Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Legion on March 28, 2010, 01:51:46 PM
-
Another fresh start.
Questions for the General to answer please.
Please note that the General cannot and will not comment on team or managerial matters.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I am not just a Board Member. I am first and foremost a fan. I was unable to watch the game yesterday...I had to rely on the stream from ESPN Soccer Net here in the US. I am not sure that getting the score line without seeing the game is not worse than watching...I will never know. I do know this much, NOTHING I can say will take the sting out of a 7-1 defeat...for you or for me. It was a very, very, bad day. No one at Villa Park or Bodymoor Heath is having a good Sunday.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I am not just a Board Member. I am first and foremost a fan. I was unable to watch the game yesterday...I had to rely on the stream from ESPN Soccer Net here in the US. I am not sure that getting the score line without seeing the game is not worse than watching...I will never know. I do know this much, NOTHING I can say will take the sting out of a 7-1 defeat...for you or for me. It was a very, very, bad day. No one at Villa Park or Bodymoor Heath is having a good Sunday.
General,
What would you say to a life-long Villa fan who has found the quality of football so poor and the use of funds so hopelessly inept for so long now that the sting of such a heavy and humiliating defeat wore off almost instantly?
-
General whatever the result please remember that the fans are very grateful to you And randy fir taking our club onto better days.
Football is a game where passions run high but I'm sure we all want a successful Aston Villa!
If we do win the fa cup the party will go on well into the summer and I hope you are well enough to get back over here soon.
-
General ... DO YOU GET HACKEX OFF WITH FICKLE FANS ?/ :( Howeverr bad the result against chelsea was some of the threads and psts ive read on here are just laughable ....(but without laughing)
We some are in it for the long haul getting a beating is bad but we are deluding ourselves to think that M.O has lost the plot is a terrible mananger as much as we are deluding ourselves that he is GOD!. sHOULD WE GO ON AND BEAT cHELSEA IN THE SEMI WATCH THE SAME POSTERS GIVING IT LARGE AGAIN ... FROM ONE FAN I aam upset but am in it for the long haul , some perspective needs to be seen here , tired players injurys number of games in succesion , and a bloody good chelsea team ! Sure there are things he MO ) may have done different but hindsight is bloody useless.... UP the villa
-
General ... DO YOU GET HACKEX OFF WITH FICKLE FANS ?/ :( Howeverr bad the result against chelsea was some of the threads and psts ive read on here are just laughable ....(but without laughing)
We some are in it for the long haul getting a beating is bad but we are deluding ourselves to think that M.O has lost the plot is a terrible mananger as much as we are deluding ourselves that he is GOD!. sHOULD WE GO ON AND BEAT cHELSEA IN THE SEMI WATCH THE SAME POSTERS GIVING IT LARGE AGAIN ... FROM ONE FAN I aam upset but am in it for the long haul , some perspective needs to be seen here , tired players injurys number of games in succesion , and a bloody good chelsea team ! Sure there are things he MO ) may have done different but hindsight is bloody useless.... UP the villa
Good luck trying to read that General.
-
General ... DO YOU GET HACKEX OFF WITH FICKLE FANS ?/ :( Howeverr bad the result against chelsea was some of the threads and psts ive read on here are just laughable ....(but without laughing)
We some are in it for the long haul getting a beating is bad but we are deluding ourselves to think that M.O has lost the plot is a terrible mananger as much as we are deluding ourselves that he is GOD!. sHOULD WE GO ON AND BEAT cHELSEA IN THE SEMI WATCH THE SAME POSTERS GIVING IT LARGE AGAIN ... FROM ONE FAN I aam upset but am in it for the long haul , some perspective needs to be seen here , tired players injurys number of games in succesion , and a bloody good chelsea team ! Sure there are things he MO ) may have done different but hindsight is bloody useless.... UP the villa
good lad. Still drinking off the misery I see :)
-
General
How disappointed are you that we've gone into March in a good position two seasons running, only to blow it completely while our rivals put on a good run of form?
-
General
With regards the FA Cup tour at Villa Park this week. I've just had an email from the club saying its on April 2nd. But the Villa & FA websites say the 3rd
Might be worth alerting them in case folks turn up on the wrong day
-
General ... DO YOU GET HACKEX OFF WITH arbitrary, capricious, changeable, cheating, coquettish, double-crossing, faithless, fitful, flighty, frivolous, inconstant, irresolute, lubricious, mercurial, mutable, quicksilver, sneaking, temperamental, ticklish, two-timing, unfaithful, unpredictable FANS ?/ :( Howeverr bad the result against chelsea was some of the threads and psts ive read on here are just laughable ....(but without laughing)
We some are in it for the long haul getting a beating is bad but we are deluding ourselves to think that M.O has lost the plot is a terrible mananger as much as we are deluding ourselves that he is GOD!. sHOULD WE GO ON AND BEAT cHELSEA IN THE SEMI WATCH THE SAME POSTERS GIVING IT LARGE AGAIN ... FROM ONE FAN I aam upset but am in it for the long haul , some perspective needs to be seen here , tired players injurys number of games in succesion , and a bloody good chelsea team ! Sure there are things he MO ) may have done different but hindsight is bloody useless.... UP the villa
good lad. Still drinking off the misery I see :)
I DONT /CANT DRINK TORONTO ! IVE A SPINAL NERVE COMPPLAINT AND TAKE TABLETS EVRY SIX HRS FOR YOUR INFORMATION ....
-
Stop being so precious Graham. Particularly as you referred to everyone that was pissed off with the manager as a prick the other day.
-
Stop being so precious Graham. Particularly as you referred to everyone that was pissed off with the manager as a prick the other day.
A comment for which the requested apology has not yet been forthcoming I might add.
-
Can we keep it to questions for the General, please?
-
General I have faith in Randy to make the right decision, give him my best wishes in these trying times.
-
General I have faith in Randy to make the right decision, give him my best wishes in these trying times.
trying times? Bloody hell, I admit the last few days haven't been great, but how very melodramatic. What would it be like if we were in Portsmouth's position? You'd be suicidal.
-
General, it has become practice in recent home games for the chap announcing the half time scores to come over all unnecessary when delivering the news that Birmingham City are losing. I don't think I'm alone in believing that an Aston Villa employee should behave with a little more decorum and leave the petty, vulgar triumphalism to Birmingham City (and I have been in attendance when their stadium announcer has indulged in petty, vulgar triumphalism at our expense) as was the case last Wednesday when a mid table side losing was cause for greater joy than a team we still entertain hopes of overtaking being beaten. Is there any way he could tone it down?
-
I've thought that too Joe
But nothing will ever be more embarassing than Jack Woodward's (apologies if it wasnt him) team introductions at the Carling Cup Final
The Man Utd players were read out like "Wayne Rooney" to be followed by "and for Aston Villa, the wing wizard ASHLEY YOUNG!" you really wanted to twat him
-
General, have you or Randy ever read the heroes and villains fanzine?
-
Hi General,
I'm a little bit surprised that the club are charging £3 to get into the F.A Youth Cup Semi Final against Newcastle. I know £3 is'nt much, but it if was free to ST ticket holders for example (which it should be really), it might encourage a few to get down there and get behind the future of the club.
-
General Krulak here:
1. AsTallAsLions: You pose a difficult question because I am not sure I agree with the overall premise. I am not as down on the "quality of football" as you seem to be. I have seen us play some very nice football...and have been proud to observe it. 7-1 is never going to please anyone but our opponents. "inept use of funds"...again, not sure I agree with that statement as an overarching view.
2. joe_c: I do not think it is right nor professional for us to broadcast scores in a manner that disrespects other teams. I never like to give material to our opponents to fire them up.
-
General, a non-footballing question; how are you and is there any chance you'll be over for the semi-final?
-
General, did you miss my question?
-
General, I don't expect a response to this - although would of course be grateful, but I really do hope it has been noticed by the board and the management that many, many people have been predicting that a downturn in form would follow towards the end of the season; that this would be largely down to tiredness and players frequently playing when not fit; that the often frenetic pace and lack of substitutions are important factors; and most worryingly that this keeps on happening. This is the third year in a row that we've been to a top club in March and been thrashed out of sight. It really isn't a coincidence, and at the time of year when the cream rises to the top, it very much looks like we're sinking down.
Second main point: irrespective of stats, the thing that you notice when you watch us and other top teams play, is that the thing that most obviously marks us out as different, is the relatively poor quality of our passing and movement on a large number of occasions. Whilst we continue to pay relatively high prices for UK-based players, it's hard to envisage that this will change (and thus this seems a suitable comment for this thread - ie. it is rather costly!)
-
General, I don't expect a response to this - although would of course be grateful, but I really do hope it has been noticed by the board and the management that many, many people have been predicting that a downturn in form would follow towards the end of the season; that this would be largely down to tiredness and players frequently playing when not fit; that the often frenetic pace and lack of substitutions are important factors; and most worryingly that this keeps on happening. This is the third year in a row that we've been to a top club in March and been thrashed out of sight. It really isn't a coincidence, and at the time of year when the cream rises to the top, it very much looks like we're sinking down.
Second main point: irrespective of stats, the thing that you notice when you watch us and other top teams play, is that the thing that most obviously marks us out as different, is the relatively poor quality of our passing and movement on a large number of occasions. Whilst we continue to pay relatively high prices for UK-based players, it's hard to envisage that this will change (and thus this seems a suitable comment for this thread - ie. it is rather costly!)
Bravo!
-
does anyone seriously expect the General to offer anything but full backing to team and manager?
He cannot go agreeing or passing negative comments or real opinions even if he wanted to, he has to be careful. Look what happened after his excellent pigs in shit comment.
I'm sure he and Randy are confiedent everything is rosy, but on the slim chance they did not, how could they say so on an open forum read by every media reprobate there is.
-
Hence the very first line in my post being that I didn't expect him to respond, but that he would note my views.
-
General, a while ago I and many other Villa fans who follow the official Aston Villa twitter feed received a tweet from the club listing the three or four players who are on Twitter, presumably so we could follow them. While the player tweets don't set the world on fire in terms of literary brilliance or incredible insight or controversial opinion (very few twitterers do), they are nice to follow, make the players seem a bit more human and less remote and help fan followers feel more closely connected to the team. I was hoping that more players would be encouraged to start using Twitter in this way.
So I was quite surprised to see that at some point over the weekend, James Collins's twitter account (jamescollins29) was deleted. Can you please tell us if this was anything to do with his apology to fans via Twitter following our defeat at Chelsea? Can you also please confirm whether his twitter deletion was requested or ordered by anyone at the club, and if so, what the thinking was behind this?
-
general in view of all these rumours about mon leaving in the summer and there being cutbacks in funding please could you get randy to release a statement letting us know what is true and what isnt?
-
Maybe be it would be easier for you to develop some source evaluation skills? So when you get information that comes from The Mirror or Talkshite- you know to ignore it.
-
general in view of all these rumours about mon leaving in the summer and there being cutbacks in funding please could you get randy to release a statement letting us know what is true and what isnt?
I think your right, I think we should be told what is going on. Obviously I don't expect randy to say "don't worry lads we have £50m to spend in the summer" but all these rumours Martin quitting and Milner being sold to Man U, and our chairman wating players to be sold are very unsettling.
-
General K
A national redio station broke a story at 1pm today that our manager had quit the club. Surely by now we should have expected an official denial on the website. I know we don't have to respond to all sorts of rumours on the internet but when it is a national radio station I would expect to hear the truth.
Can you englighten us as to what is going on?
-
General Krulak here:
1. Let's all settle down a bit. At the end of the day, Randy's history and his willingness to spend money is a matter of record. To have him publically announce that he is going to spend "X pounds" during the summer just makes zero sense. It is far better for other Clubs to suss this out for themselves vice the Owner laying it out for them. Likewise, why would a Premiership Football Club feel like they needed to provide an "official denial on the website" to a story circulated by the British media. Think about it, if the Club responded to every story about players, Randy, MON, "me", etc. etc., we would never get a day off. Stories like this are always going to be out there....MON going to coach the England squad...MON to coach Celtic....MON to coach ManU...we have seen them ALL. Let's relax.
-
So he's off then?
Only kidding...or am I?
-
General Krulak here:
MON to coach ManU
There you go any passing Mirror 'journalist', you've got your exclusive.
-
General,a question was asked which as far as i am aware has not been answered,ie why are season ticket holders not getting free entry to the FAyouth cup semi final,i would have thought this was the least you could do bearing in mind all the concessions offered to non season ticket holders to entice them into the ground,which i dont have a real problem with by the way,but it would be nice for season ticket holders to get some benefits from time to time,i have been to every round of the youth cup to date home and away,none of our previous home games had an admission charge,dont you think it would be a nice gesture to offer free admission to season ticket holders ?
-
General Krulak here:
MON to coach ManU
There you go any passing Mirror 'journalist', you've got your exclusive.
Chris, you rotton bugger, you! I almost choked on my coffee when I read that...before realizing where you got it from!
-
Alternatively, wouldnt it be nice for our supporters to be happy to stump up three quid to attend a game ?
There must be a limit to all these freebie/cheap demands at some point surely
Its £3 FFS. THREE QUID!
-
General,
Sorry if this has been asked before, if so i havent seen it.
There are a lot of out of town supporters who travel to games as and when they can, a large number of these may well be eligible for semi-final tickets. But with only personal callers being allowed to purchase tickets next week due to posting the tickets out, a lot of loyal supporters will have to miss out due to not being able to get to Villa Park in the week.
Is there any way that supporters who cant get to Villa Park, pick up tickets from Wembley on the day, or if not, can this be taken into consideration in future, and maybe go on sale to non-season ticket holders earlier.
I appreciate that however the club do it, someone is always going to miss out.
-
Alternatively, wouldnt it be nice for our supporters to be happy to stump up three quid to attend a game ?
There must be a limit to all these freebie/cheap demands at some point surely
Its £3 FFS. THREE QUID!
For what seems like the 3,000th time, can we please:
1. Leave the thread for questions to the General.
2. Not answer questions for him.
If you feel strongly about the above issue, please post your feelings on any other thread you choose, not this one.
-
General there is speculation on one of the other threads about the Wilf Bouma situation. Can you give us an update on how he is getting on please?
I can appreciate your comment about the club not commenting on every press report. We are used to the player's agents stirring things up with stories about them moving here there and anywhere. But having said that news of a manager upping sticks is slightly different, in that fortunately it does not happen very often.
-
Alternatively, wouldnt it be nice for our supporters to be happy to stump up three quid to attend a game ?
There must be a limit to all these freebie/cheap demands at some point surely
Its £3 FFS. THREE QUID!
I stump up plenty mate,including £48 last weekend
-
Alternatively, wouldnt it be nice for our supporters to be happy to stump up three quid to attend a game ?
There must be a limit to all these freebie/cheap demands at some point surely
Its £3 FFS. THREE QUID!
For what seems like the 3,000th time, can we please:
1. Leave the thread for questions to the General.
2. Not answer questions for him.
If you feel strongly about the above issue, please post your feelings on any other thread you choose, not this one.
For the umpteenth time, please do as requested in points 1. and 2. above.
-
GENERAL did you know about the word filter ?
-
Nowt to do with the General or what have you, but it's what happens when you type the F word into here.
-
f .....
-
#-o
-
Hi General,
I'm a little bit surprised that the club are charging £3 to get into the F.A Youth Cup Semi Final against Newcastle. I know £3 is'nt much, but it if was free to ST ticket holders for example (which it should be really), it might encourage a few to get down there and get behind the future of the club.
Agree with this. I've been to other FA Youth Cup semis and Finals and got in on my season ticket free. I thought this was one of the perks of a ST, sadly I'm wrong. Won't be going now. The club have made a small fortune out of the cup runs this season. This is an own goal - the youth team won't have as many fans to cheer them on now.
-
General Krulak here:
1. davevillan: Again, this is a question that is very easily handled by the ticket office...please call Nicky Keye and she will give you chapter and verse on your question.
2. Cost of semi-final youth cup: At the end of the day, 3 quid might seem to be a rip off or, at minimum, something that should be free. My answer is that it costs money to "open" Villa Park to these games. We just don't throw open the doors and people stroll in for a match...it takes a good deal of infrastructure work, stewards, utilities, etc. etc. We would LOVE to make these games free but we cannot make everything free. This is not money grubbing...we are only asking 3 quid.
-
General Krulak here:
1. davevillan: Again, this is a question that is very easily handled by the ticket office...please call Nicky Keye and she will give you chapter and verse on your question.
2. Cost of semi-final youth cup: At the end of the day, 3 quid might seem to be a rip off or, at minimum, something that should be free. My answer is that it costs money to "open" Villa Park to these games. We just don't throw open the doors and people stroll in for a match...it takes a good deal of infrastructure work, stewards, utilities, etc. etc. We would LOVE to make these games free but we cannot make everything free. This is not money grubbing...we are only asking 3 quid.
Hi General,
I'm not saying everyone to be allowed in free - just ST holders - it used to be free perk years ago. Are you going to start charging ST holders to watch the reserves as it costs so much money to let us in!?
-
Youth Cup game used to cost. It's only in the last few years that they were free. Reserves have always been free to season ticket holders.
-
For christ sake its £3. If that is too much for you don't go.
General more of a comment than a question - the vast majority of Villa fans are extremely pleased with the progress since Randy (and yourself became involved). Inevitably on these forums you will have moaners mouthing off - I'm sure they have them on the Barcelona websites too - please continue to run the club as you have and don't start pandering to these people spouting off. Empty cans make the most noise
-
For christ sake its £3. If that is too much for you don't go.
General more of a comment than a question - the vast majority of Villa fans are extremely pleased with the progress since Randy (and yourself became involved). Inevitably on these forums you will have moaners mouthing off - I'm sure they have them on the Barcelona websites too - please continue to run the club as you have and don't start pandering to these people spouting off. Empty cans make the most noise
Seconded.
-
General,
There are a lot of out of town supporters who travel to games as and when they can, a large number of these may well be eligible for semi-final tickets. But with only personal callers being allowed to purchase tickets next week due to posting the tickets out, a lot of loyal supporters will have to miss out due to not being able to get to Villa Park in the week.
Is there any way that supporters who cant get to Villa Park, pick up tickets from Wembley on the day, or if not, can this be taken into consideration in future, and maybe go on sale to non-season ticket holders earlier.
I appreciate that however the club do it, someone is always going to miss out.
Dave, thanks for raising this. Could you please post the ticket office response here as I'll be in Brasil tomorrow and may not be able to call as the General advised?
I'm flying back from the Carribbean for this as I did for Everton away and the CC Final this year. I had hoped to get a ticket in the Villa end but the personal callers restriction has put the kibosh on the that. Due to work I can only take 1 day off and will only be in the UK for 23 hours from Sat 10am. Obviously it's not feasible to get to the ticket office on Sat. from Heathrow.
-
General,
any idea if we are on course to sell our allocations for Bolton and Wembley?
-
It is getting very frustrating now but can we please keep thus thread for questions ONLY or we'll have to start deleting posts.
-
General,
What is your 'take' on Tony 'ex Villa player' Cascarino's article ....
http://tinyurl.com/ykypaug
-
edit... delete me...
-
You have to be reading too much into this Pablo. He doesn't say anything of the sort and I don't see him as one who makes threats.
He is Irish, but he is a straight speaker nonetheless. Oops-forgot to add the question.
General, would you agree with me?
-
General
I am a season ticket holder and have been for more years than I care to remember. In these austere times we all may have to tighten our belts.
I am not naive enough to believe that you will come out and say how much MON might have to spend or whether he will need to sell in order to buy in the summer. However, if selling to buy is the order of the day, I can only see our better players being wanted or attract the best prices. In turn, I will then have to judge whether I intend to invest upwards of £1000 for a product that could be inferior to this.
-
Thats the spirit Fasth56!
-
You have to be reading too much into this Pablo. He doesn't say anything of the sort and I don't see him as one who makes threats.
OH YES HE DOES
He is Irish, but he is a straight speaker nonetheless. Oops-forgot to add the question.
General, would you agree with me?[/quote[/b]
-
General
......if selling to buy is the order of the day, I can only see our better players being wanted or attract the best prices.
Yes. There's no way in the world complete dross would sell in the premiership. Oh no. Not ever. And the idea that a club would actually pay an average player thousands upon thousands a week is just silly.
Nope. We're going to be lumped with these players until they retire at 65.
General, what would you say to a Marine who grabs the wrong end of the stick and falls to bits emotionally?
-
Hi General
Being a person that emotionally falls apart at the first little wobble, I was wondering if the club could introduce some kind of membership scheme for all our ex pats. if the membership was costed at the same price per season as a season ticket, perhaps they too would feel the financial involvement. This would enable them to invest in the club like the regular attendees at Villa Park instead of sniping from the sidelines of a country 12,000 miles away.
-
Just following on Fasth56's post:
Hi General,
Has the clube ever considered a membership scheme (please forgive me it exists already)?
A lot of supporters find it difficult to get a season ticket or go to games due to work commitments, located abroad, travel etc. However it does not mean we don't support the club as much.
For a annual fee eg £25 - £30 per annum the club could give each member a card. This would furnish the member benefits such as:
- Shiny plastic members card with personal membership number
- Quarterly Magazine
- 10-15% off all purchases from the clubshop
- 10% off match tickets
- Some Club Partners discount eg Thomas Cook
- Maybe promo such as meal (at Holte Inn) & a match for £35
- Match & Hotel for £75
- Free AVTV
Just an idea let me know what you think. I for one would become a member to show my support and I think a lot of others who fing it difficult to get to matches as much as they would like or at all
I think this would bring another income stream into the club as well as making more people feel a bigger part of the Villa Family.
Cheers
-
How many more times does it have to be said that this is not the place to discuss playing matters? And that includes transfers. Post deletions and bans will follow.
-
Just following on Fasth56's post:
Hi General,
Has the clube ever considered a membership scheme (please forgive me it exists already)?
A lot of supporters find it difficult to get a season ticket or go to games due to work commitments, located abroad, travel etc. However it does not mean we don't support the club as much.
For a annual fee eg £25 - £30 per annum the club could give each member a card. This would furnish the member benefits such as:
- Shiny plastic members card with personal membership number
- Quarterly Magazine
- 10-15% off all purchases from the clubshop
- 10% off match tickets
- Some Club Partners discount eg Thomas Cook
- Maybe promo such as meal (at Holte Inn) & a match for £35
- Match & Hotel for £75
- Free AVTV
Just an idea let me know what you think. I for one would become a member to show my support and I think a lot of others who fing it difficult to get to matches as much as they would like or at all
I think this would bring another income stream into the club as well as making more people feel a bigger part of the Villa Family.
Cheers
Dear General,
Am I correct in thinking that such a scheme already exists, is known as the Lions Club and is completely free? Or is Alan Perrins a figment of my underactive imagination???
Also, any chance of an answer about players on Twitter, just in case you missed my earlier question?
Cheers VV
-
Weird. That guy is quoting pretty much everything that you get for being in a supporters club.
If there isn't one where you live, start one up!! It's not that hard. We started up from me bumping into a fellow fan about 4 years ago to having 35 members. We have a pub that opens up for us and gives us promotions plus we have met plenty of great friends and employment has been gained. I'll give you some help doing it and so will Alan Perrins. I believe that the General has stated before that Villa fans overseas are just as important. (Did he??)
-
General how's your health at the moment it can't be much fun having lost the chances to see what you discuss on sites like this. Could you give us an update on your 'injury' so to speak. Not that Mon is likely to pick you of course..
-
Just following on Fasth56's post:
Hi General,
Has the clube ever considered a membership scheme (please forgive me it exists already)?
A lot of supporters find it difficult to get a season ticket or go to games due to work commitments, located abroad, travel etc. However it does not mean we don't support the club as much.
For a annual fee eg £25 - £30 per annum the club could give each member a card. This would furnish the member benefits such as:
- Shiny plastic members card with personal membership number
- Quarterly Magazine
- 10-15% off all purchases from the clubshop
- 10% off match tickets
- Some Club Partners discount eg Thomas Cook
- Maybe promo such as meal (at Holte Inn) & a match for £35
- Match & Hotel for £75
- Free AVTV
Just an idea let me know what you think. I for one would become a member to show my support and I think a lot of others who fing it difficult to get to matches as much as they would like or at all
I think this would bring another income stream into the club as well as making more people feel a bigger part of the Villa Family.
Cheers
Loads of villa up your way matey. Northwestvilla.com would be a good start for you
-
General Krulak here:
1. Nice to get 3 points today...sure felt better than I felt in a while!
2. TimTheVillan: Not much to say about the Blues. No one can deny that they have had a nice year to date. The season is not over yet....and we don't have any idea of their spend during the upcoming summer. Not a lot to say about this.
3. Fasth56: Huh??? You want me to talk, on an open site, about the summer spend and "sell to buy" so that you can decide whether to purchase a 1000 pound Season Ticket???? Not sure I am going to try to even suss this one out.
4. Rodney: Do I agree with what??
5. irreverentad: You need to investigate our Lions Club and other supporter groups that make up our LC.
-
General Krulak here:
1. Nice to get 3 points today...sure felt better than I felt in a while!
2. TimTheVillan: Not much to say about the Blues. No one can deny that they have had a nice year to date. The season is not over yet....and we don't have any idea of their spend during the upcoming summer. Not a lot to say about this.
3. Fasth56: Huh??? You want me to talk, on an open site, about the summer spend and "sell to buy" so that you can decide whether to purchase a 1000 pound Season Ticket???? Not sure I am going to try to even suss this one out.
4. Rodney: Do I agree with what??
5. irreverentad: You need to investigate our Lions Club and other supporter groups that make up our LC.
General I understand if this is sensitive and that as an American who's fully signed up to the First Amendment you don't want to be quoted on this topic in the global media, but should I assume that lack of reply on the James-Collins-silenced-by-club-media-police question means that it's true?
-
As you have not been in the UK for some time General how do you keep your fingers on the pulse so to speak.especially during periods like the last 10 days.
I'm assuming from the none reply about your health all is well and we can expect to see you soon
-
Hi General.
I hope you're well and will be able to make Wembley next weekend for our forthcoming victory over Chelsea.
I would just like to you to be aware of the superb sevice I recieved last week when in the ticket office. I went to purchase a number of tickets for the semi final against Chelsea, as well as renewing my season ticket. There was a reasonably long queue (lasted an hour in total) but I was very keen to watch the ticket office staff in action. Despite it being extremely busy, they welcomed every customer with a smile, they all looked happy in their work and were very knowledgable about any questions that they were asked. Yes, i guess that is how it should be, but in years gone by attending the ticket office could be a very different experience. Well done to all concerned.
Secondly, there is talk of problems with engineering railway works around Wembley next weekend, meaning travelling back from London after the game could be problematic. Are there any plans for regular travel updates (particularly railways) to go on the official website this week to help fans get out of that godforsaken place?
-
Hi General
Thanks for your reply, however I am not quite sure whether you understood the point I was trying to make.
General
I am not naive enough to believe that you will come out and say how much MON might have to spend or whether he will need to sell in order to buy in the summer. .
As you can see from the quote I didn't expect you to make a reply on transfer investment. The point I was trying to make and obviously failed miserably was, that if any of our major stars were to be sold to fund team building then I would have to consider reinvestment in my season tickets. It dismays me that given all the hard work that Mr.Lerner and yourself have put in to the club that an investment of £1000 can be dismissed so lightly.
-
General Krulak here:
1. VillaVA: I am not even sure what you mean by the "James Collins silenced by the club media police question"? I must have missed the question. I don't think we have a media police location at Villa Park....certainly players have not held back when they wanted to say something. At the same time, I think our lads are professional enough to know that they don't want to do something to hurt their club.
2. How do I keep my pulse on the Club: That is really quite easy...since I am on the phone to the Club almost every day. The bigger problem is keeping my pulse on the fans. I do that by being on three sites BUT, nothing compares with my walking the grounds on game day and actually talking to the fans and hearing what they have to say and being able to respond one on one, real time.
3. If there will be work done around Wembley, to include transportation hubs, we will do all we can to mitigate it. Obviously, we have very little control in that area.
4. Fasth56: I obviously do not want the Club to miss out on your 1000 pounds but I stick by my comment. Do you actually think it is proper for a Director of the Club to come onto an open web site (we know the media reads it) and discuss the Club's finances and whether we are going to sell or buy players??? Seriously, that would be crazy.
-
Hi General,
Seeing as it looks like we're not going to sell all our Semi final tickets, wouldn't it be better if the club made an announcement tomorrow (Monday), that from Wednesday onwards, the remaining tickets will go on general sale to anyone prepared to come and get one.
If any announcement is made on Wednesday, it's not giving people much chance to make the neccessary arrangements and it'd be a shame if tickets were unsold when there were plenty of people willing to buy them.
-
Hi General,
Seeing as it looks like we're not going to sell all our Semi final tickets, wouldn't it be better if the club made an announcement tomorrow (Monday), that from Wednesday onwards, the remaining tickets will go on general sale to anyone prepared to come and get one.
If any announcement is made on Wednesday, it's not giving people much chance to make the neccessary arrangements and it'd be a shame if tickets were unsold when there were plenty of people willing to buy them.
Or at least give season ticket holders the chance to purchase extra tickets. I'm sure most of us have friends/relatives who are willing substitutes when we can't make games who would be grateful of the chance of a Wembley ticket
-
What a great idea Mjlions,
I am a season ticket holder along with 2 of my children, we have already got our tickets for the semi final, but I have also have family ( a couple of daughters) who would love to also go to the semi.
But since a round trip to Villa park is always over a couple of hundred miles and the tickets only being sold to personal callers, maybe the club could have thought about an idea like yours earlier, what do you think General ?
-
Hello General,
If the semi final tickets go on general sale/supporters with client refs, could the purchaser nominate someone to collect the tickets for them from the ticket office(producing some ID).My friend who lives in Devon wants to take his two sons, living in Birmingham I would gadly pick these up for him.I am sure there are plenty of exiled Brummies who are prepared to go but worried about the small time scale to physically get hold of the tickets
UTV
-
sorry for posting this here, but i asked a similar question before, and General asked me to contact the ticket office.
I have done so, and explained the situation, and they are aware of our position.
I was informed that for out of town supporters they will try to arrange a pick up point at the ground so no one misses out.
Can you please pass on my thanks to the staff at the ticket office General, it has put my mind at rest.
-
General, do the club plan to make a commemorative addition to our new shirts for the coming season, to mark our 100th year in the top flight? We’re only the second club to achieve the landmark and it would be nice to show it off.
-
2. How do I keep my pulse on the Club: That is really quite easy...since I am on the phone to the Club almost every day. The bigger problem is keeping my pulse on the fans. I do that by being on three sites BUT, nothing compares with my walking the grounds on game day and actually talking to the fans and hearing what they have to say and being able to respond one on one, real time.
I was wondering, General, do you find that the online fanbase, as encountered on this and other (much worse) message boards differs from the matchday fan base as you encounter it, in terms of the concerns you hear expressed?
I often think we online obsessives have an elevated view of how loud our voice should be, given that the vast, vast majority of Villa supporters never come near this message board (or the other two inferior ones).
-
General Krulak here:
1. Re. tickets to semi-final. I have spoken with Nicky Keye and she will be posting sales criteria on the Official Site...she put the first up today. We will continue to expand the criteria every day based on sales. We will not open it up to "general sales...no qualification" since it would possibly cause Chelsea fans to come into our area.
2. pauliewalnuts: I have seen no real difference between the fans on this site and others and those I meet as I walk around the grounds. The BIG difference is that we can have a dialogue, face to face, which allows a give and take and the chance to debate in a mild manner.
-
General Krulak here:
1. Re. tickets to semi-final. I have spoken with Nicky Keye and she will be posting sales criteria on the Official Site...she put the first up today. We will continue to expand the criteria every day based on sales. We will not open it up to "general sales...no qualification" since it would possibly cause Chelsea fans to come into our area.
2. pauliewalnuts: I have seen no real difference between the fans on this site and others and those I meet as I walk around the grounds. The BIG difference is that we can have a dialogue, face to face, which allows a give and take and the chance to debate in a mild manner.
General, thanks for the update.
I understand why we cannot open sales to 'general sales - no qualification' but what about giving people (ST holders) who already have tickets the opportunity to buy more. Is this a possibility ?
-
andyh, it says on the OS that season ticket holders who already have their semi-final tickets can purchase 2 more per reference number from Tomorrow (Wednesday).
Sorry Mods/General wouldn't normally answer for the General but as this is quite an urgent matter................................
-
Thanks Pauline
-
General
Are you disappointed with the amount of bad news stories dogging Villa at the moment? When the club captain intimates that Mr Lerner and the manager have had words, it's hard not to think that things aren't going that well behind the seasons. Is this all just the usual day to day stuff of running a football club, or is there a deeper malaise?
-
General Krulak here:
1. The media will always try to make news if there is no news...same as in the US. As an example, the comments about the departure of Mike Keenan from the Cleveland Browns that was in today's paper. That was no big deal and was a result of a new President coming to the Browns who wanted to bring in his "own team." This is nothing unusual. Both Mike and Randy remain friends...it is just the way things happen. Same goes with all the talk about MON and Randy...nonsense. I don't know what the club captain "intimated" but I can't imagine MON and Randy having "words" in front of the captain...nonsense. There is always going to be talk....this happened last spring and will happen next spring and the spring after. We are not the only club in the news with this sort of stuff flying around.
-
I fully expected that to be the case, but still reassuring to hear!
Thanks, General!!
-
Thanks General
I made the point about Mike Keenan on Villatalk. It looked to me that as he'd been replaced at the Browns, expecting him to remain as a director and company secretary at Aston Villa wasn't very realistic, and that his departure was therefore a total non story.
-
You still not given the all clear for travelling over yet General ?
2 Wembley appearances...so far....and you not been.
If anyone deserves an appearance for all that has been done for the fans of our great club, its you
-
General Krulak here:
1. I saw the Doctor today and he has given me clearance to travel but the soonest he would let me go was for Everton....so, Villa Park, here I come. I will be doing my normal walkabout so I hope to see many of you there.
-
Marvelous news.
Try and make it into the North Stand General
-
Great news Another reason for the lads to win on Saturday so that you can sample the Wembley experience in the final
-
Fantastic GK look forward to seeing you...v Everton and at Wembley for the final !!
-
At least you can pop up the pub again after the game with that shower from down the road then General.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I look forward to seeing as many fans as possible at the match. I will be in the Holte Pub, Holte Suite, in all the stands....so I will try to say hello to as many fans as possible.
-
That's excellent news and glad to hear your getting progressively better.
-
That's excellent news and glad to hear your getting progressively better.
Ditto from me.
Before you go around the Holte Pub, Holte Suite and all the stands, will you have the time and energy to get round to all the fanzine sellers?
(Only joking).
-
Excellent news.
-
Good to hear!
-
General can you pass on my support and continued patience with M.O to transform this club root and branch is a long process.
IMO we have come a long way in his time here and however dissapointedI am at times want him to stay... There is no one better out there and we have shown we can play and beat the top sides.
THE KNIVES ARE OUT, BUT I BACK MON AND THE BOARD AND AM HAPPY WITH THE YEAR ON YEAR PROGRESS OF MY CLUB .
SHORT MEMORY SOME HAVE OF H.D ELLIS AND O,LEARY!!!!
-
THE KNIVES ARE OUT
You've evidently been shoving them in your keyboard.
-
YEP :p
-
General K,
just wanted to say how proud I am of the team for yesterday's performance. I think we Played very well and just did not have the rub of the green.
Please keep faith with Mon as he is very close to having a great team.
-
General K,
just wanted to say how proud I am of the team for yesterday's performance. I think we Played very well and just did not have the rub of the green.
Please keep faith with Mon as he is very close to having a great team.
What he said General
See you Tuesday hopefully.
-
General K,
just wanted to say how proud I am of the team for yesterday's performance. I think we Played very well and just did not have the rub of the green.
Please keep faith with Mon as he is very close to having a great team.
Can I associate myself with the views of this excellent post.
-
General K,
just wanted to say how proud I am of the team for yesterday's performance. I think we Played very well and just did not have the rub of the green.
Please keep faith with Mon as he is very close to having a great team.
Can I associate myself with the views of this excellent post.
We also did not give cech a serious save to make,not good enough
-
Questions to the General only please.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I wasn't at Wembley so my comments come only from seeing highlghts and reading/following commentary. Lot's of comments about the ref...and there were some questionable calls. At the same time, we need to understand that we will get those some days...it is just how things work. We need to win even when the chips are not falling our way...and we know that! As I have said before, we still have a ways to go...we are not naive. Our lads played VERY hard...they gave it 110% and I am proud of them. Our Fans were superb...lots of nice comments about their support. But, at the end of the day, we came up short. We know where our problems lie and we just need to get on it. We are not discouraged...we are just more motivated than ever. We will get to where we want to be...we really have faith that we can do it. We've been to Wembley twice this year and lost both times...we just need to keep going and we will win. A special thanks to the Fans for all their support.
-
But at the end of the day, we came up short. We know where our problems lie and we just need to get on it.
Good to see you back in good health. Where does the board see that our problems lie?
-
I want to know why everyone is seeing The General on Tuesday.
-
General Krulak here:
1. On my way to the UK in an hour...hope to see all 38,000 fans at Villa Park tomorrow...will take a good deal of walking about!! I am very proud of our Fans...the best in the world. Up the Villa!!!
-
I want to know why everyone is seeing The General on Tuesday.
Hasn't your invite arrived?
General, have a good journey over.
Are you bringing a lucky charm with you?
Do you believe in lucky charms?
-
Apparently not Pauline.
-
General Krulak here:
1. On my way to the UK in an hour...hope to see all 38,000 fans at Villa Park tomorrow...will take a good deal of walking about!! I am very proud of our Fans...the best in the world. Up the Villa!!!
Fantastic, fell free to stroll along the back of the Lower North at some stage !
Let us all know when you have landed at HQ..VP and how you feel being back at the heart of it all
-
Hope you made it to the game and had a good time General.
So, once again the season is ending with a whimper rather than a bang. What's gone wrong in your opinion?
-
It was good to see you at the game General, hope you didn't tire yourself out too much though.
-
Thanks for coming to say hello GK. It has been a long time without you at VP but great to see you back today. Take it easy today now after all that walking around the stands.
What was it like to be back at VP ?
What did you think of the support today ?
Will you take in the last 2 home games this season ?
-
Regarding next years kit........
For once , can we buy the thing in June for once please, so we can wear our colours on our summer jollies ????
Every other club seems to manage it.
-
General Krulak here:
1. It was great to be back at Villa \park and have the opportunity to see many of the Fans I have missed seeing this year. It was definitely good to be "home.:
2. Went all the way to Heathrow early this am to catch a flight back to the Colonies only to find out that a volcano erupted in Iceland...the clincher!
3. The game: I guess I won't be as critical as I have read on the game thread...probably because I thought it was a cracking game to watch. I would agree that the quality of play may have lacked at times but the intensity was surely there...and not just from our side but from Everton. There was no question that both sides wanted the win and the flurry in the last 10 minutes proved that. I thought James was HUGE...lifted the middle of the field all by himself. I actually thought we had the best of the game in the first half...and probably should have had one or two but for some great work by Tim Howard (damn Yank). Cahill did what Cahill does best...and we should have marked him well. We didn't and we paid for it. We needed the game...so did they...but it didn't happen.
-
Whats your plans now all the flights are down General?
Have you been to the BALTI triangle?
Do you think youve got 2.2 million spare for some dodgy blues shares?
-
Whats your plans now all the flights are down General?
Have you been to the BALTI triangle?
Do you think youve got 2.2 million spare for some dodgy blues shares?
In case you dont know Sir, its like the Bermuda Triangle, but instead of ships and planes going missing, the contents of your bowels do.
You must try it. Especially at 0300, 12 pints to the good.
-
General Krulak here:
1. Aside from doing my laundry in the tub, I will be going to the reserve game. I desparately want a win!!!!!!!!!
-
General,
Great to hear you were back at VP yesterday and that your health is improving.
Also I feel your assessment of the result and game was very fair.
Im sure your unlikely to respond to this question but I feel it is a fair and reasonable one to ask. Randy has spent alot of money in both transfer fees and wages in the last year to 18months or so on the likes of Habib Beye, Luke Young, Steve Sidwell and Fabian Delph.
These players are players bought by a manager so is it not fair and resonable to expect them to play as they are rarely used. I would expect these 4 players are commanding 100K a week in wages and they must between them get around 1 game a month.
Is randy being short changed General by the lack of ability to rotate and make subs?
-
General
Good to see you at the Supporters Consultation Group meeting.
Pity we didn't get a win afterwards.
Just to say thank-you to your colleagues for their hospitality. Our table had a long chat with Nicola Keye - she does know her stuff and hopefully when we get to Wembley again she can show Wembley where they are going wrong in terms of ticket allocation.
Will you be coming back before the end of the season? Assuming you can get a flight out!
-
All this time not being able to visit the UK General and now we won't let you leave :)
Is there any time scale in Randy's plans for Villa General. I appreciate if there is they will have a degree of flexibility to them, but no manager can operate a business without targets and some way of assessing whether they have been achieved.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I met with Randy for several hours on Wednesday and with MON yesterday and they are both focused on the remaining 5 games and what we need to do going forward. Because the season is not over, it is difficult for either Randy or MON to put an exclamation point on anything. There have been many pluses...if one were to do a highlight video of the season, it would be a good one. Peace Cup to start the season, two appearances at Wembley, solid wins against top competition, etc. etc. It is easy to look at the missed chances....and I think we all do...but at the same time, it has been a pretty good season so far with a chance to move up.
2. I was at Bodymoor Heath today and spent some time looking at the conditioning capability of the Club. I have been around a good many programs and I don't think I have seen a better setup and system. It is both technically sound and because of the way it is set up, very measurable.
3. The reserve game was really a good one. Some of our younger lads looked very strong...which is proven by the fact that the team is undefeated. The youth team has a big game coming up...and they are doing us proud.
4. I have had the time to meet with most of the staff at Villa Park and they are really motivated about the progress on the grounds.
-
General - is there any news on the redevelopment of Villa Park? I seem to remember a report / plan was being put together.
-
General,
Great to hear you were back at VP yesterday and that your health is improving.
Also I feel your assessment of the result and game was very fair.
Im sure your unlikely to respond to this question but I feel it is a fair and reasonable one to ask. Randy has spent alot of money in both transfer fees and wages in the last year to 18months or so on the likes of Habib Beye, Luke Young, Steve Sidwell and Fabian Delph.
These players are players bought by a manager so is it not fair and resonable to expect them to play as they are rarely used. I would expect these 4 players are commanding 100K a week in wages and they must between them get around 1 game a month.
Is randy being short changed General by the lack of ability to rotate and make subs?
Those 4 squad players have 77 appearances this season.
-
Those 4 squad players have 77 appearances this season.
I realise this isn't a question for the General, so apologies in advance, but I think it's worth pointing out that those 4 squad players have started 48 games between them in the 9 months of this season.
An average of 12 games each over 9 months. Not much more than loxton01 was suggesting.
-
General,
Are you and Randy going to any World Cup games in the summer?
Have you ever been to South Africa?
-
Evening General-
Didn't get chance to shake your hand in the Holte Suite before the match against Everton but you looked in fine fettle which was good to see-
Maybe if the airlines are still grounded at the weekend you could extend your stay and take in the trip to Pompey - I'm sure the travelling support would treat you to a soft drink or two
-
General Krulak here:
1. I will be at Pompey for sure!!! Clean skivvies and all!!
-
General now that you have been forced to stay in our country a little while longer than planned a couple of questions
When will the new kit be unveiled and are we getting a different sponser.
Following the coverage of our matches being shown in the USA from your understanding have we more supporters from over the pond?
-
General
I don't know if this is possible, but here goes
When customers buy match tickets or merchandise online from the club. Couldn't we have a Acorns donation option ?
The kind they have on a lot of Paypal / Ebay sites where you are asked if you'd like to add an optional donation to a cause before completing your transaction. You pick fee yourself or decline the offer.
I'm no tech wizard but just thought it'd be a worthwhile thought if nothing else
-
General Krulak here:
1. I will be at Pompey for sure!!! Clean skivvies and all!!
General,
Thats great to hear you will be at pompey.
If you can find your way to the good companion, im sure you will find a few of us there :-)
-
General now that you have been forced to stay in our country a little while longer than planned a couple of questions
When will the new kit be unveiled and are we getting a different sponser.
Following the coverage of our matches being shown in the USA from your understanding have we more supporters from over the pond?
I really wish we could make this sooner. I'd be a lot happier about buying one if I knew it was valid for at least a year(maybe two)
-
General Krulak here:
1. I will be at Pompey for sure!!!
All your military connections, and yet that idiot with the bell walked out unscathed! Poor show General! ;)
-
you here for the Blues match General, assuming the fog of Iceland lifts
-
Generaal Krulak here:
1. ....and I do mean here!! Still using the tub to clean my skivvies but have purchased a new pair of trousers and two shirts!!
2. Portsmouth Match: Great 3 points. I thought we were definitely the better team and had some great chances. James played well in the goal and I was sitting next to the English manager and I am sure he was pleased with the keeper's play. He also had to be impressed with James Milner who absolutely played his socks off!! Great to see the "Fonz" get his 1st PL goal...well done...very quick reactions.
3. I went to see the Fans after the game but all had boarded buses for home. I did get to talk with a few in the car park but that was about it. I was disapponted because I wanted to express my thanks for the GREAT support showed the team. The Fans were huge and made a big difference. The Pompey fans were in good voice and we really needed those 1400 fans who came and made the stadium rock.
-
Generaal Krulak here:
3. I went to see the Fans after the game but all had boarded buses for home. I did get to talk with a few in the car park but that was about it. I was disapponted because I wanted to express my thanks for the GREAT support showed the team. The Fans were huge and made a big difference. The Pompey fans were in good voice and we really needed those 1400 fans who came and made the stadium rock.
General. I think that was a superb gesture.
You would have been welcome to join us for a pint in the Railway Club.
-
Sympathise with your flight plight general, I should be sitting on a beach in the canaries now but now find myself spending time in brum shopping with mrs east and counting the holiday money I've been refunded.
Will you be staying on anyway for the huge derby on Sunday?
-
Generaal Krulak here:
3. The Fans were huge
Ahem, not all of us are that big General.
Do you have a lucky charm (or similar) for when you watch our games?
-
He wears the same pants by the sound of it!
-
General
I don't know if this is possible, but here goes
When customers buy match tickets or merchandise online from the club. Couldn't we have a Acorns donation option ?
The kind they have on a lot of Paypal / Ebay sites where you are asked if you'd like to add an optional donation to a cause before completing your transaction. You pick fee yourself or decline the offer.
I'm no tech wizard but just thought it'd be a worthwhile thought if nothing else
That's a great idea.
-
General
Realising today was the last day to pay for season ticket renewals in four instalments, I opted to get down to the ticket office for opening time to beat any queues (and before I'd woken up sufficiently to remember the poor home record of the last two years and change my mind **).
I was surprised that there was only one person on the desk, a decent sized queue, but more surprised that rather than just take the applications (as per postal ones) and do the ID check, the person at the desk was actually processing them all one by one.
This seemed to be taking about ten minutes per application, and a decent size queue was forming.
I know it is probably too late to do anything for today, but i know there's a seperate deadline for the payment in 3 instalments people, so it might be something you could get them to look at?
** sorry, couldn't resist *wink*
-
Geneeral Krulak here:
1. Des Little: The post of the month!! You have no idea how right you are. I came over with one small bag...for a 24 hour visit...I am hurting! So far I have had to buy two shirts, a pair of trousers, and a tie. More to come.
2. Mals Shakey Leg: I have sent your thoughts up for a look-see.
3. pauliewalnuts: I am very surprised by this. Normally we have plenty of people working the queue. Most of the folks who are looking to get ST's actually want to get it all completed at one time. I called Nicky and she will make sure things are sorted.
-
3. pauliewalnuts: I am very surprised by this. Normally we have plenty of people working the queue. Most of the folks who are looking to get ST's actually want to get it all completed at one time. I called Nicky and she will make sure things are sorted.
Just to clarify, it wasn't so much the one person working the desk, it was the fact he was actually processing the applications (typing details into computer, entering payment details etc etc) when just checking the ID details and leaving the actual applications to be processed later (as happens with postal apps, I imagine) would have got through the queue really quickly.
Ta.
-
General, is pelty over here with you?
Will you be staying on for the blues game now, if so I hope you have your tin hat with you.
-
Sorry didnt know where best to post this.I can only walk few short yards at present due to a really bad back problem.I sit in the lower trinity and will be dropped and collected right by the turnstile i use,but what time on sunday will they close trinity road and how long after the game is it re-opened ?We usually park in the leisure centre car park but that distance is just a no no for me right now but there is absolutely no way im missing it.
-
Sorry didnt know where best to post this.I can only walk few short yards at present due to a really bad back problem.I sit in the lower trinity and will be dropped and collected right by the turnstile i use,but what time on sunday will they close trinity road and how long after the game is it re-opened ?We usually park in the leisure centre car park but that distance is just a no no for me right now but there is absolutely no way im missing it.
I had a similar problem at the beginning of the season and used to get dropped of on Trinity Rd about an hour and half before kick off. At the end of the match its amazing how quickly the road reopens and it was usually about 3/4 hour after final whistle.
-
General Krulak here:
1. Well, at 11:00 pm on Tuesday night, BA texted me that my flight was a "go"...so I am now back in the US doing my laundry!! I had a great time in the UK and was able to get a good deal of work done with many of the folks at Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath. BUT, it is good to get home. Mrs. "K" is happy!!
2. Hull Match: A "should win/must win" Match that we did win! 3 points! There have been comments that it "wasn't pretty"...that we didn't play well, etc. etc. I have a slightly different view. We have played some critical games over a very short period of time...against Clubs who have had more rest and, in some cases, facing relegation w/o a win. We've tied or won these games and we are now faced with more very tough games against tough opponents. I would say we are doing fine. I would say that MON has done a good job of keeping the lads fired up and moving forward. I am a pretty simple sort of guy...winning is good, a draw is not so good but better than a loss. I also look at them one match at a time. BIG match coming up!
3. "Is Pelty with me?" Who is Pelty?
4. Andy_Lock.......: My recommendation is to call John Handley our Hd. of Security at Villa Park...his extension is 281.
-
Sorry general, I was under the impression that pelty who posts on here sometimes was your son-is this not the case?
-
General Krulak here:
1. east19: Heck, I will have to check with him!! He is a HUGE Villa Fan and so is his son...I will check.
-
General, will the club be announcing a minutes silence before kick off on Sunday to acknowledge the death of Craig Gardner's footballing aspirations?
-
General, will the club be announcing a minutes silence before kick off on Sunday to acknowledge the death of Craig Gardner's footballing aspirations?
Good shout!
-
You had me worried there general, I've exchanged a few private messages with pelty and he seems a very level headed and knowledable man , I enjoy corresponding with him-surprised when you asked me who was pelty, but I guess that's just his username, glad you got home safely and let's hope Sunday will be our day!
-
....surprised when you asked me who was pelty, but I guess that's just his username...
Ya think?
-
General,
Any predictions for Sunday?
-
Hi General,
My first post to you so would like to thank you and Randy for all the hard work and positive steps forward that the club are taking.
I see the shirt deal with Acorns has now finished. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been very proud of the club for the support to Acorns, and understand that the support will continue in other areas. Has a new deal been sorted for a new shirt sponsor yet?
As someone else has already mentioned, when can we expect the new shirts to be announced and available? Will this still be a Nike kit or will it be made by Umbro as rumoured?
Any information appreciated.
-
General Krulak here:
1. east19: You are right...Pelty is my son! What a surprise to his Dad. He is a great Villa fan as is his son. Both are football fanatics...Pelty (not his real name) still plays and his son is on a top flight youth squad...plays striker.
2. KONSPIRACY: First off, welcome to the thread!! To try to answer your questions: As of this past Wednesday, we had not "finished" our shirt deal with Acorns...but I have been traveling so something might have happened. We will NOT finish the deal unless we have a shirt sponsor that meets our requirements. The days of selling our shirt to the lowest bidder/only bidder are over. Yes, if Acorns comes off our shirt, we will most definitely continue to support them. We are still under contract with Nike and any rumours of Umbro are just that, rumors. The kit will be out this summer and it will be Nike.
3. Without giving any fuel to the BCFC, I do believe we will win the game. It will be very hard fought and will be physical but in the end, I think we win...3-1.
-
General Krulak here:
1. east19: You are right...Pelty is my son! What a surprise to his Dad. He is a great Villa fan as is his son. Both are football fanatics...Pelty (not his real name) still plays and his son is on a top flight youth squad...plays striker.
General-do you know how funny that reads! I'm glad it is not his real name.
-
General, just to follow on from Konspiracy's post, do we know how many more years we've got left to run on the Nike deal?
And do we enjoy a good relationship with them, is it likely to be renewed?
-
General, I have visions of the conversation with Pelty taking place during a light-sabre duel. I hope he still has all his hands.
-
General, I have visions of the conversation with Pelty taking place during a light-sabre duel. I hope he still has all his hands.
Listen up, Pelty (http://www.stagingsvr.com/starwars/sounds/your_father.wav)
-
General Krulak here:
1. Pelty is really a pretty special lad. He has a Phd in Religious Studies and is teaching at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He has 3 children...two lads and a lass. As I indicated, he is a football fanatic and still plays himself. He and his oldest son have both been to Villa.
2. I believe we have, at least, one more year on our Nike contract...maybe two.
-
A PHd in religious studies......tell him to get over to off topic and we'll take that PHD for a spin and see what it can do!
-
General Krulak here:
1. I have been following the game thread and have a tough time reading some of the comments. We have picked up 9 points in basically one week. We have played a team fighting relegation and we have played a team that we knew was going to put up a huge fight. We won all of them. It just amazes me that our own fans bust on our Lads and our Manager after such a tough week...a week where we had to win and have won. So it wasn't as pretty as some would have liked it to be...well, when you play a derby, things aren't always pretty. I watched the ManU-ManCity game and didn't think it was too pretty...and a goal with 17 seconds left could be termed fairly "lucky"...if a penalty can be considered lucky. Let's just give our lads and our Manager their due...let's just applaud the fact that when the chips were down, they won when they needed to win. We are on 64 points right now with two more games to play. If we could have been guaranteed 64 points at the start of the season I would bet that there would have been fans who would have taken the points! All the negativity from some of the fans just gets old after awhile....why can't we just enjoy the win...recognize that beating the Blues will never be a walk in the park (aside from 5-1) and give MON and Cuellar a rest. They really don't deserve all the crap they get from a minority of fans. I cannot imagine coming out of a battle that I won...and having people who didn't take part in the battle telling me I was lucky to win or that I fought poorly. We won! For just a day, let's be happy about it.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I have been following the game thread and have a tough time reading some of the comments.
I wouldn't worry too much about that General - we could be winning 5-0 at half-time and we'd still find reason to complain in the match thread. It's what they're there for.
As you say, it's been a great week and I'm fairly sure we're all very happy with how it has gone.
-
General Krulak here:
We won! For just a day, let's be happy about it.
I'm bloody ecstatic!
-
The match thread reflects the fact that for 83 minutes, we weren't winning, and we weren't playing well. Of course everybody's pleased that we've won, but you can't expect people to praise our play at 0-0, because to be honest, it was pretty poor.
-
General, you might like to read the Post-Match thread aswell:
http://www.heroesandvillains.info/discuss/viewtopic.php?t=38314&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
-
General Krulak here:
1. I have been following the game thread and have a tough time reading some of the comments. We won! For just a day, let's be happy about it.
Agreed, General.
Some of us enjoy moaning.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I have been following the game thread and have a tough time reading some of the comments.
I wouldn't worry too much about that General - we could be winning 5-0 at half-time and we'd still find reason to complain in the match thread. It's what they're there for.
As you say, it's been a great week and I'm fairly sure we're all very happy with how it has gone.
As may be, Dave, but I saw some people moaning how lucky we were straight after in the post match thread mind.
Thing is General, the last 3 games have provided 3 great results, not 3 great performances and does something to hide the failings during the 7-1 hammering and the losses of points through March to the likes of Wolves, Sunderland and Stoke. Without those 4th wouldn't be a slight possibility but a forgone certainty.
I doubt as its a victory against Blues any died in the wool Villa fan won't be celebrating, and I'm sure most everyone is overjoyed at the points improvement, visits to Wembley and so on. They also know, it wouldn't have taken much to have gained a huge amount more and as you are fond of battle analogies, I doubt many Generals praise a minor victory when they know a more insightful decision during the battle would have ended the war totally.
You may not like the view put over by genuine fans watching the game via TV but remember this they do so because of their love for Villa, nothing more, nothing less
-
General Krulak here:
1. I have been following the game thread and have a tough time reading some of the comments. We have picked up 9 points in basically one week. We have played a team fighting relegation and we have played a team that we knew was going to put up a huge fight. We won all of them. It just amazes me that our own fans bust on our Lads and our Manager after such a tough week...a week where we had to win and have won. So it wasn't as pretty as some would have liked it to be...well, when you play a derby, things aren't always pretty. I watched the ManU-ManCity game and didn't think it was too pretty...and a goal with 17 seconds left could be termed fairly "lucky"...if a penalty can be considered lucky. Let's just give our lads and our Manager their due...let's just applaud the fact that when the chips were down, they won when they needed to win. We are on 64 points right now with two more games to play. If we could have been guaranteed 64 points at the start of the season I would bet that there would have been fans who would have taken the points! All the negativity from some of the fans just gets old after awhile....why can't we just enjoy the win...recognize that beating the Blues will never be a walk in the park (aside from 5-1) and give MON and Cuellar a rest. They really don't deserve all the crap they get from a minority of fans. I cannot imagine coming out of a battle that I won...and having people who didn't take part in the battle telling me I was lucky to win or that I fought poorly. We won! For just a day, let's be happy about it.
=D> Couldn't agree more, the last few months on all the message boards have been pretty pathetic at times.
-
Great post, General. Glad you're willing to say it how you see itt.
As a supporter who very much picks and chooses which home and away games to attend, until yesterday I couldn't understand the negativity either. But as I actually spent some time looking at our results since the turn of the year and it dawned on me that we'd won 1 and drawn 6 of the last 7 home league games, I began to see the situation from the other side somewhat more. And I could only wonder how frustrating it might have been for those who do attend week in, week out.
And I think that's what it is more than anything. Frustration in some quarters that despite the Race For Fourth Place (trademark SSN *gags*) being tighter than ever, the sense of what might have been with only a little more invention or risk-taking.
I think the support for MON and the team is still very much there. At Pompey last week there seemed to be as much chanting of Martin O'Neill's name (as part of a song that also acknowledges Randy's involvement) as there has been for some time . And as an unashamed happy clapper and devotee of Wee Martin that makes me very happy. But I can at least understand the more constructive elements of criticism a bit more now.
Anyway, enjoy the rest of your weekend because most of us Brummies are. Well, the claret and blue half anyway!
-
General Krulak here:
1. I have been following the game thread and have a tough time reading some of the comments. We won! For just a day, let's be happy about it.
Agreed, General.
Some of us enjoy moaning.
Or in shorter terms, what he said.
I LOVE moaning. I just try to avoid doing it about the Villa and save my misanthropy for just about every other part of my life. Especially people leaving free papers on public transport.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I watched the Everton-Fulham game....NOT a well played game!! It ended with a "non-penalty" being given to Everton immediately after Everton was give a throw-in that was absolutely OUT on an Everton player! So Everton wins the game with 6 seconds left on 4 minutes added time!! I wonder if I went onto the Everton web site there would be people moaning about how badly their team played and how "lucky" they were to win???
2. I don't begrudge any fan saying what he or she thinks...and home or away, they have the right! My point is simply that 3 games ago I remarked that we needed to play them one at a time...play hard...cheer loudly...and get wins. So far, 3 wins in a week. Forget about what happened months ago...it is what it is. We need to win the next 2 in a row and bitching about the Manager or a player is not going to help.
3. I guess you might say I am a tad frustrated. My gosh, we did win didn't we??????? As for the battle analogy, give me a win...that's all I care about. Win enough battles and you win the war.
-
General.
Hope you're well and you'll be back again before the season is finished. I appreciate your efforts and time in coming on here and communicating with the fans. The one thing you mentioned earlier in this thread you've had a tough time in reading some of the match thread today. Please bear in mind that for whatever reason these people aren't at the game, and there were 42,000 people shouting Martin O'Neill's name, and shouting for the team today 110%, whether they were playing well or not so well.
Please don't let the 'cyber fans' fool you into thinking that ALL Villa fans are that way. Anyone at the game today could see the players gave everything today against a really pumped up bunch of thugs from across the city. When the decisions haven't gone our way we've dealt with it with class. (Despite the hurt) - They dealt with it how they know. This may not have been quite so noticeable to the 'watch at home fans'
-
General,
I certainly take your point regarding the negativity round here. We're a team who are right in the mix for fourth position this season. We have much to shout about. However, I can also see the side of some others on here who are frustrated by the team and MON. I am genuinely very positive about all things Villa related, but I can understand the frustration. We are a team with many positive aspects, but I think we lack just a small bit of invention and nous when teams come to Villa Park and sit back basically saying "OK then, break us down". We pretty much always struggle then. We have the pace, power and attitude through our side to compete with the very best, but just need a small X-factor to go to the next level. To be so near and yet so far is very frustrating, but we should still be positive considering the progress we have made.
For all of this, I really hope that the board 100% backs MON this summer. We need all of the things that he has brought to the side AND we need that little bit of invention, which I feel he somehow mistrusts. I just hope that MON's intelligence can win out over his stubborness (a quality that is also essential), and that he can add a little bit more creativity to his approach. I certainly believe he has earned another season to try and hope that the board give it to him.
-
Totally agree General.
-
General, don't worry about the moaning from the web warriors on here, the vast majority of fans appreciate the progress we have made since Randy bought the club, and long may it continue!
Proud History, Bright Future.
-
But as I actually spent some time looking at our results since the turn of the year and it dawned on me that we'd won 1 and drawn 6 of the last 7 home league games, I began to see the situation from the other side somewhat more. And I could only wonder how frustrating it might have been for those who do attend week in, week out.
This is exactly it.
For an indication of the difference between home and away form:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/jyarden/2795.jpg)
Just to make it clear, I don't give a toss how we play from now until the end of the season, so long as we win. That's the most important thing at this point. What happened prior to now is done.
I also don't really care that Blues were unlucky today, the win is the most important thing at this point.
However, the fact is that this year, we've scored 29 home league goals, 10 of which were in 2 matches, leaving 19 goals across the other 17 matches. That's really not impressive.
And the goalscoring record at home was even worse last season. Given that, General, do you see why some supporters complain about the home form?
Incidentally, you've already got my 550 quid for next season, so I'm not threating to throw my toys out of the pram, but at the same time I would like to think you understand why people grumble about our home form.
We see plenty of discussion on here, for example, about how important a full stadium is to the club, both now and going forward, and it seems a generally held consensus that the quality of the product on the pitch being as good as possible will make people turn up. Just think how many more season tickets we'd sell were that table on the left a bit more healthy, or with more goals in the "for" column.
I'd also like to point out that, contrary to one of the posts above, to suggest this is just an "internet thing" is beyond ridicule.
-
The overreaction seen on this site is obvious and constant. The same few posters continually seek out negatives and wind up everyone else. The point is that it is unrepresentative of Villa fans as a whole. This is my view. Sorry if it doesn't fit your view.
Feel free to ridicule.
-
The overreaction seen on this site is obvious and constant. The same few posters continually seek out negatives and wind up everyone else. The point is that it is unrepresentative of Villa fans as a whole. This is my view. Sorry if it doesn't fit your view.
Feel free to ridicule.
You have your say.
I'll have mine. Everyone else has theirs.
It really is that simple.
-
General, the match thread is like a conduit for those of us who aren't at the game to chat to others who also aren't at the game but like we ARE at the game if you know what I mean!
We watch on TV or dodgy internet feed and we virtually shout, swear, moan, celebrate etc. etc.
I can guarantee that the majority of those who were at Villa Park today were whinging like buggery to the bloke sat next to them about the performance from half-time to about the 80th minute, it was awful! And that's what we do on the match thread!
I vote that we keep the match thread, it's great for those of us that don't go, but it gets deleted straight afterwards so we don't get picked up on spur of the moment comments. Let's face it, who hasn't yelled something like "Fucking hell Carew, you are shit!" two minutes before he scores a cracker?
-
Dave, it is not deleted but moved to the 'Match Threads & Player Ratings' section of the Forum.
-
General Krulak here:
3. I guess you might say I am a tad frustrated. My gosh, we did win didn't we??????? As for the battle analogy, give me a win...that's all I care about. Win enough battles and you win the war.
Thing is General stats show, the world knows, we draw too many battles hadn't you noticed, especially at home
Give me a win is something I was shouting until Gabby went down, then I screamed penalty.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I watched the Everton-Fulham game....NOT a well played game!! It ended with a "non-penalty" being given to Everton immediately after Everton was give a throw-in that was absolutely OUT on an Everton player! So Everton wins the game with 6 seconds left on 4 minutes added time!! I wonder if I went onto the Everton web site there would be people moaning about how badly their team played and how "lucky" they were to win???
2. I don't begrudge any fan saying what he or she thinks...and home or away, they have the right! My point is simply that 3 games ago I remarked that we needed to play them one at a time...play hard...cheer loudly...and get wins. So far, 3 wins in a week. Forget about what happened months ago...it is what it is. We need to win the next 2 in a row and bitching about the Manager or a player is not going to help.
3. I guess you might say I am a tad frustrated. My gosh, we did win didn't we??????? As for the battle analogy, give me a win...that's all I care about. Win enough battles and you win the war.
General, you have to take the match thread in the moment when comments are made. Truth is if we are getting pummelled at home against our nearest rivals having drawn 6 out of 7 at home before it, needing to win to stay in the war so to speak, then people will get frustrated. I was at the Sunderland and Everton games and could not get there today, and the comments at the ground were similar. People will point out when a player is out of position, the manager makes the same changes etc because we of course all know better - otherwise we would not be fans!
We all love the Villa General, we all are desperate for tangible success, and any moaning is only is wanting to see that realised.
Will the Everton fans be moaning on their boards - you bet they will. Football fans moan. Think we are bad, go to a Spurs board.
-
I wouldn't take it to heart so much General.
A couple of hundred internet geeks (me being one of them) bitching about the game, is usually the norm on any football site.
I am old enough to remember the really bad times we have had over the years, going back to the dark days of 68, so seeing the Villa of today compared to then is like chalk and cheese.
I do think a few of us should stop and pause for a while and reflect on how far we have come in such a short space of time since Ellis though.
Thanks to everybody General.
-
Geneeral Krulak here:
1. pauliewalnuts: Simply put, your concerns do not mirror mine. I look at the stats that you displayed and there is MUCH that I take away as positive. You, on the other hand, see negative. That makes horse raising. We lost, at home, the same number of games as ManU, Arsenal and Liverpool...at the beginning of this season, would you have been happy to say that? I expect you would. Only one team in the entire Premiership has had as many away wins as we have. At the beginning of the season, would you have been happy to say that? I expect you would. And, oh by the way, we have lost fewer away games than any of the current top 4!! Do you think, just possibly, that teams that come to Villa Park know full well that our strengths are found in a blistering pace, etc. and that they come to defeat that strength...and that in their efforts to do so, they force an "ugly" game? Isn't that what the game is all about...putting your opponents strengths in jeopardy? We do the same thing when we go away! The big difference, in my opinion, is that when we go away, our opponents play a more open game that allows us to capitalize on our strengths. Thus, our record away. Our squad is our squad...we play the way we play because MON, like any good manager, strives to capitalize on the strengths of his lads. I am not sure what you would like MON to do...alter tactics even though it would not be advantageous to the play of our lads? I am sorry, I just don't buy your premise...and I certainly don't feel that 64 points with 2 games to go is something to feel bad about. Sure, I would have loved to have won more home games....but it is what it is. At this stage of the season, I am not about to worry about what happened in the past...I am concentrating on the future.
-
I bet you don't get this heated watching the Browns do you General?
It's all about opinions and you've both got good positions. You can read and spin stats a thousand ways. I think we have to find a way to break down those teams as the top teams manage to do. But that's part of our evolution. Under MON I think we'll always be a very good away team, but the next stage of our development at Villa Park has to going from hard to beat, to hard to beat with an ability to raise our game a level and turn potential draws into wins. It doesn't really matter how we get to that point, but it will ultimately bridge the gap between just chasing for 4th and getting to semi-finals/finals of cups, to actually winning silverware.
-
I do think a few of us should stop and pause for a while and reflect on how far we have come in such a short space of time since Ellis.
Here, here.
-
I do think a few of us should stop and pause for a while and reflect on how far we have come in such a short space of time since Ellis.
Here, here.
I think people do appreciate where we've come from. At some point you have to let the past be the past, and you cannot keep harping back to how it used to be. We have to continue to move forward. The General knows we appreciate all of the work that has gone on in the past 4 years.
-
Geneeral Krulak here:
1. pauliewalnuts: Simply put, your concerns do not mirror mine. I look at the stats that you displayed and there is MUCH that I take away as positive. You, on the other hand, see negative. That makes horse raising. We lost, at home, the same number of games as ManU, Arsenal and Liverpool...at the beginning of this season, would you have been happy to say that? I expect you would. Only one team in the entire Premiership has had as many away wins as we have. At the beginning of the season, would you have been happy to say that? I expect you would. And, oh by the way, we have lost fewer away games than any of the current top 4!! Do you think, just possibly, that teams that come to Villa Park know full well that our strengths are found in a blistering pace, etc. and that they come to defeat that strength...and that in their efforts to do so, they force an "ugly" game? Isn't that what the game is all about...putting your opponents strengths in jeopardy? We do the same thing when we go away! The big difference, in my opinion, is that when we go away, our opponents play a more open game that allows us to capitalize on our strengths. Thus, our record away. Our squad is our squad...we play the way we play because MON, like any good manager, strives to capitalize on the strengths of his lads. I am not sure what you would like MON to do...alter tactics even though it would not be advantageous to the play of our lads? I am sorry, I just don't buy your premise...and I certainly don't feel that 64 points with 2 games to go is something to feel bad about. Sure, I would have loved to have won more home games....but it is what it is. At this stage of the season, I am not about to worry about what happened in the past...I am concentrating on the future.
Clappy Thingy.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I have been following the game thread and have a tough time reading some of the comments. We have picked up 9 points in basically one week. We have played a team fighting relegation and we have played a team that we knew was going to put up a huge fight. We won all of them. It just amazes me that our own fans bust on our Lads and our Manager after such a tough week...a week where we had to win and have won. So it wasn't as pretty as some would have liked it to be...well, when you play a derby, things aren't always pretty. I watched the ManU-ManCity game and didn't think it was too pretty...and a goal with 17 seconds left could be termed fairly "lucky"...if a penalty can be considered lucky. Let's just give our lads and our Manager their due...let's just applaud the fact that when the chips were down, they won when they needed to win. We are on 64 points right now with two more games to play. If we could have been guaranteed 64 points at the start of the season I would bet that there would have been fans who would have taken the points! All the negativity from some of the fans just gets old after awhile....why can't we just enjoy the win...recognize that beating the Blues will never be a walk in the park (aside from 5-1) and give MON and Cuellar a rest. They really don't deserve all the crap they get from a minority of fans. I cannot imagine coming out of a battle that I won...and having people who didn't take part in the battle telling me I was lucky to win or that I fought poorly. We won! For just a day, let's be happy about it.
Amen Brother
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
Suddenly everyone doesn't have a right to an opinion...
-
General Krulak here:
1. I have been following the game thread and have a tough time reading some of the comments. We have picked up 9 points in basically one week. We have played a team fighting relegation and we have played a team that we knew was going to put up a huge fight. We won all of them. It just amazes me that our own fans bust on our Lads and our Manager after such a tough week...a week where we had to win and have won. So it wasn't as pretty as some would have liked it to be...well, when you play a derby, things aren't always pretty. I watched the ManU-ManCity game and didn't think it was too pretty...and a goal with 17 seconds left could be termed fairly "lucky"...if a penalty can be considered lucky. Let's just give our lads and our Manager their due...let's just applaud the fact that when the chips were down, they won when they needed to win. We are on 64 points right now with two more games to play. If we could have been guaranteed 64 points at the start of the season I would bet that there would have been fans who would have taken the points! All the negativity from some of the fans just gets old after awhile....why can't we just enjoy the win...recognize that beating the Blues will never be a walk in the park (aside from 5-1) and give MON and Cuellar a rest. They really don't deserve all the crap they get from a minority of fans. I cannot imagine coming out of a battle that I won...and having people who didn't take part in the battle telling me I was lucky to win or that I fought poorly. We won! For just a day, let's be happy about it.
You tell 'em, General. I'm fuckin delighted tonight, and I'm sick to death of the negativity on here. Well done, Martin, the players and Randy. You deserve it!
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
All I've heard for ages on here is doom and gloom from Pauliewalnuts, so I don't blame him for having a knock or two back at him.
And we weren't 'cack' for most of the game either. We should have been two up by the time Small Heath decided to cross the half way line today.
6 derby wins on the trot and there's still no pleasing some people.
-
I think it is a little harsh to single out Paulie, as his views are fairly close to mine much of the time and many, many others on here for the last few weeks.
-
Well said General!
-
I think it is a little harsh to single out Paulie, as his views are fairly close to mine much of the time and many, many others on here for the last few weeks.
Personally I thought he was replying to paulie like someone might reply to you on another thread raising his point of view. Not singling him out as such.
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
All I've heard for ages on here is doom and gloom from Pauliewalnuts, so I don't blame him for having a knock or two back at him.
And we weren't 'cack' for most of the game either. We should have been two up by the time Small Heath decided to cross the half way line today.
6 derby wins on the trot and there's still no pleasing some people.
echo this, no one cared how we won today, how we played, how it went it
what matters is that we have progress by just two games left and a live chance of 4th
-
I think it is a little harsh to single out Paulie, as his views are fairly close to mine much of the time and many, many others on here for the last few weeks.
Personally I thought he was replying to paulie like someone might reply to you on another thread raising his point of view. Not singling him out as such.
Fair point. I still think views from match threads are usually fairly emotive, and much of the points made have been echoed by large parts of the board regarding how poor we are at home, lack of rotation, limitations etc. I agree today is a day for celebrating though and this should be discussed at a future point.
-
Geneeral Krulak here:
1. pauliewalnuts: Simply put, your concerns do not mirror mine. I look at the stats that you displayed and there is MUCH that I take away as positive. You, on the other hand, see negative. That makes horse raising. We lost, at home, the same number of games as ManU, Arsenal and Liverpool...at the beginning of this season, would you have been happy to say that? I expect you would. Only one team in the entire Premiership has had as many away wins as we have. At the beginning of the season, would you have been happy to say that? I expect you would. And, oh by the way, we have lost fewer away games than any of the current top 4!! Do you think, just possibly, that teams that come to Villa Park know full well that our strengths are found in a blistering pace, etc. and that they come to defeat that strength...and that in their efforts to do so, they force an "ugly" game? Isn't that what the game is all about...putting your opponents strengths in jeopardy? We do the same thing when we go away! The big difference, in my opinion, is that when we go away, our opponents play a more open game that allows us to capitalize on our strengths. Thus, our record away. Our squad is our squad...we play the way we play because MON, like any good manager, strives to capitalize on the strengths of his lads. I am not sure what you would like MON to do...alter tactics even though it would not be advantageous to the play of our lads? I am sorry, I just don't buy your premise...and I certainly don't feel that 64 points with 2 games to go is something to feel bad about. Sure, I would have loved to have won more home games....but it is what it is. At this stage of the season, I am not about to worry about what happened in the past...I am concentrating on the future.
General
Serious question - did you actually read my post before replying?
I specifically raised the performance away versus home precisely because, firstly, Guy M raised specifically that in a very good post he made, and secondly because whilst the away form is excellent, the home form is poor, and that is why people might be grumbling a little bit about it.
I'm fully aware, too, that teams come to Villa Park knowing the way we play. I think (almost) everyone has realised that.
In saying you don't buy my "premise", I don't really know what you're referring to? That the home form isn't as good as the away form, by some distance?
You've just said yourself that it is the case, so I don't really see why you're getting quite so annoyed.
Still, I'll consider myself "told" and leave you to it.
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
Suddenly everyone doesn't have a right to an opinion...
Ironic to have a go at the general saying he shouldn't comment on other Villa fans. He wasn't disrespectfull so no problem.......lighten up and anyone can so what they want as long as not rascist, sexist, personal etc.
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
All I've heard for ages on here is doom and gloom from Pauliewalnuts, so I don't blame him for having a knock or two back at him.
And we weren't 'cack' for most of the game either. We should have been two up by the time Small Heath decided to cross the half way line today.
6 derby wins on the trot and there's still no pleasing some people.
I take exception that that.
My "gloom" comes from the fact that I don't like the style of football we play, and I'm not massively convinced by the manager.
I can point you in the direction of plenty of posts where I've been very positive about things if that helps you out.
re your last line, that's something I've pointed out myself, and did in the reply to the General, that it really doesn't matter how we play right now, all that matters is the result.
-
I think it is a little harsh to single out Paulie, as his views are fairly close to mine much of the time and many, many others on here for the last few weeks.
They're certainly very similar to mine. But regardless he certainly doesn't deserve to be taken to task by the General merely for pointing out that our home form this season has not been great and that we don't play very sophisticated or attractive football. The second is a matter of opinion, granted, but the first is a matter of fact. Yes, it is possible to point to only 2 home defeats but that is to ignore the more important stat - the number of home wins.
I'm not aware of anyone who "feels bad" that we have 64 points with 2 games to go. But if we do end up falling just short then it will have been our home form that has let us down. So I'm not sure it's something that can be dismissed as lightly as the General appears to want to do. To simply say "it is what it is", as if home form is something that can't be influenced in any way, is missing the point.
I would hope and expect that when he sits down to analyse this season and what might be improved for next season, Martin will identify our home form as one of the key areas. He'd be blind not to. So while your concerns do not mirror paulie's, General, he's not wrong.
-
It would appear that like a lot of us, the General is fed up with the moaning and doom and gloom merchants on this site. Quite right too. This season has been another one of progress and isnt over yet contrary to how some posters proclaimed weeks ago.
however this thread is supposed to be questions for the general. A Q&A thread.
I think (although GK started the'open' forum with his comments about the lack of real support) this thread should get back to being a Q&A one.....so
Will the club be making an official complaint about the gesturing of Stephen Carr as he walked the length of the North Stand ? What a way for a highly paid 'professional footballer' to behave. Typical gutter mentality so endemic at that club.
-
Another fresh start.
Questions for the General to answer please.
Please note that the General cannot and will not comment on team or managerial matters.
Football, like message board moderating, is a lot easier in hindsight. Some would look at Paulie's post and think "Hey, that doesn't belong on this thread." Some would wonder why people that are critical get an opinion and those that don't apparently shouldn't respond.
My opinion, if you allow naysayers then allow yay-sayers...otherwise we all become pointless.
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
All I've heard for ages on here is doom and gloom from Pauliewalnuts, so I don't blame him for having a knock or two back at him.
And we weren't 'cack' for most of the game either. We should have been two up by the time Small Heath decided to cross the half way line today.
6 derby wins on the trot and there's still no pleasing some people.
I take exception that that.
My "gloom" comes from the fact that I don't like the style of football we play, and I'm not massively convinced by the manager.
I can point you in the direction of plenty of posts where I've been very positive about things if that helps you out.
re your last line, that's something I've pointed out myself, and did in the reply to the General, that it really doesn't matter how we play right now, all that matters is the result.
Okay I apologise about the last line because I'm positive you're as happy as I am about beating Small Heath, but you have to admit you've been moaning about the Villa for quite a while now and I think it's been winding a lot of Villa fans up something rotten. Yes we're not the greatest team in the world, but we're not as bad as you're suggesting....
Oh feck it I'm pissed. Off to bed.
-
Okay I apologise about the last line because I'm positive you're as happy as I am about beating Small Heath, but you have to admit you've been moaning about the Villa for quite a while now and I think it's been winding a lot of Villa fans up something rotten. Yes we're not the greatest team in the world, but we're not as bad as you're suggesting....
Oh feck it I'm pissed. Off to bed.
I haven't been winding anyone up, I've been having my say.
I also didn't suggest on this thread we're a bad side, I pointed out where our failings are this year in response to someone else who specifically raised that point.
-
The end of the world is upon us.
Miserable gits. Go out and do some good in the world. How about a spot of volunteering in the community. It might make you feel better and enjoy life.
-
Another fresh start.
Questions for the General to answer please.
Please note that the General cannot and will not comment on team or managerial matters.
Football, like message board moderating, is a lot easier in hindsight. Some would look at Paulie's post and think "Hey, that doesn't belong on this thread." Some would wonder why people that are critical get an opinion and those that don't apparently shouldn't respond.
My opinion, if you allow naysayers then allow yay-sayers...otherwise we all become pointless.
I was replying to something the General posted himself, which was then followed up on by another poster.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I am bemused and amazed...I am now "singling out paulie", coming on "our" site and "telling us what we can and can't say"...what the heck are you all talking about??? paulie posted a comment and I posted one. I started mine by saying that our lack of agreement was what made "horse racing." I was a helluva lot more respectful than Dave Cooper who seems to imply that I am somehow not part of H&V...that the site is "owned" by people who are not like me...that I am somehow just a passing fixture on the site....that I am not a Fan and can't have an opinion. If I honestly thought that Dave Cooper's view was the view of the readers of H&V, I would be off the site so damn fast your heads would swim. I was NOT having a go at paulie...I was simply giving my view of his post. I honestly thought that is what took place on this web site...it certainly is what takes place on the other sites I post on. This is the FIRST time anyone has ever told me a site was "our" site and I wasn't a part of it....or that a post by me was an attempt to "tell us what we can and can't say." Every one knows that I have always said to give me the "good, bad, and ugly" but I NEVER knew that I was somehow forbidden to give my own opinions on this site. Obviously I will restrict my comments from now on...and I apologize to pauliewalnuts if I did anything to hurt him...that was certainly NOT my intent. I will be off the site for a few days to let this all calm down. Up the Villa!
-
.and I apologize to pauliewalnuts if I did anything to hurt him...that was certainly NOT my intent. I will be off the site for a few days to let this all calm down. Up the Villa!
There's no offence taken, General, I just thought you read a lot of things into my post which weren't actually there.
I was just following up on Guy's comment (which i thought was a pretty interesting point) about the way "home only" fans see things a bit differently from him, and pointing out the disparity between the home results and away as a reason for this (which you quite rightly pointed out, are excellent, which is why i posted those tables).
I'm not a massive fan of the brand of football we play, that is true, but I wasn't in any way suggesting 64 points is not a good haul (it is), or that we are a poor team (we're not).
Having said that, the style of football was the last thing on my mind tonight or against Hull on Wednesday, and it will be the last thing in the next two games, as well, that'll be winning. That's not a view i hold for the whole season, but at this point in the shake-down, it is all that matters.
-
Hello MR Krulak;
I'm sure, like me you're delighted with the win today despite not playing very well, especially in the second half. It's a funny feeling winning when you haven't played well, but still win, especially in a derby.
Forget about some of the haters, there will always be haters lurking around no matter what. I think you're great for coming on here answering questions but I must admit I don't know why MON never subs Petrov when he gets tired and why Cuellar plays at right back when he's not a right back despite having two great right backs available. I'm not being negative, I love Villa, Randy and MON it's just those things which I wonder about all the time.
Up the Villa!
-
Nothing but respect for the General, top bloke.
-
General please pass out our congratulations to Milner for the Young PFA award the 2nd Villain of course in two years
-
Obviously I will restrict my comments from now on.
I for one would be very disappointed if you did this, Sir.
You want the good, bad and ugly. I'm all for you giving it back.
-
Nothing but respect for the General, top bloke.
Absolutely, which is why I think there's some confusion on this thread about discussing playing matters rather than Club matters, which seemed to be the rule until this afternoon.
I welcome the General giving his opinions on the football side, I'm just not sure this thread is the right place unless he's prepared to answer thousands of questions regarding who's the best right back, should we go 451 against City or the benefits of Emile Heskey.
Whatever happens, I hope the General continues to post on here.
-
Obviously I will restrict my comments from now on.
I for one would be very disappointed if you did this, Sir.
You want the good, bad and ugly. I'm all for you giving it back.
Jesus yes.
General, I speak for us all when I say that we ( H&V and AVFC) have a massive amount of respect for you as a fan as well as a Director of AVFC.
UTV
-
General Krulak here:
This is the FIRST time anyone has ever told me a site was "our" site and I wasn't a part of it....or that a post by me was an attempt to "tell us what we can and can't say." Every one knows that I have always said to give me the "good, bad, and ugly" but I NEVER knew that I was somehow forbidden to give my own opinions on this site. Obviously I will restrict my comments from now on...and I apologize to pauliewalnuts if I did anything to hurt him...that was certainly NOT my intent. I will be off the site for a few days to let this all calm down. Up the Villa!
Plenty of us appreciate that you take the time and interest to comment here full stop, your input is much appreciated.
-
General, I agree totally with your comments.
The 'doom merchants' have been going like a broken record all season and quite frankly it's boring. Some of the negative comments after the Blose game are ridiculous. Some of these posters must have very short memories - 03/03/03 anyone?
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
'Our site'.
FFS, I suggest that you take that comment back - a foolish thing to say.
-
General, I agree totally with your comments.
The 'doom merchants' have been going like a broken record all season and quite frankly it's boring. Some of the negative comments after the Blose game are ridiculous. Some of these posters must have very short memories - 03/03/03 anyone?
Out of interest, which are these negative comments? The general consensus seems to be "who cares what it was like, we won".
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
'Our site'.
FFS, I suggest that you take that comment back - a foolish thing to say.
Almost as foolish as
The 'doom merchants' have been going like a broken record all season and quite frankly it's boring
-
Well for me, it is boring though, Dave.
Some of the comments are imo crazy at times but I don't suggest that somehow it's 'our site' and these posters have no right to have those opinions. We are all Villa fans arn't we.
Especially on a day like today (yesterday) I think it'd be nice if we took a day off the negtivity imo.
-
General, I agree totally with your comments.
The 'doom merchants' have been going like a broken record all season and quite frankly it's boring. Some of the negative comments after the Blose game are ridiculous. Some of these posters must have very short memories - 03/03/03 anyone?
Out of interest, which are these negative comments? The general consensus seems to be "who cares what it was like, we won".
Read the post match thread then, there are plenty on there if you go through it.
-
Well for me, it is boring though, Dave.
Some of the comments are imo crazy at times but I don't suggest that somehow it's 'our site' and these posters have no right to have those opinions. We are all Villa fans arn't we.
Especially on a day like today (yesterday) I think it'd be nice if we took a day off the negtivity imo.
If it's boring you can alway ignore it. And yet again, there is no 'negativity' on here tonight. There are a few opinions which not every agrees with, although that seems to be becoming a crime in many eyes.
-
General, I agree totally with your comments.
The 'doom merchants' have been going like a broken record all season and quite frankly it's boring. Some of the negative comments after the Blose game are ridiculous. Some of these posters must have very short memories - 03/03/03 anyone?
Out of interest, which are these negative comments? The general consensus seems to be "who cares what it was like, we won".
Read the post match thread then, there are plenty on there if you go through it.
I have read it. A lot of people saying we didn't play particularly well (second half, we didn't, let's face it) but then saying we don't really care, so long as we won.
-
I have read it. A lot of people saying we didn't play particularly well (second half, we didn't, let's face it) but then saying we don't really care, so long as we won.
You'll find pretty much the same type of posts on other Villa sites today.
-
General,
May I add this season has been one of my favourites. We certainly have not been as 'pretty' as other seasons and other teams, but we have been very very 'efficient'. If 'efficient' performances mean guarenteed european football, contesting a top4 place, highest points tally, FA Cup semi-final and League cup final long may it continue. We've held our own within a season that has been one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Long may the current regime continue, UTV.
-
General you wonder what Villa fans want after this seasons results, when you ask such a question it brings you into areas that you will not discuss, an example of this is, nearly all of us want a right back playing at right back simply because we have a centre back playing there who is a great player in the wrong position while having two right backs on the bench. Care to comment on the positional pro's and cons? Ashley Young has gone backwards since he won the young player of the year title, care to speculate on why this is? These are issues we discuss and argue about all the time, i am not saying you are not as fervent a suppoerter as all of us but we have been doing it for a very long time. Finally it's easy to spot you are not from Birmingham General, when we are topping the ladder and playing great football you will still get us moaning and whingeing, don't take it to heart that's the way we are.
-
Well for me, it is boring though, Dave.
Some of the comments are imo crazy at times but I don't suggest that somehow it's 'our site' and these posters have no right to have those opinions. We are all Villa fans arn't we.
Especially on a day like today (yesterday) I think it'd be nice if we took a day off the negtivity imo.
If it's boring you can alway ignore it. And yet again, there is no 'negativity' on here tonight. There are a few opinions which not every agrees with, although that seems to be becoming a crime in many eyes.
Funny how we all see things differently. I rarely post anything too optimistic any more as I'm fed up of it being jumped all over by other posters who seem to patrol the site to stamp out positivity, as if it's a 'crime' or something. I'm afraid I've been worn down by it.
-
I love how stating the obvious about the deficiencies of the team has now become being part of the "haters", "naysayers", "doom merchants" etc.... Truly amazing. This is a football messageboard where people post opinion on what they see out on the pitch and on matters relating too that. If the football isn't pretty and we only win 8 out of 18 at home, drawing some pretty woeful games of football, they will moan about it. Beating the Blues was great today at home, and we have the Generals countryman to thank for it. 7 minutes from time at 0-0, people might not be happy that he was already man of the match. Delighted we won, but the moaning is only discussing things that are in essence facts of the season.
-
General, just an observation. We dont seem to be making much of the villa youth team getting to the F.A.Youth Cup Final this season and i wondered why that was ? You'd be hard pushed to find anyting at all on the clubs website about this achievement yet its all over Chelseas equivalent. There was the smallest piece possible about it in the programme for the blose match and we dont seem to have put out any ticket details despite the home leg taking place in 4 days time. It would also be a good idea to announce somewhere that the away leg is all ticket according to the chelsea website and that tickets need to be bought in advance as Im sure I wont be the only one planning to travel for the match. A large crowd at VP for this would really help the lads no end particularly as they then have to play the second leg away from home. It would be a shame if the crowd is a poor one as a result of the lack of promotion.
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away..
Really?
How come he posts so much on the match threads?
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away..
Really?
How come he posts so much on the match threads?
I'm a season ticket holder, and I sometimes miss matches due to work (now I work for myself) but I don't get to away matches these days.
Hope that's Villa enough for you, Chris.
-
After many years, i'm giving up my season tickets.
-
Why is that, Fletch?
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
One of the most senseless and ignorant posts I've seen since the inception of message boards.
-
Why is that, Fletch?
Like Randy, i'm looking to cut right back.
Not for financial reasons, I just want to.
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away..
Really?
How come he posts so much on the match threads?
I'm a season ticket holder, and I sometimes miss matches due to work (now I work for myself) but I don't get to away matches these days.
Hope that's Villa enough for you, Chris.
I don't care how many you go to but when Dave uses your away match attendance as a demonstration of loyalty I think for accuracies sake it should be corrected. Don't you?
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away..
Really?
How come he posts so much on the match threads?
I'm a season ticket holder, and I sometimes miss matches due to work (now I work for myself) but I don't get to away matches these days.
Hope that's Villa enough for you, Chris.
I don't care how many you go to but when Dave uses your away match attendance as a demonstration of loyalty I think for accuracies sake it should be corrected. Don't you?
I'd rather my attendance record wasn't dragged into it at all, to be fair, and certainly not resuscitated this morning.
I'd also like to think that attendance record doesn't affect anyone's entitlement to post, as we have a lot of very good posters who never get to a game at all.
-
I've had a season ticket for many years. If Mr Lerner cuts back and sells any of our best players this Summer, I won't renew. We need to invest further to progress or else things will just go backwards. I just wish he'd speak to us now and again. Speculation is allowed to fester too often at our club.
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
One of the most senseless and ignorant posts I've seen since the inception of message boards.
Aye, but we know your feelings about me anyway don't we?
-
I don't care how many you go to but when Dave uses your away match attendance as a demonstration of loyalty I think for accuracies sake it should be corrected. Don't you?
My fault, I thought he went to away games, I was wrong.
Anyway, while I'm here:
I apologise to The General for the "Our site" jibe, it was a thoughtless spur of the moment comment and I went to bed straight after posting it so didn't think about it until reading it back just now.
You are most welcome on here General and anyway, who am I to tell you otherwise?
But as I say, it was a spur of the moment comment. much like most of those posted on the match thread that caused this furore in the first place.
-
General...... We are all happy of the result. I am sur we can all agree to disagree about the seemingly two halves of this site.. I,M IN THE GLASS HALF FULL side especially on a day when we beat the other team in our city .
I can come away from a match moaning about the quality of our football at times. But i recongise PROGRESS when i see it . Othes want it all and want it now ...
All opinions are valued on here but for the half full posters on this site it does grind you down that the "others" post such negitive posts especially after a win . we should have had a 24 hr lock down clear heads and enjoy our six win in a row....
General whats your thoughts on...... VIDEO TECH FOR THE REFS ? *WINKY*
-
I don't care how many you go to but when Dave uses your away match attendance as a demonstration of loyalty I think for accuracies sake it should be corrected. Don't you?
My fault, I thought he went to away games, I was wrong.
Anyway, while I'm here:
I apologise to The General for the "Our site" jibe, it was a thoughtless spur of the moment comment and I went to bed straight after posting it so didn't think about it until reading it back just now.
You are most welcome on here General and anyway, who am I to tell you otherwise?
But as I say, it was a spur of the moment comment. much like most of those posted on the match thread that caused this furore in the first place.
Well said Dave, it needed saying imo and you did. There's plenty that wouldn't.
-
Winning is the be all and end all to me-would be nice to win with style but the result is the main thing-as long as we win I'm happy .
General i'm sure we all appreciate your views and opinions and I'm grateful to you for all you do for our club,you are one of us and very welcome.
Football is a hugely passionate and emotional game and in the heat of the moment passions run high but I'm sure we are fully united in wanting to see a successful Aston villa.
Let's all get behind the players and try and get the 2 wins we need and see where it takes us-we are a great club with great fans and this forum gives us all a chance to air our opinions and is a great read.
-
This is probably as good a point as any to try to get the thread back to only non-playing questions for the General.
-
General can we have a seat count now they have been and gone . Much damage?
As a matter of interest do we invoive visiting clubs should there fans damage stadium Do we get invoiced also ?
We have our traveling morons too
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
One of the most senseless and ignorant posts I've seen since the inception of message boards.
Any more of that and you won't be seeing anything else on here.
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
One of the most senseless and ignorant posts I've seen since the inception of message boards.
Any more of that and you won't be seeing anything else on here.
Strange how different these posts are being interpreted. I also thought the post by DC was completely insensitive. I'm sure the recipient also thought the post was insensitive.
It appears the interpretation of this thread is as divisive as opinions on the teams' season.
-
General. why are you having a go at Pauliewalnuts? Probably one of our most loyal fans. Someone who follows the club home and away.
We were utterly cack (a Midlands word for shit) for most of the game today, we are allowed to mention this on an internet forum aren't we?
General, I have the utmost respect for you, but please do not come onto OUR forum and tell us what we can and can't say about the club we have invested a huge amount of our time and money following.
One of the most senseless and ignorant posts I've seen since the inception of message boards.
Any more of that and you won't be seeing anything else on here.
Strange how different these posts are being interpreted. I also thought the post by DC was completely insensitive. I'm sure the recipient also thought the post was insensitive.
It appears the interpretation of this thread is as divisive as opinions on the teams' season.
Whatever the post may or may not have been, there was no call for such a reply.
-
I am very unclear now who is arguing for what.
General, the only possible view to take on this is that you aren't a proper H&V poster until you've been embroiled in a ridiculous petty argument in which noone can really remember what it was they were originally arguing about. A rite of passage, if you like.
-
Can we get back to the original point of the thread.
Questions to the General please.
-
General Krulak here:
1. Dave Cooper: No harm, no foul. Passions run high. Onward and upward!!!!
2. Not sure where the rumors are coming from re. no spend from Randy....certainly not from the Club or the Manager. I think the key is to look at the "track record" and let the actions speak for themselves. I can assure you, this is not something that Randy would or should hold a press conference about. The last thing in the world we want to do is tip our hand before the summer. Not buying a ST based upon a rumor makes little sense to me.
-
I think, General, that a lot of mischief in the press stems from MON being quoted as saying he had to sell before he could buy in January.
Of course, the media picked up that ball and ran with it and dreamed up all sorts of scenarios. Redknapp said the same sort of things in January but you can bet the media wont be talking about Spurs as having no money to spend this summer.
-
Whatever the post may or may not have been, there was no call for such a reply.
Fair enough, I'll reel my neck in!
-
General Krulak here:
1. Dave Cooper: No harm, no foul. Passions run high. Onward and upward!!!!
Thanks General.
*Note to self - think before you post*
-
How about a fresh start? (Not being funny)
-
I am very unclear now who is arguing for what.
General, the only possible view to take on this is that you aren't a proper H&V poster until you've been embroiled in a ridiculous petty argument in which noone can really remember what it was they were originally arguing about. A rite of passage, if you like.
Typical bird; you would say that. *wink*
-
General I know randy likes to stay in the background but it would be nice to hear from him now and again, I'm sure a letter to fans on the website would be a good idea now and again, there seems to be a lot of rumours around the club but a statement from randy would go a long way to quelling these rumours.
We have had a good season again and although critical of mons selections and tactics at times I am now feeling optimistic for the future if we can get 2 top quality signings in the summer.
Keep up the good work general and let's look forward to some silverware next season!
-
General Krulak here:
1. Dave Cooper: No harm, no foul. Passions run high. Onward and upward!!!!
2. Not sure where the rumors are coming from re. no spend from Randy....certainly not from the Club or the Manager. I think the key is to look at the "track record" and let the actions speak for themselves. I can assure you, this is not something that Randy would or should hold a press conference about. The last thing in the world we want to do is tip our hand before the summer. Not buying a ST based upon a rumor makes little sense to me.
Exactly. Martin is hardly likely to come out and say he has £20m to spend is he? It'll put the prices up on any players he does want. Randy will support Martin, and I think the talk of Young and/or Milner going is bollocks. As we get better, our better players are bound to attract attention from the sky 4 or Man Shi££y. The media will spin that into anything they want.
-
General is there any chance of getting bigger shirts in next year for us fattys? The 3XL looks like it's painted on. I haven't been a able to buy one for 5 years. Could we get a limited run of 4/5 XL?
-
General is there any chance of getting bigger shirts in next year for us fattys? The 3XL looks like it's painted on. I haven't been a able to buy one for 5 years. Could we get a limited run of 4/5 XL?
I echo Fatty's thoughts above.
A mate of mine needs a very large top and I need to get him one for his Birthday.
-
Is there such thing as a Villa Mumu?
-
General is there any chance of getting bigger shirts in next year for us fattys? The 3XL looks like it's painted on. I haven't been a able to buy one for 5 years. Could we get a limited run of 4/5 XL?
General instead could there be a jog round body more heath for the fattys to loose a bit.?
.BODYMORE WASNT A PUN!..
-
General - did Gareth Barry leave any kits behind, they would probably suffice for the posters above.....
-
General Krulak here:
2. Not sure where the rumors are coming from re. no spend from Randy....certainly not from the Club or the Manager. I think the key is to look at the "track record" and let the actions speak for themselves. I can assure you, this is not something that Randy would or should hold a press conference about. The last thing in the world we want to do is tip our hand before the summer. Not buying a ST based upon a rumor makes little sense to me.
Thanks General, its about time someone agreed with me if anyone can criticise money spent in the last few summers I'd like to see their argument. I may not be 100% confident in Mon but Randy gets my vote. Pity their isn't an owner of the year award RL would walk it
-
General. I'm a bit wary about analogies to wars and battles. Battles are indeed all about winning, ugly or otherwise, no more no less. Football, however, is a sport and an entertainment industry and thus is surely meant to have an element of, er, entertainment. I know big business has pretty much taken the game over now but the way we play is very important to some of us, as well as winning. If that's seen as moaning well so be it.
But talking of battles, here's a hypothetical question for you - if you went into battle with the same tactics and personnel, time after time, and they weren't working, time after time, would you continue fighting the same way over and over again? Or would you try a different tack, or at least try to introduce an "element of surprise"? Just wondering like.
-
General Krulak here:
1. Villa MuMu...someone has been to Hawaii!!!
2. Not sure about Barry kits...he probably took them all with him as a memory of his time with the finest Club in the world.
3. ktvillan: Understand your views re. battle analogies. Unfortunately, I spent a good part of my life in the Forces and those analogies come easy to me...particularly since I do believe that sport and battle have many similarities. To answer your hypothetical question: Most successful commanders fit their tactics to their troop's capabilities...and don't try to undertake tactics that their troops are not best fit to carry out. In all the discussion re. tactics and personnel, I think this aspect is missed by many. If our squad was made up of players with a superb first touch and great control, we may play more like a Arsenal. Our players have superb pace, they have the ability to cross into the box, they have the ability to head the ball into the net from a cross, etc. etc. Each team has its own "personality" based upon the capabilities of its players. The good managers understand the strengths and weaknesses of his lads and play to the strengths. We are not the only team to do so!! I watched the ManCity v. Arsenal game. It was NOT exciting football but it was very tactically entertaining as both Managers tried to impose the strengths of their teams against the weaknesses of their opponents. This is what we try to do each game. Our ability to stay in the games (discounting the 7-1) validates the fact that we are, indeed, playing to our strengths. It seems to me that if the Manager went away from the strengths of his players and asked them to play in a manner that doesn't capitalize on their strengths, we would be in serious trouble. Again, I don't think any of us know more than our Manager. He sees exactly what we see...good and bad. BUT, he knows his players FAR better than we know them and employs his "troops" to the best of their ability and capability. Instead of being critical of his tactics, it might be worth trying to walk a mile in his shoes and try to understand the rationale of his actions. He has proven to be successful!
4. To the Moderators: I seem to have lost a large number of my posts. I have posted over 1100 messages on this site and yet am only recorded for 900+. Is there anyway you can go back a resurrect the proper number? The truth is, the other sites I am on all register more than 1100 messages yet the site I started with (H&V) has me in the 900's....something happened.
-
Re the posts, I think when historical threads are compacted or archived to another place the post count goes down as those ones are essentially lost. There was a time years ago before marriage and children I had thousands and thousands of posts, but alas H&V has moved twice or more since then and many of them lost. Nature of these places unfortunately. Mac or Martin will no doubt explain better.
-
General Krulak here:
4. To the Moderators: I seem to have lost a large number of my posts. I have posted over 1100 messages on this site and yet am only recorded for 900+. Is there anyway you can go back a resurrect the proper number? The truth is, the other sites I am on all register more than 1100 messages yet the site I started with (H&V) has me in the 900's....something happened.
Unfortunately the posts you mentioned had to be removed.
Although very funny and about our nearest neighbours, they were not suitable for some of the younger subscribers.
-
Ooh you rascal.
-
Interesting post, General.
I guess it could be argued General Douglas Haig was "proven to be successful". Like Haig's troops, nobody can doubt the commitment of our own, they've done us proud yet again. Whilst we may be playing to our strengths, I'd argue that we aren't playing to all of them, just the basics, we're a lot more talented than we pretend to be.
I've been encouraged throughout the season by the comments by our manager that he wants to address these issues. Hopefully he'll see that the cavalry are limited compared to machine guns and tanks.
-
General I understand what you are saying about playing to our strengths, but I would mention a few points as food for thought.
First, unlike many generals, the resources the manager has available are entirely of his own choosing. I know you can;t really comment on this but one of the "complaints" quite a few of us have is that he hasn't generally tried to sign players known for their superb touch and close control, qualities which many feel are essential in the modern game, especially for breaking down stubborn opponents at home. And for entertainment value. The very top teams all have these kinds of players and I believe that if we want to join them and stay there, these are the kind of players we are going to need.
Second, I don;t think I'm alone in thinking that enough of our players have the potential to be much better technically with a bit of good coaching and to be a little more creative and multi-dimensional if encouraged.
Third, the low number of home wins and goals suggests that this approach is not really a strength at all when playing at home. It works pretty well away though.
Fourth, I've tried many times to "walk a mile" in the Manager's shoes, and somehow I always end up back in the 1970s with a bad case of neurosis. And the manager's shoes.
-
General Krulak here:
1. ktvillan and others:......and that is why horse racing is popular...because of differences of opinion. I understand all viewpoints but just have a slightly different view based upon my knowledge of MON, his program, his scouts, his coaches and his practices. I see him continually working to help the lads improve...on and off the Pitch. I believe he evaluates our side...measure the opponents and does his best to prepare the lads to win. To think that, somehow, he is blind to what is happening at home...or away...is naive. He is doing what he feels is best for the Club...and has shown considerable progress for our Club in the past few years. Some fans are frustrated because they see what they feel are "obvious moves" and "obvious changes in tactics." I can only believe what is obvious to those fans may not be reality to our Manager as he views his Squad during practices and games and as he views our opponents. Again, I would urge all of us to get through this season (a very successful one by my count) and let the Manager do his job...with support.
-
Evening General.
Are you watching the SKY programme 'Pacific'? If so, what are your thoughts?
-
General, have you been to any games lately? Probably not as you haven't been in the best of health lately? What about Randy, was he at the derby? Are you planning to both attend the Blackburn game?
-
General, can I suggest you contact Mac or Martin regarding your post count, as I've no idea what happened to them.
I don't know, getting involved in pointless arguments with Dave and then worrying about your post count, it's like you've been on here for 10 years!
-
General
just on the point re scouts, do we have a scouting network in Europe?
It is a bit of an anomaly but all but two of the many players Martin has signed since he has been here have been playing in the UK already.
Of the two that weren't, one was a low cost rookie keeper and the other was offered to us in exchange for Baros.
Given that trsnsfer fees in the domestic transfer market are notoriously inflated, it seems odd that we pretty much never sign players from outside it.
I'm aware players from foreign leagues might not settle, which might explain a preference for UK players but it seems odd that our purchases are nigh on always from here.
Shopping abroad as a member of the richest league in the world where our money gives us purchasing and pulling power and the prices are lower must surely be a decent idea once in a while.
is the reason we do not do this because we do not have a European network, and if not, is there something not quite right in the fact that not a single one of their recommendations has led to a signing (academy players excepted)?
-
General, can you please give us a hint as to what colour the new away kit will be and when the new strips will appear?
Cheers
DM
-
General, can I suggest you contact Mac or Martin regarding your post count, as I've no idea what happened to them.
Is what I would suggest aswell, Sir.
-
General is there any chance of getting bigger shirts in next year for us fattys? The 3XL looks like it's painted on. I haven't been a able to buy one for 5 years. Could we get a limited run of 4/5 XL?
How about a ladies shirt?????
General, I'm going to get married this Autumn (fall to you sir), ad part of the wedding plans is for the tables to be named after my all time Villa greats. I've only just hit my 30's so my favourites are mainly quite recent but I have some oldies in there. In your short period of time here and no doubt of what you have seen and heard, what would be your all time favourite Villa 11??
Hoping to lighten the mood a little but I can see this gong pear-shaped. Actually General, save it for 10 years time.
-
Thanks for you reply General. I understand your backing for the Manager but don't necessarily agree. Although ultimately it's hard to argue with the points total and the possible finishing position I'd argue that the bulk of the progress the club has made the last four years is down to your boss. As regards entertainment perhaps I'll just have to watch with my hands over my eyes and try to imagine what a genuinely dynamic, flexible, adventurous and tactically astute manager could do with that kind of backing.
Very astute question re scouting networks from Mr Walnuts, and I'd also be interested to know the score on that one.
-
General is there any chance of getting bigger shirts in next year for us fattys? The 3XL looks like it's painted on. I haven't been a able to buy one for 5 years. Could we get a limited run of 4/5 XL?
General, any chance the club could offer cheap gym membership for those that have trouble squeezing into X-L shirts and preventing anybody over the age of 40 (and Emile Heskey) from wearing them?
-
General.
In addition to Deanos Mullett (above) , have you any news re. our new sponsor ?
-
General.
In addition to Deanos Mullett (above) , have you any news re. our new sponsor ?
I'm not a mod and may be pulled up, but really. What do you expect?
-
General.
Can you maybe advise as to when the new sponsorship deal will be known to all ?
Thank you.
-
Tim
Is there any particular reason for asking what is pretty much the same question twice in a little over an hour?
-
Just re-phrasing as the first one was opposed.
-
Generaal Krulak here:
1. At the present time, there is NO new sponsorship to announce.
2. New kit will be out about the same time as last year. No preview on colours other than to say that we will be traditional.
3. We absolutely have a scouting system that looks to Europe...as well as world wide.
4. As I look at our Club this season...we are doing championship work with our Youth Squad....we are doing championship work with or Reserve Squad....we won the Peace Cup...we have been to Wembley twice this season...we are in the "hunt" for a spot in Europe...instead of "fading", we have won our last 3 games. And yet we have people who continue to fault our Manager for any number of reasons...probably his fault that we had the volcano erupt. Isn't it just possible that he is 1) developing our young lads, 2) bringing our reserves along well and 3) running the first team pretty successfully! Let's finish the next two games...be supportive and give the man a couple of weeks without busting on him.
5. I was at the Portsmouth game and Randy and I hope to be there for the final game.
-
Generaal Krulak here:
4. As I look at our Club this season...we are doing championship work with our Youth Squad....we are doing championship work with or Reserve Squad....we won the Peace Cup...we have been to Wembley twice this season...we are in the "hunt" for a spot in Europe...instead of "fading", we have won our last 3 games. And yet we have people who continue to fault our Manager for any number of reasons...probably his fault that we had the volcano erupt. Isn't it just possible that he is 1) developing our young lads, 2) bringing our reserves along well and 3) running the first team pretty successfully! Let's finish the next two games...be supportive and give the man a couple of weeks without busting on him.
I know this is questions only for the General but those are thoughts exactly and i just hope that Randy, MON and the General realise that it is only a very small minority of the fans that aren't behind him
-
General - any news on the stadium redevelopment?
-
Generaal Krulak here:
4. Isn't it just possible that he is 1) developing our young lads, 2) bringing our reserves along well and 3) running the first team pretty successfully! Let's finish the next two games...be supportive and give the man a couple of weeks without busting on him.
I know this is questions only for the General but those are thoughts exactly and i just hope that Randy, MON and the General realise that it is only a very small minority of the fans that aren't behind him
1 I think that has more to do with our excellent youth set up and coaches to be honest, perhaps you do them a disservice.
2. Really how many have featured regularly in the PL this season, or even looked to be able to in the near future.
3. Is that why we won so few games from Xmas until the easy teams like Portsmouth came along away from home ?
3 wins instead of 3 draws would have seen us on 70 points.
Time people learned having an opinion that isn't in total praise of a manager and player does not mean they don't get 110% support. If he is so sensitive to criticism, especially on sites such as this, then Heaven help us when matters really do go pear shaped.
Even if we lose both of the remaining games, its been a decent season, but it wouldn't have taken much to have been even better.
regards, the small minority
-
Generaal Krulak here:
4. Isn't it just possible that he is 1) developing our young lads, 2) bringing our reserves along well and 3) running the first team pretty successfully! Let's finish the next two games...be supportive and give the man a couple of weeks without busting on him.
I know this is questions only for the General but those are thoughts exactly and i just hope that Randy, MON and the General realise that it is only a very small minority of the fans that aren't behind him
1 I think that has more to do with our excellent youth set up and coaches to be honest, perhaps you do them a disservice.
2. Really how many have featured regularly in the PL this season, or even looked to be able to in the near future.
3. Is that why we won so few games from Xmas until the easy teams like Portsmouth came along away from home ?
3 wins instead of 3 draws would have seen us on 70 points.
Time people learned having an opinion that isn't in total praise of a manager and player does not mean they don't get 110% support. If he is so sensitive to criticism, especially on sites such as this, then Heaven help us when matters really do go pear shaped.
Even if we lose both of the remaining games, its been a decent season, but it wouldn't have taken much to have been even better.
regards, the small minority
unbelievable. You can't let it go can you?
The majority.
-
How about we leave this thread for questions for the General?
The moderators.
-
UZI 9mm
The Terminator
-
I know what you're thinking. "Did he fire six shots or only five?" Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?
Harry Callahan
-
How about we leave this thread for questions for the General?
The moderators.
Please?
-
Generaal Krulak here:
...
4. As I look at our Club this season...
You could well be right General. But this will be the first season in 50 years that I have not set foot inside Villa Park. More than anything, it was the quality of football on offer that made me reluctant to renew last May.
Which would you rather have - my arse on a plate in a debate, or my money?
-
Generaal Krulak here:
...
4. As I look at our Club this season...
You could well be right General. But this will be the first season in 50 years that I have not set foot inside Villa Park. More than anything, it was the quality of football on offer that made me reluctant to renew last May.
Which would you rather have - my arse on a plate in a debate, or my money?
If ever there was a post on your thread General worth investigating further, it is this. Whether you choose to wait until the end of the season or do it via PM, I leave in your capable and trusted hands. For all the focus groups, dialogue with the fans through the forums etc, it is in my humble opinion, the views of life long, dedicated fans like Steve that should not be over looked. He's not alone, my father is of the same opinion. Steve is extremely modest when describing his support of our Club, as I'm sure you'll find out.
There are so many positives to be celebrated since Randy took over and your contribution can not be ignored, it's been massive. Long may it continue. We couldn't have wished for better owners.
-
Steve, massive respect for you, but are you really saying that in 50 years this is the worst football you've seen? Come on, that's nowhere near true.
-
Generaal Krulak here:
...
4. As I look at our Club this season...
You could well be right General. But this will be the first season in 50 years that I have not set foot inside Villa Park. More than anything, it was the quality of football on offer that made me reluctant to renew last May.
Which would you rather have - my arse on a plate in a debate, or my money?
Are you really saying this is the worse football you have seen in 50 years? I thank God every day I no longer live in Birmingham and retain at least a modicum of joy and optimism in my life.
As this is supposed to be questions to the General can I please ask how he is viewing our election process as an outsider and how it is being reported in the US.
-
Generaal Krulak here:
...
4. As I look at our Club this season...
You could well be right General. But this will be the first season in 50 years that I have not set foot inside Villa Park. More than anything, it was the quality of football on offer that made me reluctant to renew last May.
Which would you rather have - my arse on a plate in a debate, or my money?
I think there is far more to this than you're letting on. The football we have seen last season and this is not that bad. More often than not it's been good with the likes of Milner, Young, Gabby, Dunne performing at their best. You should have just said you are bored with it all and that I think would have been nearer the truth.
-
General Have you tasted a SUNDAY roast in the holte hotel?
Top notch ...
Are you pro or anti yorkshire puddings ?
Well it is as we keep being reminded...
QUESTIONS TO THE GENERAL....
-
Generaal Krulak here:
...
4. As I look at our Club this season...
You could well be right General. But this will be the first season in 50 years that I have not set foot inside Villa Park. More than anything, it was the quality of football on offer that made me reluctant to renew last May.
Which would you rather have - my arse on a plate in a debate, or my money?
I think there is far more to this than you're letting on. The football we have seen last season and this is not that bad. More often than not it's been good with the likes of Milner, Young, Gabby, Dunne performing at their best. You should have just said you are bored with it all and that I think would have been nearer the truth.
I'd be inclined to take his explanation of why he doesn't bother going any more over anyone else's, to be honest.
Perhaps we could do that, and let the General get back to him, though.
-
Mark - Thank you for your words.
Ian, Montague, Bren - this is a questions/comments for the general thread and does not need yet another side debate. I deliberately kept my earlier post short rather than go into the whys and wherefores.
It may be a very personal take on things, but it is still the point of view that I have. Yes, it is the quality of the football that was uppermost in my mind.
No, it is not the worst football I have seen - that's a toss up between what was served up circa 66/67 and the dross offered by McNeill's team roughly 20 years later.
I would echo Mark's coments regarding the stewardship of the club. The best we have had by a distance in my time, and the one big advantage we have over our rivals today.
It really is down to the quality of the football.
Montague - It's ok, you are safe enough in Birmingham, I moved away in 1970.
-
Evening General Sir
Another season draws to a close. We've come to within 140 mins of champions league football and kept our season going almost to the last game, had a couple of good days out where, with competent refereeing, things could have ended in Glory.
I personally am pleased with the season, BUT sadly not with the "same old same old" in relation to formation/personnel being turned out game in/game out.
My questions are:
1. Is the board happy with progress this year?
2. Will we take the Europa league seriously this time or should I keep my cash in my pocket rather than waste it travelling to watch meek surrender, (as the Jam once said...)???
Like I say, despite the disappointment of today I really am proud to be AVFC, and for that I thank Randy, yourself and the board.
-
Mon has said he will blood the youngsters in the Europa league general, please can you tell us how fulham manage to compete in this this and reach the final and yet we have to approach it playing youngsters.
Surely we should be trying to win everything we enter and a run in Europe would be great for the clubs profile?
Please general could you let us know if we intend competing to win the Europa league or will use it to give youngsters experience?
-
Have to concur with Steve Rose's views. I only get back to the UK twice, maybe three times a year these days and usually make the trek up to Brum to Catch games if I can. Lately I can hardly be bothered to switch on the TV to watch us. The football may not be as dire as the periods mentioned and some others, but the value for money is worse , plus you knew those periods wouldnt last long before the manager would be invited to vacate his position. The main difference is we are getting reasonable results, which seems enough justification for some to give full support to MON. But there's no element of magic or fantasy about our squad, and General if lifelong fans are losing interest in watching us, what chance do you think we've got of attracting Brummie kids currently wearing Chelsea or Man Yoo shirts down to VP?
By the way I'm sure those saying it's a small minority not 100% behind the manager have conducted an independent referendum of all Villa fans and have the figures to back it up.
-
This thread is supposed to be for questions to the General for him to respond to. It would be appreciated if it could stay that way.
-
General Krulak here:
1. Steve Rose: I am sorry you feel the way you do. Obviously there is nothing I can say or do that is going to change your feelings. I sure can't strap on a pair of boots and go out and play exciting football on the Pitch for you....or for others who share your opinion. It must be sad to watch a team for 50 years and then kiss it off after what has been a pretty successful season. I cannot agree with your comments about the football played at home and away...I just can't. We have played some very exciting and flowing games against the best in the Premiership and have won some of those games. I guess you didn't see them because they were great games to watch. But, as I said, you have made your choice...and others will make theirs. We certainly cannot go out and purchase a team that meets your desires...we have very talented players and we just need to keep adding to that talent. Scrapping our effort to date is not an options. What team are you going to go see now...or are you swearing off of football entirely because of the Villa?
2. Tough game today. As always, it is a matter of inches. Carew get the second goal and who knows what would have happened. The lads played hard and did not give up. Still, would have loved to have won it.
3. Europa....we will go to win.
4. I cannot and will not and should not speak for Randy or any other Board Member re. feelings towards this season. I can speak for myself. When I look at the totality of the Club...what has been accomplished this season, I am pretty well satisfied. OBVIOUSLY, if we had won a couple of games we tied, I'd be happier. At the same time, as a Director, I look at the total Club...and we have done pretty darn well.
-
What team are you going to go see now...or are you swearing off of football entirely because of the Villa?.
I can't help but think that's a bit uncalled for, General.
I imagine, being a Villa fan for nigh on half a century. he's not going to start going to Stamford Bridge.
-
Hi General just want to say what a great exciting season it has been. Thank you for your input on this forum. How you have the patient with some of the posters is beyond me!
Not long back from todays game - we may lost but still saw a good game of football and looking forward to Sunday.
Keep up the good work.
ps have been watching Villa for over 35 years and I am really happy with how things are working out!
-
pauliewalnuts - everybody reaches their limit - maybe the General has just reached his.
-
General Have you tasted a SUNDAY roast in the holte hotel?
Top notch ...
Are you pro or anti yorkshire puddings ?
Best question EVER.
Gravy inside the Yorkshire to create little swimming pools for your peas or not General?
-
pauliewalnuts - everybody reaches their limit - maybe the General has just reached his.
And what does that have to do with the price of fish?
-
General Have you tasted a SUNDAY roast in the holte hotel?
Top notch ...
Are you pro or anti yorkshire puddings ?
Best question EVER.
Gravy inside the Yorkshire to create little swimming pools for your peas or not General?
Do you have them before your meal or with the meal?
-
How long have you been watching football General ?
Not long enough it would appear to comprehend where Steve is coming from. Anyone like Steve who was there in the bad days on the way to Div 3 knows a thing or two about Villa and supporting them.
It may be pollitic to offer such a view the easily impressed seem to lap it up, but when you guys have gone its his like that will keep Villa alive just as the Pompey fans, the Leeds fans have when their previous owners moved on.
-
he also seems unaware of MON's intentions in the Europa too.
-
General, give my complements to the manager and the players for a good season.
We have improved yet again.
Just tell MoN to go out and buy a few quality players to bolster the 1st Team and squad......
-
What team are you going to go see now...or are you swearing off of football entirely because of the Villa?.
I can't help but think that's a bit uncalled for, General.
I imagine, being a Villa fan for nigh on half a century. he's not going to start going to Stamford Bridge.
Did we make it one page before we waffled off the "Let's keep it to questions for the General"? lol
-
4. As I look at our Club this season...we are doing championship work with our Youth Squad....we are doing championship work with or Reserve Squad....we won the Peace Cup...we have been to Wembley twice this season...we are in the "hunt" for a spot in Europe...instead of "fading", we have won our last 3 games. And yet we have people who continue to fault our Manager for any number of reasons...probably his fault that we had the volcano erupt. Isn't it just possible that he is 1) developing our young lads, 2) bringing our reserves along well and 3) running the first team pretty successfully! Let's finish the next two games...be supportive and give the man a couple of weeks without busting on him.
Genuine question, how much involvement does MON have in the reserve and youth set up? Does he, for example have the final say on young players signed from abroad for the Academy?
It was my understanding that the Reserves -and the youth set up in particular- was a separate entity from the first XI. And that the likes of Cowans, McAndrew et.c would carry on with their remit regardless of who was in charge of the first team.
-
First time I have posted on this particular thread.
My question for the General is in relation to the club emblem that was brought in.
Do you think its a realistic aspiration to add another star to it?That is,be Champions of Europe again?
I know thats quite a road to travel and of course we have just missed out on qualifying for the Champions League for next season.But you see Ive been on the Villa rollercoaster for 44 years now,so it includes the 10 year period 1972-1982 going from the old Third Division to European Champions.Bearing in mind we dont need two promotions and these days you dont even have to win your own league to qualify for the competition,I dont see why it couldnt be possible within 5 years?
PS. Having just looked back through all of this thread,may i just say to everybody that I think a little more respect should be shown by some to the General.Really tough hard challenging questions fine,plenty of criticism too if you want.But just as there are not many clubs who are special and different enough to have a non commercial sponsor on their shirts(one other?),I doubt there are many either with a fans website giving us such direct access to one of the clubs directors.I think on this thread in particular,it wouldnt go amiss to always press the preview button and we all read through carefully the words we use.
-
General ...
I did not expect you to 'change my feelings'. I merely wanted to make you aware of them, and quite clearly did not make the first fence.
You have assumed a few things regarding what would make a difference for me, you are somewhat wide of the mark. I read the thrust of your reply as "c'est la vie". Fair enough.
I must confess, I find your question at the end both disingenious and a little insulting.
-
I thank God every day I no longer live in Birmingham and retain at least a modicum of joy and optimism in my life.
Well isn't one privileged.
Out of leftfield maybe, but perhaps Birmingham wasn't the issue there?
-
What team are you going to go see now...or are you swearing off of football entirely because of the Villa?.
I can't help but think that's a bit uncalled for, General.
I imagine, being a Villa fan for nigh on half a century. he's not going to start going to Stamford Bridge.
Did we make it one page before we waffled off the "Let's keep it to questions for the General"? lol
I'd have picked anyone up on that kind of comment, on any thread, as would any of the moderators, as it is the sort of thing we prefer not to see.
-
Although we have slipped behind other teams who were our equals (and to be fair others have slipped further away to near oblivion and Man City were nearly Leeds), it really all is Herbert's fault for not investing at the start of the Preeemiership,
However, I believe in the true spirit of International relations we should all blame Canada.
My point is, like Steve Rose I have been supporting Villa for 50 years now and sometimes feel as detached from the game as I ever did. Strangely enough, I was closest of all when we were not such a good team.
Maybe that says more about me than football, because for us oldies, it is a different game and a different world now. I still think this is a great club and like every true fan I know, it is not a choice of who you support it is fixed at some point in your life and is unchangeable.
We have a good owner, good manager, good team, good fans and a great deal of respect in the game. We are not at the top, but a long way from the bottom in all of the above.
Steve will remember, like I do, fans slagging off our very best players and managers-it happens because these emotions are brought out by nature of the sport. We have to work with and through these things and work together to get to where we want to be.
It seems to me General, you have become a true Villain-because you sound just like the rest of us! I am already looking forward to next season and will continue to be patient, but like Steve, find the whole business not what I signed up to at four years old.
-
Same could be said that it's down to doug that we didn't end up in the lower leagues like Leeds-doug had his faults but he handed over a very well run club to randy Lerner and I'm sure randy saw that as an attraction in buying villa.
General, have you had many or any dealings with doug and do the club envisage a time when the doug ellis stand may be renamed at some point?
-
What team are you going to go see now...or are you swearing off of football entirely because of the Villa?.
I can't help but think that's a bit uncalled for, General.
I imagine, being a Villa fan for nigh on half a century. he's not going to start going to Stamford Bridge.
I find it strange that a Villa fan comes on here telling us that he's been a fan for 50 years then says he dose'nt go anymore because he's not a fan of the football we play? So what is he? A Villa fan or a lover of good football?
General, please pass on my sincerce thanks to the Management and the players for all the hard work and effort they have put in in trying to make this season a successful one. No, we've not won anything but it's not been for the lack of trying.
UTV!
-
What team are you going to go see now...or are you swearing off of football entirely because of the Villa?.
I can't help but think that's a bit uncalled for, General.
I imagine, being a Villa fan for nigh on half a century. he's not going to start going to Stamford Bridge.
I find it strange that a Villa fan comes on here telling us that he's been a fan for 50 years then says he dose'nt go anymore because he's not a fan of the football we play? So what is he? A Villa fan or a lover of good football?
Maybe when you've given 50 years support to the Villa you could give the answer. Until then, for the millionth time - questions to the general please.
-
Hi General,
I hope you are well. Now the season is near enough finished please congratulate all the staff at Villa for another good season (especially MON).
I just wondered if next season it was Randy's intention to be at more games next season? Obviously, I understand that the demands of the Browns have been high last season bun now Holmgren is in place will that free up more Villa time for Randy.
Please don't take this the wrong way, as I am fully behind and appreciate everything Randy has done so far, but I cannot help feeling that it is always helps any business if the guy at the top is visible as much as possible.
I think that Randy's less frequent visits than recent seasons have allowed the media to deduce (rightly or wrongly), that he is not as supportive of MON and Villa as he once was.
Just to reinforce that I do not agree with the media's thoughts. However, it has become a distraction with several players and the manager speaking in the media etc etc.
Again I am not having a pop at Randy as I understand the mess the Browns were in and I know it needed his main attention. However, now things are improving there, will it be a conscious effort on his part to spend more time at Villa in the summer and next season?
-
General Krulak here:
1. pauliewalnuts and sfx412: My question was NOT disrespectful...it was a legitimate question by a Director of the Club trying to determine what a Fan of 50 years is going to do with his support of football. It is not only a legitimate question but an important one. Simply put, it drives to the question of whether he is turned off by the game or by the game Villa plays...and if it is the latter, then who will he follow that provides the excitement he is looking for. To be very honest, this is the VERY type of question that is important to the Club. It is not disrespectful!!!! My sense is that he is turned off by more than Villa play...but by football as it exists today. This IS an important question.
2. Kevin gage: MON runs the football side of the house. He has GREAT folks helping him but, in the end, MON runs the football side of the house.
3. irreverant ad: Just so everyone knows the facts, Randy has spent more time in the UK this season than at any other time since taking over the Club. He did not attend the last couple of games because, like many travelers from the US, he was a bit shaken by the recent volcano debacle. My decision not to go to the Blues game was based on the concern that another eruption from the large volcano would trap me again. When you have business requirements on both sides of the Atlantic, you need to be very careful.
4. east19: I have a lot of respect for Doug....and for what he did for the game of football.
-
General Krulak here:
3. irreverant ad: Just so everyone knows the facts, Randy has spent more time in the UK this season than at any other time since taking over the Club. He did not attend the last couple of games because, like many travelers from the US, he was a bit shaken by the recent volcano debacle. My decision not to go to the Blues game was based on the concern that another eruption from the large volcano would trap me again. When you have business requirements on both sides of the Atlantic, you need to be very careful.
Thanks General,
I stand corrected.
Just as another question, as an individual (not as a director) why do you think the media have been quite aggressive toward Villa this season? eg MON leaving, lack of investment,fighting between manager and chairman etc
I accept they write stories to sell papers, but there has been a definite negativity from them towards Villa this season, your thoughts?
Many Thanks
-
Newcomer here General
Please pass on my thanks to Randy, Martin and the whole team/staff for another enjoyable campaign.
It's been a great season of ups and downs and that's what footballs all about for me. I've been an active supporter for nearly 30 years now and am enjoying my football now as much as ever, even though the game has clearly changed. Whether that's for the better or worse I don't know. But there's plenty of my age who over glamourise the past that's for sure.
Here's to next season and another attack on all fronts!
-
Newcomer here General
Please pass on my thanks to Randy, Martin and the whole team/staff for another enjoyable campaign.
It's been a great season of ups and downs and that's what footballs all about for me. I've been an active supporter for nearly 30 years now and am enjoying my football now as much as ever, even though the game has clearly changed. Whether that's for the better or worse I don't know. But there's plenty of my age who over glamourise the past that's for sure.
Here's to next season and another attack on all fronts!
Really couldn't have put it better myself.A cracking season
-
General,any update on the Villa iphone app? Cheers.
-
General Krulak here:
1. irreverent ad: Tough question to answer. My thoughts would be 1) We have been getting better season by season without much fanfare and notice...no big names, some strong lads up thru the system, some nice moves at transfer time, etc. 2) Randy has not spent much time giving them "stories"...his mantra of "watch what I do" NOT "watch what I say" probably drives some media folks up the wall. 3) MON does not kow tow to the media...he keeps his own counsel and does not get into the media game. 4) With all that is going on with other Yank owners, the media may be expecting something different from Randy...looking for him to act like some others.
2. iPhone app will be ready soon. I saw a "1st draft" of it when I was in UK and it looks very good.
-
General. Please passs on my thanks to the squad and MON for a compelling and thoroughly exciting season. It is the first time I have been able to afford a full season ticket, and I have renewed for next year. I see real progress being made right through the squad and am very excited about the coming season as our youngsters continue to develop. One question, is it possible for the food stalls inside the park to accept cards as a means of payment? Thanks again.
-
General,
I am a newcomer to this Forum but have been reading comments, good and bad, for a long time.
I would just like to add my thanks to Randy and his team in transforming our club. I recently took in a Villa Park tour. It is clear that Randy has a deep affection for Villa. Some of the touches and improvements made clearly indicate that.
Some of the future plans confirm it further. The plans for the North Stand sound interesting. Is this development imminent? Our guide also stated that Randy would like to make some cosmetic changes to the Trinity Road Stand, to make it look less like a Tesco (my description not our guides!) and into something befitting a club with our tradition. I hope this is true (but not at the expense of the playing staff!)
Keep up the good work!
UTV
-
General.
Thanks to all concerned to what has been a good season for Villa.
Off the pitch the club is continuing to improve, the marketing of the club, the bus specials, the branding, and the not so noticeable things like the quality of the ticket office service - it's all coming together.
Having read the past couple of pages, a number of fans have become 'switched off' with Villa. Whilst I appreciate that Martin again, has made improvements to the squad, points tally and cup runs there really does still seem something not quite right. My feeling is the attitude of the fans has altered. When I first starting going to Villa Park 25 years ago you always knew that with a decent manager and couple of new signings you had a chance of winning the title, or at least challenging for it. Nowadays we need to spend the best part of £20m to even stand still and 'challenge' for top 6. The thought of forking out £450 or so to see us hit the dizzy heights of 6th isn't inspiring, neither is seeing players earning in a week what fans do in 2 years is bound to make fans feel slightly pissed off when they appear uninterested or shirk a challenge.
I still do it but I can see why fans in the 35+ years age group with families aren't.
I don't think the problem is Villa, the problem is football, we're just part of it.
-
General do you think that asking someone who is a lifelong supporter who they are going to support because they are unhappy is in keeping with a proud history bright future?
I will not be renewing my season tickets if that is your attitude.
-
General do you think that asking someone who is a lifelong supporter who they are going to support because they are unhappy is in keeping with a proud history bright future?
I will not be renewing my season tickets if that is your attitude.
What a laughable post that is.
Who will you be off to support then hawkeye?
-
General do you think that asking someone who is a lifelong supporter who they are going to support because they are unhappy is in keeping with a proud history bright future?
I will not be renewing my season tickets if that is your attitude.
What a laughable post that is.
Who will you be off to support then hawkeye?
I agree. Some of the posts lately are laughable. We are just finishing our best season in 14 years and people are unhappy and calling for the managers head. Get a grip FFS!
-
I have probably seen 5 people call for the manager's head on here. Making a big deal of that is quite laughable.
-
General do you think that asking someone who is a lifelong supporter who they are going to support because they are unhappy is in keeping with a proud history bright future?
I will not be renewing my season tickets if that is your attitude.
You should read the General's reply to this already. Perfectly answers the question.
Are you really a 'lifelong supporter' if you don't actually go and support?
-
General do you think that asking someone who is a lifelong supporter who they are going to support because they are unhappy is in keeping with a proud history bright future?
I will not be renewing my season tickets if that is your attitude.
You should read the General's reply to this already. Perfectly answers the question.
Are you really a 'lifelong supporter' if you don't actually go and support?
Do you think you will give fifty years of your life to the Villa?
-
General do you think that asking someone who is a lifelong supporter who they are going to support because they are unhappy is in keeping with a proud history bright future?
I will not be renewing my season tickets if that is your attitude.
get her /////////// toys out the pram..
General Welcome to our world !
always wanting more never happy give give some live in fantasy land .. others are happy with the slow sustained progress.. I dont post often this site drives me NUTTTTTTTTTTTSS
gENERAL CAN YOU BELIEVE THEREE IS A POLL RUNNING ON HERE WITH THE OPTION GOOD OR BAD SEASON ! FFS
.
-
General do you think that asking someone who is a lifelong supporter who they are going to support because they are unhappy is in keeping with a proud history bright future?
I will not be renewing my season tickets if that is your attitude.
get her /////////// toys out the pram..
General Welcome to our world !
always wanting more never happy give give some live in fantasy land .. others are happy with the slow sustained progress.. I dont post often this site drives me NUTTTTTTTTTTTSS
gENERAL CAN YOU BELIEVE THEREE IS A POLL RUNNING ON HERE WITH THE OPTION GOOD OR BAD SEASON ! FFS
.
hey poll stop knocking the poll!
-
hello general, dont know if this has been mentioned before but with regards to the flag that goes out in the lower holte, it reeks and i mean stinks big time! it needs to be cleaned somehow, i would suggest doing it myself but our washing machine would only take 12 squares of the chequer corner, take care UTV
-
I dont post often this site drives me NUTTTTTTTTTTTSS
In that cse you won't mind being banned from it.
-
Do you think you will give fifty years of your life to the Villa?
Er, I'd hope so. Already 30 invested in going down, 39 in heart.
I do however have a clear distinction in my mind between a fan and a supporter. A supporter to me is someone who actively supports the team/club in person, a fan is more casual
Throughout the years i've had times when other things took over my weekends, i definitely felt more of a fan then than a supporter on the terraces
In summary, yes I can see myself giving all of my active life to supporting the Villa. Its my club after all
-
Do you think you will give fifty years of your life to the Villa?
Er, I'd hope so. Already 30 invested in going down, 39 in heart.
I do however have a clear distinction in my mind between a fan and a supporter. A supporter to me is someone who actively supports the team/club in person, a fan is more casual
Throughout the years i've had times when other things took over my weekends, i definitely felt more of a fan then than a supporter on the terraces
In summary, yes I can see myself giving all of my active life to supporting the Villa. Its my club after all
Good for you. What a pity you have to then make insulting comments about someone who has already shown his support time and again.
-
When was that ?
I don't recall saying anything about anyone!
-
When was that ?
I don't recall saying anything about anyone!
That stuff about not being a supporter.
-
Oh right, you mean when I said
Are you really a 'lifelong supporter' if you don't actually go and support?
Thats just a general question not aimed at anyone specific.
I've already outlined my own thoughts on it. Its not as if someone can't disagree with my opinion, its not fact.
-
General Krulak here:
1. TJP: Yes, there will be some cosmetic work done around the stadium but the North Stand will entail major work.
2. hawkeye: I already answered your question by a statement I made to clarify why I said what I said. I recommend you read what I said before you stop the Season Ticket.
3. A poll on whether this has been a good season or not??? My goodness.
4. MODS: I will be off the site until Friday...have two board meetings to attend. Probably will help my sanity a bit.
-
Off until the weekend ?...you and/or Randy not coming over for the last game ?....was hoping both of you and MON would be joining the players lap of honour this year......
-
General Krulak here:
4. MODS: I will be off the site until Friday...have two board meetings to attend. Probably will help my sanity a bit.
A rest from us you need it hope they go well.
-
General do you think that asking someone who is a lifelong supporter who they are going to support because they are unhappy is in keeping with a proud history bright future?
I will not be renewing my season tickets if that is your attitude.
get her /////////// toys out the pram..
General Welcome to our world !
always wanting more never happy give give some live in fantasy land .. others are happy with the slow sustained progress.. I dont post often this site drives me NUTTTTTTTTTTTSS
gENERAL CAN YOU BELIEVE THEREE IS A POLL RUNNING ON HERE WITH THE OPTION GOOD OR BAD SEASON ! FFS
.
hey poll stop knocking the poll!
I know, it is incredible that on this, an independent supporters web site, there should be a poll where people can discuss whether they think it has been a good season.
It just beggars belief, doesn't it?
What do we think we are? Free to express our own opinions and (attempt to) discuss things like mature adults?
-
The thought of forking out £450 or so to see us hit the dizzy heights of 6th isn't inspiring
General do you agree that in a world where the likes of Huddersfield Town fans pay £450 to see their team hit the heights of 6th in League One, we have an extraordinarily good deal at VP?
-
I don't think that was what graham poll meant. What was meant was, why, after our best season since, what, 2000, there is a need for such a poll.
ps supporter for 38 years, I'm 39 so I've done my best. ;o)
-
The thought of forking out £450 or so to see us hit the dizzy heights of 6th isn't inspiring
General do you agree that in a world where the likes of Huddersfield Town fans pay £450 to see their team hit the heights of 6th in League One, we have an extraordinarily good deal at VP?
I also commented that the problem wasn't only a Villa problem, but a football problem in general in this country. Check out the price of football in the bundesliga.
-
I don't think that was what graham poll meant. What was meant was, why, after our best season since, what, 2000, there is a need for such a poll.
ps supporter for 38 years, I'm 39 so I've done my best. ;o)
Because there is clearly some debate over it.
It's really not that difficult. If you've a problem with that, you are putting yourself at odds with the whole existence of this site, which is to discuss Aston Villa.
I've seen far more batty suggestions debated on here (over the course of hundreds of pages sometimes) than "have we had a good season".
Although admittedly not very often since Peter W disappeared.
-
Where is he?
Oophs sorry questions to the General only so...
General,
have you had Peter W "taken out"?
-
Many thanks for your time and effort to respond to the good the bad , the futile and idiotic questions , all this done with good grace , at time obvious bewilderment.,
From my own view a great season , close but enough I am sure that the staff and management know .... we are on the edge ,
not relegation , all other rubbish we have had to accept in the previous few years prior to the new owners
keep healthy, keep smiling and thanks
VTID
Sunny Villa
-
I don't think that was what graham poll meant. What was meant was, why, after our best season since, what, 2000, there is a need for such a poll.
ps supporter for 38 years, I'm 39 so I've done my best. ;o)
Because there is clearly some debate over it.
It's really not that difficult. If you've a problem with that, you are putting yourself at odds with the whole existence of this site, which is to discuss Aston Villa.
I've seen far more batty suggestions debated on here (over the course of hundreds of pages sometimes) than "have we had a good season".
Although admittedly not very often since Peter W disappeared.
Incidentally, said thread contains more reasoned, well argued comment from both sides than any other thread on the site at the moment.
-
I don't think that was what graham poll meant. What was meant was, why, after our best season since, what, 2000, there is a need for such a poll.
ps supporter for 38 years, I'm 39 so I've done my best. ;o)
You're only 39 ????
You're younger than me !!!!!!!!
-
The thought of forking out £450 or so to see us hit the dizzy heights of 6th isn't inspiring
General do you agree that in a world where the likes of Huddersfield Town fans pay £450 to see their team hit the heights of 6th in League One, we have an extraordinarily good deal at VP?
General, do you think that one of the reasons teams like Huddersfield have to charge such prices is because all the money in football is concentrated amongst just a few elite clubs in one elite league and doesn't filter down anywhere near enough to the grass roots?
-
I don't think that was what graham poll meant. What was meant was, why, after our best season since, what, 2000, there is a need for such a poll.
ps supporter for 38 years, I'm 39 so I've done my best. ;o)
You're only 39 ????
You're younger than me !!!!!!!!
Hey, less of the shock! ;o)
-
I don't think that was what graham poll meant. What was meant was, why, after our best season since, what, 2000, there is a need for such a poll.
ps supporter for 38 years, I'm 39 so I've done my best. ;o)
Because there is clearly some debate over it.
It's really not that difficult. If you've a problem with that, you are putting yourself at odds with the whole existence of this site, which is to discuss Aston Villa.
I've seen far more batty suggestions debated on here (over the course of hundreds of pages sometimes) than "have we had a good season".
Although admittedly not very often since Peter W disappeared.
Oi, no need to be so condescening. No need for that paragraph at all.
-
I'm talking "you" in the sense of "one", ie people in general, rather than yourself.
-
General,
why can't the players be arsed to at least wave to waiting Villa supporters when they get off the coach before away games?
-
General,
why can't the players be arsed to at least wave to waiting Villa supporters when they get off the coach before away games?
Seconded. At Bolton I went to see the Bolton players arrive. Without exception they acknowledged the supporters, signed autographs and even posed for photos. I then went round to the away team entrance to see the Villa team arrive,and when they did they steadfastly ignored the fans cheering them off the coach. Could they not at least smile or nod at us?
-
General do you think that asking someone who is a lifelong supporter who they are going to support because they are unhappy is in keeping with a proud history bright future?
I will not be renewing my season tickets if that is your attitude.
get her /////////// toys out the pram..
General Welcome to our world !
always wanting more never happy give give some live in fantasy land .. others are happy with the slow sustained progress.. I dont post often this site drives me NUTTTTTTTTTTTSS
gENERAL CAN YOU BELIEVE THEREE IS A POLL RUNNING ON HERE WITH THE OPTION GOOD OR BAD SEASON ! FFS
.
It's a crazy world we're living in.
I could have got this completely arse about face but I think the opening post on that thread was roughly along the lines of "I think it's been a good season, what do you think?"
To which most of the responses were broadly in agreement, with a few caveats re home form, style of play et.c.
Let me turn it around Graham, what do you think is suitable for discussion?
What would meet with your approval?
-
Sorry Kevin, not here please.
-
General,
why can't the players be arsed to at least wave to waiting Villa supporters when they get off the coach before away games?
Seconded. At Bolton I went to see the Bolton players arrive. Without exception they acknowledged the supporters, signed autographs and even posed for photos. I then went round to the away team entrance to see the Villa team arrive,and when they did they steadfastly ignored the fans cheering them off the coach. Could they not at least smile or nod at us?
I know this is'nt a question and apologies in advance, but i'd like to respond, if i may to the above post.
Some freinds of mine waited until AFTER the Bolton away game and the players were happy to sign autographs and pose for pictures. It could be that they want to keep their focus on the game in hand, but as long as they acknowledge the fans afterwards, then i don't see it as too much as a problem.
-
Hi;
What's happened to Curtis Davies? I noticed he doesn't even make the bench which I think is odd or is he still injured?
Thanks.
-
General,
why can't the players be arsed to at least wave to waiting Villa supporters when they get off the coach before away games?
Seconded. At Bolton I went to see the Bolton players arrive. Without exception they acknowledged the supporters, signed autographs and even posed for photos. I then went round to the away team entrance to see the Villa team arrive,and when they did they steadfastly ignored the fans cheering them off the coach. Could they not at least smile or nod at us?
I know this is'nt a question and apologies in advance, but i'd like to respond, if i may to the above post.
Some freinds of mine waited until AFTER the Bolton away game and the players were happy to sign autographs and pose for pictures. It could be that they want to keep their focus on the game in hand, but as long as they acknowledge the fans afterwards, then i don't see it as too much as a problem.
Maybe. But if you arrive by coach you won't be able to see the players leave as you are most likely straight off after the game. Little kids who wait to see them won't necessarily know that they can sign autographs after the game. I'm sure the players do plenty of good work... visiting local hospitals, schools, etc. But a wave before a game is good publicity and free... why not do it?
-
If you want autographs/photos just go to bodymoor. That's where players have their own time and always find time to stop and sign/pose
-
If you want autographs/photos just go to bodymoor. That's where players have their own time and always find time to stop and sign/pose
Don't they usually train during the week when people are either at school or work?
-
Yes, thats why we go in the school holidays with the little un
-
General, is it true that you dont have a sense of humour? Im not a grass but dave said it...
Anyway, can you give us a hint about the pre-season friendlies and if villa are coming to north american? Im having my stag party and need to plan a weekend away. I would prefer vegas but i would consider somewhere slightly desireable like, i dunno, detroit
-
General.
It has come to light by Dave Woodhall and others on here that David Cameron is not a Villa fan.
Self confessed I add......( ask Chico Hamilton).
Maybe he should be takken off the OS ?
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/FamousFans/0,,10265,00.html
-
He said he was the other day, maybe he knows better ?
-
General, Villa fan or not can we take Cameron off the OS for the simple reason that he's an utter c.....
-
General.
It has come to light by Dave Woodhall and others on here that David Cameron is not a Villa fan.
Self confessed I add......( ask Chico Hamilton).
Maybe he should be takken off the OS ?
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/FamousFans/0,,10265,00.html
Really? I thought he was.
Anyway, can we add England opening batsman/wicket keeper and rising star Craig Kieswetter to the list of famous Villans please.
-
I saw cameron saying on tv the other day Aston villa Is his team!
-
General.
It has come to light by Dave Woodhall and others on here that David Cameron is not a Villa fan.
Self confessed I add......( ask Chico Hamilton).
Maybe he should be takken off the OS ?
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/FamousFans/0,,10265,00.html
Really? I thought he was.
Anyway, can we add England opening batsman/wicket keeper and rising star Craig Kieswetter to the list of famous Villans please.
Where did you find that?
-
Link (http://www.bigstarcricket.com/bs/interviews/article_3853.shtml)
What do you do away from cricket? What might we not know about you?
I love my golf and I try to watch a bit of football, being an Aston Villa fan. I didn’t support any team until I went to Millfield [a school in Somerset apparently] but when someone asked me who I supported and I didn’t have a team I drew a name out of the hat and Villa was my club from then on
-
General.
It has come to light by Dave Woodhall and others on here that David Cameron is not a Villa fan.
Self confessed I add......( ask Chico Hamilton).
Maybe he should be takken off the OS ?
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/FamousFans/0,,10265,00.html
Really? I thought he was.
Anyway, can we add England opening batsman/wicket keeper and rising star Craig Kieswetter to the list of famous Villans please.
Appears not, I was told on the election thread to my amazement.
-
I have it on good authority from someone who knew the General that he's a closet TRANMERE Rovers fan.
I didn't believe it either :)
-
Link (http://www.bigstarcricket.com/bs/interviews/article_3853.shtml)
What do you do away from cricket? What might we not know about you?
I love my golf and I try to watch a bit of football, being an Aston Villa fan. I didn’t support any team until I went to Millfield [a school in Somerset apparently] but when someone asked me who I supported and I didn’t have a team I drew a name out of the hat and Villa was my club from then on
Bit like the 3rd in line to the throne then. We'll take it I suppose
-
General do you think that asking someone who is a lifelong supporter who they are going to support because they are unhappy is in keeping with a proud history bright future?
I will not be renewing my season tickets if that is your attitude.
What a laughable post that is.
Who will you be off to support then hawkeye?
I agree. Some of the posts lately are laughable. We are just finishing our best season in 14 years and people are unhappy and calling for the managers head. Get a grip FFS!
General there are obviously enough sycophants that hang on your every word and i did read your reply before posting, keep listening to the people that want to suck up to you, i thought this thread was to ask questions and debate with you but unfortuntely your acolytes cant deal with this and my question still stands, do you think it is respectful to ask a bloke who has supported the club for 50 years who he is going to support?
-
My question was NOT disrespectful...it was a legitimate question by a Director of the Club trying to determine what a Fan of 50 years is going to do with his support of football. It is not only a legitimate question but an important one. Simply put, it drives to the question of whether he is turned off by the game or by the game Villa plays...and if it is the latter, then who will he follow that provides the excitement he is looking for. To be very honest, this is the VERY type of question that is important to the Club. It is not disrespectful!!!! My sense is that he is turned off by more than Villa play...but by football as it exists today. This IS an important question
-
I saw cameron saying on tv the other day Aston villa Is his team!
Almost makes me want to support somebody else.
-
I saw cameron saying on tv the other day Aston villa Is his team!
Almost makes me want to support somebody else.
What, you'll stop voting Tory just 'cos Cameron supports Villa? ;-)
-
It could be worse, imagine of Gordon Brown did.
-
Apparently Cameron said he is a Villa fan bu his second team is Chelsea.
So...he's not a Villa fan then.
-
General Krulak here:
1. Dazvillan: Randy will be at the game...unfortunately, because of my Board Meetings, I will not be there.
2. cdvillafan: I honestly do not know where peterw is...I confess to being a little worried that he is in bad health or something.
3. DaveCooper: I am not sure why Huddlesfield charge as much as they do...I am not sure that the financial situation at the PL level has much to do with it. At the same time, I think their pricing says a good deal about our pricing...and how low we have tried to keep it.
4. cdvillafan: Re. the players before a game. I think that the intent is to get them into the dressing rooms as a team, all together, and at the same time. They have a good deal to do before the game and focus is important. Stopping to sign autographs is not helpful in trying to get all the above accomplished.
5. Vancouver: I would say that most people who know me feel that I not only have a sense of humor but that I have a good sense of humor. I am not sure why Dave would not agree! Probably has something to do with the tightness of his shorts!!
6. Hawkeye: Mazrim has done me the favor of reposting the comment I made re. the 50 year fan question. It can be found 5 posts above this one. If you read it, you will see that my intent was not to be critical but, rather, to truly try to get information that might be helpful to our Club.
7. Up the Villa!!!!
-
5. Vancouver: I would say that most people who know me feel that I not only have a sense of humor but that I have a good sense of humor. I am not sure why Dave would not agree! Probably has something to do with the tightness of his shorts!!
Harrrumph. My shorts are no tighter than anyone's.
-
The General aslo had this to say elsewhere ...
General Krulak here:
1. Randy and the end of season dinner: Randy has never attended one of those dinners...as he feels it should be something where the Manager is "front and center" and not the owner. We are all sorry about the rumor mills kicking up again but that is to be expected. Randy is going to be holding a press conference shortly...but, again, nothing to worry about. Everything is fine with the team, with MON, with the Club.
2. steve_avfc: Yes, we started our efforts with a five year plan and we are keeping to that plan...things are just about where we expected...if not a little bit ahead. Remember, it was not just a plan about the Team...it was an all-inclusive plan for the Club. Yes we will be working on the North Stand...it will be more than just a renovation. It is not tied to an Olympic bid. Obviously we want to progress the Club!!!!! I don't talk about players and transfer windows etc. BUT, I am sure we will see our Manager active in the market. We continue to work on the global expansion of our brand...this is critical for revenue and for recognition.
which I think clears up a few more daft rumours
-
3. DaveCooper: I am not sure why Huddlesfield charge as much as they do...I am not sure that the financial situation at the PL level has much to do with it. At the same time, I think their pricing says a good deal about our pricing...and how low we have tried to keep it.
Our pricing is very good compared with the rest of the Premier League. And that's the problem, while the PL is hideously overcharging people to watch football it filters down the leagues, to the extent where I was actually charged eighteen pounds to watch a non-league match this season, eighteen feckin' quid!
Now if Premier League clubs stopped paying incredibly average players incredibly stupid money then maybe, just maybe, some of the multi-millions pumped into the PL by Sky etc. might find it's way down to clubs like Huddersfield, and maybe they wouldn't have to charge so much to watch them in order that they can simply survive as a football club.
I'll now step off the soapbox!
-
3. DaveCooper: I am not sure why Huddlesfield charge as much as they do...I am not sure that the financial situation at the PL level has much to do with it. At the same time, I think their pricing says a good deal about our pricing...and how low we have tried to keep it.
Our pricing is very good compared with the rest of the Premier League. And that's the problem, while the PL is hideously overcharging people to watch football it filters down the leagues, to the extent where I was actually charged eighteen pounds to watch a non-league match this season, eighteen feckin' quid!
Now if Premier League clubs stopped paying incredibly average players incredibly stupid money then maybe, just maybe, some of the multi-millions pumped into the PL by Sky etc. might find it's way down to clubs like Huddersfield, and maybe they wouldn't have to charge so much to watch them in order that they can simply survive as a football club.
I'll now step off the soapbox!
Where do you sit at VP Dave ?
Do you go for the cheaper ST or the more expensive ?
-
Where do you sit at VP Dave ?
Do you go for the cheaper ST or the more expensive ?
On the nine occasions I have been to VP this season I have sat in the Upper North four times, Witton Lane twice, Holte Lower once and Middle Trinity twice.
I am a ST holder at Tamworth.
What is your point?
-
2 questions General.
What is the thinking behind the policy to pay such big wages to players. It has proved a problem in the past for many clubs when there subsequently only limited success, Celtic and Portsmouth 2 good examples.
What is the thinking behind allowing players to commute to training from such far away areas. I ask this one because I, possibly wrongly, thought most clubs preferred their players and coaches to be 'local'
-
General
Well, we started the season with a poor home display, and ended it with another one. What do you think can be done to improve things in front of the home fans next season, because our home form this year has wrecked our chances of a truly successful season.
-
I have to agree with Risso here.
As usual, O'Neill hasn't learnt from his mistakes. We were awful at home last season and we've been awful again at home this season.
Lets take a look at some of our home results:
Wolves 2-2
West Ham 0-0
Sunderland 1-1
Wigan 0-2
Blackburn 0-1
Everton 2-2
Liverpool 0-1
I think we can see a pattern emerging here... drawing too many games to crap teams has cost us 4th spot. Our home form has been awful again and obviously O'Neill has done nothing to rectify his mistakes from last season. Our home form is simply not good enough and I blame O'Neill because he doesn't know how to break teams down. Just realised Blackburn have taken 6 points off us this season... what a joke.
-
General.
Not so much a question, but more a statement.
Whoever was responsible for or had the idea of the the half time 'remembering those that served club and country' on the screen should take a bloody big pat on the back. I really did think that was excellent, and showed what a classy club we are.
Well done
-
General.
Not so much a question, but more a statement.
Whoever was responsible for or had the idea of the the half time 'remembering those that served club and country' on the screen should take a bloody big pat on the bag. I really did think that was excellent, and showed what a classy club we are.
Well done
What he said
-
My question was NOT disrespectful...it was a legitimate question by a Director of the Club trying to determine what a Fan of 50 years is going to do with his support of football. It is not only a legitimate question but an important one. Simply put, it drives to the question of whether he is turned off by the game or by the game Villa plays...and if it is the latter, then who will he follow that provides the excitement he is looking for. To be very honest, this is the VERY type of question that is important to the Club. It is not disrespectful!!!! My sense is that he is turned off by more than Villa play...but by football as it exists today. This IS an important question
General i did read this, a Villa fan of 50 years is not going to start supporting any one else it dosent work like that, he said it was mainly because of the entertainment and today we again played the same way and again failed to overcome inferior opposition, we have won only 8 games at home this season.
It is an important question and from another long term fan i can tell you thaat there is among many supporters a deep frustration with the same team, same tactics, same substitutions, same mistakes and same results at home in the league. I have 2 season tickets and will not be renewing unless i see a different direction and ambition.All the best
-
General i did read this, a Villa fan of 50 years is not going to start supporting any one else it dosent work like that,
I know and appreciate that, you do, most everyone here, even if they won't admit it publicly know it.
Do you General?
-
The general has already commented on his answer to that question. Let's not labour the point.
-
General, i note in MON's post match interview on SKY SPORTS, contrary to your earlier comment, he said that RL was not there today and had to fly back to USA.....anything we should be concerned about ?
-
General
Well, we started the season with a poor home display, and ended it with another one. What do you think can be done to improve things in front of the home fans next season, because our home form this year has wrecked our chances of a truly successful season.
but our outstanding away form gave us the chance. and we went close
-
General
Well, we started the season with a poor home display, and ended it with another one. What do you think can be done to improve things in front of the home fans next season, because our home form this year has wrecked our chances of a truly successful season.
but our outstanding away form gave us the chance. and we went close
People don't pay £495 plus for the away form though do they?
-
General
Well, we started the season with a poor home display, and ended it with another one. What do you think can be done to improve things in front of the home fans next season, because our home form this year has wrecked our chances of a truly successful season.
but our outstanding away form gave us the chance. and we went close
People don't pay £495 plus for the away form though do they?
I pay it to watch the Villa.
-
General
Well, we started the season with a poor home display, and ended it with another one. What do you think can be done to improve things in front of the home fans next season, because our home form this year has wrecked our chances of a truly successful season.
but our outstanding away form gave us the chance. and we went close
People don't pay £495 plus for the away form though do they?
No. I pay £390
I don't care where my team win, home or away. Neither is more important
-
Neither is more important
Of course it is if you're trying to attract home supporters. If you take kids to the game, which do you think they'll enjoy more, and which do you think will make them want to continue attending? A home win or a home loss?
-
Neither is more important
Of course it is if you're trying to attract home supporters. If you take kids to the game, which do you think they'll enjoy more, and which do you think will make them want to continue attending? A home win or a home loss?
This is what im getting at, I must be stupid because I can't see why people aren't angry and voting with their feet. It must be blind faith in the Villa to want to pay all that money to watch such utter shite week in week out.
-
Neither is more important
Of course it is if you're trying to attract home supporters. If you take kids to the game, which do you think they'll enjoy more, and which do you think will make them want to continue attending? A home win or a home loss?
This is what im getting at, I must be stupid because I can't see why people aren't angry and voting with their feet. It must be blind faith in the Villa to want to pay all that money to watch such utter shite week in week out.
I suppose if you've paid out for a season ticket at the start of the season, then you'll probably want to use it whatever. Be interesting to see how season ticket sales hold up this summer.
-
Neither is more important
Of course it is if you're trying to attract home supporters. If you take kids to the game, which do you think they'll enjoy more, and which do you think will make them want to continue attending? A home win or a home loss?
This is what im getting at, I must be stupid because I can't see why people aren't angry and voting with their feet. It must be blind faith in the Villa to want to pay all that money to watch such utter shite week in week out.
I suppose if you've paid out for a season ticket at the start of the season, then you'll probably want to use it whatever. Be interesting to see how season ticket sales hold up this summer.
I agree with you, Will be interesting
-
This is what im getting at, I must be stupid because I can't see why people aren't angry and voting with their feet. It must be blind faith in the Villa to want to pay all that money to watch such utter shite week in week out.
I don't think people are voting with their feet, but:
Ave attendance 07/08: 40.029 (5 sellouts)
Ave attendance 08/09: 39,812 (4 sellouts)
Ave attendance 08/09: 38,573 (3 sellouts)
-
That slght drop might be explained away by having more night games this season.
-
I think we have played a lot more cup games, that's likely to have an effect on league attendances as many fans can only afford to go to so many games, and might decide to attend the £10-£15 cup games rather than the £30ish for a league game. We also haven't played a Saturday 3pm home game in the league this year. Newcastle and Olbiyun replacing Hull and Portsmouth will bring up the attendances by a bit too. Not looking forward to seeing the gates in the Europa with 6pm kick offs though.
-
Neither is more important
Of course it is if you're trying to attract home supporters. If you take kids to the game, which do you think they'll enjoy more, and which do you think will make them want to continue attending? A home win or a home loss?
This is what im getting at, I must be stupid because I can't see why people aren't angry and voting with their feet. It must be blind faith in the Villa to want to pay all that money to watch such utter shite week in week out.
As I said on the season ticket thread, going to football is one of the ways I like to spend my free time and Villa are my club. It wouldn't make a difference who was in charge or who was in the side as long as I can afford it and have the time I will go. I suspect that there are many, many people like me.
-
Neither is more important
Of course it is if you're trying to attract home supporters. If you take kids to the game, which do you think they'll enjoy more, and which do you think will make them want to continue attending? A home win or a home loss?
This is what im getting at, I must be stupid because I can't see why people aren't angry and voting with their feet. It must be blind faith in the Villa to want to pay all that money to watch such utter shite week in week out.
As I said on the season ticket thread, going to football is one of the ways I like to spend my free time and Villa are my club. It wouldn't make a difference who was in charge or who was in the side as long as I can afford it and have the time I will go. I suspect that there are many, many people like me.
True.
Just when you think you are out, they drag you back in.
-
This is what im getting at, I must be stupid because I can't see why people aren't angry and voting with their feet. It must be blind faith in the Villa to want to pay all that money to watch such utter shite week in week out.
Football supporting, unless you are lucky enough to support a team that almost always wins, is nearly all about blind faith surely?
It's what makes a Darlington or Grimsby fan turn up week in-week out.
Football supporters, by and large, don't give up just because their club is shite.
-
Football supporting, unless you are lucky enough to support a team that almost always wins, is nearly all about blind faith surely?
It's what makes a Darlington or Grimsby fan turn up week in-week out.
Football supporters, by and large, don't give up just because their club is shite.
The died in the wool fans like those who have done so generation on generation for 50 plus years etc. do, yes.
But to fill Villa Park, to justify RL's expenditure Villa need to win trophies, get into the top 4 more times than not, win home games to drag in the rest. If they do the better than you fans can still gloat and enjoy their inconsequential, ill perceived superiority, but the club as a whole gains more.
Don't you agree General?
-
Football supporting, unless you are lucky enough to support a team that almost always wins, is nearly all about blind faith surely?
Football supporters, by and large, don't give up just because their club is shite.
Couldn't agree more. It seems to me that its not just the next generation who expect success, its also a portion older established supporters who now seem to be living in this world of 'if we arent winning trophies, i'm no longer going' oddness
You support your team whether on top of the league or bottom of the pile exactly the same surely ?
Something weird has changed since Randy took over, and its effected supporters in very different ways.
-
Whilst recognising that our tickets are amongst the cheapest in the Premier League, perhaps lots of people have reached their tipping point where they just can't justify the expense any more.
-
That slght drop might be explained away by having more night games this season.
It might get worse next season as we will be playing on Sundays most of the time due to the Europa League. Saturday games at 3pm next season will be like rocking horse shite.
-
Something weird has changed since Randy took over, and its effected supporters in very different ways.
Too right. The amount of them who tell us we should shut up and be grateful is reaching epidemic proportions.
-
Something weird has changed since Randy took over, and its effected supporters in very different ways.
Too right. The amount of them who tell us we should shut up and be grateful is reaching epidemic proportions.
I'd say they're outnumbered by those claiming we're too big a club to be satisfied with top 6 stability and a point improvement year in year out.
A consistency we haven't had in my adult lifetime I don't think.
Actually i'll have to check on that in case the old brains muddled
-
This is what im getting at, I must be stupid because I can't see why people aren't angry and voting with their feet. It must be blind faith in the Villa to want to pay all that money to watch such utter shite week in week out.
I don't think people are voting with their feet, but:
Ave attendance 07/08: 40.029 (5 sellouts)
Ave attendance 08/09: 39,812 (4 sellouts)
Ave attendance 08/09: 38,573 (3 sellouts)
The small 239 drop in average is probably down to several visiting teams bringing smaller numbers than in the past, or promoted clubs not bringing too many.
-
What about the other 1000?
*wink*
-
Matchday prices are too expensive imo.
-
How about that unless you're winning consistently, people don't care as much about football as they used to, or at least we do? It's one thing having the passion to come on a forum such as this and rant on like we do, but lots of people (or most) don't. A lot of people have to make a responsible choice on how to spend their limited disposable income. There's also more things to do nowadays away from football, aside from the fact that the whole experience of going to a game can be quite expensive especially if you have kids.
I think the club have a superb job keeping prices where they are, but it still won't be enough for everyone. We're not fashionable or successful enough yet to attract the stray fans, or tourists that bump the matchday attendance. The hardcore fans, while still loyal, can't or won't always go to the games. Especially with the amount of games we now play.
-
This is what im getting at, I must be stupid because I can't see why people aren't angry and voting with their feet. It must be blind faith in the Villa to want to pay all that money to watch such utter shite week in week out.
I don't think people are voting with their feet, but:
Ave attendance 07/08: 40.029 (5 sellouts)
Ave attendance 08/09: 39,812 (4 sellouts)
Ave attendance 08/09: 38,573 (3 sellouts)
Recession anyone? Half the country's perma-skint and has been for twelve months.
-
Something weird has changed since Randy took over, and its effected supporters in very different ways.
Too right. The amount of them who tell us we should shut up and be grateful is reaching epidemic proportions.
I'd say they're outnumbered by those claiming we're too big a club to be satisfied with top 6 stability and a point improvement year in year out.
A consistency we haven't had in my adult lifetime I don't think.
Actually i'll have to check on that in case the old brains muddled
. My point proved.
-
That slght drop might be explained away by having more night games this season.
It might get worse next season as we will be playing on Sundays most of the time due to the Europa League. Saturday games at 3pm next season will be like rocking horse shite.
on the past 2 seasons qualification, it win't be for long surely
-
General Krulak here:
1. sfx412: Answers to your questions: 1) We pay the wages to get the players...it is supply and demand in action. If we want to get players, you have to pay the priced...you negotiate as best you can but in the end, you end up paying or someone else will. The economic model is as old as time. 2) The Club does not dictate where a player must live. 3) Obviously the Club wants to be as successful as possible.
2. Risso: I am not sure what can be done to improve our home showing. I do NOT think the home form can be laid strictly at the feet of our Manager. It may be easy to do so and may make folks feel better but I think it is an easy way out.
3. Dazvillan: Randy did have to fly back to the US....with the volcano erupting again and a couple of important meeting he had to attend, he couldn't take the chance of being stuck. He will be over later on this week.
4. Yampie: "Something weird has changed since Randy took over." Not sure what you meant here so I have trouble making a comment.
5. For those fans who are not renewing their season tickets: I am truly sorry that the Club has disappointed you to the extent you are not renewing. There is not much more I can say.
-
5. For those fans who are not renewing their season tickets: I am truly sorry that the Club has disappointed you to the extent you are not renewing. There is not much more I can say.
I don't think in a lot of cases it's the club that's changed so much as football in general.
-
4. Yampie: "Something weird has changed since Randy took over." Not sure what you meant here so I have trouble making a comment.
Don't worry General, it wasnt a slight on Randy or the board just in relation to another conversation going on.
I just feel when Ellis left and Randy came in, its effected some peoples expectations and their memory differently than others.
Some are now thinking we're doing very well as a club (i'm in that camp), some think we're not doing well enough.
It takes all sorts.
-
I'm going to have another stab at this one.
How are the club doing against the 5 year plan General ?
-
What 5 year plan?
-
5. For those fans who are not renewing their season tickets: I am truly sorry that the Club has disappointed you to the extent you are not renewing. There is not much more I can say.
I don't think in a lot of cases it's the club that's changed so much as football in general.
That is what I have also been trying to say. It is not so much about Randy, the General or even MON. There is a detachment for us oldies-and a few not so old, that an important part of the game has changed and become more remote from the individual fan.
Or maybe we just can't 'get it up' anymore when it comes to our first love!
-
General Krulak here:
2. Risso: I am not sure what can be done to improve our home showing. I do NOT think the home form can be laid strictly at the feet of our Manager. It may be easy to do so and may make folks feel better but I think it is an easy way out.
He picks the team, and buys the players, and sets out the tactics. He is fully responsible for the way we play our football at home and away. He has got one right. The other is some of the most frustrating football I have witnessed for a long time, with some of the least invention. I have got a season ticket for next season as I will support Villa whatever economy allowing, but the manager is responsible for results.
-
Something weird has changed since Randy took over, and its effected supporters in very different ways.
Too right. The amount of them who tell us we should shut up and be grateful is reaching epidemic proportions.
It has certainly affected the people who used to tell us that when Ellis was in charge.
-
What 5 year plan?
This one? (http://www.heroesandvillains.info/discuss/viewtopic.php?t=26527&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=plan&start=645)
-
General, when Randy gives his press conference will he be making a statement on the ground redevelopment?
-
General
Thank Randy on behalf of all the fans and players for making it clear very early the exact situation concerning Mon
-
General Krulak here:
1. Percy: Who is telling you to "shut up."? Certainly not me...and certainly not folks on this site. My sense is that this site is very open to ALL opinions. The fact that someone doesn't have the same opinion as you do does not mean you have to shut up. Just recognize the differences.
2. ozzjim: My point is simply that the Manager does not put on boots and play on the Pitch. The players have to execute. No different in any sport!!! The Cleveland Cavaliers have a superb Manager and the best basketball player in the world but are losing to the Celtics...at some point in time, the players need to execute. If they are inconsistent, that should not be laid totally at the feet of the Manager.
3. Tim the Villan: I will take another stab at this. We are doing very well against the 5 year plan!!
4. I thought Randy's press conference was very well done. He put out some critical information and was totally up front.
-
General Krulak here:
3. Tim the Villan: I will take another stab at this. We are doing very well against the 5 year plan!!
.
And this back in 2008, does it still form part of the plan ?
2. Champions League football and Barry: Sooooo? If you believe he has a point, you should be happy for him if he leaves. I believe, if I am not mistaken, that one of the goals of the 5 year plan was CL football. Let me see if I understand...you don't think we will make it???? OK. Good on you. That means I won't have to hear your moaning because you have already made up your mind.
I ask because we are, what, 4 years into the 5 year plan come the start of next season.
-
and are already flirting with that 4th spot
-
and are already flirting with that 4th spot
Thank you, but I am asking the General.
Was the plan to actually make CL football within 5 years, i.e. by the season after next General ?
You know you want these discussions !!
-
General K
Will we get a full report on the OS on Randy's press conference.
All have read so far have been confirmation about MON (brilliant) but would like to hear more of what was said, particuarly on plans for the ground and player investment.
Could we have this please?
-
General,
What's Martin's favorite alchoholic beverage?
-
Bitter. ;o)
-
Bitter. ;o)
Very.
-
General Krulak here:
1. Percy: Who is telling you to "shut up."? Certainly not me...and certainly not folks on this site. My sense is that this site is very open to ALL opinions. The fact that someone doesn't have the same opinion as you do does not mean you have to shut up. Just recognize the differences.
Not having a go at you at all General. Just a bit of internicine fanzine sarcasm, light-heartedly aimed at my pal Dave Woodhall, who wasn't a big fan of the anti-Ellis campaigners. In fact he often wanted them to shut up and stop complaining, even though there was a hell of a lot to complain about.
-
Bitter. ;o)
Very.
he looks like a Port man to me.
-
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a superb Manager and the best basketball player in the world but are losing to the Celtics...
LETS GO CELTICS :)
Seen as I am not in America anymore is Lebron still complaining about his "Injured" elbow?
General also who is your NBA team?
-
General,
Why do you think that 'yam fries' havent taken off in th uk over 'chips'? I love yam fries with a chipotle dip!!
-
General,
Your next post will be number 1000.
-
General,
Why do you think that 'yam fries' havent taken off in th uk over 'chips'? I love yam fries with a chipotle dip!!
Yam fries.
Are they the orange chips you can get in Bilston?
-
General,
Why do you think that 'yam fries' havent taken off in th uk over 'chips'? I love yam fries with a chipotle dip!!
Yam fries.
Are they the orange chips you can get in Bilston?
not just Bilston Dave, everywhere around here, proper bostin un all!
-
I wondered what those orange things were in the chip shop last week.
-
not just Bilston Dave, everywhere around here, proper bostin un all!
They must be good. Everytime I drive past the chippy just up from the island at Sedgely some dork will drive out, off their car park into my car's path.
-
I wondered what those orange things were in the chip shop last week.
When I used to work in Tipton I went for some of them one lunch! Disgusting!
-
General,
Why do you think that 'yam fries' havent taken off in th uk over 'chips'? I love yam fries with a chipotle dip!!
Yam fries.
Are they the orange chips you can get in Bilston?
not just Bilston Dave, everywhere around here, proper bostin un all!
I know, I live here!
I was just picking out one of my favourite chippies at random really.
-
General Krulak here:
1. villasubmariner: As the Mods would tell you, I have posted well over 1100 times on this site...somehow I lost over 130 when they updated by thread.
2. Today's papers all have complete rundowns of Randy's press conference...all you ever wanted to know and even a "little bit more" as they put their spin on it.
3. Nothing has changed regarding the ambitions of Randy and the Club. We absolutely are dedicated to making the top four, going to Europe and holding the Cup over our heads. There are many variables involved in reaching this goal...and we have experienced some of them. That does not mean that we have lowered our sights...not at all!!!
-
not just Bilston Dave, everywhere around here, proper bostin un all!
They must be good. Everytime I drive past the chippy just up from the island at Sedgely some dork will drive out, off their car park into my car's path.
Ahhhhh, Tasty Place.
I work 50 yards from there, never get sick of the beauties!
-
General Krulak here:
1. Percy: Who is telling you to "shut up."? Certainly not me...and certainly not folks on this site. My sense is that this site is very open to ALL opinions. The fact that someone doesn't have the same opinion as you do does not mean you have to shut up. Just recognize the differences.
Not having a go at you at all General. Just a bit of internicine fanzine sarcasm, light-heartedly aimed at my pal Dave Woodhall, who wasn't a big fan of the anti-Ellis campaigners. In fact he often wanted them to shut up and stop complaining, even though there was a hell of a lot to complain about.
Excuse me?
-
General also who is your NBA team?
-
General Krulak here:
1. Percy: Who is telling you to "shut up."? Certainly not me...and certainly not folks on this site. My sense is that this site is very open to ALL opinions. The fact that someone doesn't have the same opinion as you do does not mean you have to shut up. Just recognize the differences.
Not having a go at you at all General. Just a bit of internicine fanzine sarcasm, light-heartedly aimed at my pal Dave Woodhall, who wasn't a big fan of the anti-Ellis campaigners. In fact he often wanted them to shut up and stop complaining, even though there was a hell of a lot to complain about.
Excuse me?
As Harry Hill would say ......Fight !!!!!!!
-
Dear General
As you are in the US, am I right in thinking that you probably aren't aware that one of the (British) Army's new TV recruitment ads was inspired by the Strategic Corporal?
On a completely different subject, we thought the Lions v Lions match on the pitch after Blackburn last weekend was brilliant and please would it be possible for it to become an annual fixture? Even though it was about 30 degrees F and it was hardly publicised, there was a good crowd and it enjoyed itself greatly.
-
General, what are your opinions on Bob Dylan?
-
General,
What's Martin's favorite alchoholic beverage?
-
General Krulak here:
1. My favorite NBA team is the Celtics...has been all my life. I confess that I am not a big NBA fan and only really get wound up for the Playoffs.
2. VillaVA: I was not aware of the TV recruitment ads. I would appreciate it if you might be able to get me a link to one of them. I have had the opportunity to speak at the Staff College on several occasions and have talked of the Strategic Corporal and the Three Block War.
3. MON's favorite alcoholic beverage...I honestly don't know.
-
3. MON's favorite alcoholic beverage...I honestly don't know.
Fair enough, what's yours?
-
Give the orange chips a try. Whats the worst that could happen? The futures bright, the futures orange chips
-
General Krulak here:
1. greenwich villa: A cold Samuel Adams.
-
General Krulak here:
1. greenwich villa: A cold Samuel Adams.
Good choice.
-
General.
Do you know whether Martin will be attending any games at the World Cup?
-
General.
Do you know whether Martin will be attending any games at the World Cup?
I was hoping one of the stations would sign him up as a studio punter, he's always good value when he does that.
-
General.
Do you know whether Martin will be attending any games at the World Cup?
I was hoping one of the stations would sign him up as a studio punter, he's always good value when he does that.
In the studio in London or out there?
-
General
Whne the North Stand rebuild gets underway, will it be like when the Holte was rebuilt and the bottom tier opened in time for start of the season or would it be closed until fully complete ?
I only ask because i'm a season ticket holder in the stand and would hate to move elsewhere now i've grown acustomed to the cracking view
Thanks
-
General Krulak here:
1. I am not sure if MON will be going to So. Africa or not but I would imagine that he will.
2. YamPie: It is probably important to understand that the projected North Stand project will be a major effort. We will attempt to get a good portion of it completed during a summer but...my sense is that it will be difficult to handle the supporting structure as a separate entity as we build. Again, we will do our best but safety will be our number one issue in this area.
-
General, will matchday prices be frozen next season or have the club yet to decide that?
-
I wondered what those orange things were in the chip shop last week.
Lee Hendrie and Phil Brown?
-
General,
I know you leave playing matters to Martin and won't comment on transfers, but I have a question in relation to our wage bill, which I'm hoping you can answer without breaking your own rules!
We all saw in the latest published accounts that it was quite high as a percentage of our turnover and that this is a ratio that would most likely need to be addressed. Is it currently a cause of concern for Randy and the board and if so, how are we looking to 'fix' the problem? Is it a matter of increasing revenue, having tighter controls on the wages or, as is most likely the case, a combination of both? And finally is there a particular wages/turnover percentage you feel is sustainable and that we are working towards?
Thanks.
-
General Krulak here:
1. SoccerHQ: We have not decided on ticket prices as yet. If we do make a move in that area, it will not be something like is seen at other Clubs.
2. JohnM: A good question. As I mentioned before, we knew our revenue and expenses each year...none of this was a surprise. Like every business, getting started is a daunting effort across the board...money is a good example. To bring success, you have to spend. With success comes revenue in the form of sales, etc. You have pretty much hit the nail on the head...we need to not only see success on the field that drives revenue but we also must continue to monitor our expenses. This is no different than any Club...except that a few in the PL are somewhat ahead of us in these areas. As an example, those who have "world wide" sales based upon recognition. This does not come in the period of a few years...it comes with sustained, quality, performance. This is what we are striving for right now.
-
General Krulak here:
1. SoccerHQ: We have not decided on ticket prices as yet. If we do make a move in that area, it will not be something like is seen at other Clubs.
2. JohnM: A good question. As I mentioned before, we knew our revenue and expenses each year...none of this was a surprise. Like every business, getting started is a daunting effort across the board...money is a good example. To bring success, you have to spend. With success comes revenue in the form of sales, etc. You have pretty much hit the nail on the head...we need to not only see success on the field that drives revenue but we also must continue to monitor our expenses. This is no different than any Club...except that a few in the PL are somewhat ahead of us in these areas. As an example, those who have "world wide" sales based upon recognition. This does not come in the period of a few years...it comes with sustained, quality, performance. This is what we are striving for right now.
General
I imagine that the wages issue must have been in Mr Lerner's mind when he made his recent comments about it being good business to "sell to buy". We must have a good few players earning several million pounds a year who are not contributing greatly to matters on the pitch.
-
2. JohnM: A good question. As I mentioned before, we knew our revenue and expenses each year...none of this was a surprise. Like every business, getting started is a daunting effort across the board...money is a good example. To bring success, you have to spend. With success comes revenue in the form of sales, etc. You have pretty much hit the nail on the head...we need to not only see success on the field that drives revenue but we also must continue to monitor our expenses. This is no different than any Club...except that a few in the PL are somewhat ahead of us in these areas. As an example, those who have "world wide" sales based upon recognition. This does not come in the period of a few years...it comes with sustained, quality, performance. This is what we are striving for right now.
General - thanks for the reply!
What I would imagine then, trying to read between the lines a bit, is that our wage bill has jumped before the income/turnover, but we accept that as a necessary evil in order to compete with our rivals playing wise, who as you rightly say are are ahead of us in some areas? So, we're getting out of a catch-22 situation (can't improve without the turnover, can't increase the turnover without improving) by Randy allowing a short term imbalance on the books?
Sounds the right way to go about things to me!
-
2. JohnM: A good question. As I mentioned before, we knew our revenue and expenses each year...none of this was a surprise. Like every business, getting started is a daunting effort across the board...money is a good example. To bring success, you have to spend. With success comes revenue in the form of sales, etc. You have pretty much hit the nail on the head...we need to not only see success on the field that drives revenue but we also must continue to monitor our expenses. This is no different than any Club...except that a few in the PL are somewhat ahead of us in these areas. As an example, those who have "world wide" sales based upon recognition. This does not come in the period of a few years...it comes with sustained, quality, performance. This is what we are striving for right now.
General - thanks for the reply!
What I would imagine then, trying to read between the lines a bit, is that our wage bill has jumped before the income/turnover, but we accept that as a necessary evil in order to compete with our rivals playing wise, who as you rightly say are are ahead of us in some areas? So, we're getting out of a catch-22 situation (can't improve without the turnover, can't increase the turnover without improving) by Randy allowing a short term imbalance on the books?
Sounds the right way to go about things to me!
Maybe to an extent, but when you think about the wages that have been paid to players like Harewood, Sidwell, Shorey, Beye etc, not so much.
-
Maybe to an extent, but when you think about the wages that have been paid to players like Harewood, Sidwell, Shorey, Beye etc, not so much.
I'd say if you looked at any club they'd have similar players who are earning without contributing - aren't Man City still paying a large portion of Robinho's wages, for example? If so, then it doesn't deter from the issue of needing to compete before the turnover allows it. Unless we of course managed to become the single most efficeint football club in history.
-
General Krulak here:
1. SoccerHQ: We have not decided on ticket prices as yet. If we do make a move in that area, it will not be something like is seen at other Clubs.
2. JohnM: A good question. As I mentioned before, we knew our revenue and expenses each year...none of this was a surprise. Like every business, getting started is a daunting effort across the board...money is a good example. To bring success, you have to spend. With success comes revenue in the form of sales, etc. You have pretty much hit the nail on the head...we need to not only see success on the field that drives revenue but we also must continue to monitor our expenses. This is no different than any Club...except that a few in the PL are somewhat ahead of us in these areas. As an example, those who have "world wide" sales based upon recognition. This does not come in the period of a few years...it comes with sustained, quality, performance. This is what we are striving for right now.
General
I imagine that the wages issue must have been in Mr Lerner's mind when he made his recent comments about it being good business to "sell to buy". We must have a good few players earning several million pounds a year who are not contributing greatly to matters on the pitch.
Unless you want us to have a squad of 40 then natural turnover means that if we want to improve the quality then some players will have to move on. I don't see why it is an issue.
-
General Krulak here:
1. SoccerHQ: We have not decided on ticket prices as yet. If we do make a move in that area, it will not be something like is seen at other Clubs.
2. JohnM: A good question. As I mentioned before, we knew our revenue and expenses each year...none of this was a surprise. Like every business, getting started is a daunting effort across the board...money is a good example. To bring success, you have to spend. With success comes revenue in the form of sales, etc. You have pretty much hit the nail on the head...we need to not only see success on the field that drives revenue but we also must continue to monitor our expenses. This is no different than any Club...except that a few in the PL are somewhat ahead of us in these areas. As an example, those who have "world wide" sales based upon recognition. This does not come in the period of a few years...it comes with sustained, quality, performance. This is what we are striving for right now.
General
I imagine that the wages issue must have been in Mr Lerner's mind when he made his recent comments about it being good business to "sell to buy". We must have a good few players earning several million pounds a year who are not contributing greatly to matters on the pitch.
Unless you want us to have a squad of 40 then natural turnover means that if we want to improve the quality then some players will have to move on. I don't see why it is an issue.
I don't see where it says it's an issue.
-
General Krulak here:
1. I think we are all pretty much saying the same thing. We knew we would be in this situation...we planned for it...we are continuing with our plan...we believe that in the long run, we will be better off conducting our business as we are doing.
-
General,on the O/S it is stating that today is the last day for fans to renew their season card for next season in the North Stand Lower.The next line then tells fans they until the 30th June.Bit of a headscratcher this one General.
-
General, the season ticket renewal information is confusing to say the least. Could someone at the club please clarify the details and then get it posted on the website?
-
General,on the O/S it is stating that today is the last day for fans to renew their season card for next season in the North Stand Lower.The next line then tells fans they until the 30th June.Bit of a headscratcher this one General.
today was last day for easy payment scheme .
-
General, I wouldn't usually ask but is there any chance you can pull some strings and send a Marine division to Abu Dhabi?
Say, the 5th? It would be good practice for them.
Nobody needs to get killed, just a friendly visit. Maybe a few hundred billion souvenirs.
-
General
I know it's just a media report, and I know we want to keep him, but regarding the Milner reports, and football transfers in general, do you think it is feasible to build something long term in football these days?
We saw, last year, that Man City in their capacity of recent lottery winners unsettled Joleon Lescott and created enough noise over the summer to finally get him.
It seems very unfair that a club can try to build something yet find itself at the prey of wealthier clubs. It would be bad enough were it just successful wealthy clubs like Man United, but for it to be Man City is hard to swallow.
Is there hope for football as a sustainable, competitive industry without reform to the transfer system?
-
General
Is there hope for football as a sustainable, competitive industry without reform to the transfer system?
has it not always been so. Perhaps to lesser degrees.We now play in the top league in the world many reckon, and we are 6th in it but its not new for us to sell players, Hitchens, Hately, Cowans, Platt, and Barry for instance.
Randy does not give the feeling he wants to rush us into that and unless he finds a manager who can buy cheap win top 4 regularly and win European Cups who can blame him. Such managers are rare, in any age, especially those who keep doing it.
-
General: Like most fans I enjoyed the season and my young son loved the two trips to Wembley. As a club we almost achieved great heights at all levels. The future still remains bright, however I am somewhat peeved at the new speculation over the future of our "brightest star". I renewed our season tickets prior to the Blackburn game with the hope that next season we can build around James Milner and step up to the plate once again and attain the next level. To me selling our best player would be a backward step in the extreme and I for one would feel that I had bought my season tickets prematurely. Should we be in the position of having to sell Milner and others may I be entitled to a refund before the season starts.? I have faith in Mr Lerner to run the club in a fit and proper way, however I would feel cheated if I paid to see a top line act at a concert and someone like Cliff Richard showed up !!
-
General: Like most fans I enjoyed the season and my young son loved the two trips to Wembley. As a club we almost achieved great heights at all levels. The future still remains bright, however I am somewhat peeved at the new speculation over the future of our "brightest star". I renewed our season tickets prior to the Blackburn game with the hope that next season we can build around James Milner and step up to the plate once again and attain the next level. To me selling our best player would be a backward step in the extreme and I for one would feel that I had bought my season tickets prematurely. Should we be in the position of having to sell Milner and others may I be entitled to a refund before the season starts.? I have faith in Mr Lerner to run the club in a fit and proper way, however I would feel cheated if I paid to see a top line act at a concert and someone like Cliff Richard showed up !!
Whilst I understand your thinking, and I understand your disapointment should he go you pay to watch Aston Villa surely? No one man (As good as he is) is ever bigger than Aston Villa. For all we know James Milner may want to finish his career at Aston Villa
-
General: Like most fans I enjoyed the season and my young son loved the two trips to Wembley. As a club we almost achieved great heights at all levels. The future still remains bright, however I am somewhat peeved at the new speculation over the future of our "brightest star". I renewed our season tickets prior to the Blackburn game with the hope that next season we can build around James Milner and step up to the plate once again and attain the next level. To me selling our best player would be a backward step in the extreme and I for one would feel that I had bought my season tickets prematurely. Should we be in the position of having to sell Milner and others may I be entitled to a refund before the season starts.? I have faith in Mr Lerner to run the club in a fit and proper way, however I would feel cheated if I paid to see a top line act at a concert and someone like Cliff Richard showed up !!
Whilst I understand your thinking, and I understand your disapointment should he go you pay to watch Aston Villa surely? No one man (As good as he is) is ever bigger than Aston Villa. For all we know James Milner may want to finish his career at Aston Villa
Yes I do go to watch the Villa and have done for nearly 48 years - I have seen many false dawns, but just as I see us building a decent team capable of competing for trophies there is again talk of us losing our star player. Please don`t doubt my loyalty JM`s no8, I am time served in terms of following this great club during thick and thin..
Maybe I am just tired of being taken for granted .
-
General, please don't sell Milner.
-
General, please don't sell Milner.
for £20 million. But go for it at £35million.
-
General, you all right? Good.
When we sell Milner and Ash can you just make sure we get someone in who likes taking pens?
Cheers
-
Hi General,
This is my first post on your thread.
I just wanted to thank you, Mr Lerner, MON and the team for an enjoyable season.
I live in London but come to matches with my Dad and brothers who are all season ticket holders. I've loved this season and have a season ticket for next season and am very excited about us progressing.
Thanks,
villa-love
-
General, you all right? Good.
When we sell Milner and Ash can you just make sure we get someone in who likes taking pens?
Cheers
Gareth Barry?
-
General, you all right? Good.
When we sell Milner and Ash can you just make sure we get someone in who likes taking pens?
Cheers
Gareth Barry?
Coax Le Tissier out of retirement?
-
General, you all right? Good.
When we sell Milner and Ash can you just make sure we get someone in who likes taking pens?
Cheers
A shoplifter?
-
Andrew08 my message was to the General, I don't agree with you. You consider selling if you can replace with better - we can't.
-
General, Im going to be a bit naughty here.
Whats your predicted score for the England v USA game on the 12th June ?
-
Andrew08 my message was to the General, I don't agree with you. You consider selling if you can replace with better - we can't.
My message was to the General as well.
I think the debate is happening on another thread.
-
General
Take a look at Peter Whittingham. Ideal player to come in next season.
-
General
Take a look at Peter Whittingham. Ideal player to come in next season.
General, would you then also sanction the return of Vassell, Allback, Alan Thompson and Lee Hendrie?
Thanks
-
General,
Do you ever watch any non-Villa football games? If so, what was your favourite one from this season?
-
Hello General
I don't know if this is the right place to bring this up so I apologise in advance if it isn't. I was wondering if the history section official site could be sorted as it seems to have disappeared.
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/VillaLegendsDetails/0,,10265~1131128,00.html
That is a link to our official website, with the player profile of Paul McGrath, and from it on the left you can access Timeline, Villa legeneds etc. everything that was classed as history. By looking at it it seems that this is now classed under the "mobile" section but this obviously isn't the case. The only way I can find to access this is by getting to the section I want via google. If I just go onto avfc.co.uk then I can't find it anywhere?
-
Just seeing the above from Markus has prompted a question.
How closely does the club work with the Villa All Stars? They sent a team down on Saturday to my local club in Daventry. Would be interested to know more of how the club (if at all) works with these.
-
General
Take a look at Peter Whittingham. Ideal player to come in next season.
We could swap him for Downing.
-
General
Take a look at Peter Whittingham. Ideal player to come in next season.
We could swap him for Downing.
Have some respect for The General.
-
Hi General,
are we close tothe release date of the new kit? It's my birthday on Sunday and the girlfriend wants to buy me present. She wants to get me the england shirt but I want the new Villa one instead.
-
General
Take a look at Peter Whittingham. Ideal player to come in next season.
We could swap him for Downing.
Have some respect for The General.
I wouldn't call Downing a midfield General.
Too lightweight.
-
General,
Now that Randy has mooted a 50 000 capacity ground in the not-too distant future its obvious that some sort of research must have been done in terms of the viability of filling it.
At the moment there is a slight downturn in Premiership attendances, including us, and that is a lot to do with disappointing home results, more games in Cups which make some opt to miss the odd home game here and there, and of course cost.
What strategy does the club have in terms of making us go from a side watched by 38/39 000 to a side watched by around 50 000? Traditionally we haven't hit those figures that often, even though the support may be there. Is the club putting its faith in success on the pitch translating to bums on seats? Is there a wider reaching proposal on how to fill the seats?
-
General, what's the answer for Villa in the future to Big clubs taking top players from us.
Is there one or will we remain a feeder club to the clubs with more wealth.
-
General,
Have you ever fed a troll. And, if so, would you likely do it again?
-
hey general, seen Steve Stride today down villa and he advised that he and deadly's son was still working at villa...he had the official tie and badge round his neck... can you confirm if anymore of the old workers are still involved with villa??
-
hey general, seen Steve Stride today down villa and he advised that he and deadly's son was still working at villa...he had the official tie and badge round his neck... can you confirm if anymore of the old workers are still involved with villa??
Steve Stride and Ellis had a son together?!
Eeeek!
-
General,
Judgining from a few forums, Villa and non- Villa, you are going to get quite a few fans press you to show Randy some shirt mock-ups that they say is ACE, great etc... I'm afraid these mock ups were done by me. They were NOT done to stir up a hornets nest, but just cos I was curious as to what a top with modern badge etc would look like in retro style. and to aslo keep up to speed with CS software update as I am a graphic designer.
Any bombardment of queries or internet frenzy which, it seems from a few sites I've been on, may be the case, is all down to me I am afraid.
I do apologise good sir!
Stewart.
-
Or, to put it another way:
"Dear General,
I'm not half bad at designing kit. Can I have a job? A well-paying job? My portfolio can be viewed all over the internet. People just LOVE it.
Regards,
Stewart."
-
hahahahaha!!!
You make me sound like Oliver Twist mate!
-
I don`t buy Villa shirts anymore `cos they`re bland and Nikelite pap.BUT these mockups are a no-brainer General.I would buy each of them,for me my wife,my son ,my daughter and my dog.You simply must use your corporate muscle to get sewiak`s designs made real.
-
I don`t buy Villa shirts anymore `cos they`re bland and Nikelite pap.BUT these mockups are a no-brainer General.I would buy each of them,for me my wife,my son ,my daughter and my dog.You simply must use your corporate muscle to get sewiak`s designs made real.
I may not be as radical as that, but I have to say General sir, that I endorse this position. The kits designs are quite excellent. I'd be tempted to do the same as Mr Cropley.
-
Proud history in them
-
There you go, sewiak. Get in touch with the fella that did the Che Milner tops and churn 'em out. Sponsor-free, quality Villa tops......lush. I'll have one.
-
General,
Today I went to the Australia/New Zealand final of the Manchester United Premier Cup (Info here (http://www.manchesterunitedpremiercup.com/)). It's an international competition run by Man Utd and Nike at U15 level, with the winners from various worldwide locations going to Manchester to take part in the finals (a bit like a World Club Cup).
Would this sort of thing not also be a good idea for us to think about, to help promote Villa to the younger kids to support Aston Villa. (Albeit from thousands of miles away). In fact, surely we have a moral obligation to prevent the cruelty to children in having to become Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool fans?
Anyway, just an idea.
-
Oh yes!
"The Football Founders Cup" hosted at "The Home OF Football - Villa Park".
Loving it.
-
Oh yes!
"The Football Founders Cup" hosted at "The Home OF Football - Villa Park".
Loving it.
Excellent - let it be so
-
Each team to wear a Sewiak kit designed specifically for this tournament!
It's all coming together nicely.
-
General,
Those kits should be ours.
-
General Krulak here:
1. Sorry I have been off the site for awhile...lots going on from a strictly business standpoint at Villa but the upcoming World Cup has slowed other issues down quite a bit.
2. As I have said many, many, times...I cannot and should not get into discussions re. transfers. Suffice it to say that we do NOT view ourselves as a feeder club...and should NEVER consider ourselves in that light. Rumors and speculation are part and parcel of how the media works...and we will continue to hear things about our players. Randy and MON have been and will continue to be working hard to ensure that we build on the team. They know the goal and will do their best to achieve that goal. My recommendation is that we keep calm and let things play out...we should not react to every rumor that is floated.
3. The kit. Obviously we have a contract with Nike and work with them on the kit.
4. Filling a 50,000 person stadium. The one way to ensure that we fill a stadium with that capacity is to have a consistently winning football team that plays their hearts out and plays exciting ball. We understand that.
5. I will be off the site until after the World Cup...not much will happen until then and we should all just enjoy football over the next few weeks. Good luck to England...and to the USA. I am pulling for both.
-
I am pulling for both.[/quote]
Too much information GK!
-
Have a nice break General.
See you after the World Cup.
Legion: New thread will be opened post World Cup.
-
Have a nice break General.
See you after the World Cup.
Legion: New thread will be opened post World Cup.
How did you find the World Cup General and where the hell are the signings? (Kidding)
-
Hi General, hope you've had a good break,
It seems that a lot of Premier League clubs had people at the World Cup Final. Was anyone out there from the Villa ?