Villa players in nightclub brawl (Evening Mail video)

[oldtimernow]

makes interesting reading

http://www.sabotagetimes.com/football-sport/aston-villa-what-james-collins-apology-really-means/

[PeterWithe]

He looks like the house elf from Harry Potter in that photo.

[Dave Clark Five]

Since when does agression make a top quality footballer? Football has moved past this 'get stuck in lads, give them a few kicks' attitude...?

It seems to be something that excites the crowd still.

[PeterWithe]

Interesting read from The Guardians 'secret footballer'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/may/04/the-secret-footballer-stock-replies?fb=native&CMP=FBCNETTXT9038

[Greg N'Ash]

Its not that they got into a fight that bugs me . Its the fact that they're stupid enough to think they can go for a drink in a place like that. Gone are the days when a footballer could walk around a nightspot smashed out of his skull Paul McGrath style and remain unmolested. Now any Nose would see you as fair game for a pop, likeswise those that see anyone famous or rich as a target and i'm sure a few Villa fans wouldn't have minded a word either. If you want to get pissed join a private club or go far out the area, not Broad street ffs.

[Dave Clark Five]

Last time I had a pint in Broad St there were only a few pubs around there. The Grapevine, Crown, Westward Ho, Bulls Head, Crusader, Prince of Wales, Longboat, another near the top end and off to the right whose name escapes me. Barbarella's, Rum Runner were nearby.
Lee Longlands sale was well and truly under way.
There was a cafe on the left, very similar to that one on Smallbrook just around the corner from Hurst St. It was something like Appolonia or Partheon; Greek anyway. Great bacon sandwich. Tea in white cups made of glass.

[dave.woodhall]

Its not that they got into a fight that bugs me . Its the fact that they're stupid enough to think they can go for a drink in a place like that. Gone are the days when a footballer could walk around a nightspot smashed out of his skull Paul McGrath style and remain unmolested. Now any Nose would see you as fair game for a pop, likeswise those that see anyone famous or rich as a target and i'm sure a few Villa fans wouldn't have minded a word either. If you want to get pissed join a private club or go far out the area, not Broad street ffs.

On a slight tangent; How much do that group earn between them? Probably in the region of a hundred grand a week. How much to hire a couple of minders for the night?

[KevinGage]

Alternatively, they could have gone down to the Smoke. Where there would have been far less chance of even being recognised.

If they absolutely positively had to go out in Brum, places like the Tap and Spile or similar don't have quite the same dickhead ratio as Gatecrasher and the like.

[PeterWithe]

Maybe the minder was the guy in the suit in the video. I know players hire them.

[DB]

Its not that they got into a fight that bugs me . Its the fact that they're stupid enough to think they can go for a drink in a place like that. Gone are the days when a footballer could walk around a nightspot smashed out of his skull Paul McGrath style and remain unmolested. Now any Nose would see you as fair game for a pop, likeswise those that see anyone famous or rich as a target and i'm sure a few Villa fans wouldn't have minded a word either. If you want to get pissed join a private club or go far out the area, not Broad street ffs.

On a slight tangent; How much do that group earn between them? Probably in the region of a hundred grand a week. How much to hire a couple of minders for the night?

Exactly, they are grown men, who should be aware of who they are and where they are going and what they are doing: local premier league footballer, in a city centre club, drinking. Yes they have the right to go out like anyone else but also that they are stillsubject to what happens on a night out x 100 as they are footballers.

[Brian Taylor]

Not good from a role model pov! Not good at all. I remember when Villa players got respect in clubs down Broad St and Corporation St/Steelhouse Lane. We were honoured to have them in our presence. Not these shites!

[Pete3206]

Alternatively, they could have gone down to the Smoke. Where there would have been far less chance of even being recognised.

If they absolutely positively had to go out in Brum, places like the Tap and Spile or similar don't have quite the same dickhead ratio as Gatecrasher and the like.

Agree. Also, I'm sure their houses are big enough, why not go back to one of their pads for a few beers?

I think the answer to this is the fact that 'Big Time Charlies' like to be seen out. 

[Clark W Griswold]

Herd certainly looks more than willing it mix it. He'd look more convincing with Collins's hairdo than that early 1990's 'Boyzone' style do though.