Sir DOUG RIP

[martyn ellis]

Lots of stories on here which reflect the human side of the man; so often overlooked in the harsh world of football. My own story involves writing to Rob Bishop, who edited the programme, in 2006, to ask for a mention on the occasion of my nephew's 7th birthday, who went by the name of Dougie Ellis (complete coincidence as my brother was no Villa fan). Rob kindly wrote back and invited us (my brother, Dougie and my daughter) to meet Deadly Doug in the executive suite on matchday (a tedious 0-0 draw against Fulham as it turned out). We arrived, Doug came out of the suite and said 'Is there someone here called Doug Ellis; shy Dougie raised his hand. 'That's a bit of bad luck isn't it?' boomed Doug and spent at least ten minutes on a photo shoot with all of us. He was so generous with his time and very genuine in his comments. Always appreciated his human side after that.

[john e]

only met him once when the Villa special plane to Bordeux/Bilbao/Madrid (can't remember which one ) was delayed 30 minutes for him to get on
everyone was very respectful to him on the flight which I remember being quite surprised by because he was no where near as liked as he is now


every time I heard him the only thing I ever came away with was how egotistical he was,
so its nice to read all the positive stories on this thread showing he did have another side

[Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle]

I think like most I had a love/hate relationship with the man; waving to him in the Rolls yet going on the Ellis out demos. I met him at a book signing the morning after we lost 3-0 to Doncaster. I was fuming about O Leary and expected Doug to back his manager but quite the opposite and he too was pissed off with the whole situation. We had a bit of a chat and a laugh about all sorts of stuff and told him in not so many words that I hoped it wouldn't be too long before pug nose got sent back to Royston Vasey.
RIP Doug.

[XXVilla]

I hope we have a minute’s applause at the Swansea game as I fear a minute’s silence will be ruined by the odd idiot

[Nev]

I hope we have a minute’s applause at the Swansea game as I fear a minute’s silence will be ruined by the odd idiot

I hate the minutes applause, it takes much more effort for 30 thousand people to stay quiet for a minute, but I do take your point.

Like everyone I have my own thoughts about Doug Ellis and his association with Villa, but that conversation is for another time and I, like everyone I hope will show due respect to his passing next weekend.

[SashasGrandad]

Do we have a collection so we can build a statue?

Deadly doing the infamous bicycle kick?

[Mortimer's Bear]

I never met him but since I started following Villa I have enjoyed the years under his stewardship far more than those since.

Maybe as a mark of respect the club could put the tickets prices up by a fiver for the Swansea match (joke), RIP Doug HEITS

[littleoldme]

R.I.P,condolence's to his loved one's.

[Chinchilla Bathhouse]

I never him but since I started following Villa I have enjoyed the years under his stewardship far more than those since.

Maybe as a mark of respect the club could put the tickets prices up by a fiver for the Swansea match (joke), RIP Doug HEITS

Haha!  Great idea.  It's what he would have wanted.

[rob_bridge]

I never him but since I started following Villa I have enjoyed the years under his stewardship far more than those since.

Maybe as a mark of respect the club could put the tickets prices up by a fiver for the Swansea match (joke), RIP Doug HEITS

Haha!  Great idea.  It's what he would have wanted.

Indeed and hopefully his (like) sons can attend - Platt, Yorke, JJ etc..

[tomd2103]

I never him but since I started following Villa I have enjoyed the years under his stewardship far more than those since.

Maybe as a mark of respect the club could put the tickets prices up by a fiver for the Swansea match (joke), RIP Doug HEITS

Haha!  Great idea.  It's what he would have wanted.

Indeed and hopefully his (like) sons can attend - Platt, Yorke, JJ etc..

Think you will find Dwight's interest in us has diminished again now the manager's position has been filled.  Back to "ex- Man U" star Dwight Yorke!

[chrisw1]

Do we have a collection so we can build a statue?

Deadly doing the infamous bicycle kick?

Hoping this is a joke.

[XXVilla]

Do we have a collection so we can build a statue?

Deadly doing the infamous bicycle kick?

He’s already got a stand

[Drummond]

I hope we have a minute’s applause at the Swansea game as I fear a minute’s silence will be ruined by the odd idiot

I hate the minutes applause, it takes much more effort for 30 thousand people to stay quiet for a minute, but I do take your point.

Like everyone I have my own thoughts about Doug Ellis and his association with Villa, but that conversation is for another time and I, like everyone I hope will show due respect to his passing next weekend.

Maybe we could do a minute's Jazz Hands!

[Risso]

Half the ground should wear Doug masks, the other half Roman Abramovitch masks.  There would then be a one minute piss taking handshake, in honour of arguably his finest moment at Villa Park