Andy Townsend

[RussellC]

I've always liked Townsend. Loved him as a player, and am in the minority that don't mind him as a pundit / radio presenter either.

[ozzjim]

The criticism of the club has been about not having Villa men and football knowledge.  This seems a decent move to me.

I like Townsend and think he could be a decent shout.

[Ron Manager]

Well this all sounds quite positive. Lets get him in asap.

[TheMalandro]

I remember being a bit doubtful when he signed, turned out to be another great Irish signing.

from Maidstone!

As Irish as Cascarino.

[shipscat]

Would be the kind of appointment to endorse.Knows the club inside out,and has spent the last 15 years observing the changes and ideas within the game at close quarters that has left us stranded with the flotsam and jetsam.

He know's the area,his family have grown up with Villa,feels the resentment about our position  and will have more contacts within the game than the majority.Always struck myself as having a steely intellect,combined with a personable personality.I'm in.

[Monty]

He's always struck me as a bit of an amiable know-nothing on ITV. He never says anything interesting ever. I remember once he said that Pep's Barca 'should really throw more crosses into the box'.

Fuck no, I say, but I suppose our new board does seem to be determined to bring back the '90s in all of its aspects. Maybe we should have mandatory centre-partings? Or stick Mr. Blobby up front?

[Mortimer's Bear]

I think he would be a good appointment.

[CJ]

Wouldn't be too unhappy with Townsend in that role but personally my first choice would be Sir Brian

[peter w]

Then you listen to him on StarSports/ESPN and he's very savvy and tactically aware. I watched him after that on ITV and it was chalk and cheese. Not sure whether he thought, or was told, to keep it brief but simple but there was none of the understanding and analysis that I became used to. Plus he and his kids are Villa fans do he must be a good 'un.

[Monty]

Then you listen to him on StarSports/ESPN and he's very savvy and tactically aware. I watched him after that on ITV and it was chalk and cheese. Not sure whether he thought, or was told, to keep it brief but simple but there was none of the understanding and analysis that I became used to. Plus he and his kids are Villa fans do he must be a good 'un.

Ahhh interesting, I've never seen or heard that programme. Links to highlights? Or will I actually have to find it myself (BOOOOO)? I must say, I'd be completely unsurprised if ITV told its commentators 'keep it simple, our viewers are morons'.

[ozzjim]

I heard him on radio 5 a few times and thought he was totally different to the way he is on itv too. Judging him on commentary for the masses is a bit unfair. Was a great captain and sorely missed a bit like we missed Petrov.

[Monty]

Well, I have an open mind. The only time I've ever heard him was on ITV, so all the evidence I had was pretty negative. I'd like to hear more though.

[TopDeck113]

If we're going to have a DoF, I think he's a good call.  Well-respected, media-savvy, knows the game inside out and has the credibility of being the last Villa captain to lift a (meaningful) trophy. 

[mattjpa]

Its a yes from me, I like AT and believe he could add real value

[Billy Walker]

He's the last Villa skipper to lift a trophy, he's positive and a he's winner.  I can't see any downside to having Andy Townsend's presence back around the Club, it would be good to see him back.