylor
19:03
   
   
Dan AVFC:
Great to have Tayls with us. Be patient folks as we are expecting lots of questions...Tayls will try and get through as many as possible.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:03 Dan AVFC
19:03
   
   
Ian Taylor:
My first question comes via Twitter and it is 'what is my life motto?' I think it is treat everyone the way you'd want to be treated yourself!!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:03 Ian Taylor
19:06
   
   
[Comment From JL JL : ]
Hi Tayls...Which Villa player have you enjoyed watching most this season so far?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:06 JL
19:06
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I would have to say Marc Albrighton. Not just for his attacking play. His work-rate is second to nine.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:06 Ian Taylor
19:06
   
   
[Comment From Jamie R Jamie R : ]
Best achievement playing for Villa?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:06 Jamie R
19:07
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Just playing for Villa was an achievement. I would have to say the League Cup win in 1996. But there's so many others too. We had some fantastic European nights.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:07 Ian Taylor
19:08
   
   
[Comment From Wombourne Villan Wombourne Villan : ]
As someone who made the transition from Villa supporter to Holte End hero, what is it like seeing someone like Marc Albrighton following in your footsteps by playing for his boyhood team?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:08 Wombourne Villan
19:08
   
   
Ian Taylor:
He must feel the same as I did, although he did it earlier than I did! Of course, he didn't have to stand up when he was watching the mighty Villa.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:08 Ian Taylor
19:08
   
   
[Comment From Woody Woody : ]
Who is the best player you have ever played with and against? Up the Villa!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:08 Woody
19:09
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Played with is Dwight Yorke. He was just the perfect all-round striker. He was quick, scored goals and was stronger than people gave him credit for.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:09 Ian Taylor
19:10
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Against is Paul Scholes. When I played against him, he was very elusive.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:10 Ian Taylor
19:10
   
   
[Comment From Sam Sam : ]
What is your favourite ground in the Premier League?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:10 Sam
19:10
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Villa Park obviously!! Anfield was always great to play at but for atmosphere it would be St James Park.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:10 Ian Taylor
19:11
   
   
[Comment From JOHN FOSTER JOHN FOSTER : ]
Hi Ian what was your favourite villa game
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:11 JOHN FOSTER
19:11
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I will have to come back to that one John. Let me have a think.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:11 Ian Taylor
19:11
   
   
[Comment From matttt matttt : ]
who is villa's best ever mananger?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:11 matttt
19:12
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I'd go for Ron Saunders because we won the League Championship with him in charge in 1981. From my own time, I'd pick Brian Little because under Brian we had our best spell.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:12 Ian Taylor
19:12
   
   
Ian Taylor:
It was good being part of a new team with Brian and it was great to gel so quickly.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:12 Ian Taylor
19:13
   
   
Dan AVFC:
Stick with us folks. The questions are flooding in tonight. Tayls is doing his best to get through as many as possible.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:13 Dan AVFC
19:13
   
   
[Comment From Ron T Ron T : ]
What are your memories of playing against Emile Heskey? And how good is he at leading the line?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:13 Ron T
19:13
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I think Emile is a handful for any defence. He leads the line brilliantly.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:13 Ian Taylor
19:14
   
   
[Comment From Naz Naz : ]
What's it like now that you are not playing - do you miss the buzz of the crowd chanting your name?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:14 Naz
19:15
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Hang on, I still get it on occasions!! When I get spotted. To be honest, I don't miss the buzz of playing football. Only on a couple of occasions have I genuinly wanted to play again.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:15 Ian Taylor
19:15
   
   
[Comment From Ian Taylor Ian Taylor : ]
Ian, do you have any regrets from your career? Anything you wish you could have done?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:15 Ian Taylor
19:16
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Obviously playing for England and leaving Villa the way I did. Gutted I didn't play for my country. I was close on a couple of occasions and seemed to pick up injuries when it looked like I was going to get a call-up.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:16 Ian Taylor
19:17
   
   
[Comment From Ben S Ben S : ]
Which villa player in the current squad do you wish you could have played with and why?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:17 Ben S
19:18
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Marc Albrighton and Barry Bannan. They are good young players coming through. When I went to Derby I played with Tom Huddlestone and managed to pass on some of my experience to him. Would have been nice to do the same for Marc and Barry.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:18 Ian Taylor
19:18
   
   
[Comment From Andy W Andy W : ]
Hi Ian, What was your favourite goal? mine has to be against West Ham in the cup! the importance of it! without doubt my favourite Villa player of all time too! legend!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:18 Andy W
19:19
   
   
Dan AVFC:
He's having a good think about this one!....
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:19 Dan AVFC
19:20
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I think I scored two in one game against West Ham!? One of my favourite goals was the UEFA Cup one against Steau. That night was amazing atmosphere-wise. To score the second in that was tremendous. It topped off a really great night too. Then there's the goal in the League Cup final!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:20 Ian Taylor
19:20
   
   
[Comment From JOHN FOSTER JOHN FOSTER : ]
Hi Ian what was the experience like playing for villa at wembley and scoring their in 96?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:20 JOHN FOSTER
19:21
   
   
Ian Taylor:
They were amazing occasions. It was a shame I didn't play in the new one. Sampling the atmosphere when you came out the tunnel was terrific.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:21 Ian Taylor
19:21
   
   
[Comment From Paul Briant Paul Briant : ]
The FA Cup final must have hurt? What happened on the day?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:21 Paul Briant
19:22
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Unlike 1996 when everything clicked, it was the total opposite in 2000. On some days, things just don't go right for you....but not for the want of trying I can assure you. It is horrible losing at Wembley - and that was the second time in my career.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:22 Ian Taylor
19:24
   
   
[Comment From Wedged in Wedged in : ]
Do you play for the Old Stars much these days and if so what is it like playing in a team with so many other Villa legends?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:24 Wedged in
19:24
   
   
Ian Taylor:
To be honest, I don't. But I am planning to play in the future when I am a lot older.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:24 Ian Taylor
19:25
   
   
[Comment From Terry Jacks Terry Jacks : ]
Benito Carbone still looked a bit tasty last year in the Masters? What was he like?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:25 Terry Jacks
19:25
   
   
Ian Taylor:
He was so fit it was unbelievable. He was one of the most skilful players I played with - and a great lad to go with it.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:25 Ian Taylor
19:26
   
   
[Comment From Sgt Pepper Sgt Pepper : ]
Who was your Villa hero growing up and did you have any non-football heroes?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:26 Sgt Pepper
19:26
   
   
Ian Taylor:
My Villa hero was Gordon Cowans. He was a midfield player like me and an artist on the pitch. Great to see him working at Villa now too. That's fantastic.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:26 Ian Taylor
19:27
   
   
[Comment From adam adam : ]
If you could play alongside another centre midfielder who would it be and why?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:27 adam
19:28
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I would say Glenn Hoddle. He was one of the English players who didn't get as many caps as he should have done. And lining up with him would mean I was playing for England!!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:28 Ian Taylor
19:28
   
   
[Comment From Susan Griffin Susan Griffin : ]
Biggest joker you played with? Any interesting stories?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:28 Susan Griffin
19:29
   
   
Ian Taylor:
There's been a few. Mark Draper was up there. He was just an idiot. Around 1996 to 1998 there was the likes of Tommy Johnson and Gary Charles too who were jokers. Then later there was David James. No stories I'm afraid.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:29 Ian Taylor
19:30
   
   
[Comment From Steve Steve : ]
Would you ever want to become part of the coaching staff at Villa?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:30 Steve
19:30
   
   
Ian Taylor:
No I don't see myself as a coach. It's never something I've wanted to do.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:30 Ian Taylor
19:31
   
   
[Comment From Alex Graham Alex Graham : ]
Who would you like to see as next manager of England?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:31 Alex Graham
19:32
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Harry Redknapp. I just think the players would be relaxed playing for Harry and I think he'd get the best out of them.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:32 Ian Taylor
19:32
   
   
[Comment From Chris B (Tamworth) Chris B (Tamworth) : ]
Hi Ian, what's your funniest memory in a Villa shirt?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:32 Chris B (Tamworth)
19:33
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I would say my reaction to Alan Shearer's sending off when we played Newcastle. I thought it was for absolutely nothing. My reaction was more shock. People still mention my reaction to this day.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:33 Ian Taylor
19:33
   
   
[Comment From King Henry VIII King Henry VIII : ]
Have you seen much of the reserves/youth and if so are there any players that have impressed you who could follow Bannan and co into the first team?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:33 King Henry VIII
19:34
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I have quite a bit. There are one or two would could definitely follow in their footsteps but like anything else they need time.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:34 Ian Taylor
19:34
   
   
[Comment From Adam Bridgeman Adam Bridgeman : ]
What possessed you to join Twitter?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:34 Adam Bridgeman
19:35
   
   
Ian Taylor:
My mate Darren Byfield, who is now at Walsall, encouraged me to join and I haven't looked back. Being able to connect with people who you wouldn't normally be able to is great.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:35 Ian Taylor
19:36
   
   
[Comment From Too many cooks Too many cooks : ]
Which players from your Villa days are you still in touch with?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:36 Too many cooks
19:36
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I still see Tommy from time to time and Mark. I see Dwight now and again. I saw him at the Sports Personality awards at the weekend.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:36 Ian Taylor
19:36
   
   
Dan AVFC:
Keep the questions coming in folks....
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:36 Dan AVFC
19:37
   
   
[Comment From Nigel K Nigel K : ]
Have you ever been in awe of someone when you’ve met them? If so, who?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:37 Nigel K
19:38
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I met Denzel Washington a few years ago with Moustapha Hadji and Hassan Kachloul in Miami. He was in our hotel. And I must say I stood there like a dumb-struck teenager.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:38 Ian Taylor
19:38
   
   
[Comment From Harry Paul Harry Paul : ]
What was it like to play for the team you supported? Must have been incredible.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:38 Harry Paul
19:40
   
   
Ian Taylor:
It was a real dream come true. If you gave any Villa fan the chance to play for their team, they'd chop their arm off for it.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:40 Ian Taylor
19:40
   
   
[Comment From Umpire Billy Umpire Billy : ]
What was your favourite overseas trip with Villa? Best place visited?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:40 Umpire Billy
19:41
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I would say LA and San Francisco. We played there in pre-season. They were great places!!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:41 Ian Taylor
19:41
   
   
[Comment From Harry Brown Harry Brown : ]
You were a ball-winning midfielder, what do you make of Jonathan Hogg?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:41 Harry Brown
19:41
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Hoggy is still young and developing but he's done really well in the games he's played in.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:41 Ian Taylor
19:42
   
   
[Comment From jake ward jake ward : ]
how are you doing mate
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:42 jake ward
19:42
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Luvely-jubbly mate.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:42 Ian Taylor
19:42
   
   
[Comment From James T James T : ]
Whas was your proudest moment as a villa player?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:42 James T
19:43
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Walking out at Villa Park on my home debut. Just to be at the club was unbelievable. To walk out on your pitch was an incredible feeling. To score in front of the Holte made it extra special!!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:43 Ian Taylor
19:44
   
   
[Comment From Molly Jennens Molly Jennens : ]
What's your stand out moment for Villa from 2010?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:44 Molly Jennens
19:45
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Getting to Wembley was a great achievement - 10 years after the FA Cup final. To lose the way we did to Manchester United hurt. On another day, Vidic would have gone!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:45 Ian Taylor
19:45
   
   
[Comment From Only Me Only Me : ]
Do you watch much European football. Which other leagues do you follow?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:45 Only Me
19:45
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I watch the Spanish league all the time. I am a football addict. I watch it all but the Spanish more than most. Barcelona are unbelievable. They are my favourite second team!!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:45 Ian Taylor
19:46
   
   
[Comment From Steve Steve : ]
Happy Christmas to you Ian! You going to join us all this Sunday to watch us un-wrap 3 points?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:46 Steve
19:46
   
   
Dan AVFC:
Tayls is with us for about another 15 minutes so get those questions in....
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:46 Dan AVFC
19:47
   
   
[Comment From jai jai : ]
are u planning to go into mangerment?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:47 jai
19:47
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Good question. And I certainly will be. I try to get to as many home games as I can.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:47 Ian Taylor
19:47
   
   
Ian Taylor:
It's never appealed. I have to too many gray hairs as we speak!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:47 Ian Taylor
19:48
   
   
[Comment From Harry Brown Harry Brown : ]
One of the most amazing moments of following football was Villa fans turning up at Northampton to cheer you against Huddersfield? Were you emotional?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:48 Harry Brown
19:49
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I was very emotional. First because so many Villa fans turned up and obviously second it was my last game. But it was unbelievable to see so many Villa fans turn up to show their appreciation.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:49 Ian Taylor
19:49
   
   
[Comment From Steve Steve : ]
Where do you usually sit in Villa Park? I'll keep an eye out for you!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:49 Steve
19:50
   
   
Ian Taylor:
The club are very good to me and I usually get a seat in the directors area.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:50 Ian Taylor
19:50
   
   
[Comment From adam wright adam wright : ]
Hi Ian, you were my hero when i was growing up. I always admired the way you played. I always thought thats how i would play if i were lucky enough to wear the shirt. I named my son after you !!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:50 adam wright
19:51
   
   
Ian Taylor:
There seems to be quite a few people naming their kids after me, which I find amazing. I love it.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:51 Ian Taylor
19:51
   
   
[Comment From Steve Steve : ]
One last thing. Ian Taylor, you are a legend and thank you for everything!!!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:51 Steve
19:52
   
   
Ian Taylor:
Thanks to the fans for supporting me throughout my career. You have been amazing!!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:52 Ian Taylor
19:52
   
   
[Comment From Luke Daw Luke Daw : ]
who do you think the best villa player is ever?
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:52 Luke Daw
19:53
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I would probably say Sid because he was my favourite player. Pure class!
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:53 Ian Taylor
19:54
   
   
[Comment From thomas thomas : ]
No thank you Ian - wish you still were playing.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:54 thomas
19:54
   
   
Ian Taylor:
I've really enjoyed interacting with you all. I appreciate the support I have received - even after playing. Have a cracking Christmas and Up the Villa!! See you soon.
Wednesday December 22, 2010 19:54 Ian Taylor
19:56
   
   
Dan AVFC:
Nice one Tayls. Thanks to everyone for logging on with questions.

[lordmcgrath5]

I wonder if he'll be asked if he regrets confusing his role as 'Villa Legend' (tm) with his job working for an agent when he appeared on TV saying Villa should let Barry join Liverpool.

Sorry, but it still irks.

Doesn't it

Indeed it still does.

[The Left Side]

Thanks for posting that, it was very enjoyable to read about Tayls... One of my favourite players and I have a signed shirt from him hanging in my office!

[darren woolley]

I think he is a legend too.