Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Legion on September 08, 2010, 09:38:42 PM
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Questions to the General please.
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How come it took so long too make the appointment?
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Good appointment General, I am very pleased by this. Thank you to Randy, yourself and the rest of the Board.
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Very Very Happy with the Manager General, i'm sure the winning feeling will come back to Villa park real soon...
small question,
did yourself have any part in the interview/selection process?
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General, our new appointment has similarities in appearance to your good self i think. Was that one of the criteria, and did you interview him >
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How come it took so long too make the appointment?
have you ever know a manger to completely surprise a club by not only walking out on them 5 days before the start of a season but his whole backroom staff leave too? Yes, we know that coaching staff often follow a manager to their new appointment, a few weeks later perhaps, but at the same time?
No wonder this has taken some time.
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i am really really sorry general but i feel that this is an awful appointment. It took all this time and gerard houllier was the best you could come up with.
of course i will support the club as always but i am not excited about this appointment as i was when martin took over
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General
Congratulations on a clever, forward thinking appointment, made all the more difficult by the frankly enormous amount of shit the previous manager dropped us in.
I think the club have got it right.
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General. Welcome back!
Well done to you, Randy and the rest of the 'top team' on a good appointment.
My elder son has already sent me a text from Ibiza:
'Hou - lee - ays Claret & Blue Army' I think he's practising singing it with two other Villa lads in the bars in readiness for Monday night at Stoke!
P.S. Forget those stupid questions posed to you on another site by a Manxy accountant who'll now no doubt have his third leg between his legs!
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happy with the appointment of new manager.just hope we dont bring in to many players from abroad though.would like to see kev mc as assistsnt manager or in some capicity to help youngsters coming into the first team.
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General, have you had a chance to speak to the new manager? What are your initial thoughts? How does his philosophy on football and the future of Villa differ from MON?
pmk - I think you've made your point loud and clear. He's an appointment that is being welcomed by many people today, myself included. Maybe you can show that you have an open mind, and get behind him too. You've never clearly stated what your real objection with him is other than to repeat ad nauseum in every related thread how poor a choice this is.
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onwards and upwards
Well done all at VP
Mark
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A message to the Daily Mirror sports writers who obviously read this thread & seem intent to pick out and publish only negative comments about our club.
"YOU CAN FUCK OFF SOMEWHERE ELSE NOW"
General - a good / sensible appointment under the circumstances. A manager with vast experience & knowledge of not only the Premiership but world football. I think he has come here with a point to prove.
Those who think the entire process of recruiting a manager can be conducted in a few days are delusional.
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So General, about these pies...
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Hey General;
Just to let you know, the majority (included me) of Villa fans are happy with Houllier being our new manager, so just ignore the negative Villa fans who just keep on moaning and are never happy. Houllier is an interesting pick but he's won several cups and trophies which shows he's a winning and successful manager so hopefully he can get the Villa winning some cups and trophies again.
Up The Villa!
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Good work to all involved General. I'm very happy with the new manager and if Kev Mac could be part of the coaching/managerial team I think we'll have a god mix of Premiership experience, coaching ability and of course knowledge of what AVFC is all about.
UTV.
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i certainly hope kev mac remains in at villa, at least in bringing on the youth, and whilst not overly enthused with houllier's appointment, (tactically ok but seems his man-management skills leave something to be desired) will get behind him! as we all should
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Thanks to you general for your reassurances during this time. I appreciate this couldnt be easy for anyone and whilst not overwhelmed by Houllier i have total trust in the board and believe you've made the right decision
Lets win some cups!!
UTV!!!
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Well done to all involved, I feel this is an excellent result and look forward to the future with real optimism
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Use the knowledge from Clairefontaine football academy combined with our academy and then become leading academy in world football by making our academy better than Barcelona and Ajax :)
I am looking forward to GH's era.
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A departure from the main topic of coversation: General, how long do we have left on the nike deal and is there any word yet whether they/ we are looking to extend?
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General,
Before Mr Cooper gets in with the question - Will Mr Houiller be more interested in competing in the Birmingham Senior Cup than the previous manager?
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General,
Before Mr Cooper gets in with the question - Will Mr Houiller be more interested in competing in the Birmingham Senior Cup than the previous manager?
Likes this... :)
Hoping this will be better times for our club!
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i am really really sorry general but i feel that this is an awful appointment. It took all this time and gerard houllier was the best you could come up with.
of course i will support the club as always but i am not excited about this appointment as i was when martin took over
..and look where that ill informed excitement got you. Give the bloody bloke a chance. What sort of a welcome to a new manager is this?
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General, once again Aston Villa, under the stewardship of Randy, have acted with great dignity.
Lets get behind the manager and the team and show certain ex managers what they are missing...
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"edit"
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General,
thank you and Mr .Lerner for appointing a very good manager .
Its weird , when MON was appointed , I had the biggest smile on my face for days and was so over the moon. I havent got that same feeling today ,I didnt really know who I wanted as manager , as the ones I wanted were probably no go at the time , but I know GH will be better for AVFC than MON would ever be staying at this great club.
MON progressed us for 2 seasons before he lost the plot , I honestly think GH can push us forward..
So as the day goes by , my smile is actually getting bigger....
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General,
Thank you. Superb appointment of a manager with global reputation, which can only be good for us.
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Thank you general, randy and the board i for one was excited about gerard becoming manager once again thank you.
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General,
GH wouldn't have been my choice but its certainly an intersting one. There were certain deficencies left behind by the previous incumbent, notably our over-reliance on UK based players and a non-existant, or certainly non-productive, overseas scouting network. GH will no doubt remedy that situation and maybe build on the good work at youth level to improve the club from top to bottom. Remains to be seen what effect that will have on first team results.
It hasn't been officially announced what the length of his contract is but rumoured to be 3 years from various sources.
My question is - what is the business plan for the next 3 years and where does Randy want us to be at the end of the 2012-13 season?
Good luck to all
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“In fact, he stands out as a football man who understands the ethos of our club and shares our core values."
General, this is Paul Faulkner's statement.
What are our 'core values' ?
Marks and Spencer has 'core values' as does Waitrose, but we're a football club - so I am confused about this statement.
Can you please throw some light on it ?
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Well done General I'm delighted, There will be moaners (there always is) I think he's an excellent appointemt which great experience, Champion's league included.
Tell him 100% behind him, I can't make the Bolton game but I will be there against Blackburn in the cup
UTV
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“In fact, he stands out as a football man who understands the ethos of our club and shares our core values."
General, this is Paul Faulkner's statement.
What are our 'core values' ?
Marks and Spencer has 'core values' as does Waitrose, but we're a football club - so I am confused about this statement.
Can you please throw some light on it ?
Are you confused about what core values are?
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“In fact, he stands out as a football man who understands the ethos of our club and shares our core values."
General, this is Paul Faulkner's statement.
What are our 'core values' ?
Marks and Spencer has 'core values' as does Waitrose, but we're a football club - so I am confused about this statement and its meaning in relation to the Manager of the club.
Can you please throw some light on it ?
Are you confused about what core values are?
No, not at all, I'm asking the General what AVFC's core values in relation to the football club and the Manager's job.
The link to the Cutsomer Charter isn't relevant.
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“In fact, he stands out as a football man who understands the ethos of our club and shares our core values."
General, this is Paul Faulkner's statement.
What are our 'core values' ?
Marks and Spencer has 'core values' as does Waitrose, but we're a football club - so I am confused about this statement.
Can you please throw some light on it ?
Are you confused about what core values are?
No, not at all, I'm asking the General what AVFC's core values are if you please.
Try this link.
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/CustomerCharter/0,,10265,00.html
Wasn't there a booklet sent out to all of us when they relaunched the Vision about 3 years ago?
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General
It probably got lost in the previous thread. Have you ever had the delights of taking in some non league football over here?
And if not, do you fancy coming with us next time we go?
I can't imagine an American has ever watched Stourbridge play!
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I can't imagine an American has ever watched Stourbridge play!
Apologies for answering on the General's behalf but Stourbridge Town did a US tour in the 1980s.
Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean that any Americans actually watched them though
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Are you coming up to The Bartons to visit any time soon as well, General?
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Bienvenue Gerard.
This is a great appointment.
Even those of you who might not approve should make him welcome with your encouragement. His knowledge of the game and his record at club level far outweigh any other candidate.
Don't forget he was the manager when the scousers beat Small Heath in the final of the league cup. God bless him.
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Dear General,
I'd just like to show my appreciation for you taking time out to communicate with the Villa population.
In regards to GH being appointed, overall im pleased the situation has been resolved. He wouldnt of been many peoples first choice but i believe he was the best available option. Ill give him my full backing, hopefully Randy will do the same come January.
And please force Ashley Young to sign a new contract, im sure you know how to 'persuade' him given your military experience :)
MON WHO???
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General,
For the record, I am happy with the appointment of GH (although to be fair, my first impressions weren't so positive, but the more I thought about it the more I warmed to the potential of it being a success).
I was just wondering (in general terms) what the board have learned from the whole appointment process? For instance, if and when they have to go through this again, would they allow such an "information vacuum" to develop, which lead to an unending amount of speculation that seemed to test the sanity of certain villa fans (and unfair criticism of the board I think)? I fully realise that the timing of him leaving was the worst it could possibly have been, but I'm just interested in how they might approach the process in the future.
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General, do you have any information as to where Kevin MacDonald or the other loyal coaching staff stand now?
Thanks
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glad its all done and dusted now general , and i hope that gerard houllier has a happy 3 years with us - at least we are in good hands now after a turbulent few weeks for all of us . thanks for keeping us informed as best youy could general, its appreciated!
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General, as a first time contributor to the thread which I always enjoy reading and greatly appreciate that you can give the Villa fans a chance to communicate to the powers that be in our great club. Hopefully you and the board have gained some experience from the last month and whenever the Villa need a new manager in the future, you can look back to August and September 2010 and use it positively. I think GH will bring some new life to the team and hope we can improve on our 6th place finish, I know it will be tough but we will support the Villa as always because we are by far the greatest team the world has ever seen!
Great work over the last 4 and a half years and congratulations for going through the whole recruitment process with true professionalism, and hopefully next time it won't take so long.
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Please tell me you have written in his contract, that Heskey must be sold in January!
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Just a general point:
If the General's worried about the rags picking up his every word could this thread become invitation-only, like the Golden Muppets thread? We all appreciate his contact but something needs to be done.
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Just a general point:
If the General's worried about the rags picking up his every word could this thread become invitation-only, like the Golden Muppets thread? We all appreciate his contact but something needs to be done.
I suggested a move to Muppets, but it wasn't a popular idea. I think the reasons given were sound enough to be fair.
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Just a general point:
If the General's worried about the rags picking up his every word could this thread become invitation-only, like the Golden Muppets thread? We all appreciate his contact but something needs to be done.
I suggested a move to Muppets, but it wasn't a popular idea. I think the reasons given were sound enough to be fair.
Makes no difference as any reporter can become a muppet.
The only reason they were checking our forum is because we had no manager, I doubt everything he now says will be used.
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Just a general point:
If the General's worried about the rags picking up his every word could this thread become invitation-only, like the Golden Muppets thread? We all appreciate his contact but something needs to be done.
I think the General needs to put a 'clause' on here saying ' This is not for publication in any form of media ( i.e. newspaper / internet / SMS etc) without the express permission of the auther'
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General K I share the sentiments of previous posters, a good choice with G H. and please make sure that Kevin Mac gets a decent position and stays at Villa. Let's build a dynasty of future Managers.
Greetings from shaky Christchurch :o
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Could you comment on the comments that the new Managers made about him beliving we are "not on the same level as Liverpool" and that "It's a club that according to me has belonged between seventh and 12th place in the Premier League" implying Villa. I know you've said your disappointment in the reaction of Aston Villa fans with the appointment but I feel as though these statements could be misinterprited easily as though he's not compited to Aston Villa and would rather a role at Liverpool and I belive Villa should to be second best to anyone.
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Dear General
Good that you have found a new manager, all the best wishes to Gerard Houllier. The media have had some stories about fans not being pleased with the appointment, but a survey on Villatalk says that 86% are happy with the appointment, so I hope you and Gerard Houllier feel you have some backing!
All the best for the future.
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The statement by our new manager does not show him in a positive frame stating that Villa are a mid table team. Yes we have had our ups and downs but to state that he does not see Villa other than a 7th to 12th team does not agree with RL statement that he was aiming for a top place.
If GH has not signed his contract then I suggest you put him on a slow ferry back to France with a one way ticket.
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Makes no difference as any reporter can become a muppet.
The only reason they were checking our forum is because we had no manager, I doubt everything he now says will be used.
Erm......pigs in mud ring any bells?
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Makes no difference as any reporter can become a muppet.
The only reason they were checking our forum is because we had no manager, I doubt everything he now says will be used.
That was pretty funny though wasn't it ;)
General K,
A sound appointment bringing in Gerard Houllier.
He's a winner for sure
UTV
Erm......pigs in mud ring any bells?
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General, I'm an AVTV subscriber. As is its intent, it allows me to keep up with all things Villa while living away from home. Why on earth then would I not be able to watch the press conference with Gerard Houllier live? You can watch it on the BBC website, but only if you live in the UK. Surely you can empathise given like me you spend a lot of your time in North America. Mangerial appointments don't happen very often so this is a big deal and I am rather disappointed that this was not thought of. Please pass this on to whoever runs AVTV, though it will be too late to do anything about this now.
ps. I was able to watch a recorded version on AVTV eventually but my intial point stands. By the way, he looks like a very good choice. Very confident, laid back, and a proven winner with experience. Shame he can't take up the job straight away, but so be it. We'll hopefully look forward to many good years with him at the helm.
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Makes no difference as any reporter can become a muppet.
It'd say vice versa makes more sense! ;)
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i want to congratulate the board on what could well be an inspired appointment.
Houllier looks like a born winner and the right man to take us forward.
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Congratulations to the appointment! It seems that every time the board is rocked by events, they come out stronger.
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General can you point Gerrard to the premier league website, he will find in the statistics section that we come 5th in the all time premier league table,
So we do not belong between 7th-12th, but towards the top of tge league competing for as much as possible.
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General, will you playing this movie on any of the big-screens at Villa Park?
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NG5Q9C8AL.jpg)
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General can you point Gerrard to the premier league website, he will find in the statistics section that we come 5th in the all time premier league table,
So we do not belong between 7th-12th, but towards the top of tge league competing for as much as possible.
How about if the question was "how do you remember Aston Villa from your time at Liverpool?", and the answer without looking at the stats in detail was what he gave. Would he have been that wrong? There were times we came in the top 6, times we came 7th, and we even came 16th in 2003. Without knowing the actual question, which isn't printed, we're jumping all over him. Some of us on here need to develop thicker skins.
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Am I allowed to say i've never been so underwhelmed by anything since I first heard 'Illumination' by Paul Weller?
Fairly baffling appointment and it seems Houllier is possibly underwhelmed by a team that (according to him and him alone) finishes between 7th and 12th. I still think Mark, Chico and myself could have done it as a job share and whatsmore we're all available to work now.
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General, I wonder if Houllier has any relationship with Carlos Quieroz. He'd make a superb assistant manager, and possible future Villa boss. It's a shame KM didn't want this, but it presents the opportunity for someone else now. Having great coaches at the club will push us forward in leaps and bounds, and help attract better players. Just a thought.
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General Krulak here:
1. Thanks for the many comments re. our new Manager. We certainly recognize that we cannot please everyone but we honestly believe we made the "right" choice at this time. GH understands our Club, understands where we want to go, has a very good sense of our ethos and traditions, and is excited about being part of the Villa. He is a good person...there is not a fan who would not like him if you met him. At the end of the day, Villa is both a Family and a Partnership...interestingly, the members of both are the same. We have the Fans, the Players, the Manager, the Coaches, the Staff at Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath, the Board and the Owner. EVERY member wants the very best for the Club. EVERY member wants to shoot as high as we can. Like any Family or Partnership, we can have our honest disagreements...we can have our ups and downs. But at the end of the day, the strength of any Family or Partnership is found in the mutual respect and support we show each other. I am very excited about GH joining the Family and Partnership and he has my total support.
2 We have the greatest respect for KM and for what he has done for the Club over the past weeks. He stepped in at a crucial time and we should all be very greatful to him. He selflessly mannned the ramparts and did all that needed to be done. We are fortunate to have him with us. I know each of you join me in expressing our deep appreciation for what he has done.
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General,
When do you realistically expect him to take over the helm?
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welcome back General
The new manager is a very good appointment ..
Lets keep moving forward
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General, are you able to to tell us of any plans to make up for this farce of a release date for this season's kits?
3 months after the league season began is pathetic, I've never seen a top flight team make such a mess of their kit release. It's all well and good saying Nike are to blame, but when you, once again, delay the announcement of the sponsor (like it was a surprise that we'd need to look for one), the club has to take a large part of the blame.
Will we be keeping the same kits for next season? Or will we be finding another excuse for an August release (if we're lucky?).
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General, are you able to to tell us of any plans to make up for this farce of a release date for this season's kits?
It will probably be available before the new manager.
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GeNeral I really think that the club should announce that they intend to keep the home and away kit for next season as well as the release date of November is quite frankly not good enough value .
We always seem last to release our shirts and are missing out in revenue because of this-please could you make efforts to make sure this shirt has an 18 month lifespan other than just 6 months, or reduce it to half price!
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General, who will be in the frame for supplying our shirts next season as I don't think Nike have lived up to expectations this time around.
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General I appreciate your probably fed up with the new replica shirt saga.
Can you confirm if this will now be a two year deal? I was going to buy both but no-way am I forking out £110 for two shirts that are going to run out in may
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General I appreciate your probably fed up with the new replica shirt saga.
Can you confirm if this will now be a two year deal? I was going to buy both but no-way am I forking out £110 for two shirts that are going to run out in may
....and have players names printed for free on the back who get shipped out 5 weeks later in January, potentially !??
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General, thanks for your comments about our new manager, I think you'll find we're all behind him, when he actually starts that is.
As for the kit debacle, words fail me if the club honestly believe that sticking with a £45 price tag and trying to show it as a £5 saving off the RRP is fair. Most people don't get numbers etc stuck on their shirts so the free printing is another red herring.
Frankly I think that the 'deal' on offer is offensive unless the club is keeping the same shirt and sponsor for next season. Please will you confirm whether this is the case and ensure the club put out another official statement to ensure the supporters are making an informed decision when buying the kit. Thank you.
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I don't blame the club I blame Nike, im not gonna be puersued by £5 off
I'd rather go to sports soccer and spend £10 in June
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General,
Given that:
1. Nike used a template for our home and away kit that they gave to RC Lens in France in 2008/09 season and effectively just changed the colours and the badge, whilst bringing out new templates this season for its other teams; and
2. they have been unable to properly manufacture both the new kits
do you think that that the club and fans have received a below standard level of service from Nike?
p.s. let's go back to umbro and recreate the 80-81 shirts mocked up on here in the summer
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As other posters have mentioned, with Nike recycling other team's kit designs for us, followed by this utter farce in making them available, I think serious questions need to be asked as to their commitment to the partnership.
As it is, I think that keeping these kits for a second season is not only advisable, it's the only solution that's in any way acceptable.
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I personally think charging £45 for a replica shirt that will only be valid for 7 months is awful
I feel that every season ticket holder should be sent a shirt free of charge
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I personally think charging £45 for a replica shirt that will only be valid for 7 months is awful
I feel that every season ticket holder should be sent a shirt free of charge
That's fine, as long as you don't start moaning when we can't sign players due to a drastic cut in our turnover.
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I personally think charging £45 for a replica shirt that will only be valid for 7 months is awful
I feel that every season ticket holder should be sent a shirt free of charge
That's fine, as long as you don't start moaning when we can't sign players due to a drastic cut in our turnover.
dont care lol, as long as we all get a free shirt :-)
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I personally think charging £45 for a replica shirt that will only be valid for 7 months is awful
I feel that every season ticket holder should be sent a shirt free of charge
That's fine, as long as you don't start moaning when we can't sign players due to a drastic cut in our turnover.
Hold on Villa have fucked up here, chelsea played in their new kit last season, ours is still not ready?
How much revenue have we lost not having a replica shirt for sale? i always buy both kits for my summer holiday but now i will probably only buy one (even though it is the worst kit i can remember), so we are loosing revenue already.
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General, when Nike came on board, were they convinced that, with the connections the club had with IMG (was it IMG?), a new billionaire owner, etc, that we were going to be the team to crack the 'Top 4' and now they're simply not bothered with us and are using this 'delay' as a way of getting Villa to cancel the contract?
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General, when Nike came on board, were they convinced that, with the connections the club had with IMG (was it IMG?), a new billionaire owner, etc, that we were going to be the team to crack the 'Top 4' and now they're simply not bothered with us and are using this 'delay' as a way of getting Villa to cancel the contract?
Interesting theory Troy.
General
Does this cock up with the new kits affect the deal with FX Pro at all? Presumably they were expecting to have 50,000 people walking round Birmingham advertising their product all season, which now isn't going to happen until November.
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Hi General
I'm not sure if this has been mentioned before, I'm aware that the big screen by the North Stand and Doug Ellis has been taken down because of the work planned for the North Stand but is there any plans for the screen to return this season?
I know there is a temporary electronic board in place on the opposite end, but to be honest theres quite a few of us in the Upper Trinity stand missing the screen :-(
Thanks
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General
Many people are cheesed off with the kit debacle and have suggested that the new kit is retained for next season as well.
Is there any truth in the rumour that next seasons kit will involve a chequered design and that it may be like the Croatia kit in its style?
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General Krulak here:
1. The kit: Obviously the Club is HUGELY disappointed in the kit issue. As far as I can determine, the initial production was faulty...a loose weave that would have caused snagging and possible ripping. There was no way that the Club would put a substandard item on sale for its Fans. Simple as that. The new sponsor timing had absolutely NOTHING to do with this issue. It is easy to say that we should have had the new sponsor earlier...but that would not have changed this issue AND, getting the new sponsor WAS started very early but nailing down the contract is not necessarily all in our purview. Nike has indicated that they will provide some financial help as a result of this problem but that misses the key point...we WANT our Fans to have the new shirt. Heck, I want one! We have a contract with Nike that goes for one more year. There is absolutely NO indication that Nike has an issue with our 6th place finish...that is simply not the case. This was a production problem that was solely a Nike problem...we can be blamed for many things (I certainly can!!) but the loose weave is not one we should shoulder. We are as upset as the fans.
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General Sir
I was wondering if you could be of help on an issue!?
I visited the villa village this am and then the store in B'ham centre.
On sale in both stores is the 1982 Davenports villa shirt home and away!
I really want to purchase the home one in size large!
There are none in stock and I couldn't get an answer on future deliveries?
I was told to look online but having just dove that the Davenports home shirt is not on sale online but the away one us which is a bit strange!?
Is there anyone I could contact in regards ordering me one in?
Kind regards
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I personally don't have a problem with the new shirt being delayed (even though I think it's not very good service) because I think too many people get sucked into buying a new shirt every season. I hope we stick with Nike for a long time because afterall, Nike are the biggest and best sportswear company in the world with all the best teams having Nike as their kit sponsor and with Villa having Nike, it only does more good making us having a great kit sponsor who make kits for big teams. As they say over in America, ''look good feel good play good''
Nike > any other kit sponsor.
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General Krulak here:
1. The kit: Obviously the Club is HUGELY disappointed in the kit issue. As far as I can determine, the initial production was faulty...a loose weave that would have caused snagging and possible ripping. There was no way that the Club would put a substandard item on sale for its Fans. Simple as that. The new sponsor timing had absolutely NOTHING to do with this issue. It is easy to say that we should have had the new sponsor earlier...but that would not have changed this issue AND, getting the new sponsor WAS started very early but nailing down the contract is not necessarily all in our purview. Nike has indicated that they will provide some financial help as a result of this problem but that misses the key point...we WANT our Fans to have the new shirt. Heck, I want one! We have a contract with Nike that goes for one more year. There is absolutely NO indication that Nike has an issue with our 6th place finish...that is simply not the case. This was a production problem that was solely a Nike problem...we can be blamed for many things (I certainly can!!) but the loose weave is not one we should shoulder. We are as upset as the fans.
Thanks general,
so this financial help from nike the club are getting. is this going to be passed onto the fans in some form of discount on the shirts becasue i usually but the home and the away shirt each season but this season i dont want to pay £45 for a shirt ( and i dont care if there is free shirt printing as i thinkn its tacky ) so this season i may not be buying one and i will be dissapointed that i can have the shirts to wear to the games but what is the point in paying £90 in november for two shirts and then possibly paying another £90 in july / august next year.
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General
You missed my question, is this going to be a two year deal or will the shirts be replaced one again next year!!
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General we do appreciate you coming on here, but do you actually read the thread's posts before you comment?
Because you are not even answering half the questions in this thread.
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General,
You seem to keep coming out with the same comments. It sounds like your actually trying to convince yourself that everythings ok. What with the comments Houllier has come out with over the past few days and now with the kit situation. Things seem to be getting worse, not better. Do you really not know when Gerard will be starting work? This would be crazy! I hope he's not getting paid!
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General,
You seem to keep coming out with the same comments. It sounds like your actually trying to convince yourself that everythings ok. What with the comments Houllier has come out with over the past few days and now with the kit situation. Things seem to be getting worse, not better. Do you really not know when Gerard will be starting work? This would be crazy! I hope he's not getting paid!
Crikey. The kit situation isn't good I'll grant you but it's not the end of the world. As for Houllier, do you think relegation is on the cards if he doesn't start tomorrow? Or do you think we might just make it through alive if he doesn't start until after Bolton? What a ludricrously dramatic post. Imagine if you were a fan of Man City. You'd have completely melted down given what they've spent and the start they've made. Honestly, this is getting ridiculous.
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General
is this delayed kit going to be a two year deal or will the shirts be replaced one again next year?
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General,
You seem to keep coming out with the same comments. It sounds like your actually trying to convince yourself that everythings ok. What with the comments Houllier has come out with over the past few days and now with the kit situation. Things seem to be getting worse, not better. Do you really not know when Gerard will be starting work? This would be crazy! I hope he's not getting paid!
Crikey. The kit situation isn't good I'll grant you but it's not the end of the world. As for Houllier, do you think relegation is on the cards if he doesn't start tomorrow? Or do you think we might just make it through alive if he doesn't start until after Bolton? What a ludricrously dramatic post. Imagine if you were a fan of Man City. You'd have completely melted down given what they've spent and the start they've made. Honestly, this is getting ridiculous.
I don't think relegation is on the cards at all but I pay good money to travel up and watch the Villa. If we were going to be relegated i'd still go and watch. But i get the feeling this season isn't being taken seriously.
1) squad not being strengthened
2) dunno when the manager starts ( or when he can get to games )
3) out of europe already ( again )
4) can't even buy the replica shirt until November. ( september was long enough to wait )
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General Krulak here:
1. Vinnie Chase 84: Call John Greenfield at Villa Park, ext 500.
2. pmk1981: The money from Nike will be utilized to help meet lost revenue...we know that we will not sell as many shirts because of this and lowering the price will not solve the problem.
3. I do read the entire thread...BUT, the issues we have been facing over the past month have caused me to focus on them vice individual comments and questions. Rest assured that I pass all comments to the Club...good, bad and ugly.
4. I confess that I don't know what our contract with Nike calls for with re. to the shirt deal...a shirt every year or if we can go with one every two years. I am sure that our legal people are looking at that. Our deal with Nike has one more year to run.
5. West Sussex Villan: Since I don't agree with your premise, I have a hard time answering you. Life doesn'ty always go smoothly...I can tell you that from long experience. I am not pollyanna but I am also not going to fall on my sword over what has happened over the past month or so. Simply put, we have been faced with certain situations...we have done our best to fix them as they have arisen. I am sure that some Fans feel we could have done better...so be it. All I can tell you is that we are focused on what is coming, not on what has happened. I have never thought that steering by the wake is a good idea...so we will steer by the stars. We are focused on tomorrow!!
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Thank you
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I have never thought that steering by the wake is a good idea...so we will steer by the stars.
General
Have you thought about getting a satnav?
*wink*
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General Krulak here:
4. ............... Our deal with Nike has one more year to run.
General, as a NED, please advise the board that you want this cancelled now so that we can look at Adidas and Puma as the alternatives as Nike has surely got to be binned now, we can't put any more money the way of Nike surely.
Merci beaucoup !
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General Krulak here:
1. Vinnie Chase 84: Call John Greenfield at Villa Park, ext 500.
2. pmk1981: The money from Nike will be utilized to help meet lost revenue...we know that we will not sell as many shirts because of this and lowering the price will not solve the problem.
3. I do read the entire thread...BUT, the issues we have been facing over the past month have caused me to focus on them vice individual comments and questions. Rest assured that I pass all comments to the Club...good, bad and ugly.
4. I confess that I don't know what our contract with Nike calls for with re. to the shirt deal...a shirt every year or if we can go with one every two years. I am sure that our legal people are looking at that. Our deal with Nike has one more year to run.
5. West Sussex Villan: Since I don't agree with your premise, I have a hard time answering you. Life doesn'ty always go smoothly...I can tell you that from long experience. I am not pollyanna but I am also not going to fall on my sword over what has happened over the past month or so. Simply put, we have been faced with certain situations...we have done our best to fix them as they have arisen. I am sure that some Fans feel we could have done better...so be it. All I can tell you is that we are focused on what is coming, not on what has happened. I have never thought that steering by the wake is a good idea...so we will steer by the stars. We are focused on tomorrow!!
Hi General,
Ok i realise that, but are the club going to do anything for the fans who have spent their hard earned money year in year out on these shirts ?
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Yes, they are going to freeze the prices on them from last year.
Hey, I cant wait for the next question on shirts.
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Lets face it, We have had lots of problems with shirts and sponsors etc... over the years, remember when we started a season without a sponsor! [although this did mean that I got a shirt without a sponsons name on it]
I have to admit that I have not bought myself a new shirt for many years, due to 1. cost and 2. changing kit every season
We all know how the marketing of a new kit has been done
1. The new away shirt is launched prior to the summer holidays, so we all buy it to wear when on our holidays
2. the new home shirt is launched just prior to the new season starting, thus generating sales on both home and away shirts.
For a company the size of Nike not to be able to solve a simply error in a quicker timeframe is pretty piss poor!
As for the design, can't say I like it much [but I imagine that there is a whole lot that do] i always think that a football 'shirt' should have a collar!
The main issue with the kit is the timing of a possible new shirt after this one, like others have said, to spend £45 on a shirt that will be out of date in 7-8 months is not good [considering these times we are in] it will be interesting to know if our season ticket sales are down [Wolves are]
I'm a little unsure as to why we canot state now how long the design is valid for???? surely this was part of the initial contract????
I'm possitive that someone in the commercial dept at VP will know the answer [but with the delay in the new kit launch perhaps the club just don't want to say]
Just my thoughts
Mark
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Yes, they are going to freeze the prices on them from last year.
Hey, I cant wait for the next question on shirts.
If, on the day that Houllier eventually starts work, the shirts land at Villa Village, which will be the first to be announced on facebook? Will Houllier's first job be to stretch the NEW top or will he have too much work to catch up on? Will his shirt have Houllier on, or GH? Will it have a number?
Will Houllier be wearing the
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The first person to stretch the new shirt will have been Richard Dunne.
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General,
I've just made up a rumour that Houllier is responsible for the hold-up in the shirt deliveries as he wants to be the first in the queue. As such, the new replica tops will be delivered direct to his office and everyone has to go there instead of the Villa shop so he can say 'ner, ner, ner-ner, ner'.
Care to make a comment for the Evening Mail's front page?
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simple answer to the shirt issue, if you dont like it, or the situation, etc etc, then dont buy it...
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simple answer to the shirt issue, if you dont like it, or the situation, etc etc, then dont buy it...
Thats the best solution, if your not happy dont get it
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General
Any truth in the rumour that next season's shirts will be chequered?
If this is the case, will they be a claret and blue version of the Croatia shirt?
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General, when are you planning to pop over again for a meet up with Monsiour Houllier and of course, see the team play and have that walk around the Holte that you so love ! ?
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I personally don't have a problem with the new shirt being delayed (even though I think it's not very good service) because I think too many people get sucked into buying a new shirt every season. I hope we stick with Nike for a long time because afterall, Nike are the biggest and best sportswear company in the world with all the best teams having Nike as their kit sponsor and with Villa having Nike, it only does more good making us having a great kit sponsor who make kits for big teams. As they say over in America, ''look good feel good play good''
Nike > any other kit sponsor.
every one knows adidas are the original and best at everything! Retro and kits, nike would never have fucked manure, Barca, et al like this, we have been treated shabbily and they dont give a frig!
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General is it sensible to unveil a manager but then not have him take over for a number of weeks leaving the team in limbo? I appreciate notice periods and all that in "usual" employment but o other team seems to have this holding period when employing a manager - why us?
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Is it worth me adding Mr H to my Christmas card list, General? I don't really want to pay to send it to France.
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General
Is it fair on Kevin Mac to have him in charge for any longer than is absolutely necessary, given that he was interviewed and rejected for the job?
Apart from having an impact on the team, it seems very unfair to expect him to be in charge again at the weekend.
I've got a horrible feeling that things are "drifting" now, which worries me.
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General,
Can we get Houllier in as quickly as possible, we lost three points tonight because we're making simple mistakes that players actually getting coached should fix.
Also, can you tell Dunne to stop with the pies and ask Houllier to threaten Warnock with a loan spell at Coventry, again.
Thanks.
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General, what is your opinion on the fact that our "manager" was at an award ceremony in France tonight, whilst Tony Pulis was bereaving the death of his mother today, and still went out of his way to ensure he was there for the second half inspiring his team?
Obviously Mr. Houllier has contract issues, but you'd honestly think the club would have sorted these issues out with the FFF quite sometime ago. We have had zero preparation. Laughing stock tonight. Same old shit.
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They have a manager who sadly lost a family member, but still turned up and changed the game round with his substitutions. We had a "manager" at an awards dinner, and we still don't know when he starts. We're a laughing stock at the moment, a leaderless, rudderless ship. Shambles.
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General
First time I've posted on this thread as I can remember and I would have to agree with Paulie. I'm sure we all know that having a bloke in charge of the team who has been turned down for the job he wanted just isn't good both for Kevin or the club. We can't continue to blame MON's dash for the ongoing confusion and at the very least Villa and Houllier need to give a date when this situation is going to be resolved.
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General K does the Board have any idea when Houllier will be in 100% charge of the team.
If they do is there any chance you will tell the fans.
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The whole appointment of our new manager has been nothing short of a shambles. The whole procedure was wrong, we should have identified a No1 target and gone out and got him, if wasn't available you look at the next on the list. This whole applying bollocks makes us sound like Walsall.
So, over a month after O'Neill goes were still without a manager who is sitting in France eating his posh dinner at an awards ceremony whilst Tony Pullis can still turn up after the death of his mother.
The lack of signings, the cock up of the replica shirts... if this had have happened 5 years ago there would be protests down the Trinity Road.
Not good enough.
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They have a manager who sadly lost a family member, but still turned up and changed the game round with his substitutions. We had a "manager" at an awards dinner, and we still don't know when he starts. We're a laughing stock at the moment, a leaderless, rudderless ship. Shambles.
I think that sums it up just about perfectly.
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In my experience when someone is successful in an interview and is offered the role it is customary for the employer to ask when he or she can start work.
Mr Houlliers comments during his press conference seem to indicate that neither he or the club know just when that is likely to be.
Personally I am at a loss as to what is going on, in particular handing the managerial role role back to an unsuccessful candidate.
The press have indicated that Mr Houllier is to be paid a substantial salary - could the club not therefore offer the FFF a compensation payment to ensure his immediate release.
I fully appreciate that the previous incumbant dropped us in the **** however the manner in which his replacement has been appointed appears a little awry.
I do not think I am alone in wanting an answer to the question - "When will Mr Houllier take up his position?"
Like many others I purchased a season ticket with great expectations for the new season -again I realise that the departure of the previous manager was sudden, however the 3 defeats so far this season indicates that the playing staff are perhaps treading water and if we are not careful the season will be written off before it has started. This together with the issue regarding replica kits is starting to make the club look very small time . I make no apologies for appearing negative ... like many others I have committed to a season ticket during testing economic times and I am concerned with the way the club seems to be "drifting" away from the bright future we all crave.
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The Board will say that they have done everything to solve the issues from Manager to Shirts but in all honesty General can you expect the supporters to believe that when you look at our current situation? Would any club at this level carry on in the way that we currently are?
We are a laughing stock atm and look like a club with no direction. Tony Pulis take a bow tonight, that is about leadership!
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GK, you usually alleviate many of our fears and keep us on the positive side of reassurance on here
Gerard was a successful applicant/interviewee for the post....what is the latest update on his starting date please ?
If i was told i was unsuccessful like Kev Mac but then asked to carry on in a superior role for one i am usually paid for i dont think i would be quite so motivated....professional/businessman or other
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General
I can only agree with the comments that have been made about the new manager or should I say the french man who will be our manager soon (but not sure when)
When the Mr Lerner took over my club I believed that at last we had got an owner who would give us a bright future but at the moment it seems that we are becoming a rudderless ship, and there is alot of apathy amongst the fans at the moment!! as the drop in attendances has proved
Can you please let us know the exact date when Mr H will become our Manager??, and can you please explain to him that 12th place is not good enough for this club!!
Also would it not be possible for Mr Lerner to give an interview to the local press or even in the programme and clearly explain his vision of where the club is and the plans for the future?
A response to this would be great
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I'm sorry general , but I agree with some posters that the way we are being run is very worrying at the moment- this is football and not the NFL and having spent nothing on the team this summer , we now have a manager who can't manage us and shirts 4 months late- if this had happened under ellis there would be uproar- randy us lucky to have escaped the flack!
Why did you not keep Steve stride on the payroll- it seems faulkener is way out of his depth .
As for houllier we need him now not next week or next month!
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Dear General
Like many others, I must admit at feeling angry and dissapointed at the present situation regarding the lack of clarity over just when GH will start. Can the club please communicate with us loyal fans as to just when this is going to happen?
P.S Unlike many, I saw many poisitives from our play tonight.
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General, I have to say it's about time Mr Lerner came out and told the fans exactly what's goimg on! He can't just stay in the shadows all the time especially in these uncertain times. WE NEED STRONG LEADERSHIP AND DIRECTION!! not the current rudderless ship. I can't even buy a replica shirt if I wanted to! I backed the club by spending £495.00 on a season ticket - but what have I got in return?
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General i have to say letting Steve Stride go was not the smartest move, at least he knew the premiership
from back to front we appear to have gone from one calamity to another since his departure.
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I am really angry and disheartened by Aston Villa.
Does Randy understand that it is alot easier to keep a fanbase than too attract one?
Because the shambolic way Aston Villa is being run is driving fans away.
We should be planning for the future, instead we have appointed a manager who can't actually manage yet, on a short term contract.
We have not invested in the squad sufficiently, goals win you games and when we turn up at Stoke and they have 4 strikers that would walk into our team (tuncay,fuller,jones,eidur), is very underwhelming. They are Stoke for gooness sake.
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General,
Proud history bright future ..........? I for one feel as much as the club lifted with the appointment of Martin and your takeover ,it is spiraling lower and lower , if seems to be a laughing stock I'm some cases .we ned to be stabilized quickly , silly things like the shirts is poor , could you imAgine uproar at other clubs if they could not go and buy their shirts until month or so before January sales .and now the manager situation is a joke no signing , we were inferior to stoke for goodness sake in terms of bench , not that we would have changed it tactically .Randy needs to start speaking I think , sometimes the silence is too much , I for one am bemused by this season s on goings .do me a favor let our manager know the result .
Fingers crossed for the comedy to end ,
Up the villa
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General
It is a poor day when we have to resort to selling tickets for the Chelsea game at £15 each. That match is just over a month away. It would appear that the club have no confidence in things getting better in that period to have to resort to cheap seats for a match in the highest category of ticket pricing.
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General
It is a poor day when we have to resort to selling tickets for the Chelsea game at £15 each. That match is just over a month away. It would appear that the club have no confidence in things getting better in that period to have to resort to cheap seats for a match in the highest category of ticket pricing.
Would you rather pay £40?
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General
If I was the critical type - "Shower of Shit" and "Couldn't organise a Piss up in Aston Manor Brewery" would spring to mind!
Luckily I'm not and to show my commitment to the club I have my kids and their mates working all hours making replica shirts to sell to loyal fans at a very reasonable price. Its amazing what can be done with Crayola and T-shirts from George.
Let me know your size and I will make sure I save one for you.
Cheers
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General
It is a poor day when we have to resort to selling tickets for the Chelsea game at £15 each. That match is just over a month away. It would appear that the club have no confidence in things getting better in that period to have to resort to cheap seats for a match in the highest category of ticket pricing.
Would you rather pay £40?
As it happens, my seats have already been paid for so I have no say in the matter.
I was pointing out what a poor state we are in when we have to resort to cheap seats a month in advance of a match against one of the top clubs in the league.
If this continues then there will be fewer and fewer season ticket holders if they can pick up tickets on a match by match basis at such a price. Ticket prices like this used to apply for games like Wigan and Bolton; not Chelsea.
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If this continues then there will be fewer and fewer season ticket holders if they can pick up tickets on a match by match basis at such a price.
Spot on and I fall into this category as I'm sure plenty of others do.
I must have got something wrong though as last week I paid £35.00 for my Bolton ticket and today received a post card from the club offering me a ticket for £10.00!!
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General
It is a poor day when we have to resort to selling tickets for the Chelsea game at £15 each. That match is just over a month away. It would appear that the club have no confidence in things getting better in that period to have to resort to cheap seats for a match in the highest category of ticket pricing.
Would you rather pay £40?
As it happens, my seats have already been paid for so I have no say in the matter.
I was pointing out what a poor state we are in when we have to resort to cheap seats a month in advance of a match against one of the top clubs in the league.
If this continues then there will be fewer and fewer season ticket holders if they can pick up tickets on a match by match basis at such a price. Ticket prices like this used to apply for games like Wigan and Bolton; not Chelsea.
Me & my mate were season tickets for years, There was always offer's bring your mate for a tenner etc. I used to get pissed off about it, as you say your ticket is paid for, I gave up my season ticket 2 years ago now and I can count on one hand the amount of times I have been able to take advantage of the same offer.
Isn't this for the north stand only?
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If this continues then there will be fewer and fewer season ticket holders if they can pick up tickets on a match by match basis at such a price.
Spot on and I fall into this category as I'm sure plenty of others do.
I must have got something wrong though as last week I paid £35.00 for my Bolton ticket and today received a post card from the club offering me a ticket for £10.00!!
Sell your £35 ticket then and keep the £10 one.
How hard is that? ;)
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Is that an offer Troy? I will let you off the booking fee.
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General please could we have a chief executive who has a knowledge of football business- Steve stride, peter kenyon, rick parry or someone of that ilk as I am extemely concerned how things seem to be going downhill under Faulkner.
I appreciate as randy's friend you are going to back him on everything but he really needs to get a grip of this club rather than be in the states for the start of his beloved browns season.
is it really possible to run 2 clubs in 2 continents successfully- fans of the browns seem to have been critical of mr Lerner a lot and his record as owner there hardly inspires great belief that he can get villa where we want to be.
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im not surprised that the tickets are that price...
who the hell wants to come and watch our managerless club get battered by chelsea, as the useless fat waste of space heskey ambles around the pitch like a dodo, flicking the ball onto their defenders, and the statue like petrov (captain? my arse) gets bypassed for the 15th time in 3 mins...
i am dreading the game, as i am most villa matches this season...
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God help us on Saturday with kmac in charge- kevin davies
ust be licking his lips in anticipation and It is a sad state of affairs when we have a man in charge who has been turned down for the job only days earlier- he cannot be blamed as it's not his fault but why the he'll go public about wanting him to apply and then when he doesn't get the job everyone knows he was turned down.
I am fully behind gerard houllier but by god we need him now- can we not buy out his remaining few weeks of his contract rather than dally about ?
Hardly good man management fron randy - surely after 4 games he could see kmac wasn't up to it and should have had a quiet word before kmac went public about wanting the job- the entire management process has been farcical and I would be appalled if a lower league club acted in this way let alone Aston villa- people used to respect us, now they laugh at us.
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Dear General
Being out of Europe, surely the Carling Cup must now have a higher priority? I ask because I will be disappointed to see the reserves play against Blackburn next week.
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General
For someone who walked out in such a strop as O'Neill seemed to do, he has remained very tight lipped on the whole affair. Can you shed any light on why he may have chosen to do so as presumably he would have had no compensation and, therefore, no secrecy clause.
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For someone who walked out in such a strop as O'Neill seemed to do, he has remained very tight lipped on the whole affair. Can you shed any light on why he may have chosen to do so as presumably he would have had no compensation and, therefore, no secrecy clause.
DC5, I asked the very same question on this thread about 3 weeks ago.
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For someone who walked out in such a strop as O'Neill seemed to do, he has remained very tight lipped on the whole affair. Can you shed any light on why he may have chosen to do so as presumably he would have had no compensation and, therefore, no secrecy clause.
DC5, I asked the very same question on this thread about 3 weeks ago.
Has the question been answered to your satisfaction?
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In fairness, the questions for the General were flying in thick and fast at the time.
But it wasn't answered at all
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General,
What is going to happen regarding the position of chief-scout? Will it become an in-club appointment or will it remain the preserve of the manager? Would it not be better to have a man at the club whose sole job it is to be employed by Aston Villa, and be answerable to Aston Villa. Maybe he can then also employ scouts out of his own budget. Obviously, if a manager wants to look at a player he does that anyway, but he could also ask the scouts to look at certain players as all managers have different ideas on players. but, what we can't keep repeating - and I don't know if this does happen - is when a managergoes and takes these people with him leaving a huge hole behind.
So, will we look to appoint a scout, or will we let Houllier do it? If we are doing it, who are the contenders?
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General
I see that having been encouraged to apply for the job, not get it, then be asked to fill in for an indeterminate amount of time until the new boss starts, Kevin MacDonald is assessing his future with the club. Can we afford to lose yet another vital part of the coaching infrastructure?
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General
If as expected Mr H, is at the game on Saturday then surely he could be the Manager for the match against Bolton (i.e team talk, make substitutions etc....), or are there contractual reasons that he is unable to do this? or is this too much trouble for him to do?
I seem to remember that the day after MON took charge that he was straight on the touchline to manage us in a friendly in Germany
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General
I seem to remember that the day after MON took charge that he was straight on the touchline to manage us in a friendly in Germany
He wasn't on the touchline, he was in the Directors box with Doug.
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General -
Cheap tickets for every game and fothcoming games should be applauded for trying to get the fans in, but can you tell me why the hell I bothered with a season ticket?
At the moment it seems it would have been cheaper for me to buy them on a match by match basis. Of course I get my 10% discount on my replica shir..... oh no I can't can I?
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General
I see that having been encouraged to apply for the job, not get it, then be asked to fill in for an indeterminate amount of time until the new boss starts, Kevin MacDonald is assessing his future with the club. Can we afford to lose yet another vital part of the coaching infrastructure?
Alternatively, why not sit on it until February 1st then come up with something?
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General
I see that having been encouraged to apply for the job, not get it, then be asked to fill in for an indeterminate amount of time until the new boss starts, Kevin MacDonald is assessing his future with the club. Can we afford to lose yet another vital part of the coaching infrastructure?
They, I think, found a decent replacement for Mon so finding a new reserve team coach shouldn't be beyond them.
Mind appointing a number 2 even 3 to Houllier shouldn't be as demanding a task either, and it seemingly is. Where there none at the meeting in France last night I wonder.
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Oh, they found a replacement did they? When does our manager start? We were told that they would take time to get the right man. They didn't say that we'd then have to wait until God knows when to have our manager start, and also have to then find a number two.
This has been a bloody shambles and the board and ex-manager, between them, have cost us 6 points in the league, our place in the Europa league, and God knows whatever else until we have some stability at the helm. Which we still haven't got and its mid September. Bright future indeed.
General, Randy is still seen very positively by if not all, the vast majority, and whilst it is admirable that you should always strive to be positive about him, this summer has been truly awful. Between the board and the manager you couldn't have given us a worse August and September if you tried of the pitch. It is being reflected on the pitch and whilst I appreciate, and accept, that the club are working hard to rectify it and give us a solid foundation once more, this really needs to be put to be bed as soon as possible. And every single one of you involved should hold up your hands and say as you Americans do, 'My bad'.
This is bloody ridiculous now.
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Oh, they found a replacement did they? When does our manager start?
This is bloody ridiculous now.
General, there seems to be some question that the Board have found their new manager, now.
< shakes head thingy>
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General
Is the current shambles having an effect on the stability of the, previously excellent, Reserve / Youth / Academy structure?
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General,
What is going to happen regarding the position of chief-scout? Will it become an in-club appointment or will it remain the preserve of the manager? Would it not be better to have a man at the club whose sole job it is to be employed by Aston Villa, and be answerable to Aston Villa. Maybe he can then also employ scouts out of his own budget. Obviously, if a manager wants to look at a player he does that anyway, but he could also ask the scouts to look at certain players as all managers have different ideas on players. but, what we can't keep repeating - and I don't know if this does happen - is when a managergoes and takes these people with him leaving a huge hole behind.
So, will we look to appoint a scout, or will we let Houllier do it? If we are doing it, who are the contenders?
That is an excellent idea, Graham Taylor was on the radio last night saying that he attended a meeting with Paul Faulkener, Randy couldn't attend apparently, and GT's idea was that the club employ directly the staff for the manager, rather than the manager bringing in his own men each time. I can understand it for assistant managers and possibly a coach but certainly not the scouting network, which has hardly unearthed any hidden gems in recent years. Graham made the point that Kevin McDonald should be utilised as a first team coach with a manager/director of football above him, it seems strange to ask a man of GT's experience and knowledge for advice to then ignore it completely.
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Oh, they found a replacement did they? When does our manager start?
This is bloody ridiculous now.
General, there seems to be some question that the Board have found their new manager, now.
< shakes head thingy>
yeah, shakes head thingy is right. A manager appointed who doesn't even know when he can start. We're not some young Bint (apologies to all young bints) who have given their notice into Tesco to go and work at the local nursery.
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Hmmmm, where to start.
At the end of last season I decided not to renew my season ticket as I really couldn't justify the time and money spent. The team under O'Neill (whom I NEVER liked as a manager) were becoming increasingly more awful week after week. The player signings were mind boggling in the extreme, and the idea that as a club we were paying WELL over the odds for average players was finally enough. Was I going to continue putting my money into O'Neills hobbyhorse, was I f*** ! Whats worse is that our board were letting him get away with it, unbelievable.
I then mentioned to my brother and long time season ticket going fan that O'Neill would walk before the new season, and although I was out by about a week, he surely did. A spiteful move on his behalf and completely in character with his spoilt brattish behaviour.
Up steps a decent bloke (KMac) to try and get a grip on things while our board flap about and attempt to rectify a pretty dismal start to a season. (I am amazed the board didn't see O'Neills departure coming, or maybe you did, which makes the flapping even worse) either way, the top brass utterly failed in securing a new manager quickly and then when one was appointed, HE COULDN'T TURN UP !! Is someone having a laugh ? It is also reported that the new manager will be the highest earning manager in Villas history. (Providing that is, he shows his face). In the meantime, our stand in manager, who failed the interview, has been asked to carry on and fill in as best as he can until Houllier finally turns up. If I was in KMacs shoes you can bet I would have told you to stick the Villa up your arse by now for that one !!
Ultimately it strikes me that O'Neil was appointed and you were told he was good, so give him all your cash. You did and found out the hard way. You are now found wanting when it comes to top level organisation because you didnt have to do it when you arrived. I thank you for the mosaic and the shiny training ground, but those are the easy bits to fix, the hard bit is managing the manager.
Something of a rant I admit, and hardly constructive at this time I will agree, but this club is an absolute shambles. You gave away far to much power and authority to the wee man and your reaping the rewards. Hopefully the crowds will still turn up and keep the club going, after many years, I wont be one of them. I will not spend another penny on this club until you can demonstrate that you can run a business efficiently, after all, it is a business now isnt it.
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Hmmmm, where to start.
At the end of last season I decided not to renew my season ticket as I really couldn't justify the time and money spent. The team under O'Neill (whom I NEVER liked as a manager) were becoming increasingly more awful week after week. The player signings were mind boggling in the extreme, and the idea that as a club we were paying WELL over the odds for average players was finally enough. Was I going to continue putting my money into O'Neills hobbyhorse, was I f*** ! Whats worse is that our board were letting him get away with it, unbelievable.
I then mentioned to my brother and long time season ticket going fan that O'Neill would walk before the new season, and although I was out by about a week, he surely did. A spiteful move on his behalf and completely in character with his spoilt brattish behaviour.
Up steps a decent bloke (KMac) to try and get a grip on things while our board flap about and attempt to rectify a pretty dismal start to a season. (I am amazed the board didn't see O'Neills departure coming, or maybe you did, which makes the flapping even worse) either way, the top brass utterly failed in securing a new manager quickly and then when one was appointed, HE COULDN'T TURN UP !! Is someone having a laugh ? It is also reported that the new manager will be the highest earning manager in Villas history. (Providing that is, he shows his face). In the meantime, our stand in manager, who failed the interview, has been asked to carry on and fill in as best as he can until Houllier finally turns up. If I was in KMacs shoes you can bet I would have told you to stick the Villa up your arse by now for that one !!
Ultimately it strikes me that O'Neil was appointed and you were told he was good, so give him all your cash. You did and found out the hard way. You are now found wanting when it comes to top level organisation because you didnt have to do it when you arrived. I thank you for the mosaic and the shiny training ground, but those are the easy bits to fix, the hard bit is managing the manager.
Something of a rant I admit, and hardly constructive at this time I will agree, but this club is an absolute shambles. You gave away far to much power and authority to the wee man and your reaping the rewards. Hopefully the crowds will still turn up and keep the club going, after many years, I wont be one of them. I will not spend another penny on this club until you can demonstrate that you can run a business efficiently, after all, it is a business now isnt it.
Kev Mac failed the interview and with good reason, Did you watch last night?
second bold point, if your not bothered to come and support your club through the bad times why come on here and vent your spleen?
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EDIT: Wrong topic.
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what credentials and experience has paul faulkner got to be running our club?
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Hmmmm, where to start.
At the end of last season I decided not to renew my season ticket as I really couldn't justify the time and money spent. The team under O'Neill (whom I NEVER liked as a manager) were becoming increasingly more awful week after week. The player signings were mind boggling in the extreme, and the idea that as a club we were paying WELL over the odds for average players was finally enough. Was I going to continue putting my money into O'Neills hobbyhorse, was I f*** ! Whats worse is that our board were letting him get away with it, unbelievable.
I then mentioned to my brother and long time season ticket going fan that O'Neill would walk before the new season, and although I was out by about a week, he surely did. A spiteful move on his behalf and completely in character with his spoilt brattish behaviour.
Up steps a decent bloke (KMac) to try and get a grip on things while our board flap about and attempt to rectify a pretty dismal start to a season. (I am amazed the board didn't see O'Neills departure coming, or maybe you did, which makes the flapping even worse) either way, the top brass utterly failed in securing a new manager quickly and then when one was appointed, HE COULDN'T TURN UP !! Is someone having a laugh ? It is also reported that the new manager will be the highest earning manager in Villas history. (Providing that is, he shows his face). In the meantime, our stand in manager, who failed the interview, has been asked to carry on and fill in as best as he can until Houllier finally turns up. If I was in KMacs shoes you can bet I would have told you to stick the Villa up your arse by now for that one !!
Ultimately it strikes me that O'Neil was appointed and you were told he was good, so give him all your cash. You did and found out the hard way. You are now found wanting when it comes to top level organisation because you didnt have to do it when you arrived. I thank you for the mosaic and the shiny training ground, but those are the easy bits to fix, the hard bit is managing the manager.
Something of a rant I admit, and hardly constructive at this time I will agree, but this club is an absolute shambles. You gave away far to much power and authority to the wee man and your reaping the rewards. Hopefully the crowds will still turn up and keep the club going, after many years, I wont be one of them. I will not spend another penny on this club until you can demonstrate that you can run a business efficiently, after all, it is a business now isnt it.
Kev Mac failed the interview and with good reason, Did you watch last night?
second bold point, if your not bothered to come and support your club through the bad times why come on here and vent your spleen?
There is going through a bad run, but knowing you'll eventually get out of it.
Then there is the obvious - the owners not knowing the difference between their asses and their elbows. But you don't dare criticise Faulkner. He's handled the managerial situation amicably.
Hmmmm, where to start.
At the end of last season I decided not to renew my season ticket as I really couldn't justify the time and money spent. The team under O'Neill (whom I NEVER liked as a manager) were becoming increasingly more awful week after week. The player signings were mind boggling in the extreme, and the idea that as a club we were paying WELL over the odds for average players was finally enough. Was I going to continue putting my money into O'Neills hobbyhorse, was I f*** ! Whats worse is that our board were letting him get away with it, unbelievable.
I then mentioned to my brother and long time season ticket going fan that O'Neill would walk before the new season, and although I was out by about a week, he surely did. A spiteful move on his behalf and completely in character with his spoilt brattish behaviour.
Up steps a decent bloke (KMac) to try and get a grip on things while our board flap about and attempt to rectify a pretty dismal start to a season. (I am amazed the board didn't see O'Neills departure coming, or maybe you did, which makes the flapping even worse) either way, the top brass utterly failed in securing a new manager quickly and then when one was appointed, HE COULDN'T TURN UP !! Is someone having a laugh ? It is also reported that the new manager will be the highest earning manager in Villas history. (Providing that is, he shows his face). In the meantime, our stand in manager, who failed the interview, has been asked to carry on and fill in as best as he can until Houllier finally turns up. If I was in KMacs shoes you can bet I would have told you to stick the Villa up your arse by now for that one !!
Ultimately it strikes me that O'Neil was appointed and you were told he was good, so give him all your cash. You did and found out the hard way. You are now found wanting when it comes to top level organisation because you didnt have to do it when you arrived. I thank you for the mosaic and the shiny training ground, but those are the easy bits to fix, the hard bit is managing the manager.
Something of a rant I admit, and hardly constructive at this time I will agree, but this club is an absolute shambles. You gave away far to much power and authority to the wee man and your reaping the rewards. Hopefully the crowds will still turn up and keep the club going, after many years, I wont be one of them. I will not spend another penny on this club until you can demonstrate that you can run a business efficiently, after all, it is a business now isnt it.
Kev Mac failed the interview and with good reason, Did you watch last night?
second bold point, if your not bothered to come and support your club through the bad times why come on here and vent your spleen?
KMac failed, yes I watched, where is his replacement ? You cant fail a man then ask him to step in.
It goes : Sorry mate, your not up to it, but until somebody better than you arrives, can you go and win us some games, even though your not good enough.
Hardly confidence building plus what is that telling the opposition ?
As far as the, why vent your spleen comment:
I have followed the Villa for 35 odd years, a few good and bad years there. But enough is enough.
The game is being priced very highly these days, we are expected to shell out plenty to follow our teams and if I decide to boycott the games and withdraw my meager funding, until such time as I have faith that the 'business' I am helping to support, offers a competent level of service, so be it. I also feel perfectly within my rights to point that fact out as well.
I simply do not agree with the adage that you can only complain if you pay to. We have been paying for years and we are fully entitled to vent our spleens when the situation requires it.
The General has reliably informed us that he takes all comments, good and bad, on board. I believe him and while this is in no way a personal attack on him or his colleagues, he needs to know that there are Villa fans out there who are not renewing tickets because the management of their club 'THE FANS' are hugely unimpressed with the way the club is run and they are culpable.
The point is, sort it out and I will give you my money again. Carry on with this farce and its not just my cash you will lose.
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General,
What, in your opinion, is the reasonable amount of time that a club of Villa's status can expect its fan-base to be patient, supportive and accepting of club apologies for a delay in a managerial start date and kit availability before turning into disgruntled, frustrated and openly hostile towards the management of Aston Villa?
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General,
Last night Stoke City had a far stronger bench than we did and subsequently they used some fo their subs to win the game. We are not talking here of SPurs/Man City/Liverpool/Everton who we are apparently competing with, but Stoke City!
How the heck are we supposed to compete at the top level if we are not even able to compete with other clubs in the Midlands! For all the work Randy has put in over the last 4 years we are now in a positon where Stoke ahve a stronger squad than we do!
Can you be ultra honest with us please and confirm that Randy is going to back GErard Houllier with money to get us back in there and allow him to build the squad needed? No PR is needed just honest commitment from the baord that GH is going to be given the respurces needed.
I committed over £2k in June to the cause so I think I have right to ask the question.
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God there's some bollocks being talked on this site at the moment, mostly by people who are posting over emotional, knee-jerk reactions to a massively difficult situation. Clearly much of the anti-board content cropping up is the result of people not thinking these things through properly.
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God there's some bollocks being talked on this site at the moment, mostly by people who are posting over emotional, knee-jerk reactions to a massively difficult situation. Clearly much of the anti-board content cropping up is the result of people not thinking these things through properly.
I'd say it's actually a result of the board not thinking things through properly, but each to their own.
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God there's some bollocks being talked on this site at the moment, mostly by people who are posting over emotional, knee-jerk reactions to a massively difficult situation. Clearly much of the anti-board content cropping up is the result of people not thinking these things through properly.
.
I'd say it's actually a result of the board not thinking things through properly, but each to their own.
Nail on head Risso
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God there's some bollocks being talked on this site at the moment, mostly by people who are posting over emotional, knee-jerk reactions to a massively difficult situation. Clearly much of the anti-board content cropping up is the result of people not thinking these things through properly.
A lot of it isn't.
I thought some of the crap thrown at the board over the summer re transfers / sell to buy was unfounded nonsense, and it struck me that they'd built up more than enough credit on the transfers front to be trusted.
The managerial situation, on the other hand, is looking a bit of a mess, and - even making allowances for the shit the previous manager dropped us in - I don't think they've handled it particularly well.
I'll say the board are doing a good job when I think they are, and I very often think that way, but I'm not going to ignore it if I think they mess things up. I suspect most people on here take the same approach.
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General,
We are out of Europe already,
Carling cup game next week,
Players making basic defensive errors on a weekly basis,
Barely any coaches at a club supposedly aiming to challenge for Europe,
No idea, or at least supporters are no informed of when the new managers arrival will be,
Shirt released upto 6 months after some clubs have already released theres,
You tell me this, is this good enough for our club?
We are drifting and this season is a few weeks away from being a write off.
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General,
i for one am very happy with everything at Villa,
we have played 4 prem games and ok won 2 and lost 2 but we are still 7th, (look at Spurs and Liverpool)
we have a new manager coming in that will be a breath of fresh air around villa and can turn our game around (defensively)
we have Bolton on saturday (our whipping boys at Villa) sohopefully we can get 3 points and move back upto 4th or 5th.
its very early days and i for one have all the confidence in the world that this will be an impressive season!!!
keep up the good work to all General!
Thanks
also big up for Downing last night he looked really good!
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General,
i for one am very happy with everything at Villa,
we have played 4 prem games and ok won 2 and lost 2 but we are still 7th, (look at Spurs and Liverpool)
we have a new manager coming in that will be a breath of fresh air around villa and can turn our game around (defensively)
we have Bolton on saturday (our whipping boys at Villa) sohopefully we can get 3 points and move back upto 4th or 5th.
its very early days and i for one have all the confidence in the world that this will be an impressive season!!!
keep up the good work to all General!
Thanks
also big up for Downing last night he looked really good!
What a breath of fresh air
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General,
i for one am very happy with everything at Villa,
we have played 4 prem games and ok won 2 and lost 2 but we are still 7th, (look at Spurs and Liverpool)
we have a new manager coming in that will be a breath of fresh air around villa and can turn our game around (defensively)
we have Bolton on saturday (our whipping boys at Villa) sohopefully we can get 3 points and move back upto 4th or 5th.
its very early days and i for one have all the confidence in the world that this will be an impressive season!!!
keep up the good work to all General!
Thanks
also big up for Downing last night he looked really good!
Ah, the optimism of youth. God, I miss it.
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General,
i for one am very happy with everything at Villa,
we have played 4 prem games and ok won 2 and lost 2 but we are still 7th, (look at Spurs and Liverpool)
we have a new manager coming in that will be a breath of fresh air around villa and can turn our game around (defensively)
we have Bolton on saturday (our whipping boys at Villa) sohopefully we can get 3 points and move back upto 4th or 5th.
its very early days and i for one have all the confidence in the world that this will be an impressive season!!!
keep up the good work to all General!
Thanks
also big up for Downing last night he looked really good!
Ah, the optimism of youth. God, I miss it.
thanks mate! i havent heard that in a while! well maybe 10 years and 4 kids ago! lol
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For someone who walked out in such a strop as O'Neill seemed to do, he has remained very tight lipped on the whole affair. Can you shed any light on why he may have chosen to do so as presumably he would have had no compensation and, therefore, no secrecy clause.
DC5, I asked the very same question on this thread about 3 weeks ago.
Has the question been answered to your satisfaction?
Presumably O'Neill would have had some confidentiality clauses in his contract, and these would survive the termination of his contract, so he still wouldn't be entirely free to say what he wanted. If the club then went on the record about why he left, there wouldn't be any confidentiality, and then O'Neill could say what he wanted. So the club is saying nothing.
Apart from that, it isn't really Lerner's style to wash his dirty linen in public, is it?
Anyway that's my guess...
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General,
i for one am very happy with everything at Villa,
we have played 4 prem games and ok won 2 and lost 2 but we are still 7th, (look at Spurs and Liverpool)
we have a new manager coming in that will be a breath of fresh air around villa and can turn our game around (defensively)
we have Bolton on saturday (our whipping boys at Villa) sohopefully we can get 3 points and move back upto 4th or 5th.
its very early days and i for one have all the confidence in the world that this will be an impressive season!!!
keep up the good work to all General!
Thanks
also big up for Downing last night he looked really good!
Ah, the optimism of youth. God, I miss it.
thanks mate! i havent heard that in a while! well maybe 10 years and 4 kids ago! lol
Your insanity is explained the more you type...
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General Krulak here:
1. It is asking a lot of me to reply to the multiple comments re. How bad the Board is, how mixed up the Manager situation is, how Randy did not follow the advice of an individual, how the kit got hosed up, etc etc. It is obvious that if I take each issue and give my sense of where it stands two things will happen: 1. It will be in the papers the next day and 2. There will still be people who don't believe me. Both are pretty much lose-lose. Suffice it to say that there is much more to each issue that what is put into a post on this site. I have explained about GH...that we knew he had obligations to honor and are fine with it. Obviously there are those who don't agree. So be it. Randy and the Board have not been idle on any of what has taken place but to come on this site and discuss what has happened is NOT worth the grief that comes with it...particularly as it relates to the media. Bottom Line: as you might expect, my view is quite a bit different from what has been stated!!
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General,
i for one am very happy with everything at Villa,
we have played 4 prem games and ok won 2 and lost 2 but we are still 7th, (look at Spurs and Liverpool)
we have a new manager coming in that will be a breath of fresh air around villa and can turn our game around (defensively)
we have Bolton on saturday (our whipping boys at Villa) sohopefully we can get 3 points and move back upto 4th or 5th.
its very early days and i for one have all the confidence in the world that this will be an impressive season!!!
keep up the good work to all General!
Thanks
also big up for Downing last night he looked really good!
What a breath of fresh air
lol just for those that don't know...
Noun 1. breath of fresh air - a welcome relief; "the new management was like a breath of fresh air"
easing, moderation, relief - a change for the better
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General, you mention grief and the media. So, why use this site as an outlet for press statements when it suits, and when the locals are upset you use the media as an excuse for your silence?
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Oh, they found a replacement did they? When does our manager start?
This is bloody ridiculous now.
General, there seems to be some question that the Board have found their new manager, now.
< shakes head thingy>
yeah, shakes head thingy is right. A manager appointed who doesn't even know when he can start. We're not some young Bint (apologies to all young bints) who have given their notice into Tesco to go and work at the local nursery.
Did we sign Ireland by the way ?
I bet all the Board and Houllier know when he will take charge, even if you haven't a clue.
About when he'll start, I mean, as well
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General Krulak here:
1. It is asking a lot of me to reply to the multiple comments re. How bad the Board is, how mixed up the Manager situation is, how Randy did not follow the advice of an individual, how the kit got hosed up, etc etc. It is obvious that if I take each issue and give my sense of where it stands two things will happen: 1. It will be in the papers the next day and 2. There will still be people who don't believe me. Both are pretty much lose-lose. Suffice it to say that there is much more to each issue that what is put into a post on this site. I have explained about GH...that we knew he had obligations to honor and are fine with it. Obviously there are those who don't agree. So be it. Randy and the Board have not been idle on any of what has taken place but to come on this site and discuss what has happened is NOT worth the grief that comes with it...particularly as it relates to the media. Bottom Line: as you might expect, my view is quite a bit different from what has been stated!!
As is maybe General.
Even you have to admit, its hardly a totally satisfactory state of affairs at the moment.
Sorry media watching, forget I said that.
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All I'd like to know General is when Houllier is going to start. If he has to work some notice, then so be it, but surely he's got a definite starting date with us?
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I understand the media are watching general but if you believe the club are right in their stance then what are you worrying about the media for? We really seem to be crying out for leadership- doug for all his faults could never be accused of hiding away when things got tough- how many times in his 4 years has randy actually spoken directly to the fans?
Also what football knowledge does Paul Faulkner have to be running things? I ask as I have little knowledge of him, Steve stride worked his way up and had respect and knew the game from his years at villa but what has Faulkner achieved for such a high profile job?
Whether the media are watching or not we need leadership general and answers to questions from our chairman , rather than hear about him being in America for a new season of the NFL- can the two jobs combine ?
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General-I fail to see what the fuss is about. I may not be overjoyed about the appointment but it is perfectly understandable to me that in any recruitment situation there are a lot of factors that have to be considered and cannot be discussed openly. That's normal.
Also, the board have there reasons for making their decisions and they may be proved wrong, right or indifferent as time goes on. That's the way it always is.
My problem is that it seems sometimes you try and be all things to everybody, not a good idea! The internet is an imperfect media for communications-particularly when it comes to emotions-which is what we live and breathe with football.
We don't have to agree to want similar things.
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General, there's a world of difference between accepting that Houllier has commitments, and being unaware of when he'll actually take charge.
If his commitments mean he'll start next month, fine. In 2 and a half months, it makes the appointment a tad baffling, but fine, at least we know. Appointing him, unveiling him to the world, and then having it come out he hadn't even signed a contract and doesn't have the foggiest when he'll start isn't fine, and it isn't the same as just accepting he needs to honour his commitments. Hell, I wouldn't expect Gold and Sullivan to make such a meal of things.
Either the club knows when Houllier will begin, and for some reason, you've decided it best not to tell us, or someone needs firing for incompetence.
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All I'd like to know General is when Houllier is going to start. If he has to work some notice, then so be it, but surely he's got a definite starting date with us?
Exactly!
It's a straight question, General.
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All I'd like to know General is when Houllier is going to start. If he has to work some notice, then so be it, but surely he's got a definite starting date with us?
Exactly!
It's a straight question, General.
I have asked the same direct question over on VT - lets see if we get a straight answer.
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I hope the Balti pies are at the optimum temperature on saturday or I predict a riot.
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General Krulak here:
1. how Randy did not follow the advice of an individual,
If Randy was to follow anyone's individual advice at least it would have been the advice of one of our greatest ever managers.
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I hope the Balti pies are at the optimum temperature on saturday or I predict a riot.
Or even the humble pies at an optimum temperature
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General Krulak here:
1. It is asking a lot of me to reply to the multiple comments re. How bad the Board is, how mixed up the Manager situation is, how Randy did not follow the advice of an individual, how the kit got hosed up, etc etc. It is obvious that if I take each issue and give my sense of where it stands two things will happen: 1. It will be in the papers the next day and 2. There will still be people who don't believe me. Both are pretty much lose-lose. Suffice it to say that there is much more to each issue that what is put into a post on this site. I have explained about GH...that we knew he had obligations to honor and are fine with it. Obviously there are those who don't agree. So be it. Randy and the Board have not been idle on any of what has taken place but to come on this site and discuss what has happened is NOT worth the grief that comes with it...particularly as it relates to the media. Bottom Line: as you might expect, my view is quite a bit different from what has been stated!!
HI General. While not wishing to appear rude I have to say I think you have painted yourself into a corner on this forum. We are all aware that you cannot actually say anything of substance so as not to undermine the club, and that is appreciated fully.
You can answer direct questions concerning ticket allocations and the state of the premises/toilets/hot dog stands but apart from that, diplomacy has to reign.
If you cannot answer direct questions to very serious questions, i.e. When do we actually see a new manager, or better still, when does the formality of an actual signed contract from the new manager emerge, don't frequent this board or any other.
As fans, people can still log there opinions and views, you can read them and report back the general mood etc. I myself have 'vented my spleen' today, thats what these boards are for, you will read, discount or note as is appropriate and thats it.
I think that your contact with the fans has been hugely positive on the whole, however, I do think its actually time that Mr. Lerner himself put in an appearance occasionally, (not here, obviously) and also addressed the fans in some capacity.
The fans deserve and need some sort of reassurance from the Chairman and I suspect that it wouldn't go amiss amongst the team if they saw the club voicing positive overtones publically.
Until the new manager arrives, Villa need a leader. Please step forward Mr. Lerner.
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Until the new manager arrives, Villa need a leader. Please step forward Mr. Lerner.
More chance of Houllier turning up at the next home game with a stadium's supply of home shirts.
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I'm sorry General that is not good enough, fuck the media, we are a joke to them already so why worry about them.
Show some respect to us loyal fans and tell us what's bloody going on!
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Now that the General has stopped saying anything helpful (when we need him most) - what's the point in continuing with his thread?
It's back to a bunker mentality.
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Cut him some slack, maybe he isn't glued to his computer all day. ::)
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I'm sorry General that is not good enough, fuck the media, we are a joke to them already so why worry about them.
Show some respect to us loyal fans and tell us what's bloody going on!
Respect is a two way thing.
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I'm sorry General that is not good enough, fuck the media, we are a joke to them already so why worry about them.
Show some respect to us loyal fans and tell us what's bloody going on!
Respect is a two way thing.
As are manners.
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Surely a starting date for a manager isn't too much too ask?
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I'm sorry General that is not good enough, fuck the media, we are a joke to them already so why worry about them.
Show some respect to us loyal fans and tell us what's bloody going on!
Respect is a two way thing.
As are manners.
Indded they are Mark. This thread is an embarrassment. Maybe the site should be renamed Heroes & Drama Queens.
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Surely a starting date for a manager isn't too much too ask?
Do you think the club are keeping it a secret? I'm sure as soon as everything is legally confirmed, the Club will let us know.
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I'm sorry General that is not good enough, fuck the media, we are a joke to them already so why worry about them.
Show some respect to us loyal fans and tell us what's bloody going on!
Respect is a two way thing.
As are manners.
I am respectful, I'm just very frustrated, I'm sorry for the way that came across, it wasn't meant in a rude or disrespectful way.
All I've heard for the last for years is Martin is the man he will do this n that.
There is no point being positive all the time no matter what, I emphasise we cannot aford a wright-off season, because we will certainly lose Ash
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Surely a starting date for a manager isn't too much too ask?
Do you think the club are keeping it a secret? I'm sure as soon as everything is legally confirmed, the Club will let us know.
No, I think they don't know, which strikes me as being a bit shambolic if true.
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I'm sorry General that is not good enough, fuck the media, we are a joke to them already so why worry about them.
Show some respect to us loyal fans and tell us what's bloody going on!
Respect is a two way thing.
As are manners.
Indded they are Mark. This thread is an embarrassment. Maybe the site should be renamed Heroes & Drama Queens.
I have a feeling some people are starting to realise that the press pick up on posts in here. If you want to appear in the Daily Mirror then have sex with a footballer.
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I think it is clear that they haven't a clue when Houllier will start. With all the negativity, why put a date on it only for the FFF to make him sit out the 3 months notice.
It is a joke, an embarrassment and the season is over before it even began. Yes O'Neill dropped us in the shit, but the Randy Lerner, Faulkner and all have shown their lack of experience and made the club look stupid
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Not a question, but a comment. The sooner Houllier starts, the better. KMac and Petrov are quoted after the match saying "it was a pretty good performance" + "wonderful football" (KMac) and "We defended very well, we were well organised, we played some good stuff" (Petrov). How can they think that ? I know we were unlucky in the end, but they need to be much more critical, otherwise things will or can not improve. I think we played well for 15-20 minutes at the end of the first half, the rest was average.
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I think this thread can go two ways. Either we carry on venting on here and the General decides he has better things to do with valuable time than put up with it and the valuable insight into the top level of the club goes....or we all take a deep breath and accept that the Board are doing all they can in the current situation, give them some space, temper our frustrations and post more sober, sensible and polite offering.
We may kill the golden goose here.
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General Krulak here:
I have explained about GH...that we knew he had obligations to honor and are fine with it. Obviously there are those who don't agree. So be it.
Did you ask what holidays GH has got booked? The board will have to honer them you know!
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General Krulak here:
I have explained about GH...that we knew he had obligations to honor and are fine with it. Obviously there are those who don't agree. So be it.
Did you ask what holidays GH has got booked? The board will have to honer them you know!
A great example of what I meant - thanks for that.
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Time for a chill.
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Reopened. Please keep it constructive.
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General,
This fiasco with Nike wont go away with us . Therefore can the club do the right thing and give us 2 seasons wear from this new kit, now we have lost potentially 6 months use , when other clubs have theirs out in May ?
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General,
This fiasco with Nike wont go away with us . Therefore can the club do the right thing and give us 2 seasons wear from this new kit, now we have lost potentially 6 months use , when other clubs have theirs out in May ?
I may have read it wrong elsewhere, but doesn't the Nike deal expire at the end of this season anyway?
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General,
This fiasco with Nike wont go away with us .
I wish it would. I've had it up to my tits with reading about the poxy kit.
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Checked fixture list and NFL Wembley match on 31st October.
Spotted Aston Villa V Small Heath at 12.00 then American football Wembley at 5.00pm at the same day.
Is there any possibly for Aston Villa Travel Club to provide a coach for both Aston Villa (and Birmingham City if they behave) and American Football fans to attend both as there is tight margain for time. It would save a lot of travelling headaches.
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General,
It has been a very long and testing Summer and start to the new season, and I'm sure that if it were possible to turn the clocks back a number of things would've been done differently. What I'd be interested to find out it is what Randy, Paul Faulkner and Yourself have learnt and more importantly going to try and implement so that should a similar situation arise again the same mistakes aren't made.
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General,
It has been a very long and testing Summer and start to the new season, and I'm sure that if it were possible to turn the clocks back a number of things would've been done differently. What I'd be interested to find out it is what Randy, Paul Faulkner and Yourself have learnt and more importantly going to try and implement so that should a similar situation arise again the same mistakes aren't made.
I think its a bit unfair to speak of stop 'the same mistakes' after all a manager could walk out at anytime no matter what the relationship with the board is.
It may have taken a while to appoint a new manager but how could they have shortened the time? appoint KM right away? appoint Curbishley or Southgate right away?
Even the best HR dept will take a month at least to fill a new vacancy and then add on the notice period of that new target and it will take another month!
Mon leaving when he did has caused us the most pain, but I think the board has handled it with grace, patience and professionalism, it may not have been as fast as some would of liked, but as I said it does take time to recruit!
As for the kit issue, words fail me on this one
Mark
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General I wouldn't dream of telling you how to run a business or for that matter telling GH how to choose his coaching staff. I simply wish to use this forum to bring to your attention that, in my opinion, both Mr Southgate and Mr Staunton have treated Aston Villa Football Club without the respect that it deserves and would therefore be left with little alternative than to request a refund on my families season tickets should either gentleman be invited to return to my football club. This the club that they have both expressed previously to not be good enough for them.
Wishing GH the very best of luck; I commend you on a very brave appointment.
Eddie.
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Mr Staunton have treated Aston Villa Football Club without the respect
I shall always remember listening to "Mr Staunton" one evening, when such issues were levelled at him by local radio after he departed to Liverpool, after his first stint with us. The said radio station had such a shock, when Stan was driving through, to hear the criticism and promptly phoned up and asked to be put on air. He blew all the negative comments into perspective with the proper view at that time.
Let us not forget though, that he returned to give us sterling service as Captain. Indeed during such a time, I went to a shareholders forum with SGT2 where stan was present and his passion for the club was evident.
Things like this criticism, show the world that some of our fans are fickle, espiecially when the player came back to make any amends of perception.
As for Southgate, I can live with that.
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General I couldn't give a care if Houllier chose David O'Leary as coach, all this sniping about past players etc is pathetic for me, as is the continual rambles about the kit cock up which surely is only hurting the clubs finances and saving fans money, or the continual need of some to still justify Mons exit by apportioning some blame on the Board, even if it is only about how many Stewards we employ compared to Spurs (obscure reference I know ).
What I am concerned about is the lack of a complete managerial and coaching staff setup so long after the last one walked so disgracefully.
I also hope there is a public gesture of thanks for KM for stepping in and doing such a sterling if not that impressive a job. He deserves no less.
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General I couldn't give a care if Houllier chose David O'Leary as coach, all this sniping about past players etc is pathetic for me,
I also hope there is a public gesture of thanks for KM for stepping in and doing such a sterling if not that impressive a job.
bit of irony here? or is it me!
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General I wouldn't dream of telling you how to run a business or for that matter telling GH how to choose his coaching staff. I simply wish to use this forum to bring to your attention that, in my opinion, both Mr Southgate and Mr Staunton have treated Aston Villa Football Club without the respect that it deserves and would therefore be left with little alternative than to request a refund on my families season tickets should either gentleman be invited to return to my football club. This the club that they have both expressed previously to not be good enough for them.
Wishing GH the very best of luck; I commend you on a very brave appointment.
Eddie.
Blimey that is a bit extreme Eddie...
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General I wouldn't dream of telling you how to run a business or for that matter telling GH how to choose his coaching staff. I simply wish to use this forum to bring to your attention that, in my opinion, both Mr Southgate and Mr Staunton have treated Aston Villa Football Club without the respect that it deserves and would therefore be left with little alternative than to request a refund on my families season tickets should either gentleman be invited to return to my football club. This the club that they have both expressed previously to not be good enough for them.
Wishing GH the very best of luck; I commend you on a very brave appointment.
Eddie.
Blimey that is a bit extreme Eddie...
Extreme? No. Pathetic? Yes
Get a grip Eddie
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When did this change from a "Questions for the General" thread to a free-for-all? I used to quite like that you could look at this thread and quickly pick up the General's comments but now you have to sift through a hundred different conversations with sod all to do with the General and hope that you stumble across the needle in the haystack that is a comment from CK.
That said, I'm amazed he still posts here at all given some of the crap he has to deal with.
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General I wouldn't dream of telling you how to run a business or for that matter telling GH how to choose his coaching staff. I simply wish to use this forum to bring to your attention that, in my opinion, both Mr Southgate and Mr Staunton have treated Aston Villa Football Club without the respect that it deserves and would therefore be left with little alternative than to request a refund on my families season tickets should either gentleman be invited to return to my football club. This the club that they have both expressed previously to not be good enough for them.
Wishing GH the very best of luck; I commend you on a very brave appointment.
Eddie.
Blimey that is a bit extreme Eddie...
Extreme? No. Pathetic? Yes
Get a grip Eddie
alright then, pathetically extreme. :P
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Questions only, please.
Can we try a bit harder not to let it descend into anarchy again?
Much appreciated
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General I wouldn't dream of telling you how to run a business or for that matter telling GH how to choose his coaching staff. I simply wish to use this forum to bring to your attention that, in my opinion, both Mr Southgate and Mr Staunton have treated Aston Villa Football Club without the respect that it deserves and would therefore be left with little alternative than to request a refund on my families season tickets should either gentleman be invited to return to my football club. This the club that they have both expressed previously to not be good enough for them.
Wishing GH the very best of luck; I commend you on a very brave appointment.
Eddie.
How ridiculous. We'd be furious if we thought the board was trying to select new players or the team for a saturday. The same should go for the managers back up staff.
Furthermore, there are lots of views about Staunton & Southgate and not all are in line with yours. Some of us (maybe with a bit more perspective) realise that both gave us excellent service over a number of years. Neither did a 'Steve Hodge' on us.
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General,please could you clarify whether we will keep the new kits for next season or not? As they will otherwise be out of date in 6 months could we not have them at half price to at least get value for money.
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Christ! hasnt the general already answered the kit issue by saying the lawyers are looking into it and that is all they can say. Are people really that ignorant about contract law and the way businesses are run, that they think the board can just tell nike, we are keeping the kit for an other year, or just massively reduce the RRP.
It makes me cringe
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General, any news on when you will be over here again?
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General I wouldn't dream of telling you how to run a business or for that matter telling GH how to choose his coaching staff. I simply wish to use this forum to bring to your attention that, in my opinion, both Mr Southgate and Mr Staunton have treated Aston Villa Football Club without the respect that it deserves and would therefore be left with little alternative than to request a refund on my families season tickets should either gentleman be invited to return to my football club. This the club that they have both expressed previously to not be good enough for them.
Wishing GH the very best of luck; I commend you on a very brave appointment.
Eddie.
How ridiculous. We'd be furious if we thought the board was trying to select new players or the team for a saturday. The same should go for the managers back up staff.
Furthermore, there are lots of views about Staunton & Southgate and not all are in line with yours. Some of us (maybe with a bit more perspective) realise that both gave us excellent service over a number of years. Neither did a 'Steve Hodge' on us.
General; please be assured that some of us have a deeper, longer term affection for this great football club than this forgiving or forgetful contributor. Staunton and Southgate both considered themselves to be 'above' the club, and could not possibly expect support from the section of our match going followers that includes myself.
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so deep is your affection for your beloved club you would hand back your season ticket because you disagree with the choice of assistant manager.
While don't you just climb up on the cross you marter of AVFC you
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Questions only, please.
Can we try a bit harder not to let it descend into anarchy again?
Much appreciated
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Sorry quiet lion i came on here to ask the general and am not aware that its the quiet lion thread,so don't reply to me. If its in lawyers hands general then I must have missed that news,have you any more news on the kit issue?
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Dear General,
Do you agree that the Frogs making GH work out his notice cannot be blamed on the Villa Board?
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General, did Mr Houllier mention any desire to work with Michael Owen in his interview and if so didn't a few alarm bells ring? Unless of course he fancies working at his stables in which case I could shoehorn a mention of Heskey, but I won't.
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General I wouldn't dream of telling you how to run a business or for that matter telling GH how to choose his coaching staff. I simply wish to use this forum to bring to your attention that, in my opinion, both Mr Southgate and Mr Staunton have treated Aston Villa Football Club without the respect that it deserves and would therefore be left with little alternative than to request a refund on my families season tickets should either gentleman be invited to return to my football club. This the club that they have both expressed previously to not be good enough for them.
Wishing GH the very best of luck; I commend you on a very brave appointment.
Eddie.
How ridiculous. We'd be furious if we thought the board was trying to select new players or the team for a saturday. The same should go for the managers back up staff.
Furthermore, there are lots of views about Staunton & Southgate and not all are in line with yours. Some of us (maybe with a bit more perspective) realise that both gave us excellent service over a number of years. Neither did a 'Steve Hodge' on us.
General; please be assured that some of us have a deeper, longer term affection for this great football club than this forgiving or forgetful contributor. Staunton and Southgate both considered themselves to be 'above' the club, and could not possibly expect support from the section of our match going followers that includes myself.
If our new manager thinks either man is right for any job I'll go along with his choice. Sorry not to be be as good a supporter as you.
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General, if you were to bump into MON tomorrow would you shake his hand or his throat?
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Totally agree - I always applaud Southgate when he returns and have nothing against Steve Staunton either. Both gave us excellent service.
Anyway, Mr Houllier can appoint whoever he likes....
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Both gareth and stan were great players for us over the yrs and I would back whoever ged chooses- anymore news on gary mcallisters release yet general?
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General I'm outraged that out new manager has had to work out his notice at his current employers.
General I'm angry that the people who produce our kit fu%$ed it up and Villa are to blame.
General I'm really, really pissed off that a couple of ex plaers have been mentioned as GH's 2nd in charge.
General I'm angry that Kevin Mac hasn't been given the 'big job' despite losing 6-0 to a team I hate, getting knocked out of Europe by a team who rolled over and got their arses kicked yesterday and losing 2-1 to a team who are anti-football.
General,
Most of all I look forward to GH helping us finish above 6th and us actually winning something :).
Keep the faith GK.
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General, do you prefer Red or Brown sauce on a sausage sandwich? (or maybe none at all)
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General, refering to the question Drummond posed.
Do you even like a sausage sandwich?
We need answers General.
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I'd try a bacon and egg sarnie without sauce, I did this morning and I think you really appreciate the bacon more.
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Hi General, see the post on replica shirt delay. How come I have seen the new shirt on sale in Melbourne minus sponsor. I have posted a picture in that thread.
By the way keep up the good work.
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Maybe Nike have spun a line of BS over some dodgy thread instead of admitting that they've shipped a load sans sponsor, thus attempting to negate a backlash from FX Pro (Trade Forex like a Pro) as well as Villa.
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General Krulak here:
1. Villa Subamrine: "same mistakes"?? I can tell you that none of the Board feels like we made mistakes as a result of what has happened this summer. We did not ask for the Manager to leave 5 days before the beginning of the season. We did what any Club would do...the owner immediately went into action...getting advice, meeting with potential managers, traveling around the UK and Europe talking with people, made our pick and went after him....and got him. The kit? What did you want us to do? Sew the kit ourselves? This was NOT a good summer...we are sorry about that but to blame the Board on the summer is a bit far fetched.
2. Do you think it might be time to get on with things? We have a season of games to look forward to...we need to focus on that and not on what happened this summer. I am willing to try and answer questions but to continue to discuss the Manager, the kit, etc. just doesn't seem to be a good use of our time.
3. I am watching the game...we need to get one in the past few minutes.
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We need more than that General, much much more.
Clever move to promote Sid Cowans great stuff.
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General, HP or Heinz?
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General, like the new Assistant manager and coach appointments. we'll be back on the up in no time.
Try HP's Honey Woodsmoke with a Bacon sarnie - its a rascal.
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Hey General;
Does Richard Dunne participate in cardio sessions in the gym at Bodymoor Heath and why wasn't he told in pre-season to lose a few kilos?
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General these lads are entitled to their opinion - after all, they've certainly earnt it; buying their replica kits and going down to the club shop on their childrens Birthdays!
I know and respect plenty of people like them and certainly don't consider myself to be in any way above them; or anyone else for that matter. I just wanted to use this forum as my way of informing you that the afore mentioned former quiters will not be welcomed back to this club by those that love it as I do.
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Dear General,
Do you think Lucky Eddie is a ******, as much as I do?
Regards,
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General,
Do you think his Dad's just bought him his first season ticket?
;-)
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Excellently done, chaps.
Any more of this nonsense and it is straight to bans.
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General
A small gripe, but one in which I think you should hear about.
Got to the ticket office today about half an hour before the game to get tickets for pals for the game against Blackburn on Wednesday. Considering it was half an hour before kick off I was surprised at how quiet the ticket office was and walked up the ramp bit to go inside the shop to be met by some young fella in a yellow club jacket who enquired as to what I was trying to purchase. "Blackburn tickets mate" was my reply. He then told me that it was 'todays match only', and 'you'll have to come back after the game" - I told him I wasn't able to come back after the game and as the queue was so small (I estimate a 5 minute wait at most) would it really matter?
Now I appreciate if it was chaotic with people after tickets for todays game his point would be valid but surely common sense should have prevailed? My pals now probably won't go to the game as they won't get there early enough on Wednesday to collect tickets.
Please don't tell me to phone the ticket number either, it costs a bloody fortune to listen to God knows how many minutes worth of ticket offers and availability.
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General. why oh why oh why....errrr...no, its gone.
As you were.
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General, do you prefer Red or Brown sauce on a sausage sandwich? (or maybe none at all)
General i noticed you diddnt reply to this comment? I think this is a rather important topic. And im anxious to know: Bacon or Sausage!
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General,
It has been a very long and testing Summer and start to the new season, and I'm sure that if it were possible to turn the clocks back a number of things would've been done differently. What I'd be interested to find out it is what Randy, Paul Faulkner and Yourself have learnt and more importantly going to try and implement so that should a similar situation arise again the same mistakes aren't made.
General,
I've quoted my question above so that you could read it again. Where in that question do I say that the board are at fault? I just pointed out that, as Summer's go, this one at Villa Park has hardly been the best has it? To come on here and throw your toys out the pram, as it seems you have done on this occasion, is a bit low in my opinion. Equally, to say that "none of the Board feels like we made mistakes as a result of what has happened this summer." is a bit naive at best (arrogant at worst). Off the top of my head these are some of the key points of what has made this Summer a bit of a disaster -
1. The time it took to organise the new kit because of sponsors.
2. The lack of signings
3. The James Milner situation (Mon saying in the press that Milner wanted to leave and not sign a new contract - something that only MoN knew about).
4. The kit unveiling (Having it on display on a big notice board so that people could see it before it was unveiled).
5. The MoN leaving situation (and taking his coaching staff with him).
6. The farce that followed (allowing KM 2 weeks to decide what he wanted to do, and in turn waiting until after the transfer window had closed before interviewing managers - meaning no squad strengthening).
7. The continued farce that is the kit.
Now I know that the board aren't totally to blame for these occurrences, however there are lessons to be learnt from them. For Example, having a suitable "back up plan" should the manager decide to quit 5 days before the season starts. As shocking as the timing of the departure was, there had been rumours being banded around since the Chelsea game that MoN wasn't too happy, so much so that Randy had to release a statement in the start of the Summer saying how happy he was with MoN as manager. Surely alarm bells would've been ringing that all was not well? It is at points like that that contingency plans need to be put in place.
As a military man I am sure you are aware of the 6 P's - Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
Why has a situation been allowed to develop that caused the manager and 5 members of staff to leave as they did. Clearly for that to happen 'something' had to have been festering, and had that been at any other business, the department heads, in our case the CEO, would face major and rightful pertinent questioning from the shareholders, or in our case the supporters. Randy and the board are custodians of the club, but the fans always have been and always will be the blood that courses through the veins of the club
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General
I read (on another, far inferior Villa message board) today the notes of the Supporter Consultation Group meeting, at which two things stood out.
The first was that the concern with having a club museum is that we don't have enough to put in it.
The other was that we do not have a trophy cabinet.
Are either of these points true? In the case of the second in particular, this would be very, very odd indeed.
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We don't have a trophy cabinet. Tour guide told me that on a ground tour this summer. The only cabinet they have is a very small one in the North Stand reception area.
Sorry to have answered that one myself Paulie.
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When is the traffic carnage going to be sorted
Two way traffic on Aston hall road is madness , never known it over the last 30 years
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General
If the new shirts rip as easily as John Carew's did then people are going to be unlikely to buy them, especially if they bump into Zat Knight.
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General
A small gripe, but one in which I think you should hear about.
Got to the ticket office today about half an hour before the game to get tickets for pals for the game against Blackburn on Wednesday. Considering it was half an hour before kick off I was surprised at how quiet the ticket office was and walked up the ramp bit to go inside the shop to be met by some young fella in a yellow club jacket who enquired as to what I was trying to purchase. "Blackburn tickets mate" was my reply. He then told me that it was 'todays match only', and 'you'll have to come back after the game" - I told him I wasn't able to come back after the game and as the queue was so small (I estimate a 5 minute wait at most) would it really matter?
Now I appreciate if it was chaotic with people after tickets for todays game his point would be valid but surely common sense should have prevailed? My pals now probably won't go to the game as they won't get there early enough on Wednesday to collect tickets.
Please don't tell me to phone the ticket number either, it costs a bloody fortune to listen to God knows how many minutes worth of ticket offers and availability.
Can't you book the tickets on the website and collect them from the portacabins at the back of the Holte, they dont close until 10 mins after kick off or tickets will be on sale from the ticket office by the Trinity Road Stand from 6.00pm - 8.00pm on Weds night
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General
A small gripe, but one in which I think you should hear about.
Got to the ticket office today about half an hour before the game to get tickets for pals for the game against Blackburn on Wednesday. Considering it was half an hour before kick off I was surprised at how quiet the ticket office was and walked up the ramp bit to go inside the shop to be met by some young fella in a yellow club jacket who enquired as to what I was trying to purchase. "Blackburn tickets mate" was my reply. He then told me that it was 'todays match only', and 'you'll have to come back after the game" - I told him I wasn't able to come back after the game and as the queue was so small (I estimate a 5 minute wait at most) would it really matter?
Now I appreciate if it was chaotic with people after tickets for todays game his point would be valid but surely common sense should have prevailed? My pals now probably won't go to the game as they won't get there early enough on Wednesday to collect tickets.
Please don't tell me to phone the ticket number either, it costs a bloody fortune to listen to God knows how many minutes worth of ticket offers and availability.
Can't you book the tickets on the website and collect them from the portacabins at the back of the Holte, they dont close until 10 mins after kick off or tickets will be on sale from the ticket office by the Trinity Road Stand from 6.00pm - 8.00pm on Weds night
I'm sorry but Villa should not be turning fans away regardless, booking over the phone might be easy but is just more hassle for fans who were actually inside the ticket office.
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The £1.50 booking charge might also be a factor.
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The booking charge is a bit of a pisstake.
Charging 1.50 for the right to buy a ticket. I really don't get the concept behind that. Maybe a third party selling tickets for an event but not for a club selling its own tickets.
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The booking charge is a bit of a pisstake.
Charging 1.50 for the right to buy a ticket. I really don't get the concept behind that. Maybe a third party selling tickets for an event but not for a club selling its own tickets.
Im always charged £2
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Can't you book the tickets on the website and collect them from the portacabins at the back of the Holte, they dont close until 10 mins after kick off or tickets will be on sale from the ticket office by the Trinity Road Stand from 6.00pm - 8.00pm on Weds night
Not if you're not online.
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The booking charge is a bit of a pisstake.
Charging 1.50 for the right to buy a ticket. I really don't get the concept behind that. Maybe a third party selling tickets for an event but not for a club selling its own tickets.
Don't we use a third party to process those, ticketmaster or something similar. Plus we are not the only ones to do that. Try booking a ticket at the Hippodrome or for an NEC event.
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The booking charge is a bit of a pisstake.
Charging 1.50 for the right to buy a ticket. I really don't get the concept behind that. Maybe a third party selling tickets for an event but not for a club selling its own tickets.
Villa are after all a business, how much does it cost to pay the ticket office worker to process the order? the cost of the envelope, postage etc... £1.50 isnt unreasonable if you ask me
Mark
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The booking charge is a bit of a pisstake.
Charging 1.50 for the right to buy a ticket. I really don't get the concept behind that. Maybe a third party selling tickets for an event but not for a club selling its own tickets.
Villa are after all a business, how much does it cost to pay the ticket office worker to process the order? the cost of the envelope, postage etc... £1.50 isnt unreasonable if you ask me
Mark
I'd have thought those costs would be factored into the cost of the ticket - see also the cost of paying the players, the thousands of highly paid staff (just for Villadawg, that one) etc etc.
I sell my products to my customers. The cost of my staff is factored into the price the customer pays. I don't then charge them more on top as a processing charge.
This isn't a rant about Villa in particular, it's a moan about transaction fees in general.
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The booking charge is a bit of a pisstake.
Charging 1.50 for the right to buy a ticket. I really don't get the concept behind that. Maybe a third party selling tickets for an event but not for a club selling its own tickets.
Villa are after all a business, how much does it cost to pay the ticket office worker to process the order? the cost of the envelope, postage etc... £1.50 isnt unreasonable if you ask me
Mark
I'm getting charged £2
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The booking charge is a bit of a pisstake.
Charging 1.50 for the right to buy a ticket. I really don't get the concept behind that. Maybe a third party selling tickets for an event but not for a club selling its own tickets.
Villa are after all a business, how much does it cost to pay the ticket office worker to process the order? the cost of the envelope, postage etc... £1.50 isnt unreasonable if you ask me
Mark
I'm getting charged £2
Did you book it online or over the phone?
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The booking charge is a bit of a pisstake.
Charging 1.50 for the right to buy a ticket. I really don't get the concept behind that. Maybe a third party selling tickets for an event but not for a club selling its own tickets.
Villa are after all a business, how much does it cost to pay the ticket office worker to process the order? the cost of the envelope, postage etc... £1.50 isnt unreasonable if you ask me
Mark
I'd have thought those costs would be factored into the cost of the ticket - see also the cost of paying the players, the thousands of highly paid staff (just for Villadawg, that one) etc etc.
I sell my products to my customers. The cost of my staff is factored into the price the customer pays. I don't then charge them more on top as a processing charge.
This isn't a rant about Villa in particular, it's a moan about transaction fees in general.
But I bet you would charge a delivery charge if you have to deliver? how much is a first class stamp, about 40p plus the envelope? and the charge for paying with debit / credit card.
It is still cheaper for me than traveling [outside of match day] to VP to get a ticket
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The booking charge is a bit of a pisstake.
Charging 1.50 for the right to buy a ticket. I really don't get the concept behind that. Maybe a third party selling tickets for an event but not for a club selling its own tickets.
Villa are after all a business, how much does it cost to pay the ticket office worker to process the order? the cost of the envelope, postage etc... £1.50 isnt unreasonable if you ask me
Mark
I'd have thought those costs would be factored into the cost of the ticket - see also the cost of paying the players, the thousands of highly paid staff (just for Villadawg, that one) etc etc.
I sell my products to my customers. The cost of my staff is factored into the price the customer pays. I don't then charge them more on top as a processing charge.
This isn't a rant about Villa in particular, it's a moan about transaction fees in general.
But I bet you would charge a delivery charge if you have to deliver? how much is a first class stamp, about 40p plus the envelope? and the charge for paying with debit / credit card.
It is still cheaper for me than traveling [outside of match day] to VP to get a ticket
It's a lot less than £2, and there is no charge for paying with debit card, but there is still a transaction fee.
Like i said, I understand it more if the whole thing is contracted out to an external company - that's how they make their money - but not when you're getting charged it when you phone them up to order it, and the ticket gets posted to you by the club.
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The booking charge is a bit of a pisstake.
Charging 1.50 for the right to buy a ticket. I really don't get the concept behind that. Maybe a third party selling tickets for an event but not for a club selling its own tickets.
Villa are after all a business, how much does it cost to pay the ticket office worker to process the order? the cost of the envelope, postage etc... £1.50 isnt unreasonable if you ask me
Mark
I'm getting charged £2
Did you book it online or over the phone?
I've done both.Yes thinking about it it's £1.50 on phone and £2 online
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I've done both.Yes thinking about it it's £1.50 on phone and £2 online
£2 for phone now, as well.
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General,
can we have a trophy room please? Seems silly to have a guided tour and not be able to show off replicas off the silverware we have collected.
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General, a few years ago we did have a trophy cabinet. Why do we not have one now?
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This thread has evolved somewhat from my previous comment to the General.
Just to clear one or two things up, As I stated in my original point to the General, my friends are by no stretch of the imagination 'regulars' to Villa Park they'll go when it is cheaper or work permits them to go, I invariably badger them into going most of the time. If I get them tickets for the game they'll go. If they have to go on the evening of the game, collect tickets, queue up etc they'll not bother - it's too much hassle.
I understood the reasons why I wasn't permitted to purchase tickets yesterday for Wednesdays game, however with the ticket office so quiet and the lack of interest in the game on Wednesday I would have thought the club would have been lassooing people into the ticket office instead of turning them away.
It's no problem to me, I have my season ticket seat, it just means 6 people who are floating supporters now feel that they'll not bother to go because the club can't be bothered to sell them a ticket in advance - not too much to ask when stood outside the ticket office I feel.
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General Krulak here:
1. Tickets: I completely understand your frustration! As a matter of fact, I agree with you! We should NEVER find ourselves turning away a Fan who wants to buy a ticket when we have the people available to process the tickets. I will look into this and see what the problems was. Sometimes technology gets in the way of common sense...ie. the system is only set up for certain tickets. I don't know if this was the case but will alert Nicky Keye to the issue.
2. VillaSubmariner: You make some good points but the overall premise doesn't hold water in my opinion. The kit issue, as an example, has NOTHING to do with the Club...it has to do with faulting sewing/weave with the shirt. NOTHING could be done by the Club to make it better. The sponsor issue is also NOT something that I would lay at the feet of the Club. It takes TWO sides to sign a contract and it was done as quickly as we could get it to happen. As it turned out, the timing made no difference to the kit. We can debate the Manager issue all we want...I just know what I know...and what I have passed on this site. No need to report anything else. As for the "P's"...pretty hard to have a Plan "B" in your pocket for the kit issue or a Manager that drops his letter 5 days before the start of the season. The fact that Randy immediately got on the plane back to the UK and was moving forward in Manager search from day one is pretty good in my humble opinion. Would we have rather had things not happen...absolutely!!
3. I am not sure how much value there is in continuing to harp on what happened this summer. We have a new Manager, we have a new season that we need to focus on and get moving in the right direction. GH has some hard decisions to make in the next few weeks...and we need to get behind him. I can tell you that Randy is behind him and will be behind him come the next window.
4. We do have a trophy cabinet and, more importantly, we are having a new one built right now. Randy had replica cups made and they will have a place of honor in the new cabinet.
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Thank you General.
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General Krulak here:
2. VillaSubmariner: You make some good points but the overall premise doesn't hold water in my opinion. The kit issue, as an example, has NOTHING to do with the Club...it has to do with faulting sewing/weave with the shirt. NOTHING could be done by the Club to make it better. The sponsor issue is also NOT something that I would lay at the feet of the Club. It takes TWO sides to sign a contract and it was done as quickly as we could get it to happen. As it turned out, the timing made no difference to the kit. We can debate the Manager issue all we want...I just know what I know...and what I have passed on this site. No need to report anything else. As for the "P's"...pretty hard to have a Plan "B" in your pocket for the kit issue or a Manager that drops his letter 5 days before the start of the season. The fact that Randy immediately got on the plane back to the UK and was moving forward in Manager search from day one is pretty good in my humble opinion. Would we have rather had things not happen...absolutely!!
General, just picking up on this point. Forgetting the current issues, does that mean we were always going to be well into Sept before we had our kit delivered this season no matter what? If so and other clubs from the same manufacturer get theirs in June and July we need to definitely look at our contract with Nike. The August holiday periods are a big window to sell the kits, especially as they only have a less then 12 month lifecycle and we seem to miss this the last few seasons with Nike.
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Please don't tell me to phone the ticket number either, it costs a bloody fortune to listen to God knows how many minutes worth of ticket offers and availability.
It's a freephone number.
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General Krulak here:
1. Tickets: I completely understand your frustration! As a matter of fact, I agree with you! We should NEVER find ourselves turning away a Fan who wants to buy a ticket when we have the people available to process the tickets. I will look into this and see what the problems was. Sometimes technology gets in the way of common sense...ie. the system is only set up for certain tickets. I don't know if this was the case but will alert Nicky Keye to the issue.
2. VillaSubmariner: You make some good points but the overall premise doesn't hold water in my opinion. The kit issue, as an example, has NOTHING to do with the Club...it has to do with faulting sewing/weave with the shirt. NOTHING could be done by the Club to make it better. The sponsor issue is also NOT something that I would lay at the feet of the Club. It takes TWO sides to sign a contract and it was done as quickly as we could get it to happen. As it turned out, the timing made no difference to the kit. We can debate the Manager issue all we want...I just know what I know...and what I have passed on this site. No need to report anything else. As for the "P's"...pretty hard to have a Plan "B" in your pocket for the kit issue or a Manager that drops his letter 5 days before the start of the season. The fact that Randy immediately got on the plane back to the UK and was moving forward in Manager search from day one is pretty good in my humble opinion. Would we have rather had things not happen...absolutely!!
3. I am not sure how much value there is in continuing to harp on what happened this summer. We have a new Manager, we have a new season that we need to focus on and get moving in the right direction. GH has some hard decisions to make in the next few weeks...and we need to get behind him. I can tell you that Randy is behind him and will be behind him come the next window.
4. We do have a trophy cabinet and, more importantly, we are having a new one built right now. Randy had replica cups made and they will have a place of honor in the new cabinet.
General
I agree that we need to draw a line under what has happened this summer, and look forward to moving forward under GH, who I think will do well for us.
What would you and the board consider to be a reasonable season given the events of the summer? Do you (as a fan) think that we can still push the top 4, or is it a case of giving GH time to assess what's what at the club, maybe do a deal or two this winter, but leaving he real business to next summer when he can have a proper revamp? Would you be happy with a season of consolidation, or do you think that GH will be able to get the team up and firing to do better than that?
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Please don't tell me to phone the ticket number either, it costs a bloody fortune to listen to God knows how many minutes worth of ticket offers and availability.
It's a freephone number.
Not from a mobile.
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General,
I agree it is time to draw a line under what has been a really difficult time for the club and I am really looking forward to how the new manager brings a fresh approach and ideas to the club. One thing which was blatantly obvious on Saturday was an air of apathy. The days of the launch of 'Proud History, Bright Future' at the Sheffiled United game a few years ago seemed long forgotten and that is a shame as we are a long way forward as a club from the day Randy took over.
The point I was going to make is that I think the fans need a pick up and whilst this will naturally come in time with better performacnces on the pitch it would be great if some positive news came out fot eh club by tieing down two of our best assets in Ashely Young and Gabby Agbonlahor to new long term contracts. Given the view outside of the club that we are now a club that sells it's best assets, this would be a great way to show this to be rubbish as well as showing the fans who perhaps feel the same that this is not the case.
I appreciate team affairs are down to the manager but would expect that he would be delighted to see this happen too. They have both said how happy they are at the club recently so hopefully this is soemthing Randy can work on now and give us all some good news and lift the atmosphere a little.
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Please don't tell me to phone the ticket number either, it costs a bloody fortune to listen to God knows how many minutes worth of ticket offers and availability.
It's a freephone number.
Not from a mobile.
Use a pay phone :)
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Please don't tell me to phone the ticket number either, it costs a bloody fortune to listen to God knows how many minutes worth of ticket offers and availability.
It's a freephone number.
Not from a mobile.
In that case, it's cheaper/taken off your minutes, if you use the non-freephone no. 0121 327 5353
Apologies if you were doing this anyway
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Press 2 for tickets then ## to skip through all the chit chat about tickets.
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London Villan is correct, however it doesn't always work as it's not standardised.
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Hello General,
Any word on how Mr. H has been getting on with his first day in charge?
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General, who appoints our chief scout?
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General Krulak here:
As for the "P's"...pretty hard to have a Plan "B" in your pocket for a Manager that drops his letter 5 days before the start of the season. The fact that Randy immediately got on the plane back to the UK and was moving forward in Manager search from day one is pretty good in my humble opinion. Would we have rather had things not happen...absolutely!!
General, can we now rest assured that there will be a plan 'B' in future?
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General, do you prefer Red or Brown sauce on a sausage sandwich? (or maybe none at all)
General i noticed you diddnt reply to this comment? I think this is a rather important topic. And im anxious to know: Bacon or Sausage!
I think that you will find that in North America that bacon or sasuage sandwichs aren't popular. Only special places will do a 'full Enlgish' and you will be lucky if you got some baked beans. My guess is that the General likes a good eggs benedict now and again and will have them with ham.
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General, do you prefer Red or Brown sauce on a sausage sandwich? (or maybe none at all)
General i noticed you diddnt reply to this comment? I think this is a rather important topic. And im anxious to know: Bacon or Sausage!
I think that you will find that in North America that bacon or sasuage sandwichs aren't popular. Only special places will do a 'full Enlgish' and you will be lucky if you got some baked beans. My guess is that the General likes a good eggs benedict now and again and will have them with ham.
Savages.
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General Krulak;
Who are your 2 picks to make it to the Superbowl in North Texas?
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General Krulak;
Who are your 2 picks to make it to the Superbowl in North Texas?
well I'm off to see the Green Bay Packers so there my choice!
Mark
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General Krulak here:
1. Risso: A good question and one that deserves an answer. We continue to point for the top 4...to do otherwise would be to literally accept being less than we feel we can and should be! As we look at the Club now and at some of the other Clubs in the League, we recognize that is a tall order...especially with what has happened this summer. At the same time, we have a new Manager and new set of Coaches who have their own idea of our Club and others. They did not come to Villa Park to roll over for anyone. GH is a smart football man...savvy and tested at the highest levels. Obviously he will need some time to put his imprint on the Club but I don't think it will take him long. We have transfer windows on the horizon that he will seek to be active in...and my sense is that we will only get stronger. Bottom Line: I have NOT thrown away my "Proud History, Bright Future" scarf!!!!
2. Fuse: We are working on those areas.
3. peterw: I have missed you....thought you had deserted us!! The Manager.
4. Andy Poole: I guess I was not clear in my last post on this issue. Obviously there is always some consideration in the back of our minds re. contingencies. My point was simply that having contingency plans and having people willing to respond to those plans (people who are not associated with the Club) is a hit and miss proposition. We can have all the Plan B's in the world but if the person in Plan B isn't a willing participant, the plan is no good.
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General Krulak;
Who are your 2 picks to make it to the Superbowl in North Texas?
well I'm off to see the Green Bay Packers so there my choice!
Mark
And a fine choice too.
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General
Thank you for the reply. Your response to the question about the manager appointing scouts was interesting. Is this an area where you think that Mr Houllier will bring immediate improvements?
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General.
You managed to speak to Nicola Keye yet regarding being able to purchase tickets for the cup game as I asked in my previous question?
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General Krulak here:
1. Risso: Yes, I think that GH will show a real talent in seeking and finding good players and in putting together an effective scouting network. I do know that his first days at Bodymoor Heath have been very good ones and very positive with all the folks who work out there. He is going to make a difference.
2. PaulMcgrath: Awaiting the answer...I did not forget! I am old and have to write things down but....I will get it.
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General Krulak you missed my question! What 2 teams do you think will be playing in the Superbowl?
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Hi General,
I hope you are well.
Now that we have our manager and he has been released by the French FA. Can you confirm that he has indeed signed a contract with us yet? Or if not will that happen very shorty?
Many thanks
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Thanks again General. Will you be there tomorrow night?
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Hi General,
I dont want to harp on about the kit problems...suffice to say the kit supply issues are disappointing for both the fans and the club. What I would like to add however, is that a lot of fans are also disappointed with the actual design of the kit itself for numerous reasons (including old Nike template, collars, claret socks, chequered pattern, etc)...so my first question is simply, who is responsible for the decisions over kit design?
Secondly, did you get the chance to view the mockup designs posted by sewiek? They received some very good feedback on here as you can read for yourself here: New Kit 2010 / 11 ? (http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=38168.315)
I would like to get your honest opinion as a fan on what you think of these designs, and what are the chances of them being considered in the future?
(http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1323/villaretroniked.jpg)
I'm not too fussed about the current kit being delayed as I dont like the design and will be buying other Villa merchandise instead, but if this design was available then I'd probably buy all 3 designs.
Thanks General. UTV!!!
My apologies to sewiek if this has been already put forward or was not intended to be.
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I was going to point out a couple of issues that would negate this kind of idea. The first being that we still have another season to run with Nike. However, I dare say that negotiations would be underway soon for the 2012/13 kit so I why not bring up the option of Villa's own design at this stage?
Which brings me to the second point: I'd have thought that kit manufacturers would have their own 'look' for that particular season. A vintage, if you will, for that season that stands out as a 'Nike design' or an 'Adidas design'. But, given that Villa are currently using an old (2 seasons?) FC Lens template, manufacturers (or at least Nike in this case) don't seem that bothered whether they use a current design-family or not.
So, General, given Villa's proud trail-blazing history, would the board be open to letting the fans decide which kit they want? You could get someone like Stewart (sewiak) to design 3 different choices for home, away and 3rd kit and open it up for a vote on the OS. You have to admit that a 'supporter designed' kit would be drawn up from the heart with one eye on history and the other on what Villa fans would want to see. That's the kind of passion that a manufacturer like Nike simply won't have. And as you can see, us Villa fans are also lucky enough to have a designer to back up this local knowledge with some talent!
The downside, of course, is that the tops (if the above designs are anything to go by) would be such a rip-roaring success (both from a financial point of view and a marketing one), you'd have one hell of a time trying to improve on it for the next season!
Still, I'd certainly love to see Villa come up with yet another 'first'.
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General,
Thanks for the reply. Do you not think that we are setting ourselves up for upheaval such as that we have seen by allowing the manager to appoint so many important positions? If he leaves us - as he will eventually (albeit not in the way of the previous manager) - what provisions have we put in place to ensure that we do not lose a whole army of staff also?
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all 3 of those shirts are very nice indeed...
maybe lose the collar, and have a contrasting colour trim on a v-neck, and all 3 are absolute winners...
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General when mon left did he agree a clause not to discuss his reasons in detail?
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Hi General,
I dont want to harp on about the kit problems...suffice to say the kit supply issues are disappointing for both the fans and the club. What I would like to add however, is that a lot of fans are also disappointed with the actual design of the kit itself for numerous reasons (including old Nike template, collars, claret socks, chequered pattern, etc)...so my first question is simply, who is responsible for the decisions over kit design?
Secondly, did you get the chance to view the mockup designs posted by sewiek? They received some very good feedback on here as you can read for yourself here: New Kit 2010 / 11 ? (http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=38168.315)
I would like to get your honest opinion as a fan on what you think of these designs, and what are the chances of them being considered in the future?
(http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1323/villaretroniked.jpg)
I'm not too fussed about the current kit being delayed as I dont like the design and will be buying other Villa merchandise instead, but if this design was available then I'd probably buy all 3 designs.
Thanks General. UTV!!!
My apologies to sewiek if this has been already put forward or was not intended to be.
The home and away are aewsome
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Hi General,
I dont want to harp on about the kit problems...suffice to say the kit supply issues are disappointing for both the fans and the club. What I would like to add however, is that a lot of fans are also disappointed with the actual design of the kit itself for numerous reasons (including old Nike template, collars, claret socks, chequered pattern, etc)...so my first question is simply, who is responsible for the decisions over kit design?
Secondly, did you get the chance to view the mockup designs posted by sewiek? They received some very good feedback on here as you can read for yourself here: New Kit 2010 / 11 ? (http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=38168.315)
I would like to get your honest opinion as a fan on what you think of these designs, and what are the chances of them being considered in the future?
(http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1323/villaretroniked.jpg)
I'm not too fussed about the current kit being delayed as I dont like the design and will be buying other Villa merchandise instead, but if this design was available then I'd probably buy all 3 designs.
Thanks General. UTV!!!
My apologies to sewiek if this has been already put forward or was not intended to be.
Was gutted when we never got these kits, i was dribbling at the prspect and was gunna buy all 3, wont buy any of em now cus there horrible, just my opinion though :)
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Those kit designs are about 100% better than the rubbish Nike have slapped together this season.
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Those kits look good but I would want one without a radioactive glow.
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This thread is getting more and more irritating by the day. I thought it was for questions to the General?
General, have you done any liaison with other clubs to see what their perception of us is? Our new manager clearly feels we are 'nice' but that we need to adopt a nice, winning mentality; something with which I'm sure you'd agree.
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General, with the recent questions concerning the trophy cabinet, I wondered if there had been any progress on setting up a museum at Villa Park. We are after all one of the oldest clubs in existence,with a proud history, so feel that we should be able to put together some very interesting articles for display. I know from way back when, when I talked to the likes of Johnny Dixon, Harry Parkes and Jimmy Dugdale that they knew of plenty of 'junk' from era's past at the place, and I seem to remember several suggestions of creating a museum. Many of the Premiership clubs without our history have museums with highly successful and well organised tours, why don't we?
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General Krulak here:
1. Troy Eccles: Fans and the kit. I am not sure that having the fans decide on a kit is really such a good idea. We have been trying for several years to get the fans to agree on a "anthem" and have not been successful. We had the fans deeply involved in picking our badge only to have many disappointed over the choice. Simply put, getting any agreement is tough enough of something like an anthem...I can imagine what it would be like for a kit.
2. peterw: I think it would be pretty tough to bring in a Manager and then dictate to him who his assistants would be. We have kept many folks at Bodymoor Heath...it was not as though we lost everyone. Yet, we need to let the Manager have some of his "own" folks...only makes sense.
3. sfx412: Yes, we are going to have a museum. We have an archivist who is working to help us right now. It would appear that little effort was made to keep many of the artifacts of our Club and those that were kept are in pretty sad shape. We have our work cut out for us but we will have a quality museum.
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I don't think General Krulak wants to answer my question :(
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Great news on the museum.
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General.
I applaud the club for doing all it can to ensure that the ground is full (or trying to get it full) with the reduced ticket prices. However as a season ticket holder it seems at the moment I would have been better off financially NOT buying a season ticket and taking my chances with the match day cheapo tickets.
Is there any anything that season ticket holders could be offered to ensure that we don't get narked with the fact we committed our money before the season started? I'm not talking about free tickets or anything, but maybe a 10% discount on food/drinks in the ground or 50p off a programme?
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I don't think General Krulak wants to answer my question :(
Is the correct answer :(
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I applaud the club for doing all it can to ensure that the ground is full (or trying to get it full) with the reduced ticket prices. However as a season ticket holder it seems at the moment I would have been better off financially NOT buying a season ticket and taking my chances with the match day cheapo tickets.
Is there any anything that season ticket holders could be offered to ensure that we don't get narked with the fact we committed our money before the season started? I'm not talking about free tickets or anything, but maybe a 10% discount on food/drinks in the ground or 50p off a programme?
It's a fair question, the benefits of having a season ticket have been degrading over the last couple of seasons.
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I don't think General Krulak wants to answer my question :(
Is the correct answer :(
I didn't know asking who will play in the Superbowl was such a no-go question...
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I don't think General Krulak wants to answer my question :(
Is the correct answer :(
I didn't know asking who will play in the Superbowl was such a no-go question...
The thread is for questions to the General about Villa.
He's not got a huge amount of time to devote to us, so it is safe to say that questions about NFL are right at the bottom of the list.
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I don't think General Krulak wants to answer my question :(
Is the correct answer :(
I didn't know asking who will play in the Superbowl was such a no-go question...
The thread is for questions to the General about Villa.
He's not got a huge amount of time to devote to us, so it is safe to say that questions about NFL are right at the bottom of the list.
I didn't see you say this after someone asked him if he liked a bacon or sausage sandwich...
I was just trying to be friendly as i've seen other members ask non-Villa related questions before.
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General, hope you're well.
I see the Ticket Office are STILL selling tickets for away matches far far earlier than they need to. The latest being the Fulham game, which went on sale on Wednesday this week, depsite the game not being until the 6th November. With Sunderland away on sale at the moment as well, this can put a bit of a strain on the wallets of people like me who often go to away games and could well be a reason why away games don't sell out like they used to. It's something i've brought up with the ticket office in the past by way of email and i did'nt get a reply.
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General,
Are the club looking to start negotiating a new contract for Ashley Young anytime soon?
I think this would be a tremendous morale booster for the club, not to mention that it would send out the right vibes that Aston Villa intend to keep their major players from here on in?
I'm hoping that both parties are wanting the same thing, so lets just do it.
edit: sorry, Nike pun not intended.
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General Krulak here:
1. Troy Eccles: Fans and the kit. I am not sure that having the fans decide on a kit is really such a good idea. We have been trying for several years to get the fans to agree on a "anthem" and have not been successful. We had the fans deeply involved in picking our badge only to have many disappointed over the choice. Simply put, getting any agreement is tough enough of something like an anthem...I can imagine what it would be like for a kit.
Would it not be possible to draw up a shortlist of proposed anthems / kit designs and then organise some kind of referendum? It would probably have to be limited to season ticket holders to avoid outside fan interference but 20 odd thousand ought to be a big enough sample to be reasonably representative of supporter opinion. The anthem thing would be a one-off vote anyway.
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I don't think General Krulak wants to answer my question :(
Is the correct answer :(
I didn't know asking who will play in the Superbowl was such a no-go question...
The thread is for questions to the General about Villa.
He's not got a huge amount of time to devote to us, so it is safe to say that questions about NFL are right at the bottom of the list.
I didn't see you say this after someone asked him if he liked a bacon or sausage sandwich...
I was just trying to be friendly as i've seen other members ask non-Villa related questions before.
I'll sort that next time I see people asking questions about bacon and sausage sarnies, then.
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General Krulak here:
1. Superbowl: Not sure who I would pick right now. New Orleans looks good, Colts and Patriots have the talent too....I do not believe that the Jets will be there ar the end.
2.PaulMcGrathsShirt: Your comments are appreciated and understood. We are looking hard at what we can do to address the issue you raised. Obviously, we need to figure out a way to fill the stadium and, at the same time, make getting a ST something very special. We saw, last year, the importance of a ST when it got to the Cup Finals...and I hope we see the same this year. We are looking at this.
3. Clampy: I will talk to Nicky Keye and see what she has to say. My sense is that she will indicate that you don't have to buy the tickets at the same time. It is not as though we are always selling out the away games.
4. Yes re. Young.
5 .ktvillan: I appreciate your idea but....we cannot even get agreement on a "short list" for an anthem....I can imagine the problem getting agreement on a short list for a kit. Also, we did a short list for our badge and that did not solve the problem of many unhappy fans.
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General Krulak here:
1. Superbowl: Not sure who I would pick right now. New Orleans looks good, Colts and Patriots have the talent too....I do not believe that the Jets will be there ar the end.
It's killing you to type Steelers isn't it General? You can admit it. Release the anger.
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General Krulak here:
1. Toronto villa: Steelers???? That is like saying BCFC!!!! Cannot say it....cannot think it.
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I work with a girl from Pittsburgh. She owns a terrible towel and, if she wasn't married to a huge bloke, would be well worth five minutes of your lunch.
Anyway, as you were.
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I'm off to watch the local Rugby team later, a real odd shape ball game. Winky.
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General,
I believe everyone at the club to have done a great job over the last 4 or so years. I am extremely proud with the way the club conducts themselves on the whole. However two points of irritation for you:
1)Why is it acceptable to be served Coke in a plastic bottle but not beer/cider? Especially when there is only one catering outlet open for all North Stand lower fans (this has happened twice this season)?
2) Do you think £3.10 for half a pint represents good value and isn't exploiting a captive market?
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Not bad draw that General.
Are you really hoping we head back to a cup final again so you can get to go this time? We will make a weeekend of it so you are welcome to join the usual motley crew from The Bartons for a pint of you want.
We are like a walking good beer guide for London.
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General Krulak here:
1. Superbowl: Not sure who I would pick right now. New Orleans looks good, Colts and Patriots have the talent too....I do not believe that the Jets will be there ar the end.
"I do not believe that the Jets will be there ar the end."
Haha, I love you General. I cannot stand the Jets after all the smack talking they've been doing... they're destined for failure!
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General Krulak here:
1. cheltenhamlion: I am with you!! Another great trip to Bartons would do just right! This time I PROMISE I will bring Randy and let him know what a true celebration looks like.
2. Dan: 1) I didn't know beer came in plastic bottles. 2) 3.50 for a half a pint...pretty tough for me.
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General Krulak here:
1. Great win...derby and away! I thought Heskey, Cuellar, Young and NRC played extremely well and the rest of the lads did us proud. I confess to being on the edge of my chair for the 2nd half but we did what we needed to do. I thought that the players kept after it...and GH was keen on his substitutions.
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General Krulak here:
1. Great win...derby and away! I thought Heskey, Cuellar, Young and NRC played extremely well and the rest of the lads did us proud. I confess to being on the edge of my chair for the 2nd half but we did what we needed to do. I thought that the players kept after it...and GH was keen on his substitutions.
Spot on general, get yourself on the post match thread!
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I work with am married to a girl from Pittsburgh. She owns a terrible towel and, if she wasn't married to a huge bloke me, would be well worth five minutes of your lunch would probably have never heard of Aston Villa.
Anyway, as you were.
Go Steelers!!!!
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General krulak here:
1. No problem with the steelers today!!
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General krulak here:
1. No problem with the steelers today!!
hoping your Browns can pull off a shocker today General. It's tight with 10 minutes to go. Steelers have blown out the Bucs.
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Great result today general- the clouds that o neill left are lifting now and I see sunshine ahead under GED houllier- good times are coming back to us !
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Put your money on Green Bay this season.
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General Krulak here:
1. A couple of games don't make the season...either way you look at it. I think what I am most happy about is the willingness for the Manager to substitute earlier enough for the subs to make a difference. Additionally, his calm demeanor and his savvy about the game are also good to see. He obviously can make a good motivating talk but he also can bring a focus to the game which is important. We just need to take them one game at a time. Results count...we just need to keep each game in focus.
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I've asked before, exactly who decided to sign S.Ireland, MO, KM or GH?
I think he is an exceptional player, but for me, it really does matter that the Aston Villa manager makes the transfer choices.
Especially when it was cited that bringing down the wage structure was a factor that the previous manager was blasted for.
I feel sorry to have to question when I can see what has been done in the last few years... but I feel its valid.
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General Krulak here:
1. Malandro: I think I have answered this same question several times before but....here it goes again. The Manager basically makes the decision on who he wants on the team. I don't think we would want it any other way. You certainly don't want the owner out there deciding the make up of the team. Obviously there is discussions between the Manager and the Owner...but it is the Manager who recommends a "buy." In the case of Ireland, he was part of a deal. The previous Manager was not "blasted" regarding the wage structure. I don't even know what you mean by the term.
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General when o neill left was there a clause in the settlement that meant he could not discuss in detail his reasons for leaving?
I ask this as it is something doug often used to put in place when a manager departed to stop that manager causing a stir in future by revealing all.
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General,
Without giving too much away. What is Houllier's magic touch with Heskey that O'Neill couldn't seem to bring?
On Sunday i found myself describing him as 'Only the player Ronaldo could have been' A complete transformation from a few weeks ago. Well done to Houllier and his new coaching staff.
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General Krulak here"
1. greenwichvilla: I wish I knew what has taken place. In many ways, I believe what Emile has had to say...that it has been hard for him and yet it has been his family that has given him support. Now, obviously, GH has also provided support and reassurance that he is not finished...that he still has quality football left in him. Heskey has never been a huge goal scorer but he has the ability to be a big threat...to be around the box when needed...to hold the ball...to be a handful. And, obviously, he can score. Again, I don't think any of us can really fathom what is taking place other than to see the obvious...GH has faith in Heskey and Heskey has faith in GH.
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Take it for whatever reason general that you either cannot or do not wish to answer whether o neill had a confidentitiality clause inserted in his leaving then general?
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General Krulak here"
1. greenwichvilla: I wish I knew what has taken place. In many ways, I believe what Emile has had to say...that it has been hard for him and yet it has been his family that has given him support. Now, obviously, GH has also provided support and reassurance that he is not finished...that he still has quality football left in him. Heskey has never been a huge goal scorer but he has the ability to be a big threat...to be around the box when needed...to hold the ball...to be a handful. And, obviously, he can score. Again, I don't think any of us can really fathom what is taking place other than to see the obvious...GH has faith in Heskey and Heskey has faith in GH.
Nice.
Thank you for your response. It's like a new signing etc etc
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i hope it continues, as when he has previously been a complete waste of a shirt...
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Take it for whatever reason general that you either cannot or do not wish to answer whether o neill had a confidentitiality clause inserted in his leaving then general?
Without wishing to answer for The General, i'm not sure what is to be gained from knowing either way. Time to move on and get behind the new man in charge.
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With half the hacks in the country checking this thread out as part of their hard daily slog, what do you expect the General to say?
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Something like this:
General Krulak here:
1. In regard to MoN, we strapped him to a table, put a towel over his face and water-boarded the fecker for an hour. Told him if he talks, he'll be dragged back for more.
2. In regard to the kit: we strapped Nike's head of production to a table, put a towel over his face and water-boarded the fecker for an hour. Told him if he delays the kit any more, he'll be dragged back for more.
3. In regard to Heskey: we strapped him to a table, put a towel over his face and water-boarded the fecker for an hour. Told him if he stops scoring again, he'll be dragged back for more.
4. In regard to Richard Dunne's weight: we strapped him to a table, put a towel over his face and water-boarded the fecker for an hour. He drank all the water, ate the towel and then started on the table, the fat bastard!
So help me God, if anyone mentions the temperature of the pies or the price of the beer, I'll strap the m****** f****** to a table, put a towel over his face....."
semper fidelis.
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Thanks for that candid insight, General.
Wait a minute...
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Very good Troy
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Nice post Troy . Love to see that quoted in error by some tabloid journo.
General, re the new kit. I know this has been done over and over but if the quality of the players kit is anything to go by I'm not surprised its been delayed. It looks dreadful on close ups on telly, the seams on the collars dont look like they line up. Us lot tend to wear them as leisure items (obviously !) and bluntly they would look dreadful under a sweatshirt or a jumper. The black one worn at stoke looked really shoddy.
Its a shame, I looked at the Arsenal one in a shop today and is superbly made and looks great. Nike should have given us that template not the French one.
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Hi General,
Please pass this onto the dressing room. It is a quote from Spurs' Captain Ledley King....looks like they thing we should be easy to beat:
" We're at home to Villa and those are the games that we need to take three points from."
It was in the context of them losing to Wigan after their last CL game.
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I would have read that as Ledley King views us as a rival, not as a push over.
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I would have read that as Ledley King views us as a rival, not as a push over.
And that they should be winning their home games If they are to remain in tge top 4.
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General Krulak here:
1. Troy....what a post!! Kept me smiling all day.
2. I hope that we don't need King's comment to fire us up for this game.
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aint gonna win nuffin with petrov in the team and especially as captain !!
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aint gonna win nuffin with petrov in the team and especially as captain !!
And your question is?
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General Krulak here:
1. A tough loss! I thought we played well enough to get a point but "thinking" and "getting" are two different things. Once again, I felt that Heskey, while in the game, played huge.
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And the Ryder Cup, General?
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And the Ryder Cup, General?
.
It's in the bag.... I hope.
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Hi General,
I recently subscribed to AVTV and after the initial day of joining it never allowed me to log in and I couldn't access the service.After a number of e-mails to IT support they tried to assist in various ways but to no avail.I asked for a direct phone number for assistance,they asked for mine but did not call.I eventually became so frustrated I cancelled the subscription-very annoying as I really wanted it.Could you pass this on that perhaps a telephone helpline would have maybe resolved the problem
Thankyou
UTV
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General Krulak here:
1. A tough loss! I thought we played well enough to get a point but "thinking" and "getting" are two different things. Once again, I felt that Heskey, while in the game, played huge.
Dunne has been huge for us all season as well.
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Hi General,
I recently subscribed to AVTV and after the initial day of joining it never allowed me to log in and I couldn't access the service.After a number of e-mails to IT support they tried to assist in various ways but to no avail.I asked for a direct phone number for assistance,they asked for mine but did not call.I eventually became so frustrated I cancelled the subscription-very annoying as I really wanted it.Could you pass this on that perhaps a telephone helpline would have maybe resolved the problem
Thankyou
UTV
That's poor.
I had a similar problem but sent the query through the generic 'Help' option on avtv and a real human replied within 36 hours with a re-set password and it worked.
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Hi General,
I recently subscribed to AVTV and after the initial day of joining it never allowed me to log in and I couldn't access the service.After a number of e-mails to IT support they tried to assist in various ways but to no avail.I asked for a direct phone number for assistance,they asked for mine but did not call.I eventually became so frustrated I cancelled the subscription-very annoying as I really wanted it.Could you pass this on that perhaps a telephone helpline would have maybe resolved the problem
Thankyou
UTV
That's poor.
I had a similar problem but sent the query through the generic 'Help' option on avtv and a real human replied within 36 hours with a re-set password and it worked.
Thanks Eamonn.I'll try that thankyou, although it will mean having to resubscribe I guess
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General Krulak here:
1. We continue to work to "fix" the issue our Fans are having with the Ticketmaster system. We have been told that the resolution, to include "select a seat" should be with us in the next few days. I will let everyone know as soon as we have the word that it is fixed.
2. villaalways: I have asked our folks to return their calls!!!!
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hi General
Not happy about Kick Off time for Boxing day. It messes up alot of peoples day with families etc... I know the club cant probably do everything about it but I wish Sky would just **** off sometimes....
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hi General
Not happy about Kick Off time for Boxing day. It messes up alot of peoples day with families etc... I know the club cant probably do everything about it but I wish Sky would just **** off sometimes....
Bearing in mind there will be virtually no public transport that time of day, i do agree and it's maybe something the club could have considered before agreeing to the change (that's if they had a choice).
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Hello General.
I am a season card holder and in the home cup ticket scheme, is it really necessary for the ticket office to waste paper and postage sending us seperate tickets ? Surely its relatively easy to put a system in place so its just swiped on the card as with normal league games ?
I keep the season card in my wallet at all times just like a credit card but the seperate tickets go in my bedside drawer until match day. Im sure I will forget the ticket sometime and have to go back home in a panic, or worse Mrs Lochhead throws it out when she goes on one of her tidying purges round the house.
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General Krulak here:
1. The Club holds no sway over kick-off times.
2. An update on the kit: A firm date for the issue of the kit will be given on 25 October. The kit will be issued as follows...Home Kit first followed by the Away Kit about a week later. As I mentioned earlier, the Club had no recourse but to delay the kit due to faulty material of the initial offering. The problem with the kit was highlighted after the Celtic Shirt went on sale. We just did not want to release an inferior kit. We are still in discussion re. "shelf life" of the new kit.
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General Krulak here:
1. The Club holds no sway over kick-off times.
2. An update on the kit: A firm date for the issue of the kit will be given on 25 October. The kit will be issued as follows...Home Kit first followed by the Away Kit about a week later. As I mentioned earlier, the Club had no recourse but to delay the kit due to faulty material of the initial offering. The problem with the kit was highlighted after the Celtic Shirt went on sale. We just did not want to release an inferior kit. We are still in discussion re. "shelf life" of the new kit.
If it is two years I will not cancel my order.Let's hope Nike see sence.
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off thread a bit but talking of kit,I actually have one..... signed by the team with Clark on the back... Just trying to think of a way to auction it for charity.. thanks Kmac by the way...
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General Krulak here:
1. The Club holds no sway over kick-off times.
Do you mean that Sky can push you around when they like or that you can't refuse the TV money? Enjoy the empty seats on December 25th.
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General Krulak here:
1. The Club holds no sway over kick-off times.
Do you mean that Sky can push you around when they like or that you can't refuse the TV money? Enjoy the empty seats on December 25th.
I think there will be even more empty seats on the 25th than on the 26th!
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General Krulak here:
1. The Club holds no sway over kick-off times.
Do you mean that Sky can push you around when they like or that you can't refuse the TV money? Enjoy the empty seats on December 25th.
yes there will be a few ;-)
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General Krulak here:
1. The Club holds no sway over kick-off times.
Do you mean that Sky can push you around when they like or that you can't refuse the TV money? Enjoy the empty seats on December 25th.
yes there will be a few ;-)
Doh! Note to self. Re-read rants before posting.
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General Krulak here:
1. pete3206: Simply put, like all Clubs and all businesses, we sign contracts...for many things. To renege on a contract clause in order to appear like we are not being "pushed around" is not something the Board would do. You may not appreciate that fact but in business, it makes for an environment of trust and faith. Yes, we will probably not have a full stadium...and I can assure you, we won't enjoy it. At the same time, the word of our Club has to stand for something...when we sign a contract, we can't just dump it because the dates don't meet our fancy. If this is taken as being "pushed around", so be it.
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General,
Are you in a position to give an opinion of the goings on at Liverpool?
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General Krulak here:
1. greenwichvilla: I am not sure I am in position to comment on Liverpool other than to say that Liverpool, like Aston Villa, has a strong tradition and I hope that they come out of all of this intact.
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I hope that they come out of all of this intact.
Thanks, General, but most of us hope they don't!
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General, do you know more in advance about games being moved? If so do you know if the Baggies games getting moved? And will you be going to it?
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General, with regards to the kit, please don't try and keep it for next year.
I really dislike the new kits because of the horrible chequers up the side.
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General:
You may find some interest in a thread on this site, based on an article in today's Times by the previous chairman of this great Club and which refers in glowing terms to his successor:
http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=40530.0
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General Krulak here:
1. We get very little notice of date/time changes for matches and we ALWAYS give the Fans the news as soon as we get it.
2. Nice article from Doug. As I have said many times, he and I get along very well. His heart and soul remain Villa. I am not sure the MON issue went down quite the way he said but that is a nothing. He loves the Club and that is what counts.
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I am not sure the MON issue went down quite the way he said but that is a nothing. He loves the Club and that is what counts.
I knew it! the little liar.
Good old Doug, never one to let the truth get in the way of a good story. Gotta love him, the silly old fart.
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Hi General
Just been on the AVFC website ticketing section and noticed the advertised deal for half-season tickets. These are being advertised in my section (Trinity Lower) at £285 for 12 matches - £23.75 per match. I purchased my FULL season ticket in July at £495 for 19 matches - £26.05 per match. Where is the fairness in that sir and what incentive does this give for current season ticket holders to renew for next year? Whilst I understand the need to grow the number of season ticket holders, this kind of marketing. which penalises existing loyal supporters. may not go unnoticed when it comes to renewal time next year especially with the ever worsening economic situation. Kind regards.
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Hi General
Just been on the AVFC website ticketing section and noticed the advertised deal for half-season tickets. These are being advertised in my section (Trinity Lower) at £285 for 12 matches - £23.75 per match. I purchased my FULL season ticket in July at £495 for 19 matches - £26.05 per match. Where is the fairness in that sir and what incentive does this give for current season ticket holders to renew for next year? Whilst I understand the need to grow the number of season ticket holders, this kind of marketing. which penalises existing loyal supporters. may not go unnoticed when it comes to renewal time next year especially with the ever worsening economic situation. Kind regards.
i think you have also shafted existing season ticket holders! just like a cable tv company that introduces special introductory rates!
Be wary, i will go down the olbeyun!. Well obviously i wont but may consider my finances at next years renewal dates!
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In fairness to villa we do have Chelsea, Man Utd, arsenal and spurs at home before the ennui December, so I'd expect a half season ticket to be cheaper without those teams.
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In fairness to villa we do have Chelsea, Man Utd, arsenal and spurs at home before the ennui December, so I'd expect a half season ticket to be cheaper without those teams.
Freudian slip?
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Hi General I hope you're well.
- in light of the fact that the Spurzzz game on Boxing Day will be kicking off at the downright bloody ludicrous kick off time off 5:30, may I suggest that Villa contact the bus and train people to try and do all they can to try and ensure there is a sensible amount of public transport available both before and after the game?
Public transport is shockingly bad and I remember last boxing day there was no public transport at all. Not everyone has their own transport and of course this could seriously hinder the attendance on the afternoon/evening of the game. Not everyone has their own transport, and not everyone lives within walking distance of Villa Park.
On another note I asked you a while back about the problem I had in purchasing tickets for the Blackburn cup game before the Everton game for friends and was unable to do so as the ticket office were only selling tickets for that match (despite the ticket office being very quiet). You commented about how you could understand my frustration and you would speak to Nicola Keye.....any news?
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Just one issue General. This is propably me, not wanting to do a deeper research (but as a customer, it shouldn't be difficult to find out).
I bought the Iphone app, and joined up for the AVTV section of the application. Now i get all the services on the Iphone. Worked really nice.
But - i can't access AVTV on the Villa website, as all I get is a page to sign up for AVTV, which I thought I had done with the Iphone app.
Maybe it is two different products - but in either case - its not very user friendly to sign up. You might pass this on to the AVTV team. (Critical input)
Up the Villa
/Edvard
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Edvard - I think you have to pay extra for AVTV.
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Edvard - I think you have to pay extra for AVTV.
I have paid for AVTV on the Iphone app (1 year) . Is the AVTV on the website a different one?
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General,
What are you buying Randy for Xmas?
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General,
What are you buying Randy for Xmas?
small heath, well Randy did say he wanted a cowboy outfit.
*I'll get me coat.
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General
If you could have a different user name on this site, what would it be?
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General Krulak here:
1. Not sure what I am getting Randy....maybe a good book. He is not the easiest man to buy a gift for....he is into so many different things.
2. Different user name?? I will need to give that some thought. Might even ask Mrs. "K" although I would hate to hear her comment.
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sorry general to be so blunt but do season ticket holders who support the club year in year out matter more than the customer you want to bring along indefinitely? Sorry for such direct question but it seems like we are treated not so well as a prospective customer!
i suppose i could talk about christmas and birthday presents and get a reply but hey ho, i am only a slightly concerned season ticket holder whose season tickets increased by £120 for 2 seats in the lower holte as my 9 year old who goes to about 7 away games a season is now an under 16 instead of under 12. I also wished to purchase an under 8 ticket but as i am in L3 he would have to sit in L2! i was advised that i should look at the advantages of being a season ticket holder and i help to support the entrance for the armed forces! Dont get me started on that! My money has been forthcoming but if the deals keep flowing away from season ticket holders i may not be so forthcoming!
One of the many benefits to season ticket holders is entrance to the holte suite, however upon queing against everton to get in was told was full and i saw people entering who were not st holders and others showing LAST seasons tickets! This may seem a little trite but it is getting to the point where i need to voice my opinion!
But i would like a buzz lightyear outfit for christmas!
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General,
When the club gets picked for a TV game, are you under obligation to fulfill that selection? Obviously you'll loose the revenue money and may not get picked as much in future...
Had Villa and Spurs got together and said 'Actually, no. We don't want to kick off at 5.30, we'll keep it at three' Would you have been able to do that, you know, legally?
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General,
When the club gets picked for a TV game, are you under obligation to fulfill that selection? Obviously you'll loose the revenue money and may not get picked as much in future...
Had Villa and Spurs got together and said 'Actually, no. We don't want to kick off at 5.30, we'll keep it at three' Would you have been able to do that, you know, legally?
Hasn't the General answered this already?
General Krulak here:
1. pete3206: Simply put, like all Clubs and all businesses, we sign contracts...for many things. To renege on a contract clause in order to appear like we are not being "pushed around" is not something the Board would do. You may not appreciate that fact but in business, it makes for an environment of trust and faith. Yes, we will probably not have a full stadium...and I can assure you, we won't enjoy it. At the same time, the word of our Club has to stand for something...when we sign a contract, we can't just dump it because the dates don't meet our fancy. If this is taken as being "pushed around", so be it.
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Cheers.
Ignore me, General.
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Hi General I hope you're well.
- in light of the fact that the Spurzzz game on Boxing Day will be kicking off at the downright bloody ludicrous kick off time off 5:30, may I suggest that Villa contact the bus and train people to try and do all they can to try and ensure there is a sensible amount of public transport available both before and after the game?
Public transport is shockingly bad and I remember last boxing day there was no public transport at all. Not everyone has their own transport and of course this could seriously hinder the attendance on the afternoon/evening of the game. Not everyone has their own transport, and not everyone lives within walking distance of Villa Park.
On another note I asked you a while back about the problem I had in purchasing tickets for the Blackburn cup game before the Everton game for friends and was unable to do so as the ticket office were only selling tickets for that match (despite the ticket office being very quiet). You commented about how you could understand my frustration and you would speak to Nicola Keye.....any news?
General?
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General Krulak here:
1. greenwichvilla: As I have said many, many, times...I don't always get to each question...it's called a "senior moment" and when you get older, you will know what I mean. The TV contract is just that...a contract. We cannot just up and say, "NO" to a time so long as it fits within the parameters of the contract.
2. Season Tickets: We continually are striving to make ST's the VERY best bargain for the money...and they are. We also ensure that access to such places as the Holte Pub are available to ST-holders above any others. There are other things that come with holding the ST....none more obvious than last year and the FA and Carling Cup play at "the" England stadium. W/O a ST, it was nigh on to impossible to get a ticket. I do know that Paul Faulkner and Nicky Keye are looking into other ways to make the ST even more special.
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Evening General,
Now that Gerard and his team are bedded in, I'm sure it won't be long before our academy is starting to attract the cream of youth players from around the world in preparation for a sustained attack on the Champions league - my parents have been housing students from a local language school for a couple of years now and have an ideal home to place young lions, who is best to contact about this?
Cheers
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General, has the club considered holding a Bollywood evening, or series of such such nights, at the ground? Either in one of the suites, or restaurants?
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General,
I'm currently in the US on something of an Elvis Presley pilgrimage, and I noticed that Elvis has a Cleveland Browns football on his grave:
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2ik36zc.jpg)
I did a little bit of research to try and discover its significance, and it would appear that he was indeed a Browns fan - I think this means we can claim him as a Villan as well ;)
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Hi General I hope you're well.
- in light of the fact that the Spurzzz game on Boxing Day will be kicking off at the downright bloody ludicrous kick off time off 5:30, may I suggest that Villa contact the bus and train people to try and do all they can to try and ensure there is a sensible amount of public transport available both before and after the game?
Public transport is shockingly bad and I remember last boxing day there was no public transport at all. Not everyone has their own transport and of course this could seriously hinder the attendance on the afternoon/evening of the game. Not everyone has their own transport, and not everyone lives within walking distance of Villa Park.
On another note I asked you a while back about the problem I had in purchasing tickets for the Blackburn cup game before the Everton game for friends and was unable to do so as the ticket office were only selling tickets for that match (despite the ticket office being very quiet). You commented about how you could understand my frustration and you would speak to Nicola Keye.....any news?
General?
Third attempt General?
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General Krulak here:
1. greenwichvilla: As I have said many, many, times...I don't always get to each question...it's called a "senior moment" and when you get older, you will know what I mean. The TV contract is just that...a contract. We cannot just up and say, "NO" to a time so long as it fits within the parameters of the contract.
Didn't Manchester United refuse to move one of their games for television over the Christmas period a couple of seasons back? Do they not have to adhere to the same rules of these contracts as other clubs?
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General Krulak here:
1. I am unaware of ManU "refuse" to move one of their games for TV. They are bound by the same contracts as all Premier league Clubs.
2.PaulMcGrathNo5Shirt: I believe I have answered this before but....here goes: We do contact the bus and train folks and let them know what we expect on game day. Normally, we have VERY little IF any sway over what they do...how many buses or trains they run...or when. Nicky Acknowledged the same feelings as I had when you mentioned your issue with the ticket office and indicated she would work to ensure that such did not happen again.
3. peterw: To be honest, I don't know what a "Bollywood Evening" is...so I am not sure whether or not we have looked at doing something like that. Please excuse an ignorant Yank.
4. Bottom Right 89: I would go straight to the director of the Academy with the offer.
5. Elvis was a Brown's Fan!!!
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I may be wrong, but i think Man Utd were asked to move a game to Christmas Eve and they quite rightly said no.
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General, a Bollywood evening is an Indian-themed event which captures their culture.
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Thanks General.
In light of the potential transport issues on Boxing Day, could Villa not utilise the services of a local coach company and offer a coach from towns such as Stourbridge, Halesowen, Dudley and so on?
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Thanks General.
In light of the potential transport issues on Boxing Day, could Villa not utilise the services of a local coach company and offer a coach from towns such as Stourbridge, Halesowen, Dudley and so on?
If I am not mistaken (I know one of the bus drivers), the Villa Specials will be running on Boxing Day - £5 return and there's one that goes from Kingswinford, through Stourbridge, then follows the 9 route into town.
I know I'm not the General but just trying to help :)
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General Krulak here:
1. greenwichvilla: As I have said many, many, times...I don't always get to each question...it's called a "senior moment" and when you get older, you will know what I mean. The TV contract is just that...a contract. We cannot just up and say, "NO" to a time so long as it fits within the parameters of the contract.
Didn't Manchester United refuse to move one of their games for television over the Christmas period a couple of seasons back? Do they not have to adhere to the same rules of these contracts as other clubs?
I was thinking this. Wasn't it against Middlesborough? They wanted to kick off at 8pm on New Year's Eve?
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General,going on from peterw's question.Have the club thought about having a native Indian evening and erecting wigwam's on the Villa Park pitch?
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Hi General,
with our link to the AFL is there any chance that we could arrange a match at VP?
I would love to see a friendly between the Browns and The Packers [my team!] at VP
Any chance?
MarkM
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General,going on from peterw's question.Have the club thought about having a native Indian evening and erecting wigwam's on the Villa Park pitch?
Are you taking the teepee ?
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Hi General,
with our link to the AFL is there any chance that we could arrange a match at VP?
I would love to see a friendly between the Browns and The Packers [my team!] at VP
Any chance?
MarkM
General,
if ever the bloody Packers come anywhere near Villa Park can you please have the place disinfected before I have to attend again please? ;)
Much better to invite the 4-1 Monsters of the Midway!
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General,going on from peterw's question.Have the club thought about having a native Indian evening and erecting wigwam's on the Villa Park pitch?
Fascinating fact (or perhaps not) for you... Sitting Bull and his touring Wild West Show played the Aston Lower Grounds (where Villa Park is now) sometime in the 1880s. It attracted the lowest crowd of the whole tour as it clashed with a Villa v Small Heath match on the same day.
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Remember the Alum Rock?
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General,going on from peterw's question.Have the club thought about having a native Indian evening and erecting wigwam's on the Villa Park pitch?
Are you taking the teepee ?
You pair are too tense.
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You pair are too tense.
I'm not so sure, maybe we should canvas opinion.
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General Krulak here:
1. ManU and moving a game: Again, I confess that I am not aware of the movement of a game...but if others are aware, then I believe them. What I do know is that the current contract does not permit a team or teams to "just say no." I, personally, do not think it is a good idea to have a game on Christmas Eve...that is a time for the Family.
2. Thanks for the definition of Bollywood. I will mention this to Alison Plant...it is an idea that certainly fits with our desire to be an inclusive Club.
3. I don't think we will see The Browns at Villa Park anytime soon. That is not something that Randy would want to do for many reasons. Just from a logistical point of view, can you imagine the cost of transporting a hundred players, coaches, medics, staff and tons of equipment to the UK? I think we'd rather spend the money on something/someone else.
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Could Gerard have a word with Ashley about his diving. We don't like it.
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And just so you have both sides, could Gerard have a word with Ashley about being fouled. We don't like it.
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Have you met gerard yet general? I am very happy with the feelgood factor at the club under him and he is a hugely refreshing change from o neill .
When do you next plan to visit villa park general, maybe the man u game? It is a while since we beat them down here but I feel we will do so next month.
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And just so you have both sides, could Gerard have a word with Ashley about being fouled. We don't like it.
Agreed
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General.
Does the dental state of British people's teeth shock you?
Have you ever seen so many with sugar puff teeth?
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And just so you have both sides, could Gerard have a word with Ashley about being fouled. We don't like it.
Agreed
Also agreed, but let's be honest it was embarrassing last night.
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Can we get back to questions for The General, please?
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General Krulak here:
1. I plan on leaving Philadelphia on Friday night...get into UK at 0600 Saturday...drive to hotel and drop bags....go to Bodymoor Heath...go to Villa Park and meet with leadership there...tour stadium during prep for game...visit fans at Holte Pub and Holte Suite...go to SCG...watch the game whilst doing walk-about in the stands...go to hotel and sleep...get up on Sunday and fly back to Philadelphia in the am. "Mrs. K" is prepared to kill me!!!!!!!!! ;) ;) ;)
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General Krulak here:
1. I plan on leaving Philadelphia on Friday night...get into UK at 0600 Saturday...drive to hotel and drop bags....go to Bodymoor Heath...go to Villa Park and meet with leadership there...tour stadium during prep for game...visit fans at Holte Pub and Holte Suite...go to SCG...watch the game whilst doing walk-about in the stands...go to hotel and sleep...get up on Sunday and fly back to Philadelphia in the am. "Mrs. K" is prepared to kill me!!!!!!!!! ;) ;) ;)
Are you Bionic?
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General
Are you over here on 2nd November? I am Chairing a conference at Villa Park and wondered if you wanted to make a guest appearance?
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General Krulak here:
1. I plan on leaving Philadelphia on Friday night...get into UK at 0600 Saturday...drive to hotel and drop bags....go to Bodymoor Heath...go to Villa Park and meet with leadership there...tour stadium during prep for game...visit fans at Holte Pub and Holte Suite...go to SCG...watch the game whilst doing walk-about in the stands...go to hotel and sleep...get up on Sunday and fly back to Philadelphia in the am. "Mrs. K" is prepared to kill me!!!!!!!!! ;) ;) ;)
General, Dave Woodhall has a new book out on Saturday available to buy from us. If you'd like a copy I will be selling outside the Trinity Road gates from 3:30.
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General,
You are living dangerously using that many emoticons. ;)
See you at the game.
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Do you go to the derby games general? Will you be at Blues or Baggies this year?
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General Krulak here:
visit fans at Holte Pub and Holte Suite...
better get there early and have your season card with you!!
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Do you go to the derby games general? Will you be at Blues or Baggies this year?
He came up the pub with us after the 5-1 game
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General Krulak here:
1. I have tried to make all the Derby matches to date...the BEST was the 5-1 that Cheltenhamlion mentioned. After that match I went the the Barton and met with a great group of supporters and helped them drink a pint or two. Great pub...great people!!!
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I may be wrong, but i think Man Utd were asked to move a game to Christmas Eve and they quite rightly said no.
I never said they were wrong, just asked if they had a different contract to the other premier league clubs; it would appear that the answer is yes.
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General,going on from peterw's question.Have the club thought about having a native Indian evening and erecting wigwam's on the Villa Park pitch?
Fascinating fact (or perhaps not) for you... Sitting Bull and his touring Wild West Show played the Aston Lower Grounds (where Villa Park is now) sometime in the 1880s. It attracted the lowest crowd of the whole tour as it clashed with a Villa v Small Heath match on the same day.
Wasn't it 'Wild' Bill Cody, otherwise known as Buffalo Bill?
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General, will the west brom derby game still go ahead at 3 o clock or will the kick off time be moved for police reasons?
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General, will the west brom derby game still go ahead at 3 o clock or will the kick off time be moved for police reasons?
It would have been moved by now. Albion v Wolves is in December aswell and also isn't on tv but has been moved to 12pm on the sunday by the police.
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General Krulak here:
1. I will check on game time when I speak with Nicky on Saturday.
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Hi General.
I guess a sensitive question here - but how do the people in the business stand regarding the Liverpool saga? I guess it is not black or white, but I can understand both sides of the matter (less H&G, and not at all their compensation amount, but still - they invested a lot in the club, for good or bad). But do the clubs meet and vent their opinions on such matters? or is it strictly Liverpool FC ?
Hope you will be at the Villa - Man U game, and that you decide to drop in on Bartons after the game :)
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GK, great to see you in Lower holte today, thanks for coming to see us and have a chat
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Hello General,I noticed GH was wearing Villa scarf and tie this evening.Your purchases by chance ??
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Hi general, I hope you enjoyed your quick visit and got home safely , I'm sure you will be tired after so much travelling.
How was your meeting with mr houllier, he is a fantastic asset to our club and I think we will have a tremendous journey with him as our manager, I hear randy's son was playing his 1st american footbalL so randy stayed in America to watch - hope it all went well.
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General,did you get chance to go to the North stand lower yesterday? Has the catering come back ''in house''? It is the worst I have seen it since Randy took over.
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General,
Are there any developments on the tannoy system? It was just a muffle in the Upper Holte yesterday.
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General Krulak here:
1. Tried to post when I got home on Sunday but my computer was on the blink.
2. The Game: Saturday was the first time I had seen the lads play in person since last season. I was impressed!!! The passing was crisp and accurate, the challenges were consistent...fair but tough, the movement was superb...lots of movement towards open spots on the pitch, the defending was excellent. All in all, I saw a professional team on the pitch playing hard for their Club. It was good to see. Yes, Chelsea had two starters out...but we had 4 out and one more left during the game. We had chances, they had chances. It was a well played, hard fought game. No "hoof ball."
3. I met with GH and, as I have indicated before, he is the consumate professional. He knows the game....he cares about the Club...he communicates extremely well...he is 110% into the game. He was faced with a different line-up...and did not get the word on two of his players until shortly before kick off....yet he had everone ready to play when they needed to be ready. The lads went out and executed...as testiment to them and to the Manager.
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Hi General
Im glad you got home safely.......Any news on the West Brom game, you said you were going to check it out with Nicky Keye ??
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No "hoof ball."
Hee-hee.
Nice one General.
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No "hoof ball."
Hee-hee.
Nice one General.
I can see that ending up on the back pages somewhere..
'Villa Director in blast at O'Neill's style of football'
Aston Villa Director, General Charles Krulak says he is glad to see the back of Martin O'Neill and what he called his style of soccer as 'hoof ball'.
''It was so bad under the O'Neill regime that we had to discount season tickets in the Holte End and North Stand Lower tier' ''The ball never touched the pitch'.
He went on to say '' We even had a couple of fans complain that pigeons had shite all over their faces whislt looking for the ball skywards''
''It really was that bad'' said the General. However, since Gerard Houllier has been at Villa, things have changed dramatically. '' It will take time'' says Gordon Cowans, Villa legend from their European Cup Winners side. ''Player are realising that 'hoof ball' played under O'neill was not so 'terrific' afterall.
*Hacks
Delete/Copy/Paste as applicable.
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Any chance of a Bid for Rooney, as back up for Emile.
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General Krulak here:
1. I hope that the media won't take my comment as an indictment of MON...it was not intended that way. I was just pleased to see the crisp passing and the movement to open spaces...plus the obvious effort put out by the lads.
2. Not sure that Rooney is in our future.
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You got to be in it to win it.
So ask Hou to register an interest.
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Hello General; just popped into say i'm really pleased to see on the online store that we've got official Aston Villa golf products. I'm going to order myself a Villa pom pom driver headcover and some Villa tees tommorow!
Keep up the great work General!
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Hi General
What do you think to Ashley Young not signing a new contract at the moment. Do we have another Milner situation on our hands?
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Hi General
What do you think to Ashley Young not signing a new contract at the moment. Do we have another Milner situation on our hands?
Do you really think that's a fair question to ask?
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Hi General K,
It has been interesting to watch the soap opera at Old Trafford this week and that player power if you like has now got totally out of control (however Fergie seems to have got his way in the end). Given the news today that Ashley Young has called a halt to contract negotiations I can only conclude he has decided he wants to leave and not sign a further contract witth he club. Given he will only have 1n year left in the summer we will have a player whose true value will be nearer 20m going for a song and a dance.
I don't want another long protracted situation like the ones we have had to suffer for the last 3 years with Barry and Milner. We know the outcome will be he will leave as we have shown we can't keep our best players anymore. So my advice is to sell him in January and get a decent price for him and put us out of our misery earlier for a change.
For the record, Ashley Young is in my opinion the best player we have had at the club since Dwight Yorke and I will be devastated when he goes. Oh and I don't blame Randy as I am sure he would have Ashley signed up yesterday if he could.
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We simply cannot sell Ashley Young. First Barry, then Milner and now possibly our now best player? We must learn from our mistakes and not lose another great player, it simply cannot happen - I'd cry if we lose Ash and we'd just be considered a laughing stock if we keep doing this.
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Sadly there's not a lot we can do about it, if he doesn't want to sign a new deal we would have to sell him- how sad that players call the shots and hold clubs to ransom- the wages players are on is obscene and while the country faces cuts all players seem to want is more more more.
General, did you manage to confirm that the WBA game will be a 3pm kick off?
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I think it's quite simple (easy for me to say I realise), if you sell Ashley Young you need to replace with equal or better quality. Not potential, not an unknown youngster. A replacement.
Bottom line is that another drawn out-will-won't-he scenario will go down lie lead balloon and ruin any good vibes currently being enjoyed by most.
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We already have an Ashley Young thread.
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General,
File this this under 'Easier said than done' but why are we not signing/re-signing players with an clause of "the Club having a one year extention option".
It's something we used to do, it makes sense when we have players/agents that start seeing the additional cash-in available, indifferent of the player's best long term options.
As with all things Aston Villa, we try to do things the right way but sometimes we may need a little bit of insurance to protect us against the mercenaries.
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Hi General
What do you think to Ashley Young not signing a new contract at the moment. Do we have another Milner situation on our hands?
Do you really think that's a fair question to ask?
I appreciate asking General K difficult questions is not de rigueur of late but surely its a question on many if not most Villa fans minds, Dave.
Here's another one General, question that is. How long have the Board allowed in their plans for Houllier to make an effective short term impact on results, please
Are they expecting for this to be a season of consolidation following the turncoats exit, or do they still expect to achieve some success. When you consider the rhetoric posted most of last season about the quality of the partly used squad under O'Neill and the funds expended, I'd hope so
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hi General do we have any news on Gabby and when he will be back? He loves to score against the Blues and the Villa despretely miss him.
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General,
a team pretending to be the Cleveland Browns today won away to the reigning SuperBowl champions.
What's Randy done with the real Browns? ;-)
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General,
My Charlie and his best mate have a top of the table under 13's match that kick's off at half past two on Sunday. Their Sunday League coach would like them to miss the blues game but as long standing season ticket holders the chances of that happening is absolutely ZERO!
Would there be any chance whatsoever of a one off parking spot in order that I could leave Villa Park ten minutes early and take them to their junior league match four miles away?
If not - he'll have to do without them ;-)
Thanks anyway and thanks for your continued good work!
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General,
Any chance of delaying the kick off on Sunday by 10 minutes? I finish work at 11pm Sunday night (which will be Noon UK time) and it will take me 10 mins to run down to the pub. Doesn't have to be anything drastic, just hide all the balls or something. I'm happy to phone up Villa Park when I've got to the pub and have a beer in hand so that the game can kick off!
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General,
Any chance of delaying the kick off on Sunday by 10 minutes? I finish work at 11pm Sunday night (which will be Noon UK time) and it will take me 10 mins to run down to the pub. Doesn't have to be anything drastic, just hide all the balls or something. I'm happy to phone up Villa Park when I've got to the pub and have a beer in hand so that the game can kick off!
Have you factored in the clocks going back to GMT on Saturday night?
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General,
Any chance of delaying the kick off on Sunday by 10 minutes? I finish work at 11pm Sunday night (which will be Noon UK time) and it will take me 10 mins to run down to the pub. Doesn't have to be anything drastic, just hide all the balls or something. I'm happy to phone up Villa Park when I've got to the pub and have a beer in hand so that the game can kick off!
Have you factored in the clocks going back to GMT on Saturday night?
Yeah, we are currently 10 hours ahead, so Sunday lunch you will be 11 hours behind.
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Perhaps some traffic congestion preventing all of their coaches arriving for kick off could be arranged.
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Perhaps some traffic congestion preventing all of their coaches arriving for kick off could be arranged.
Thats rather alot of coaches to delay...
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General Krulak here:
1. Obviously I cannot discuss the Ashley Young situation on an "open" web site. We all have learned our lesson about that. Simply put, the media watches H&V like a hawk and whenever I comment on something like this issue, it is immediately picked up. With this in mind, I will keep my comments very general in nature.
2. The Situation. I am sure you realize that any Club has very little control over any player once that player decides he wants to go. This is especially true as the contract nears its end. ManU and Rooney were a perfect example...Rooney was set to go IF he wanted to go. AVFC certainly values Ashley Young....he is a fine player and is a fine person in the dressing room. No one wants to see him go. At the end of the day, we need to let this all play out and see what happens.
3. sfx412. I don't think the Board has lowered expectations at all. At the same time, we had a tumultuous summer and now have a new Manager and new Coaches. It is only right that Randy and the Board give them the time and resources to do what they feel they need to do to reach our goals. Notice I said BOTH time AND resources. We recognize that we cannot expect an overnight miracle from GH and we also realize that he will need resources to achieve what we all want for our Club.
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General,
Any chance of delaying the kick off on Sunday by 10 minutes? I finish work at 11pm Sunday night (which will be Noon UK time) and it will take me 10 mins to run down to the pub. Doesn't have to be anything drastic, just hide all the balls or something. I'm happy to phone up Villa Park when I've got to the pub and have a beer in hand so that the game can kick off!
Pre-order a cab, or make up those extra minutes by skateboard.
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General - well done to all concerned for the training event at Villa Park today. Well organised and really enjoyable.
Notable mentions to Stephen Ireland, Ashley Young, Brad Guzan and Nigel Reo Coker for signing autographs and posing for pictures for all of the fans that waited patiently for them...
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General Krulak here:
1. We expect to have over 30,000 people at the Burnley game.
2. The Family Day was a great success thanks to the energy of the Fans, the hard work of the Staff at Villa Park, the Manager and the Players. It was a really fun day!!!
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Hi General,
I hope you are well.
I just wanted to ask you a question generally on football, without specific references towards Villa.
This week we have seen Wayne Rooney get his contract for a reported £200k per week. This will of course start to have an effect on lesser players who will look for a rise eg 100k pw. This in all likleyhood will have a knock on effect on fans as most clubs will then up their ticket prices and the cycle will start again. As a Director of a football club, do you feel concerned with the fact that it looks like attendances are levelling off/dropping (eg you can get a season ticket for the first time at United in over a decade, there used to be 20,000 people on the waiting list), that this financial ecosystem that football live in will burst?
Or do you think that TV revenues will continue to drive this wage inflation and we will see emptier grounds across the country?
Also do you think that Premier League chairman may look towards having either an official or unofficial wage cap in the future, in order to keep crowds in the ground and keep the Premier League product strong?
Sorry for such an indepth question, but as a man who operates on the inside, i would be interested in your thoughts.
Many thanks
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Is that a 'no' General? :o
Might it help if I had an 'executive' box? ::)
How bout - pretty pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease????????
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general can you explain why I Am unable to buy tickets for sundays game even though its not sold out
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general can you explain why I Am unable to buy tickets for sundays game even though its not sold out
Have u tried phoning the ticket office
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i there just had a email from villa re when the shirts are being released
10th november home and 24th away
but no mention of any special deals ie free shirt printing
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Following on from the kit launch why are the prices quoted excluding VAT when everyone will have to pay the VAT inclusive price so it gives a false impression of a lower price.
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Following on from the kit launch why are the prices quoted excluding VAT when everyone will have to pay the VAT inclusive price so it gives a false impression of a lower price.
Think you will find that overseas purchasers do not pay VAT so need net price. That'll be the excuse anyway.
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General, we seem to have acquired a pet Blues fan if you fancy coming to play!
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General
Well done on the pricing this evening. It was very good to see almost 35,000 there to play a championship side. Plenty of families with young kids toting cameras, and obvious first timers at the match tonight.
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What paulie said General. The pricing for tonight's game certainly worked and it was an excellent turnout.
General, could we reduce the price for every game to £10? *smiley, jokey*
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Oh, and another thing.
Went for a drink at half time, and noticed one counter in the Upper Trinity seemed to have a single massive pump which gushed - BP style - a seemingly endless stream of lager under which staff were sticking pint glasses and selling lots of beer in a short period of time.
These big mega pumps are the way forward.
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General, when a game goes into extra time like tonight, is it not worth opening the refreshment stands again? Leaving the ground I saw plenty of people at the burger vans outside the ground and can't help thinking maybe that some of that money could have been going into the clubs coffers?
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General, when a game goes into extra time like tonight, is it not worth opening the refreshment stands again? Leaving the ground I saw plenty of people at the burger vans outside the ground and can't help thinking maybe that some of that money could have been going into the clubs coffers?
Then you'd have to pay the staff to hang around, just in case the match went to extra time. I can't imagine that making financial sense.
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General K,
Well done to the club for the ticket pricing for last night's game. So many families there and I only wish we were in a position to price every game like this. Half term obviously helped though.
I saw a picture of Randy at the game - is his health ok as he seems to have lost more weight?
Finally will you both be in attendance for Sunday?
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Hi General.
Is anything - ever - going to be done about our Tannoy system at VP? It has been rubbish for years - I gave up bothering to listen to it years ago.
Even when we go to so called lesser clubs' grounds we can hear what the announcements are.
Lower Holte has just been a muffle for years.
With regard to the kit - has a shelf life been decided on it yet? As it stands at the moment I won't be buying a new top which will be out of date in May - not at the full price anyway - I love to buy a new one each season but it seems we are getting a raw deal here.
Keep up the good work.
Lower Holte TT 74
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General - I took my 7 year old to his first night game last night which he really enjoyed - although he does seem happier to meet Hercules than anything else !! - Can I add my weight to the ticket pricing thanks but also say that he went to the free open training session on Monday as well and has a good Villa week and great to see so many kids at both.
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General,
a team pretending to be the Cleveland Browns today won away to the reigning SuperBowl champions.
What's Randy done with the real Browns? ;-)
What's he done? Spent our summer transfer budget that's what.
But we're all in this together though.
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General, when a game goes into extra time like tonight, is it not worth opening the refreshment stands again? Leaving the ground I saw plenty of people at the burger vans outside the ground and can't help thinking maybe that some of that money could have been going into the clubs coffers?
Then you'd have to pay the staff to hang around, just in case the match went to extra time. I can't imagine that making financial sense.
A fair few staff were on the same bus into town after the game so i'm guessing they were all still in the ground. And considering the very high profit margin the club make on refreshments, i'm sure that would more than compensate an hours extra wages?
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General Krulak here:
1. IrreverentAd: You raise the $64 question. At the end of the day, I think that the escalating wages will be harmful to the sport...and may well cause some sort of salary cap or similar device to be instituted. Simply put, wages may well take the ability to attend a game out of the hands of the very Fans who have made this such a great sport. This would be a nightmare. I do not think this is an issue that can be solved by the Clubs themselves but probably needs intervention by the League. Do I worry about skyrocketing wages...absolutely. I would venture to say that I am not the only Director of a Club that has the same concerns.
2. Bosco81: No one is trying to hide the price of the shirt...but adding the VAT would have an impact on those purchasing the kit outside the UK. We basically feel that those Fans buying a kit in the UK are fully aware of the VAT.
3. Fuse: Randy is fine. We spent the day together last Friday and he was in good health and good spirits. He has lost weight over the past 6 months but he did so on purpose...getting down to fighting weight. We discussed many things and his attitude was extremely positive. He feels we are really moving in the right direction from a macro viewpoint and his passion for the Club is as high as I have seen it....which made me very happy.
4. cambsvilla: We continue to work on the tannoy system but will not do a major overhaul until we work on the North Stand. The kit: No decision on shelf life at this time...it is still being debated.
5. peterw: Why would you write something like that? Why would you make a comment that 1) you have no idea what you are talking about and 2) is totally inaccurate. You do the Fans a real injustice when you post a comment like that. Simply put, Randy is committed to supporting our Manager and our Club...he has done so before and he will continue to do so. You do not help the situation by posting a snide comment that has ZERO basis in truth.
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He feels we are really moving in the right direction from a macro viewpoint
General.
Please tell Randy he'd be better off at Costco.
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5. peterw: Why would you write something like that?
General - you've been around here long enough to know not to take the bait.
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Thanks General.
Look forward to the outcome of the debate.
Have a great weekend - hope we all do!!
Lower Holte
TT 74
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Hi General.
Is anything - ever - going to be done about our Tannoy system at VP? It has been rubbish for years - I gave up bothering to listen to it years ago.
Even when we go to so called lesser clubs' grounds we can hear what the announcements are.
Lower Holte has just been a muffle for years.
With regard to the kit - has a shelf life been decided on it yet? As it stands at the moment I won't be buying a new top which will be out of date in May - not at the full price anyway - I love to buy a new one each season but it seems we are getting a raw deal here.
Keep up the good work.
Lower Holte TT 74
Major compensation from Nike should be negotiated here, rather than keeping Nike for another season.
Then, we can change of supplier next season - hopefully to Adidas who make decent kits and don't have track record of cocking up like Nike did.
Take no prisoners !
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General Krulak here:
5. peterw: Why would you write something like that? Why would you make a comment that 1) you have no idea what you are talking about and 2) is totally inaccurate. You do the Fans a real injustice when you post a comment like that. Simply put, Randy is committed to supporting our Manager and our Club...he has done so before and he will continue to do so. You do not help the situation by posting a snide comment that has ZERO basis in truth.
Thanks General, that's more like your old self :)
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General,
Is there any chance we can have some of those super beer pumps in the lower North Stand?
Last year there was a Tube outlet that was relatively quick to serve had a reasonably good selection of food and wasn't ridiculously priced. This has been changed back to a Villa outlet the season and it's appalling. The staff have the urgency of a sloth on spring break (when they are not standing staring into space), the quality of the food has gone backwards rapidly and the prices have gone up.
I understand that we pay less for our season ticket due to the poorer view(which I am glad the price allows me to go each week) but surely the poor standard of service should not be acceptable and surely contributes to reduced income from these kiosks.
Most things at Villa seem remarkably well done and customer service has improved massively since RAL took over which probably makes the significant decline in service so noticeable and annoying.
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General,
Apologies if this has already been asked. What's your/the club's stance on the Brigada 1874 group (I'm not a member, just quite interested in what they're doing)
Can you envisage the club working with them in the future?
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Following on from the VAT issue does that mean when the rate goes up 2.5% in jan the vat exlusive prices will be reduced so us Brits don't have to pay any extra.
Also why does it show the vat exclusive price on kids kits when you don't pay vat on kids clothes.
Man U and Arsenal price their kits including vat, do we sell more kits abroad than either of those.
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Hi,
I am a season ticket holder in the upper Holte End and due to commitments I am unable to attend the game versus Manchester Utd on November 13th.
Is there any way that I could be reimbursed for this game, my card deactivated and my seat resold?
The reason I ask is because I tried to sell using your official partner Viagogo and I must say I have been left appalled. Firstly, my ticket has a match day face value of £38.00. Viagogo offered to pay me £26 less fees and VAT meaning in reality I would receive just over £22. I then discovered that they insist on charging any potential customer the full face value of £38 plus fees meaning and prospective buyer would need to spend £47 to buy my £38 ticket. That means Viagogo would actually make more money than me and I own the ticket. Furthermore, who in their right mind would purchase a Holte End ticket for £47 when going direct to AVFC would mean you can buy one for £38?
It is pretty obvious that I will not find a buyer for my ticket as the pricing makes no sense and I feel that Viagogo are no better than a shady ticket tout except they honour face value but make their profits through extortionate fees. That is why I ask my original question again; is there any way that I could be reimbursed for this game, my card deactivated and my seat resold? (I have forwarded a copy N. Keye)
Cheers, Lee
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2. Bosco81: No one is trying to hide the price of the shirt...but adding the VAT would have an impact on those purchasing the kit outside the UK. We basically feel that those Fans buying a kit in the UK are fully aware of the VAT.
General,
are you sure about this? Do you not mean outside of the EU?
I ask as I wasn't aware of this and it seemed a bit odd. I've just been reading up on it a little on the Business Link (http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1083237164&r.s=e&r.l4=1083088706&r.l1=1073858808&r.lc=en&r.l3=1083126862&r.l2=1083126673&r.i=1083089405&r.t=RESOURCES) website, which seems to contradict what is written above, unless the buyer is registered for VAT in the country in which they are resident, which, given that the same website states that this is only necessary in the UK should sales for the previous twelve months be above £70,000 (http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.s=tl&r.l1=1073858808&r.lc=en&r.l2=1083126673&topicId=1083126677), seems unlikely.
Incidentally, what proportion of club sales are made from outside of the UK and outside of the EU? Does the figure really justify not including the VAT price?
Thanks very much.
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General,
Is there any chance we can have some of those super beer pumps in the lower North Stand?
Last year there was a Tube outlet that was relatively quick to serve had a reasonably good selection of food and wasn't ridiculously priced. This has been changed back to a Villa outlet the season and it's appalling. The staff have the urgency of a sloth on spring break (when they are not standing staring into space), the quality of the food has gone backwards rapidly and the prices have gone up.
I understand that we pay less for our season ticket due to the poorer view(which I am glad the price allows me to go each week) but surely the poor standard of service should not be acceptable and surely contributes to reduced income from these kiosks.
Most things at Villa seem remarkably well done and customer service has improved massively since RAL took over which probably makes the significant decline in service so noticeable and annoying.
its dreadful and then you end up paying over a fiver for a pint two half bottles of fosters
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Do you want us to save you a seat in the pub for after the game on Sunday, General?
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General,
Will we be having a commemorative shirt with the poppy on for the Man U game in support of remembrance Sunday?
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General,
Will we be having a commemorative shirt with the poppy on for the Man U game in support of remembrance Sunday?
Sorry for answering for the General, but yes. It was on pravda a few days ago.
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General,
Is there any chance we can have some of those super beer pumps in the lower North Stand?
Last year there was a Tube outlet that was relatively quick to serve had a reasonably good selection of food and wasn't ridiculously priced. This has been changed back to a Villa outlet the season and it's appalling. The staff have the urgency of a sloth on spring break (when they are not standing staring into space), the quality of the food has gone backwards rapidly and the prices have gone up.
I understand that we pay less for our season ticket due to the poorer view(which I am glad the price allows me to go each week) but surely the poor standard of service should not be acceptable and surely contributes to reduced income from these kiosks.
Most things at Villa seem remarkably well done and customer service has improved massively since RAL took over which probably makes the significant decline in service so noticeable and annoying.
its dreadful and then you end up paying over a fiver for a pint two half bottles of fosters
Or you get to the front of the que and they say they have stopped serving alcohol! >:(
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General Krulak here:
1. I have made sure that Alison Plant (Head of Hospitality) has seen your concerns re. service, temperature of food, distribution of "suds" ,etc. She has done a wonderful job getting people ready to be of service during our games and will work to address all these issues.
2. VAT: Since we don't have VAT in the US, I am not an expert re. EU vs. UK. I just know that our folks feel it makes more sense to put the base price of the item on the price tag and let the purchaser (wherever the y might live) make what ever calculation is needed. The fact that ManU does something different does not necessarily mean it is the best way to go.
3. nastylee: Give Nicky a call and see what advice she can give.
4. Forgive my ignorance but I don't know the Brigade group.
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Can you ask someone else then why we are adding vat onto kids kits that aren't liable to vat.
Still sounds gimmicky to me and I bet the price goes up in January
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4. Forgive my ignorance but I don't know the Brigade group.
The Brigada 1874 group are basically an attempt from a group of our younger supporters (forgive me if I have any of this wrong) to get some atmosphere back into the ground via the use of banners, flags and lots of noise.
It's along the lines of the "Ultra" groups much vaunted on the continent, but don't be put off too much if you look up "ultras" on Google! I don't think Brigada 1874 are looking to go down the route of some of the Italian Ultra fans!
Basically General, if this group do approach the club it might be a good idea to talk to them with regards to getting them season tickets together, maybe in the Upper Holte or North Stand Lower, this way they can create an atmosphere together, and not be in the way of our fans who maybe don't appreciate the rowdier element!
Each to their own and all that, but getting the noisier fans in one place has to be a good idea surely?
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From what I can gather they are aged 15-40, and it's worth mentioning they are totally anti fascist and anti racist.
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From what I can gather they are aged 15-40, and it's worth mentioning they are totally anti fascist and anti racist.
............but 100% pro Villa.
I am hoping that the club backs them.
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General,
Will we be contacting small heath about their ticket prices for the Carling cup quarter final match?
You can almost bet your life they will be charging us the usual £40 or so which generally goes unpunished by the football authorities. This is one of the few chances they get to fill their ground and we always seem to be a nice cash injection for them.
Lower Holte
TT 74
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General,
Will we be contacting small heath about their ticket prices for the Carling cup quarter final match?
You can almost bet your life they will be charging us the usual £40 or so which generally goes unpunished by the football authorities. This is one of the few chances they get to fill their ground and we always seem to be a nice cash injection for them.
Lower Holte
TT 74
As opposed to the forty or so we charge them?
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So? They're small heath and have made us looked like mugs with ticket prices ever since they came up to the Premier League. It's only in the last year we've given a slice of what they gave us for several years.
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So? They're small heath and have made us looked like mugs with ticket prices ever since they came up to the Premier League. It's only in the last year we've given a slice of what they gave us for several years.
As has been said on many occasions, just because they do it doesn't make it right. In any case, the people who set the prices don't have to pay them and it's the ordinary supporters, like us, who suffer.
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This is a unique opportunity to speak directly with a shareholder of a Premier League Club.
The Man did not have to volunteer for the "stocks". (he might not understand that) and be subjected to the vegetable or verbal- detritus thrown by the masses whilst tied on a wooden cross as in previous centuries.
I am sure does understand now.
Please respect the fact that a Director of our Club allowed himself to be as open as he can within the confines of legal fudiciary obligations. Cannot we please direct questions on a level cognisent with his station. Ie: the guy cannot give us the comparitive price of pies or beer.
IMHO some questions are fine but on this particular thread: keep it mature.
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This is a unique opportunity to speak directly with a shareholder of a Premier League Club.
The Man did not have to volunteer for the "stocks". (he might not understand that) and be subjected to the vegetable or verbal- detritus thrown by the masses whilst tied on a wooden cross as in previous centuries.
I am sure does understand now.
Please respect the fact that a Director of our Club allowed himself to be as open as he can within the confines of legal fudiciary obligations. Cannot we please direct questions on a level cognisent with his station. Ie: the guy cannot give us the comparitive price of pies or beer.
IMHO some questions are fine but on this particular thread: keep it mature.
i don't remember you being appointed a moderator.
When did that happen?
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Blimey! He hasn't been appointed Purveyor of HM Royal Engerlish either.
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This is a unique opportunity to speak directly with a shareholder of a Premier League Club.
The Man did not have to volunteer for the "stocks". (he might not understand that) and be subjected to the vegetable or verbal- detritus thrown by the masses whilst tied on a wooden cross as in previous centuries.
I am sure does understand now.
Please respect the fact that a Director of our Club allowed himself to be as open as he can within the confines of legal fudiciary obligations. Cannot we please direct questions on a level cognisent with his station. Ie: the guy cannot give us the comparitive price of pies or beer.
IMHO some questions are fine but on this particular thread: keep it mature.
i don't remember you being appointed a moderator.
When did that happen?
A moderator wouldn't come out with a statement as pompous as Simba's.
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This is a unique opportunity to speak directly with a shareholder of a Premier League Club.
The Man did not have to volunteer for the "stocks". (he might not understand that) and be subjected to the vegetable or verbal- detritus thrown by the masses whilst tied on a wooden cross as in previous centuries.
I am sure does understand now.
Please respect the fact that a Director of our Club allowed himself to be as open as he can within the confines of legal fudiciary obligations. Cannot we please direct questions on a level cognisent with his station. Ie: the guy cannot give us the comparitive price of pies or beer.
IMHO some questions are fine but on this particular thread: keep it mature.
That is spelled MON not Man and he wasn't the Messiah.
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General - there was an incident today that really wound me and a lot of other people in the ground up.
I think it was towards the end of the first half, a ball was played out near the half way line. A fella in the Witton Lane Stand jumped to head the ball and fell over the advertising boards to a loud cheer and general good humour from the crowd. He got up, clearly pretty embarrassed, a punched the air with his fists before climbing back over the advertising boards to take his place again.
At this point about four massively over-zealous stewards barged over, grabbed him, and dragged him off to the concourse area, presumably to throw him out. I was viewing all this from the Lower Holte so don't know if they followed through with this. There was a huge reaction from the people in the stand around the incident who also thought the stewards were out of order.
The guy was doing no harm and just having a bit of fun. He didn't enter the playing area (which I know is a criminal offence) and the fact he ended up the wrong side of the advertising boards was an accident which gave everyone a giggle. I can't believe that in any other scenario it would be appropriate for staff to treat customers (as we all are) in such a way. A bit of common sense on the stewards behalf was all that was needed.
Is this something you could flag with the head steward (if there is such a person?!) please?
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General, Ad@m has beaten me to it and put it very eloquently indeed.
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General Krulak here:
1. The game: There is really not much to say about it. In many ways, it reminded me of a superbowl game in the US...sometimes they are so conservative that they don't produce the game expected. Having some key players out made a difference and probably caused GH to alter his tactics a bit but...it was a conservatively played game on both sides. There were some flashes of brilliance but, at the end of the day, a tie. We are the better team and we need to show that the next two times we play them.
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General - there was an incident today that really wound me and a lot of other people in the ground up.
I think it was towards the end of the first half, a ball was played out near the half way line. A fella in the Witton Lane Stand jumped to head the ball and fell over the advertising boards to a loud cheer and general good humour from the crowd. He got up, clearly pretty embarrassed, a punched the air with his fists before climbing back over the advertising boards to take his place again.
At this point about four massively over-zealous stewards barged over, grabbed him, and dragged him off to the concourse area, presumably to throw him out. I was viewing all this from the Lower Holte so don't know if they followed through with this. There was a huge reaction from the people in the stand around the incident who also thought the stewards were out of order.
The guy was doing no harm and just having a bit of fun. He didn't enter the playing area (which I know is a criminal offence) and the fact he ended up the wrong side of the advertising boards was an accident which gave everyone a giggle. I can't believe that in any other scenario it would be appropriate for staff to treat customers (as we all are) in such a way. A bit of common sense on the stewards behalf was all that was needed.
Is this something you could flag with the head steward (if there is such a person?!) please?
General,
I too witnessed this incident from the "Doug Ellis Upper Stand" and was disgusted by the actions of the stewards.If this is the way supporters are to be treated it is not surprising we struggle to fill our stadium.
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There were some flashes of brilliance
Must have missed them!
It was turgid. (I like that word, must use it more often)
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I think today of all days you can forgive the stewards for being a bit jumpy and officious.
General I am taking my 4 year old boy to Fulham next week (for his first game) and the chap that I dealt with in the ticket office gave me exemplary service (I have emailed the club on this directly). With service like that I'm surprised we don't sell out every week(!)
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It was outragous behaviour by the stewards. We all commented at the time that that was the best entertainment of the day then we all looked on in disbelief at what happened next. Disgusting and embarressing.
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General - there was an incident today that really wound me and a lot of other people in the ground up.
I think it was towards the end of the first half, a ball was played out near the half way line. A fella in the Witton Lane Stand jumped to head the ball and fell over the advertising boards to a loud cheer and general good humour from the crowd. He got up, clearly pretty embarrassed, a punched the air with his fists before climbing back over the advertising boards to take his place again.
At this point about four massively over-zealous stewards barged over, grabbed him, and dragged him off to the concourse area, presumably to throw him out. I was viewing all this from the Lower Holte so don't know if they followed through with this. There was a huge reaction from the people in the stand around the incident who also thought the stewards were out of order.
The guy was doing no harm and just having a bit of fun. He didn't enter the playing area (which I know is a criminal offence) and the fact he ended up the wrong side of the advertising boards was an accident which gave everyone a giggle. I can't believe that in any other scenario it would be appropriate for staff to treat customers (as we all are) in such a way. A bit of common sense on the stewards behalf was all that was needed.
Is this something you could flag with the head steward (if there is such a person?!) please?
General,
I too witnessed this incident from the "Doug Ellis Upper Stand" and was disgusted by the actions of the stewards.If this is the way supporters are to be treated it is not surprising we struggle to fill our stadium.
General, i witnessed from the north lower and even some of the Birmingham fans were booing the stewarding! It was an accident and was funny, until they turned it sour. Also, whats the views on locking away supporters in? Because there was some scrapping after the game outside the north stand which could have turned very nasty and a little girl was hit in the face with a coin and an old lady hit on the head. Villa fans were chucking fag butts. My little brother, mum and friend were actually really scared because flares were lit, punches were thrown and objects were thrown. Surely you can avoid it by clearing the home fans then taking the away fans away?
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I also saw the incident with the fan and the stewards.
Come on, he simply fell over the advertising boards while heading the board.
The reaction from the tango men was really over the top.
If some of our players commited themselves to win the ball like he did we might score some more goals!!
Mark
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General, it was a cracking header. We can probably sign him before the transfer window reopens.
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General; why did we play conservative against Birmingham City? They are not a very good team so I have no idea why we played more defensively. If we'd played with more of an attacking attitude we would of beaten them comfortably. Even with injuries and suspensions we should have still won - Birmingham were content with a point.
And yeah, I'm sick of Gestapo Stewards down at the Villa. Too heavy handed who act like they're the FBI at times. This female steward had a go at me today because I called Stephen Carr a swearword that begins with W...
P.S. Can the club sue the police thugs outside the ground for attacking innocent fans with weapons?
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General - there was an incident today that really wound me and a lot of other people in the ground up.
I think it was towards the end of the first half, a ball was played out near the half way line. A fella in the Witton Lane Stand jumped to head the ball and fell over the advertising boards to a loud cheer and general good humour from the crowd. He got up, clearly pretty embarrassed, a punched the air with his fists before climbing back over the advertising boards to take his place again.
At this point about four massively over-zealous stewards barged over, grabbed him, and dragged him off to the concourse area, presumably to throw him out. I was viewing all this from the Lower Holte so don't know if they followed through with this. There was a huge reaction from the people in the stand around the incident who also thought the stewards were out of order.
The guy was doing no harm and just having a bit of fun. He didn't enter the playing area (which I know is a criminal offence) and the fact he ended up the wrong side of the advertising boards was an accident which gave everyone a giggle. I can't believe that in any other scenario it would be appropriate for staff to treat customers (as we all are) in such a way. A bit of common sense on the stewards behalf was all that was needed.
Is this something you could flag with the head steward (if there is such a person?!) please?
General
I hope the club will be issuing a full apology to the supporter mentioned, and refunding his entrance money. To say that i, and those around me, who witnessed this incident from the opposite side of the ground, were disgusted by the stewarding of this incident is an understatement.
All the guy did was add a bit of fun to an afternoon that had already been spoilt by the two teams and their managers' negative tactics. In heading the ball back he fell over the boards - we all had a laugh at it, all except the jobsworth stewards/s who viewed it as a throwing out offence.
Disgraceful behaviour by the stewards and an embarrassment to our club.
If anyone knows who the guy was it would be interesting to know what went on with the stewards when they took him out and whether he is getting any further punishment thrown at him.
If he doesn't get at the very least an apology from the club then it's a disgrace.
General - can you please give us some assurance that the club is following this up and dealing with the stewards involved. And please don't come back with "he was encroaching on the pitch" because that won't wash with anyone who saw it.
We, the club's supporters, cannot sit back and let stewards get away with this. People pay good money to come and enjoy a football match, yet are treated like this.
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I didn't see the incident, but was aware of some kind of contretemps with some stewards and a fan at half time in the Witton Lane stand, in as much as a fan had been 'asked to leave' . If it hadn't been for the various 'fuck off' shouts, don't think I'd have noticed, one of the stewards did seem particularly angry.
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Hi General
We also witnessed the incident from the Upper Holte. The guy was walking along - where he is allowed to do so - and the ball came at him. He headed it back and fell over the hoarding, getting up again with some embarrassment. We also could not believe the stewards were ejecting him from the ground for inadvertently falling over the hoarding. Over zealous stewarding would be an under statement. I hope the club will not compound this over reaction by penalising the fan any further - an apology would be more in order
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That wound me up aswell.
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me too. We don't want this type of stewarding in our club.
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Yes, just along from where I sit and astounded at the heavy handedness of the stewarding. Anyway, with this guys heading ability he should be invited to Bodymoor Heath to give some one-to-one heading training to Steve Sidwell; he could certainly do with some.
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General.
In light of the poblems before and after the game today have the club considered doing a 'bubble match' for the cup game at Sty Andrews?
Sorry if you're not aware of this, but what it means is every away fan only gets given their match ticket as they arrive at the ground after travelling by official travel to the game. In light of the fact it is an evening midweek kick off and idiots from both sides can spend the afternoon drinking surely this would show Villa are trying to do something to limit the possibility of trouble.
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This is a unique opportunity to speak directly with a shareholder of a Premier League Club.
The Man did not have to volunteer for the "stocks". (he might not understand that) and be subjected to the vegetable or verbal- detritus thrown by the masses whilst tied on a wooden cross as in previous centuries.
I am sure does understand now.
Please respect the fact that a Director of our Club allowed himself to be as open as he can within the confines of legal fudiciary obligations. Cannot we please direct questions on a level cognisent with his station. Ie: the guy cannot give us the comparitive price of pies or beer.
IMHO some questions are fine but on this particular thread: keep it mature.
The General isn't a shareholder, he's a non-executive director. He also doesn't have any fiduciary responsibilities.
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I also saw the incident from the lower holte and must add my support in the strongest terms against the heavy handed inappropriate stewarding - surely common sense has to provail but I fear like stewarding at other clubs some of these guys are on hairline triggers to find something to over react to to make themselves feel better.
It seems a long long time since I stood on the Holte End and we knew the stewards as they stood there every week and seemed to do a great job without needing to "take on the world" to prove themselves.
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Hi General
We also witnessed the incident from the Upper Holte. The guy was walking along - where he is allowed to do so - and the ball came at him. He headed it back and fell over the hoarding, getting up again with some embarrassment. We also could not believe the stewards were ejecting him from the ground for inadvertently falling over the hoarding. Over zealous stewarding would be an under statement. I hope the club will not compound this over reaction by penalising the fan any further - an apology would be more in order
From what I could see that chap came back into the stadium after a minute or so - I'm pretty sure it was him. The stewards certainly don't do themselves any favours at VP, as they are either nowhere to be seen or go over the top. Today's sense of humour failure was really poor and totally uncalled for. If anything they should have been helping one of their customers back to his feet and making sure he was OK before some Health & Safety fascist turned up and banned the advertising signs for being too dangerous.
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General.
In light of the poblems before and after the game today have the club considered doing a 'bubble match' for the cup game at Sty Andrews?
Sorry if you're not aware of this, but what it means is every away fan only gets given their match ticket as they arrive at the ground after travelling by official travel to the game. In light of the fact it is an evening midweek kick off and idiots from both sides can spend the afternoon drinking surely this would show Villa are trying to do something to limit the possibility of trouble.
Although this sounds like a good idea, there will be problems attached to it. My other half will have to travel from London to Knowle to pick me up then drive virtually past the sty to get to VP to get a coach. If this was to be feasible, coaches would need to be travelling from different locations for convenience and to get approximately 5,000 there and back.
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There's something wrong with society if it has come to this.
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General, the thing that struck me about the abovementioned incident - watching it on TV - was that it wasn't just one steward getting high and mighty...there looked to be quite a few of them. For so many of them to have gotten their decision making so very wrong says to me that instructions had come from the top to turf out anyone who even remotely looks out order. Don't think about it, don't use common sense. Just get rid of them.
Given the opposition of the day, I can understand the need to be watchful of trouble. But when reports of coin throwing and toilet destruction are coming in, it seems that whoever was in charge of security got it wrong.
Now, in regard to that damage to the toilets, you could maybe get a handful of bluenoses in when it comes to demolishing the North Stand. A bit of free labour?
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General.
In light of the poblems before and after the game today have the club considered doing a 'bubble match' for the cup game at Sty Andrews?
Sorry if you're not aware of this, but what it means is every away fan only gets given their match ticket as they arrive at the ground after travelling by official travel to the game. In light of the fact it is an evening midweek kick off and idiots from both sides can spend the afternoon drinking surely this would show Villa are trying to do something to limit the possibility of trouble.
Although this sounds like a good idea, there will be problems attached to it. My other half will have to travel from London to Knowle to pick me up then drive virtually past the sty to get to VP to get a coach. If this was to be feasible, coaches would need to be travelling from different locations for convenience and to get approximately 5,000 there and back.
I'm not suggesting it is 'right' and in normal circumstances I would suggest this as a no-no. I think people could park relatively safely at Villa Park and a police escort takes us to their cesspit of a ground and brings us back without problem. It is a shame that as human beings we can't attend a game of football, but lets remember - the vast majority of that lot are no more civilised than some kind of pond life.
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This is a unique opportunity to speak directly with a shareholder of a Premier League Club.
The Man did not have to volunteer for the "stocks". (he might not understand that) and be subjected to the vegetable or verbal- detritus thrown by the masses whilst tied on a wooden cross as in previous centuries.
I am sure does understand now.
Please respect the fact that a Director of our Club allowed himself to be as open as he can within the confines of legal fudiciary obligations. Cannot we please direct questions on a level cognisent with his station. Ie: the guy cannot give us the comparitive price of pies or beer.
IMHO some questions are fine but on this particular thread: keep it mature.
The General isn't a shareholder, he's a non-executive director. He also doesn't have any fiduciary responsibilities.
Yeah, but is he cognisent of his fudiciary obligations?
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General.
In light of the poblems before and after the game today have the club considered doing a 'bubble match' for the cup game at Sty Andrews?
Sorry if you're not aware of this, but what it means is every away fan only gets given their match ticket as they arrive at the ground after travelling by official travel to the game. In light of the fact it is an evening midweek kick off and idiots from both sides can spend the afternoon drinking surely this would show Villa are trying to do something to limit the possibility of trouble.
Although this sounds like a good idea, there will be problems attached to it. My other half will have to travel from London to Knowle to pick me up then drive virtually past the sty to get to VP to get a coach. If this was to be feasible, coaches would need to be travelling from different locations for convenience and to get approximately 5,000 there and back.
I'm not suggesting it is 'right' and in normal circumstances I would suggest this as a no-no. I think people could park relatively safely at Villa Park and a police escort takes us to their cesspit of a ground and brings us back without problem. It is a shame that as human beings we can't attend a game of football, but lets remember - the vast majority of that lot are no more civilised than some kind of pond life.
I'm not disagreeing with you but just pointing out that getting to and back from Villa Park could be very difficult for some and suggesting that maybe if this were to happen, different starting point should be considered.
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I am sure a cup game was switched to a sunday once, but really the trouble today was minimal. But at their shit hole it needs consideration because even though we have some ragamuffins amongst our lot, their lot really are a nasty blot on the landscape
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The Stewards in the Upper Trinity looked in stern mood today.
I see them as 'plastic' policemen myself, 'copper wannabes'.
They should go about their duties with more dignity, empathy and thought for the fans who have paid hard earned money to watch their team.
If a situation needs diffusing, certainly, that's a job they should be capable of doing, but how do they judge a situation ?
So my question to The General is, what training do they get to perform their task ?
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Hi General
Going back to the fan who was ejected for falling over the hoarding - they've just shown it on Match of the Day so you can catch it on iplayer if interested. They agreed it was a bit OTT to eject the fan
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and not having noticed it at the game and seeing it for the first time on MoTD2, it was 100% over the top by the stewards.
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I just watched that too. Complete moronic behaviour by the stewards - what were they thinking? He didn't touch a blade of grass as well. It was a bit of fun, nothing silly or illegal was done and the stewards decide to throw him out? It's not just Political Correctness that has gone mad, Stewarding at Villa Park has gone mad!
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They (the stewards) were even mocked on national TV.
Lawro and Kevin Phillips also asked why it needed five of the beggars to go all Robocop on that fan.
Well done to all concerned!
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Didn't see the incident on TV from Canada. Is there a video link to the replay somewhere?
Since when have stewards changed from helping the customers to a private police force anyway? I go to a hockey game and a lovely gentleman or lady (usually a little older) directs me to my seat in a very curtious manner. I do agree though that we need some security at the game to avoid trouble. A fine balance needs to be struck.
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Hi General,
Don't normally get involved in this thread, however I too saw the footage of the man getting ejected by the stewards - totally wrong imo.
I give them the benefit of the doubt here and say that maybe the stewards were just following the rules to the letter. If so may I respectfully suggest that this rule be changed to include that all to scarce commodity in this day in age - common sense.
If that had happened to me, I think i'd need to hear an apology from the Villa before I'd go back.
And if some stewards are so keen to eject people, might I suggest that they are stationed in the away end toilets - they could have a field day.
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Toilets destroyed - Villa fan falls over a board after delighting the crowd with one of the finest headers seen at Villa Park in years and gets kicked out of his teams stadium??
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Hi General,
Don't normally get involved in this thread, however I too saw the footage of the man getting ejected by the stewards - totally wrong imo.
I give them the benefit of the doubt here and say that maybe the stewards were just following the rules to the letter. If so may I respectfully suggest that this rule be changed to include that all to scarce commodity in this day in age - common sense.
If that had happened to me, I think i'd need to hear an apology from the Villa before I'd go back.
And if some stewards are so keen to eject people, might I suggest that they are stationed in the away end toilets - they could have a field day.
That would be a decent way of looking at it - except for the fact that a number of our stewards (not all) have been heavy handed and OTT for a while.
I'm glad they made fools of themselves yesterday to a national audience -slightly peeved that it reflects badly on the club mind- hopefully it can't be brushed under the carpet and heads will roll.
General: what kind of training do our stewards undertake?
Is there any focus re customer liaison/ background checks/ previous jobs et.c. Or are they just turned loose on the public after a brief interview?
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I was in the Lower Holte as usual,
add my voice for the fan who headed the ball and then was pounced on, an over the top and unnecessary reaction from the stewards. UTV
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I think we get the mesage by now. If you want to discuss stewarding please start a seperate thread for it.
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I think the club should issue an apology to that lad on the OS. It was pitiful to watch. Is this what we've come to now, a society of bullies, picking on people who can't fight back?
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I think the stewards at villa are among the worst I've seen- they should be providing a service for fans and all too often seem to have a really bad attitude.
General, will Birmingham city be billed for any damage done inside our ground by their so called fans?
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For the second time. Stewarding in a new thread, questions to the general here.
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For the second time. Stewarding in a new thread, questions to the general here.
Just done it. Out of boredom more than anything though.
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For the second time. Stewarding in a new thread, questions to the general here.
Just done it. Out of boredom more than anything though.
Thank you. You can be playground monitor this morning,.
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For the second time. Stewarding in a new thread, questions to the general here.
Just done it. Out of boredom more than anything though.
Thank you. You can be playground monitor this morning,.
Do I get a shiny whistle aswell.
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Sorry Dave, I've checked the whole thread first, but wish to make this point as it is valid.
Had the gent simply had jumped and caught the ball and handed it back to a player in play or a ball boy, would he have been ejected ? I think not.
The club need to apologise.
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I take your point about a stewards thread dave, but I think it's important the general gets to see how unhappy people are with this incident- and I'm not sure he has time to read other threads on here.
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I take your point about a stewards thread dave, but I think it's important the general gets to see how unhappy people are with this incident- and I'm not sure he has time to read other threads on here.
Like Dave said, with amount of posts that have already been put on here about it, i think he'll have got the message by now.
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General.
In light of the poblems before and after the game today have the club considered doing a 'bubble match' for the cup game at Sty Andrews?
Sorry if you're not aware of this, but what it means is every away fan only gets given their match ticket as they arrive at the ground after travelling by official travel to the game. In light of the fact it is an evening midweek kick off and idiots from both sides can spend the afternoon drinking surely this would show Villa are trying to do something to limit the possibility of trouble.
And for those of us coming from outside Birmingham and who like a pre-match drink, this would be a monumental ball ache. Let WMP do their jobs and not go down the lazy Heddlu route.
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We have to do this bubble thing, it will be carnage otherwise. The fact it will be dark before and after makes it even more necessary, I know it's an inconvenience but peoples safety must come first.
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We have to do this bubble thing, it will be carnage otherwise. The fact it will be dark before and after makes it even more necessary, I know it's an inconvenience but peoples safety must come first.
And you would like to be the guy that has to inform drunks they won't be getting into the stadium?
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General; why don't we just lock in small heath fans after the game? If that happened yesterday I don't think there would of been much violence yesterday. Letting both fans out at the same time wasn't the best thing to do in my opinion.
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Seen this from the lower holte and it was obvious he had lost his balance and went arse over tip, as soon as he got to his feet he stepped back over the hoarding then was grabbed by the steward, the way he was manhandled was a disgrace (did it really need 5 stewards to keep hold of him as he was led out whilst he was not resisting) the way the stewards handled this was poor and there was a lot of resentment aimed at them from the section where i sit.
And now both ITV and the BBC have highlighted it i hope them stewards feel proud of themselves,,,
Talking of jobsworth stewards there is a head steward that stands in the corner of the lower holte (under the screen) if anyone happens to see him, just watch him he is such a jobsworth really seems to get off on telling the little kids to sit down, but if anyone looks older than 15/16 he never says a word to them (sometimes its funnier watching him than the match)
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General Krulak here:
1. Stewards: John Handley (Head of Security) and I have been talking today on the steward issue. We concur, some of the stewards have not covered themselves with glory lately. John is aware of the concerns of the Fans and will be talking to all head stewards to ensure that they maintain a perspective when they are carrying out their duties. WE HAVE HEARD you, the Fans, and will take this one on and do so very seriously.
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Thanks General. An excellent example of this thread functioning as it should.
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What a brilliant response from the Club/ The General on a very important issue. Thanks.
Please accept my apologies- Paulie et al on my rant 532. Bloody arrogant in re -reading.
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General,
Can I come with you to Small Heath?
Thanks.
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Thanks for your swift reply to us all on the stewarding matter, much appreciated.
I know you can't fully answer the following player-related question though, but I hope at least you will understand the concern that our manager's comments about Stephen Ireland yesterday will have raised.
Namely, whose decision was it to sign Ireland, bearing in mind we were under a caretaker manager when it went through and the deal involved so much money? I can't believe he is a player MON would have wanted because of the very reasons Gerard gave yesterday and that Ireland will never fit into a 4-4-2 system for those same reasons. Ireland was a delight to watch for Man City at times and has a great passing range and vision - but he was guilty of leaving his defence exposed time and time again, particularly when playing in tandem with Robinho. Certainly not a MON type player.
If it was the caretaker's decision should the club really have allowed this to happen bearing mind that the incoming manager might not have fancied having him (as is appearing to be the case)? And if it wasn't Kevin McDonald's decision to buy him then who else at the club is choosing which players to buy?
I'm not knocking Ireland - I'd love to see him become a regular with the team playing some attacking football, but it is how we came to sign him that just doesn't add up to me.
The only deduction I can make from all of this is that the Milner/Ireland deal was being forced upon our previous manager and that is the real reason why he decided enough was enough.
I hope we haven't ended up with a highly paid expensive signing who just doesn't fit into the way we play.
If that is the case then we would have lost less money by putting a halt on the Milner deal until January when the new manager could choose his own replacement. Like Barry before him Milner is professional enough to have carried on giving everything for the team until then.
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We have to do this bubble thing, it will be carnage otherwise. The fact it will be dark before and after makes it even more necessary, I know it's an inconvenience but peoples safety must come first.
Have you ever been on a bubble trip ! I think you will find the purpose of it , is to stop at risk supporters travelling , as we live in the same City
Tickets , where are they going to get us to meet VP , then bus us all to the ground , hope you like the sound of breaking glass , after what does the bubble protect you from ! I can understand your reasons , but it would not work for so many reasons . I think you would probably be more at risk of physical harm ,
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What a brilliant response from the Club/ The General on a very important issue. Thanks.
Please accept my apologies- Paulie et al on my rant 532. Bloody arrogant in re -reading.
It was.
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I know.
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We have to do this bubble thing, it will be carnage otherwise. The fact it will be dark before and after makes it even more necessary, I know it's an inconvenience but peoples safety must come first.
Wouldn't it be easier for Villa to lay on coaches to Blues for those who want them, and let those who prefer to make their own way, do so?
It will obviously be an inconveniance if everyone was forced to travel by coach, and some Villa fans live nearer to the Sty than VP, so plenty would rather make their own way there.
However I understand that others will not fancy the post match walk of death (especially if we've won!), so maybe if the club layed on a few coaches from Villa Park this would make everyone happy? I know we like to have a pop at all the Blue Noses coming to our place by coach but if I'm honest I can understand it to an extent, especially those with kids.
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What a brilliant response from the Club/ The General on a very important issue. Thanks.
Please accept my apologies- Paulie et al on my rant 532. Bloody arrogant in re -reading.
Good man, Simba.
General, I recently found my old Subbuteo set in the loft (attic) at my parents' house. I have the Villa team c1987 but I'm a player short (I presume it's Hodge and he's refused to play). Do you fancy a match sometime? I'll even play with only the 10 men. Just name the time and the place.
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Have you got all the accessories required for that big match atmosphere? The crowd and the dugouts, and the floodlights too?
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What a brilliant response from the Club/ The General on a very important issue. Thanks.
Please accept my apologies- Paulie et al on my rant 532. Bloody arrogant in re -reading.
Good man, Simba.
General, I recently found my old Subbuteo set in the loft (attic) at my parents' house. I have the Villa team c1987 but I'm a player short (I presume it's Hodge and he's refused to play). Do you fancy a match sometime? I'll even play with only the 10 men. Just name the time and the place.
Barry Bannan will give it a go.
Sorry !
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general in view of damages caused inside villa park by visiting fans at the weekend, will we be sending the bill to st andrews or will villa have to pay themselves?
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General Krulak here:
1. DeKuip: Let me be perfectly clear, our previous Manager was deeply involved in the Milner/Ireland deal. Absolutely! The deal was basically done by the time he left. I can also assure you that Randy would not and does not try to get involved in the Manager's decisions re. players until the very end...and would certainly not get involved in naming individuals to bring to the Club. Again, the Manager has to have that as part of his mandate. The idea that this deal was "forced" upon the previous Manager and that is why he left is not accurate.
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General Krulak here:
1. DeKuip: Let me be perfectly clear, our previous Manager was deeply involved in the Milner/Ireland deal. Absolutely! The deal was basically done by the time he left. I can also assure you that Randy would not and does not try to get involved in the Manager's decisions re. players until the very end...and would certainly not get involved in naming individuals to bring to the Club. Again, the Manager has to have that as part of his mandate. The idea that this deal was "forced" upon the previous Manager and that is why he left is not accurate.
Thankyou General, first for taking the trouble to reply, and secondly for such a good and clear answer.
Ireland has the talent to become a fans hero here just as he was at City and I look forward to him showing his true form.
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General
Have the club heard from Martin recently?
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General,
The game on Sunday was of course against our bitterest rivals and not shown on tv, yet we failed to sell out. From where I sat in the Upper Doug Ellis there were no seats unsold in the North Stand or Holte end, but many seats in the central areas of the Upper Trinity. (The expensive seats) Do the club acknowledge that for the most expensive seats at Villa Park it is just too much money?
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General,
Any idea if/when the big screen will be returning to Villa Park? I sit in the Trinity Block B, and can't see the Holte End screen. To be honest it's removal has annoyed many Villa fans who enjoyed the screen only for it being removed without any explanation and replaced with an inferior product.
We need this back, General!
Thanks.
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General,
not sure if you would have seen the game tonight between Spurs and Inter Milan in the Champions League but Spurs destroyed them playing football I haven't seen the like of at Villa Park for years. 18 months ago we were ahead if Spurs and yet tonight they look light years away from us.
Please tell me Randy still has the desire and ability to support GH in gettingthe types of players we need to get to this level.
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General, just wondering if you know why we have received less than the 15% of capacity that we’re entitled to under competition rules for the game at St Andrews. Is this due to the police or have the ticket office decided to go with less?
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Hi General,
I'd also like to know the answer to Ads question above please.
But more importantly I'd like to know the following:
How can it be that someone who travels 1000's miles following villa season after season misses out on a ticket for this game against blues which at the end of the day is an AWAY GAME, yet someone who fancied a couple of cheap tickets for VP in half term week can easily snap up any remaining tickets???
I'd love to know the answer to this General so if you're unable to answer I'd appreciate you putting me in touch with the people behind this decision. They've got it horribly wrong in my opinion.
Thanks,
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Hi General,
I'd also like to know the answer to Ads question above please.
But more importantly I'd like to know the following:
How can it be that someone who travels 1000's miles following villa season after season misses out on a ticket for this game against blues which at the end of the day is an AWAY GAME, yet someone who fancied a couple of cheap tickets for VP in half term week can easily snap up any remaining tickets???
I'd love to know the answer to this General so if you're unable to answer I'd appreciate you putting me in touch with the people behind this decision. They've got it horribly wrong in my opinion.
Thanks,
agree i travel form devon, couldnt get to them two due to work commitments but am a season ticket holder
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I have to agree with the above General. The two cup games were only £10 each. It costs a small fortune to follow the lads away from home. The club have got this wrong i'm afraid.
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General,
Randy has previously invested in hedge funds. I'm not sure where its at but he was also trying to go through the courts to redeem $40m that had got lost in a hedge fund. How has this affected the amount of money that Randy has made available to us as part of our budget?
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I have to agree with the above General. The two cup games were only £10 each. It costs a small fortune to follow the lads away from home. The club have got this wrong i'm afraid.
Exactly. Tell me this, where is the loyalty to those fans who pay £48 for a ticket to the Sty year-in-year-out?? Cause I bet half of those people didn't attend BOTH CC matches.
Nope that's right the club would rather help out the Johnny-come-lately's who fancied taking down there young nipper for a one off £10 match!
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I have to agree with the above General. The two cup games were only £10 each. It costs a small fortune to follow the lads away from home. The club have got this wrong i'm afraid.
Exactly. Tell me this, where is the loyalty to those fans who pay £48 for a ticket to the Sty year-in-year-out?? Cause I bet half of those people didn't attend BOTH CC matches.
Nope that's right the club would rather help out the Johnny-come-lately's who fancied taking down there young nipper for a one off £10 match!
The loyalty is to those who go to most games , they've got it spot on in my opinion.
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I have to agree with the above General. The two cup games were only £10 each. It costs a small fortune to follow the lads away from home. The club have got this wrong i'm afraid.
Exactly. Tell me this, where is the loyalty to those fans who pay £48 for a ticket to the Sty year-in-year-out?? Cause I bet half of those people didn't attend BOTH CC matches.
Nope that's right the club would rather help out the Johnny-come-lately's who fancied taking down there young nipper for a one off £10 match!
The loyalty is to those who go to most games , they've got it spot on in my opinion.
At the start they have! But why the need for a free-for-all on the limited tickets left at Nov 9th / Nov 11th. At this point rather than selling to ALL ST holders, they should then begin selling to those ST holders that have away history but had to miss 1/2 of the carling cup games. Surely those people are more entitled than a ST holder who has never been to an away game in their life!?
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I have to agree with the above General. The two cup games were only £10 each. It costs a small fortune to follow the lads away from home. The club have got this wrong i'm afraid.
Exactly. Tell me this, where is the loyalty to those fans who pay £48 for a ticket to the Sty year-in-year-out?? Cause I bet half of those people didn't attend BOTH CC matches.
Nope that's right the club would rather help out the Johnny-come-lately's who fancied taking down there young nipper for a one off £10 match!
You can't really say that to be honest, You weren't there were you?. Where I sit all the season ticket holders who are normally there were there against Blacburn and Burnley
People who attend cup games whether they be regular or not should be allowed to attend later rounds. What if it were Wiagn away? Would you be so keen then?
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I have to agree with the above General. The two cup games were only £10 each. It costs a small fortune to follow the lads away from home. The club have got this wrong i'm afraid.
Exactly. Tell me this, where is the loyalty to those fans who pay £48 for a ticket to the Sty year-in-year-out?? Cause I bet half of those people didn't attend BOTH CC matches.
Nope that's right the club would rather help out the Johnny-come-lately's who fancied taking down there young nipper for a one off £10 match!
You can't really say that to be honest, You weren't there were you?. Where I sit all the season ticket holders who are normally there were there against Blacburn and Burnley
People who attend cup games whether they be regular or not should be allowed to attend later rounds. What if it were Wiagn away? Would you be so keen then?
Yes I would actually...hence my good away history.
And this is exactly my point, the away fans would be keen whatever. Those fans that travel across the country supporting Villa should be entitled to continue doing that whether it is Birmingham, Wigan, or Ipswich and should not be penalised just because they didn't go to a carling cup match.
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I have to agree with the above General. The two cup games were only £10 each. It costs a small fortune to follow the lads away from home. The club have got this wrong i'm afraid.
Exactly. Tell me this, where is the loyalty to those fans who pay £48 for a ticket to the Sty year-in-year-out?? Cause I bet half of those people didn't attend BOTH CC matches.
Nope that's right the club would rather help out the Johnny-come-lately's who fancied taking down there young nipper for a one off £10 match!
You can't really say that to be honest, You weren't there were you?. Where I sit all the season ticket holders who are normally there were there against Blacburn and Burnley
People who attend cup games whether they be regular or not should be allowed to attend later rounds. What if it were Wiagn away? Would you be so keen then?
Yes I would actually...hence my good away history.
And this is exactly my point, the away fans would be keen whatever. Those fans that travel across the country supporting Villa should be entitled to continue doing that whether it is Birmingham, Wigan, or Ipswich and should not be penalised just because they didn't go to a carling cup match.
So because I can't afford to go away every week I should be punished then? You should be able to go ahead of me even though you haven't been to a cup game this season?
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Questions to the general, please.
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General,have the club had any say in the way ''that lot down the road'' are selling ticket's for the CC game.For ticket's to be on general sale is just asking for trouble and could cause segragation problems.
There are bound to be Villa fans in home area's. Thanks for your time.
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General,
I'm reading a lot of news about ticket deals to increase the number of supporters who come to the match, and this is commended. However, if someone decided to buy a ticket on a match by match basis, using these deals, in (for example) the Lower Holte - how would this compare over the season to the cost of a season ticket?
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General Krulak here:
1. PaulMcgrathsNo55shirt: Interestingly, we have not sold out the Blues game for the past 3 years. Last years attendance and this years are basically the same. Ticket pricing does not seem to have impacted, historically, that game.
2. The big screen will not be back until renovation is completed.
3. peterw: The Hedge Fund issue will not have any impact on Randy's spend on the Club. It was in a fund...not liquid and able to be used. It would not have been used anyhow as it is a separate investment.
4. Blues game tickets: First off, we received an allocation of 3,800 tickets. We rate an allocation of 15% of the seating capacity. We certainly asked for our entire allocation. The reason we did not get the entire allocation is that the local council penalized us for "persistent standing"...a health and safety issue. We obviously fought this but the council said "no". They basically took away seats from us because of the standing rule. I have mentioned on more than one occasion that the standing regulation was out of our hands...and that it could come back to "bite us." It did. Nicky Keye posted the criteria for the allocation of tickets on the OS...she also discussed the ticket allocation at the beginning of the year. In her comments, she stated that home game attendance was critical and it is not simply a case of who goes to away games. When it comes to games that are "big"...this one, the semi-finals and finals of cup games, etc. there will NEVER be enough tickets to go around. This is why we publish the criteria early on.
5. villasubmariner. ST would be the cheaper way to go. That is why we have ST's.
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General, would it be possible to have a section on the oficial site where we can find out injury updates. Thanks.
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I think we can gather from the lack of response that the General is running scared - Subbuteo-wise.
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I think we can gather from the lack of response that the General is running scared - Subbuteo-wise.
as an ex military man perhaps challenging the General to a game of online RISK would be more to his liking?
Mark
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General Krulak here:
1. PaulMcgrathsNo55shirt: Interestingly, we have not sold out the Blues game for the past 3 years. Last years attendance and this years are basically the same. Ticket pricing does not seem to have impacted, historically, that game.
I think you're wrong there, General
2010 - 40,688
2009-10 - 42,788 (the exact same crowd as for Man U and Liverpool, so I assume that is capacity)
2008-09 - they were talking a sabbatical back where they belong
2007-08: 42,584 (when capacity was 42,640, I suspect the shortfall of 52 was due to extra segregation, so a sell out)
So this years is 2,000 down, for whatever reason.
4. Blues game tickets: First off, we received an allocation of 3,800 tickets. We rate an allocation of 15% of the seating capacity. We certainly asked for our entire allocation. The reason we did not get the entire allocation is that the local council penalized us for "persistent standing"...a health and safety issue.
Fortunately Big Dave and Gormless George, the boy wonder in the exchequer are busy ensuring these bozos will be out of a job soon enough, problem solved ;)
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I think we can gather from the lack of response that the General is running scared - Subbuteo-wise.
Maybe he's on the lookout for a proper transformer?
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General Krulak here:
1. pauliewalnuts: I get my input straight from the ticket office....perhaps the difference is "paid" vs. "attended."
2. It has come to may attention that, unfortunately, some websites are naming specific B'ham City Councillors as being responsible for the decision to limit tickets for the game against the Blues; that is not true. The decision to cut the ticket allocation was taken by a B'ham City Councils Safety Advisory Group who took that decision on the "no standing" rule being continually broken by our Fans. The Club has a very good relationship with the local councillors and they have always been helpful and responsive to the Club. Calling and or emailing is not helping anything! This decision has nothing to do with the local rivalry between us and the Blues. The safety advisory group will apply the same rules to away fans at Villa Park whose fans are considered "persistent standers." IN FACT, the applied the rules to the Blues Fans at LAST SUNDAY's game.
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As we seem to get lost of injuries recently. Could we double check if the new fitness coach's training methods is causing the injuries on training ground. I mean we are down to last striker.
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As we seem to get lost of injuries recently. Could we double check if the new fitness coach's training methods is causing the injuries on training ground. I mean we are down to last striker.
That crossed my mind too, having read some recent comments by a fitness coach (Roger Spry I think) about the amount of injuries Man City are getting since Mancini came in and made them train twice a day... as I believe is now happening at Villa.
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General Krulak here:
1. pauliewalnuts: I get my input straight from the ticket office....perhaps the difference is "paid" vs. "attended."
2. It has come to may attention that, unfortunately, some websites are naming specific B'ham City Councillors as being responsible for the decision to limit tickets for the game against the Blues; that is not true. The decision to cut the ticket allocation was taken by a B'ham City Councils Safety Advisory Group who took that decision on the "no standing" rule being continually broken by our Fans. The Club has a very good relationship with the local councillors and they have always been helpful and responsive to the Club. Calling and or emailing is not helping anything! This decision has nothing to do with the local rivalry between us and the Blues. The safety advisory group will apply the same rules to away fans at Villa Park whose fans are considered "persistent standers." IN FACT, the applied the rules to the Blues Fans at LAST SUNDAY's game.
Does it happen to Man Utd and Liverpool fans though? Every team that has a good away following stands, so why does it only seem to be Villa and Blues to get punished? Or is it other teams?
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GK, you have answered/ changed/challenged many things for us on here...here is your biggest one yet.......
Can you play up front as striker for a few weeks please along side Nathan...he cant do it all on his own ! ??
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General Krulak here:
1. pauliewalnuts: I get my input straight from the ticket office....perhaps the difference is "paid" vs. "attended."
Fair enough, but I guess that even if that were the case, those figures are the paid ones, which is the same as a sell out anyway (there are always ST holders who can't make it, obviously).
On a wider point, how are half season ticket sales going?
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General, the new owners of Liverpool are touting the 39th game around again.If OUR club vote for it I am done with football.
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General, the new owners of Liverpool are touting the 39th game around again.If OUR club vote for it I am done with football.
General. Can Randy Lerner give a full and unequivocal guarantee that he is totally opposed to a single domestic league game ever being played outside the confines of the country ?
As a season ticket holder and supporter of 44 years who has missed probably just a dozen home games in that time, I would regretfully have no option but to stop watching all league games.
As fans of one of the original twelve founding member clubs and the fact that William McGregor was a Villa man, I am sure Randy understands the depth of feeling most of us feel on this matter.
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General, the new owners of Liverpool are touting the 39th game around again.If OUR club vote for it I am done with football.
General. Can Randy Lerner give a full and unequivocal guarantee that he is totally opposed to a single domestic league game ever being played outside the confines of the country ?
As a season ticket holder and supporter of 44 years who has missed probably just a dozen home games in that time, I would regretfully have no option but to stop watching all league games.
As fans of one of the original twelve founding member clubs and the fact that William McGregor was a Villa man, I am sure Randy understands the depth of feeling most of us feel on this matter.
Here, here! (and not there, there)
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if that happens, then i give up on football...
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Ditto. It would finish me off as well. I'm barely hanging in as it is what with the aggression of the derby game meaning I leave the kids at home and seeing the best seats in the ground empty all the time due to the price. I can't understand the appeal of for TV only sports like the Grand Prix tour.I just wouldn't be interested anymore.
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Could I just focus on the really important thing that's going on at the moment i.e. that on the pitch our season is imploding and we are heading for a bottom 3 place by Christmas.
Is it true that there is no money at all to spend in January and that Houllier thinks we don't need a new striker any way?
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Could I just focus on the really important thing that's going on at the moment i.e. that on the pitch our season is imploding and we are heading for a bottom 3 place by Christmas.
Is it true that there is no money at all to spend in January and that Houllier thinks we don't need a new striker any way?
Yes, you're really going to get an answer to that one.
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Could I just focus on the really important thing that's going on at the moment i.e. that on the pitch our season is imploding and we are heading for a bottom 3 place by Christmas.
Is it true that there is no money at all to spend in January and that Houllier thinks we don't need a new striker any way?
Wow someone needs to have a sleep and think about their comments? It ent that bad for goodness sakes!
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Does it happen to Man Utd and Liverpool fans though? Every team that has a good away following stands, so why does it only seem to be Villa and Blues to get punished? Or is it other teams?
Not trying to answer for the general but Liverpool had reduced allocations to Villa last season for this. I will say that it seems that BCC are the only council enforcing this so it seems that Villa and Blues are punished in the fact their away teams have a reduced allocation.
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And to further butt in, ManUtds allocation at both Middlesbrough and Sunderland has been cut in the last few years due to the failure to heed warnings about standing amongst their supporters.
As you were.
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General. Can Randy Lerner give a full and unequivocal guarantee that he is totally opposed to a single domestic league game ever being played outside the confines of the country ?.........
Cardiff and or Swansea may have something to say about that if they get promoted ;)
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General Krulak here:
1. Injuries. Obviously we are looking into all areas to determine the "cause" of the injuries we have been seeing. The reality is that most either occur during games or during simulated games at practice. The additional training is not seen as causative.
2. Alexpayne: Yes, the current standing rule applies and impacts all Clubs...it is not just the Blues and Villa.
3. Dazvillan: There is no doubt that we are short strikers but the LAST thing our Club needs is a "short" striker by the name of KrulK.
4. 39th game. I think Randy was pretty clear on this effort the last time it came up.
5. levico: Obviously I am not prepared to answer your questions on an open web site. I will simply state that Randy has never been one to keep his wallet closed and the GH is watching the same games you are watching.
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Hi General, good to see you are still prepared to face the fans. Just thought I'd let you know that I'm worried, very worried with the lack of goals. Lack of goals = relegation! Please ensure that the 30 mill Randy gives Monsieur Houllier is spent wisely. ;)
Also, when are you going to buy that pint for me that you promised a while back? I'll happily be your guest for the afternoon and will gladly entertain your friends and colleagues with witty banter and my rather devlish, but handsome presence. Just give me the nod. 8)
UTV
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General, is the ghost of O'Neill still affecting matters at Villa Park?
I can accept some misguided fans still adoring the turncoat, but I get this feeling there is plenty of left overs especially within the squad of players he left, both negative and positive.
Houllier knows his business but he's not the most dynamic communicator and with your move to guarded comments due to the 'open forum' malaise, it looks to me that there is a huge cloud hanging over the club that a few good results won't blow away, and the fans are picking up on it.
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General
I read that Gerard Houllier would still consider Carew for selection if he were fit. This must be an improvemnt on the previous incumbent who bore such dreadful malice when anyone crossed him. All of those who are on our wage bill must be considered an asset of the club and not somebody for a bitter and vindictive individual to play silly games with. That is not something that comes in the job description of a Manager. This is not a question but a statement. I am delighted that we have a more level headed man in the position. Incidentally, has the manager retained the room that O'Neill had for his family which was adjacent to the Directors Room?
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Wrong thread so apologies to the editor and the general. But can people please stop going on about Martin O Neill. It's tiresome in the extreme. Houllier is a good manager who given time will get it right. Martin is a good manager who left at a bad time. 'Ghost of Oi Neill'? Poetic, but the extended use of him leaving "5 days before the season" does not excuse our poor performance so far this season. Injuries go some way to explaining it, but banging on about O' Neill does nothing but give people the excuse to under perform.
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General
I read that Gerard Houllier would still consider Carew for selection if he were fit. This must be an improvemnt on the previous incumbent who bore such dreadful malice when anyone crossed him. All of those who are on our wage bill must be considered an asset of the club and not somebody for a bitter and vindictive individual to play silly games with. That is not something that comes in the job description of a Manager. This is not a question but a statement. I am delighted that we have a more level headed man in the position. Incidentally, has the manager retained the room that O'Neill had for his family which was adjacent to the Directors Room?
"Bitter and vindictive individual". Move on and let it go.
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Wrong thread so apologies to the editor and the general. But can people please stop going on about Martin O Neill. It's tiresome in the extreme. Houllier is a good manager who given time will get it right. Martin is a good manager who left at a bad time. 'Ghost of Oi Neill'? Poetic, but the extended use of him leaving "5 days before the season" does not excuse our poor performance so far this season. Injuries go some way to explaining it, but banging on about O' Neill does nothing but give people the excuse to under perform.
Haven't you just asked people not to do something, then gone on and done exactly the same yourself?
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Hey General! I bet Randy can't believe his luck. First the New Orleans Saints now the New England Patriots! Great win for the Browns today. Hopefully they can beat the Jets next week...
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General
I read that Gerard Houllier would still consider Carew for selection if he were fit. This must be an improvemnt on the previous incumbent who bore such dreadful malice when anyone crossed him. All of those who are on our wage bill must be considered an asset of the club and not somebody for a bitter and vindictive individual to play silly games with. That is not something that comes in the job description of a Manager. This is not a question but a statement. I am delighted that we have a more level headed man in the position. Incidentally, has the manager retained the room that O'Neill had for his family which was adjacent to the Directors Room?
"Bitter and vindictive individual". Move on and let it go.
Is that the new 'get over it' standard response?
My message to the General was to comment on how some things have improved. Is it unreasonable to give an example in such cases?
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Wrong thread so apologies to the editor and the general. But can people please stop going on about Martin O Neill. It's tiresome in the extreme. Houllier is a good manager who given time will get it right. Martin is a good manager who left at a bad time. 'Ghost of Oi Neill'? Poetic, but the extended use of him leaving "5 days before the season" does not excuse our poor performance so far this season. Injuries go some way to explaining it, but banging on about O' Neill does nothing but give people the excuse to under perform.
Haven't you just asked people not to do something, then gone on and done exactly the same yourself?
Yep, I suppose I have.
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General, what is the situation with our scouting staff at the moment?
Did our last scout and his network, ahem, vanish with our last manager, or did he remain on the payroll.
I ask because I've been informed we may have a new and well respected scout about to join.
Could you confirm or not this suggestion please.
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General,
I see that a new chief-scout has been appointed and our best wishes go to him in terms of unearthing what Houllier wants him to. And, obviously, as we want him to do so also.
However, who is he actually scouting for? Aston Villa or Gerrard Houllier? As he is appointed by the manager, and as managers do attend to appoint scouts, or at least chief scouts, are we risking losing the scouts work when he eventually moves on? All the time spent watching a certain player. or players, goes by the wayside once that scout goes to either another club - which is part and parcel of contractual employment, or until a manager leaves and takes his staff with him.
With that in mind why don't the club look to appoint a chief scout and have him working for Aston Villa. That way, all the dossiers completed, and all the hours of watching certain players, and the chief-scouts own personal feelings stay with Aston Villa and don't get moved here, there, anywhere on the whim of another manager or a bigger contract?
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What attendances we expecting for Blackpool and Man Utd?
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General Krulak here:
1. sfx412: I am not sure about the "ghost of MON"...but I can honestly say the following: The spirit of the men and women working at Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath is VERY high. If it weren't , I just would not comment because it would be a headline in the morning papers. I mean it when I say that people are excited and pleased with where we are heading. Are we happy with the tables right now? Absolutely NOT!!! But looking at where we were in the summer, we believe strongly that we are on the right track. In many ways, we are coming out stronger than where we were. I know that the Fans may not feel that way but...I can PROMISE you that the spirit and excitement around the Club is palpable. To a degree it is akin to what is happening at the Browns...where the team is coming out of a tough time and beginning to see real success. It took a new hire to get things going.
2. I am not really up on how scouting works in the UK but I cannot imagine a "chief scout" that doesn't have the stamp of approval of the Manager. At the end of the day, the Manager and the Scout need to have a "vulcan mind-meld" if the "right" players are going to be selected. Yes, the chief scout works for the Club but the key is if the Manager and Scout are on the same page. This is not an issue I would worry about. I am very happy with the choice and so is Randy.
3. The Directors do not have a "room"...unless I have missed it. The Directors "room" was done away with a couple of years ago.
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General Krulak here:
1. sfx412: I am not sure about the "ghost of MON"...but I can honestly say the following: The spirit of the men and women working at Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath is VERY high. If it weren't , I just would not comment because it would be a headline in the morning papers. I mean it when I say that people are excited and pleased with where we are heading. Are we happy with the tables right now? Absolutely NOT!!! But looking at where we were in the summer, we believe strongly that we are on the right track. In many ways, we are coming out stronger than where we were. I know that the Fans may not feel that way but...I can PROMISE you that the spirit and excitement around the Club is palpable. To a degree it is akin to what is happening at the Browns...where the team is coming out of a tough time and beginning to see real success. It took a new hire to get things going.
Excellent General, just what we need to hear.
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General Krulak here:
1. sfx412: I am not sure about the "ghost of MON"...but I can honestly say the following: The spirit of the men and women working at Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath is VERY high. If it weren't , I just would not comment because it would be a headline in the morning papers. I mean it when I say that people are excited and pleased with where we are heading. Are we happy with the tables right now? Absolutely NOT!!! But looking at where we were in the summer, we believe strongly that we are on the right track. In many ways, we are coming out stronger than where we were. I know that the Fans may not feel that way but...I can PROMISE you that the spirit and excitement around the Club is palpable. To a degree it is akin to what is happening at the Browns...where the team is coming out of a tough time and beginning to see real success. It took a new hire to get things going.
Thanks
Encouraging to hear you say so General, and whilst I can see the potential for such excitement I have yet to feel and to construe from viewing comments on this and other sites that that such optimism has passed its way down the tree, much yet.
Understandable perhaps, GH has a decent track record, but still needs to prove some things, and its now winter always a dismal time anyway :)
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General Krulak here:
It took a new hire to get things going.
Wasn't that the $50m quarterback?
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Hello General,
my children got their shirts in the post today(both season ticket holders).Phoned the shop to ask about free printing,to be told it doesn't apply to online orders-only shop bought shirts.Doesn't seem fair ,especially with the delay.
UTV
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Vulcan mind-meld...what a fantastic phrase.
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General Krulak here:
1. sfx412: Not sure what needs to be done to cause "excitement" down the tree. I see a brand of football and a willingness to give players a chance that I have not seen at Villa Park before. I see youngsters and more experienced players out on the Pitch giving 110%...I see them passing (note the beautiful pass that set up the goal on Saturday), working the ball forward, substituting when necessary...etc. etc. You put that all together and then add the players we have out injured...Delph, Gabby, Heskey, etc. and I think we have much to be excited about. We still have a long season ahead...don't give up.
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Hi General,
I think for many supporters we feel that the club continually goes through the same cycles:
Despair
Rebuild
Promise
A good spell [usually one season but sometimes more]
decline
and then back to the top again
With MON we were at the pinacle of his and his teams ability and now were are back in the rebuild phase.
This season we will finish around 7th, and then dependant on transfers and the performance of other clubs will finish around there again next season, and hopefully a cup run during that time.
This may sound pessimistic but we have been here before:
Saunders / Barton
Taylor
Atkinson
Little / Gregory
MON
The thing that has changed is the ownership of the club, lets hope that that can be the deciding factor in breaking our pattern
Fingers crossed
Mark
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Hi General,
I think for many supporters we feel that the club continually goes through the same cycles:
Despair
Rebuild
Promise
A good spell [usually one season but sometimes more]
decline
and then back to the top again
With MON we were at the pinacle of his and his teams ability and now were are back in the rebuild phase.
This season we will finish around 7th, and then dependant on transfers and the performance of other clubs will finish around there again next season, and hopefully a cup run during that time.
This may sound pessimistic but we have been here before:
Saunders / Barton
Taylor
Atkinson
Little / Gregory
MON
The thing that has changed is the ownership of the club, lets hope that that can be the deciding factor in breaking our pattern
Fingers crossed
Mark
Every single club in English football perpetually lives within this cycle, the only difference today is that two clubs are enjoying the extended period you call 'a good spell'.....and one of their fans still aren't at all happy!
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I would rather rebuild from where MoN left us than from where DoL left us. The main difference is how the current chairman runs the club as opposed to the old chairman.
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General Krulak here:
1. sfx412: Not sure what needs to be done to cause "excitement" down the tree. I see a brand of football and a willingness to give players a chance that I have not seen at Villa Park before. I see youngsters and more experienced players out on the Pitch giving 110%...I see them passing (note the beautiful pass that set up the goal on Saturday), working the ball forward, substituting when necessary...etc. etc. You put that all together and then add the players we have out injured...Delph, Gabby, Heskey, etc. and I think we have much to be excited about. We still have a long season ahead...don't give up.
Couldn't agree more General and as I've said before I was there in Div 3 home and away so I'm not a quitter, but its not about me, its about my club.
I could be wrong, its just possible, but I feel many, maybe most supporters feel the club is under a cloud. There is as you have rightly pointed out many reasons for optimism, and yes there are plenty of excuses at the moment but the momentum Randy's ownership generated has been lost and whilst I never did feel Mon was the man to take us on to meet the stated objectives, from this time last year there has been an undercurrent, be it pessimism, defeatism, or at best dissatisfaction, no doubt fuelled by the loss of Barry, and Milner and then the manner of the departure of Mon aided by the lack of meaningful signings in the summer and I do include Ireland in that.
GH's appointment has not lifted the club enough, and whilst as always I live in hope, at the moment its hard to get too excited.
Maybe a few victories will help.
I know nothing you can say will alter that short term and whilst unquestioning belief is a nice mantra, actions always do speak louder.
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General Krulak here:
1. sfx412: I see a brand of football and a willingness to give players a chance that I have not seen at Villa Park before. I see youngsters and more experienced players out on the Pitch giving 110%...I see them passing (note the beautiful pass that set up the goal on Saturday), working the ball forward, substituting when necessary...etc. etc. You put that all together and then add the players we have out injured...Delph, Gabby, Heskey, etc. and I think we have much to be excited about. We still have a long season ahead...don't give up.
I feel those are important points, General. The new manager is taking a different approach to the previous manager and many of the issues we generally criticised Martin O'Neill for are now being rectified. I know perhaps some of Houllier's team selection is being steered by the injury problems but he's also prepared to give younger players - and, for example, Barry Bannan is 20 but O'Neill was reluctant to use him - a chance, therefore actually utilising a squad. And, from what I can see, Houllier does pick teams for certain opponents - examples being Clark to strengthen the midfield v Blues, but then Bannan against Fulham's rather more footballing midfield.
For me, there's much more evidence of tactical selection and substitutions under Houllier, something which a lot of us felt was missing under O'Neill. I feel we've got a more flexible, open-minded manager in charge now and so, while results short-term aren't great, I'm looking forward to the second half of the season.
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Hi General,
You said a while back that there was an ongoing debate about the shelf life of the new shirt.
As I said before,I am extremely reluctant to buy a shirt which will be out of date by May.
I look forward to buying the new shirt each season but (and I appreciate that the timing was not altogether in the hands of the club) I feel a little aggrieved at having to pay the full price with this limited life.
If it is to be replaced next season then on this occasion I shall go without and snap it up in the end of season sales instead.
Sorry to sound so down about this but value for money goes a long way in this present world of tight finances.
Lower Holte
TT 74
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General, given our injury crises, what do you think of the current transfer window system? If there was a vote in the PL between keeping the current system, or reverting to the old system, which way would the Villa vote?
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Hi General,
You said a while back that there was an ongoing debate about the shelf life of the new shirt.
As I said before,I am extremely reluctant to buy a shirt which will be out of date by May.
I look forward to buying the new shirt each season but (and I appreciate that the timing was not altogether in the hands of the club) I feel a little aggrieved at having to pay the full price with this limited life.
If it is to be replaced next season then on this occasion I shall go without and snap it up in the end of season sales instead.
Sorry to sound so down about this but value for money goes a long way in this present world of tight finances.
Lower Holte
TT 74
Have to agree with the above General i'm afraid and i personally think that the £10 voucher is a bit of a feeble effort, bearing in mind you cannot even spend it on Nike products. Maybe the voucher could been used as £10 off the away shirt?
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General,
Is there any chance that fans could gain access to the Wireless network that exists at Villa Park? Oftne it is very difficult to get any mobile network coverage and yet there are Villa Guest networks available. Could it be a perk you offer season ticket holders? Or even somethign you could offer access for a small fee?
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general, a little idea for match days in the holte suite, a corner set up for kids who swap match attax cards. My lad loves collecting these and there a loads of kids in the holte suite who probably do the same who could bring their pile of swaps with them and exchange cards! A bit like your baseball trading cards over there!
Would be free to set up and the kids would love it!
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Please don't! The bloody things have cost me a fortune so far and if my son sees there is a swap thing going on before every Villa game it will be non stop pleading to take him to Villa Park every other week.
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the thing is chris, if they are swapping you arent buying new ones! There is logic in my suggestion, it bugs the hell out of me when i buy a new pack and he already has the same 6 cards!
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Brilliant idea,
Is it possible for so many people to use a network?
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General.
Some time ago I bought to your attention the ludicrous situation where I tried to buy tickets for a future game on a match day and the ticket office refused as they were selling match day tickets only. A decision I questioned as the ticket office was practically empty at the time.
Tonight was round 2
On the official club website it states that today I was able to purchase tickets for the Blose game in the cup. Due to work commitments and travel problems I arrived at the Villa Park ticket office approximately 45 mins before kick off. Again I was told 'tonights game only' - I explained the situation to the ticket office head honcho, that as I am a teacher and won't be able to spend hours on the phone or internet tomorrow to get tickets this was my only option of purchasing tickets. His reply was that he was being directed from 'inside the office' as to what to tell people. The steward was polite, sympathetic and almost apologetic about the situation but it was clear that he was unable to do anything to help. The result - again I walk away ticketless.
Now had the ticket office been busy i could fully understand the situation but again there was nobody queuing outside and it would have been no more than a five minute wait. (I did actually take a photo) Surely there is a facility somewhere at Villa Park that can sell tickets for future matches in the hour running up to the current game for people who are not able to sit for ages on a phone or on the internet.
I'm incredibly annoyed by this as I will more than likely be missing out on tickets for the Blues game because of this stupid system that is in place.
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I think that The General said he would look in to this but nothing has been forthcoming as of yet.
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Correct Legion - I'm not doubting that the people who want to buy tickets for the game that is due to be played shouldn't get preference - i'm sure I wasn't the only person who was in that situation last night. How can the ticket office be so great but the lack of thinking be so poor. Surely somewhere at Villa Park they could have set up an area where Blues tickets could have been sold last night?
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Correct Legion - I'm not doubting that the people who want to buy tickets for the game that is due to be played shouldn't get preference - i'm sure I wasn't the only person who was in that situation last night. How can the ticket office be so great but the lack of thinking be so poor. Surely somewhere at Villa Park they could have set up an area where Blues tickets could have been sold last night?
That is mad, basically they are turning away customers, the cardinal sin of any business. They could have 1 window open for other matches as I'm sure other peole in the same boat - you can only go to VP for match days.
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General, in the football simulation game Football Manager 2011 you have just bought out Randy for £46m. Now as I am the manager I must ask - any chance of a few million to strengthen in January? ;D ;D
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General,
Fulham employ a disabled away supporters steward to meet and look after disabled away fans. Is this something Villa have considered. Also, do we ever look to get feedback from away supporters about their treatment at Villa Park?
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General,
The OS currently states tomorrow's match is early morning? It also said at the start of the week that the Blackpool match was on the weekend and then on the day of the game that it was in the afternoon. Surely it shouldn't be giving out soo much misleading information.
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General,
Fulham employ a disabled away supporters steward to meet and look after disabled away fans. Is this something Villa have considered. Also, do we ever look to get feedback from away supporters about their treatment at Villa Park?
I have raised similar issues before Dave including the fact that disabled away fans don't get an opportunity to be with the away end. I have also asked many times about audio description for blind fans. It is quite common now.
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General,
The OS currently states tomorrow's match is early morning? It also said at the start of the week that the Blackpool match was on the weekend and then on the day of the game that it was in the afternoon. Surely it shouldn't be giving out soo much misleading information.
The match is early morning for the General. (Unless of course he's over here)
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General,
please pass my thanks to whoever decided to put the other scores up on the scoreboard during the game. I have been moaning that we should do this for years so glad to see it implemented.
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General,
please pass my thanks to whoever decided to put the other scores up on the scoreboard during the game. I have been moaning that we should do this for years so glad to see it implemented.
http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=40882.0
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Cheers Pauline, missed that. Nice to see other people seem to like the score updates too. Except Dave W who was moaning that they put up Albion had scored!
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General, apologies if this has been asked already but how is Sid settling in with the senior squad? And how does his role differ from that of McAllister?
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Hi General
I was really disappointed on Wednesday to discover the Villa Vitality food outlet in the lower Doug Ellis has been closed and replaced by the usual burgers and chips.
It took up just one half of a kiosk (the real coffee place is in the other half, I hope that's not for the chop too).
Elsewhere there are three full kiosks selling all the usual football stadium fare. Surely the club makes enough profit from those outlets to give over one eighth of its catering floor space to offer other options.
It's been great having the choice, especially for night games or matches like today when it's convenient to grab something to eat at the stadium. Now the club is missing out on my cash.
Can you explain the decision please?
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Hi general
I'm not exaggerating when I say I couldn't hear a thing on the tannoy today in the holte upper.
And please can we have the north stand big screen back, during the game I don't know who is on a booking and who has scored for the opposition (can't hear tannoy)
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Hi general
I'm not exaggerating when I say I couldn't hear a thing on the tannoy today in the holte upper.
And please can we have the north stand big screen back, during the game I don't know who is on a booking and who has scored for the opposition (can't hear tannoy)
you genuinly can't hear a thing thats being said
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Hi general
Wanted to be a bit cheeky but I am growing a moustache for movember, its all to raise money for prostate cancer, Im doing quite well but I wondered if the Villa wanted to sponsor me?
Doesn't have to be millions (save that for jan ;)) Im also willing to shave it off on the pitch in December :)
if you want to know more look here : http://uk.movember.com/
Cheers for your time
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Hi general
I'm not exaggerating when I say I couldn't hear a thing on the tannoy today in the holte upper.
And please can we have the north stand big screen back, during the game I don't know who is on a booking and who has scored for the opposition (can't hear tannoy)
you genuinly can't hear a thing thats being said
Today yes, today it was as though the system was turned down, I had to check my phone to see who'd scored their second. Why are you questioning me anyway?
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Hi general
I'm not exaggerating when I say I couldn't hear a thing on the tannoy today in the holte upper.
And please can we have the north stand big screen back, during the game I don't know who is on a booking and who has scored for the opposition (can't hear tannoy)
you genuinly can't hear a thing thats being said
Today yes, today it was as though the system was turned down, I had to check my phone to see who'd scored their second. Why are you questioning me anyway?
naa mate im agreeing with you, did'nt mean it to come across like that
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I'm not being funny, I was just asking why that's all mate, i tottally misinterpreted what you said sorry.
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General .
If i purchase a Balti pie @ £3 & give the counter assistant in the lower north (trinity side) £5 , how much change should i have ??
basic maths & these people behind the counter can not grasp it ...
thats all i can find to moan about today .
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General,
Great game today, great performance from the youngsters, the future looks bright. I saw the new shirt up close today for the first time. I have to say that again I am left underwhelmed. Why have Nike used the same fabric for the fourth year in a row? I know it may sound petty but with our desire for the traditional claret body and blue sleeves you would think nike could introduce some variety in other ways including the material. Or I am just being petty?
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General Krulak here:
1. I am half way through my trip but wanted to say that I saw the highlights of the game today and thought the lads played well. Like everyone, I am sorry to have given up the late goals but we played a helluva game and I am proud of the team. Our youngsters are standing tall....under trying circumstances.
2. Tannoy: I will check into the problem and see what happened. I have said on multiple occasions that we are going to replace the system when we do the work on the North Stand...it makes no sense to spend 1.3 million pounds today to only have to spend more when we do the stand. We will try to fix what was wrong today.
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General,
I notice of late you're only commenting on some comments made, the others?
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I'm not being funny, I was just asking why that's all mate, i tottally misinterpreted what you said sorry.
when I read back what I wrote I realised it looked like I was questioning you, ive been in my seat now for 6 years and ive never been able to understand what the tannoy says
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I'm not being funny, I was just asking why that's all mate, i tottally misinterpreted what you said sorry.
when I read back what I wrote I realised it looked like I was questioning you, ive been in my seat now for 6 years and ive never been able to understand what the tannoy says
Hope you don't mind me butting in, but I can't understand the confussion. If you had been questioning him, you would have ended the sentence with a question mark, which you didn't. Therefore it was a statement (of agreement.)
Now for my question: General, as you have mentioned several times that the tannoy will be fixed when the North Stand work is done, can you give us a hint, a tiny clue, as to when an announcement might be made as to the aforementioned work?
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General can you suggest to the club that they auction yesterdays shirts with the poppies on and the proceeds go to Acorns, its a win win situation some lucky fan gets to buy a one off shirt and Acorns get much needed funds and the clubs image goes up higher again. thanks for all your efforts over the past.
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The club have already said they're going to auction them off. I think it's half to Acorns, half to a forces charity, Help for Heroes I think but I stand ready to be corrected.
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General, just a quick question regarding season ticket prices for next season, as we are not selling out our games even with special offers etc... therefore to encourage new or current season ticket holders to renew next season is there any chance that season ticket prices will be frozen or even reduced (although I am aware of the increase in VAT from January)
As you are aware times are tough at the moment and maybe this could be a way for the club to say thanks for sticking by us in tough times.
A response to this question would be appreciated?
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The club have already said they're going to auction them off. I think it's half to Acorns, half to a forces charity, Help for Heroes I think but I stand ready to be corrected.
Half to Acorns and Half to the Legion (no not our one) I would have thought being as it is a poppy.
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Thats great news, I hope they raise a lot of money.
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so what about the match attax exchange before a game or shall we just forget it and sell match attax to fund reo cokers wage demands???
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If this has been raised recently then ignore me - but did anyone get any clue as to what was going on at half time at the Man U game? How come our tannoy system is so rubbish and has been for so long. Other stadiums of similar dimensions can manage why can't we?
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Pass on how proud I am of the kids to them General.
I should have left the ground really deflated Saturday but I felt all warm inside instead.
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Hi General
I was really disappointed on Wednesday to discover the Villa Vitality food outlet in the lower Doug Ellis has been closed and replaced by the usual burgers and chips.
It took up just one half of a kiosk (the real coffee place is in the other half, I hope that's not for the chop too).
Elsewhere there are three full kiosks selling all the usual football stadium fare. Surely the club makes enough profit from those outlets to give over one eighth of its catering floor space to offer other options.
It's been great having the choice, especially for night games or matches like today when it's convenient to grab something to eat at the stadium. Now the club is missing out on my cash.
Can you explain the decision please?
This isn't an answer, I know, but in the Trinity they were serving the Villa Vitality stuff - cottage pie & absolutely delicious it was too. Must have been a problem with you Witton Lane yobs!! ;)
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If this has been raised recently then ignore me - but did anyone get any clue as to what was going on at half time at the Man U game? How come our tannoy system is so rubbish and has been for so long. Other stadiums of similar dimensions can manage why can't we?
At Stoke, they have speakers by the side of the pitch which seem to do the job rather than have it coming out of the stand roof.
As I've said before, the simple thing to do would be to collect some staff before the season starts, sit them in every section of each of the four stands and test out the PA then to determine where the nosiest and quietest parts are, if they don't already?
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At Stoke, they have speakers by the side of the pitch which seem to do the job rather than have it coming out of the stand roof.
As I've said before, the simple thing to do would be to collect some staff before the season starts, sit them in every section of each of the four stands and test out the PA then to determine where the nosiest and quietest parts are, if they don't already?
Put forty thousand people in the ground and you'd get a much different answer.
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As I've said before, the simple thing to do would be to collect some staff before the season starts, sit them in every section of each of the four stands and test out the PA then to determine where the nosiest and quietest parts are, if they don't already?
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Excellent post. Contact the Villa and say you are a sound engineer. Make some money.
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As I've said before, the simple thing to do would be to collect some staff before the season starts, sit them in every section of each of the four stands and test out the PA then to determine where the nosiest and quietest parts are, if they don't already?
Excellent post. Contact the Villa and say you are a sound engineer. Make some money.
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As a sound engineer? Brilliant.
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With regard to a couple of comments...
1. the tannoy, agreed it is pants [either deafening and distorted or quite as mould trafford on a match day]
2. The video screen. accepted that it will cost money for a new screen on the North Stand and with the refurb possibly making any new screen redundant not worth it. However.... if there is to be no further changes to the North Stand until the end of the season [please correct me on this] why cant we move the one from the Lower Holte over to the North Stand? this would then give the majority of Villa fans a view of it.
Mark
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General
I've no doubt this will have been brought up before, but even if it has then nothing seems to have been done about it.
Getting away after the game has become an absolute nightmare over the last couple of seasons - even when I leave the stadium with a smile on my face the chaos on Aston Hall Road means I get home in a foul mood - win, lose or draw.
Until recent years police have stopped traffic coming up Aston Hall Road from Lichfield Road for a period after the game so traffic can clear, but not anymore - it's a free for all. Week after week traffic trying to get away comes to a standstill because a huge truck is trying to come up in the opposite direction.
What's more we now get it pre-match, particularly night games, in the opposite direction... usually meaning some dodgy parking and a sprint to make kick-off in time.
It begs the following questions...
1. Why do we have a huge police bill - when the police don't actually do anything most games (derby excepted)? It would only take one of them to block traffic coming up Aston Hall Road for 45mins after a game.
2. Assuming that the council may have something to do with this too... is this the same council that decide to cut ticket allocations as they deem people standing in seated areas dangerous? Surely these trucks trying to squeeze their way against the flow of traffic and hundreds/thousands of pedestrians is far more of a danger. It is an accident waiting to happen... and the rage it causes among motorists is also the recipe for an accident one day.
3. Does the club really care about how the traffic problems spoil supporters' "matchday experience"?
I appreciate that the interests of local residents and businesses have to be taken into consideration, but surely the current lack of a system is a nightmare for fans, residents and businesses alike. I've travelled to pretty much all grounds over the years and Villa Park used to be one of the best to get away from - now it is pushing for a place as one of the worst.
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General
I've no doubt this will have been brought up before, but even if it has then nothing seems to have been done about it.
Getting away after the game has become an absolute nightmare over the last couple of seasons - even when I leave the stadium with a smile on my face the chaos on Aston Hall Road means I get home in a foul mood - win, lose or draw.
Until recent years police have stopped traffic coming up Aston Hall Road from Lichfield Road for a period after the game so traffic can clear, but not anymore - it's a free for all. Week after week traffic trying to get away comes to a standstill because a huge truck is trying to come up in the opposite direction.
What's more we now get it pre-match, particularly night games, in the opposite direction... usually meaning some dodgy parking and a sprint to make kick-off in time.
It begs the following questions...
1. Why do we have a huge police bill - when the police don't actually do anything most games (derby excepted)? It would only take one of them to block traffic coming up Aston Hall Road for 45mins after a game.
2. Assuming that the council may have something to do with this too... is this the same council that decide to cut ticket allocations as they deem people standing in seated areas dangerous? Surely these trucks trying to squeeze their way against the flow of traffic and hundreds/thousands of pedestrians is far more of a danger. It is an accident waiting to happen... and the rage it causes among motorists is also the recipe for an accident one day.
3. Does the club really care about how the traffic problems spoil supporters' "matchday experience"?
I appreciate that the interests of local residents and businesses have to be taken into consideration, but surely the current lack of a system is a nightmare for fans, residents and businesses alike. I've travelled to pretty much all grounds over the years and Villa Park used to be one of the best to get away from - now it is pushing for a place as one of the worst.
its the worst ive experienced in 30 years , one policeman in the road by the king edwards stopped the carnage, kept the flow and prevented traffic headiing towards VP allowing two lanes of traffic to escape , now theyve gone????
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It is getting so bad I'm considering not renewing next season. I don't pay all that money to be stuck in my car for an hour after the game. Private companies seem to block off roads around the stadium - how is it okay for them to do that there yet not for someone to do the same at the end of Aston Hall Road?
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General
I think you missed my Question
regards
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General,have the club offered the happy royal couple the Holte Suite for the wedding reception?
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General will you be sending Kate a claret and blue ribbon to wear in the merry month of May? And when I ask oh why do you wear that ribbon - oh my God I'm gettin all Wembley excited again.
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It is getting so bad I'm considering not renewing next season. I don't pay all that money to be stuck in my car for an hour after the game. Private companies seem to block off roads around the stadium - how is it okay for them to do that there yet not for someone to do the same at the end of Aston Hall Road?
What a ludicrous pathetic reason.
"Not renewing my season ticket because of traffic problems..."
Get real... Do you want a personal valet too?? It's a pain in the arse yes, but if you want big gates etc. well, suck it up. The stadiums in the middle of aston, not on a purpose built roundabout towards the end of the city.
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We had bigger gates two years ago and the traffic there was much better due to the presence of one copper.
Strikes me that a club that usually has 7000 empty seats and can't sell out for its hated rivals or Man United should be concerned about anything like this which concerns regular customers.
Everyone knows it takes a while to get away from football grounds, but when the situation arises which makes it much worse, and there exists an obvious remedy, that is a pretty good example of what this thread is for.
Recently after a match i saw cars parked both sides of Aston hall road, leaving not enough room for two cars to pass, and a 40 ton lorry coming towards the ground. Leaving aside the question of people trying to get away from the match, that is a ridiculous traffic situation that the police are allowing to happen.
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It doesn't even need a copper, Council contractors close down the roads off Witton Lane with barriers and bollards, it would simply be another job for them as they seem to stand around for an hour and a half waiting for the game to finish. I cant help but think though that it would be better finding out who is the B'ham Councillor responsible for highways and taking it up with them.
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Yet the council are happy to put tickets on cars parked off the road in streets with no parking restrictions.
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It is getting so bad I'm considering not renewing next season. I don't pay all that money to be stuck in my car for an hour after the game. Private companies seem to block off roads around the stadium - how is it okay for them to do that there yet not for someone to do the same at the end of Aston Hall Road?
What a ludicrous pathetic reason.
"Not renewing my season ticket because of traffic problems..."
Get real... Do you want a personal valet too?? It's a pain in the arse yes, but if you want big gates etc. well, suck it up. The stadiums in the middle of aston, not on a purpose built roundabout towards the end of the city.
Well done for missing the point totally. It's nothing to do with big crowds - if we sold out every week, it wouldn't be a problem getting away, IF a few bods made sure that Aston Hall Rd was one-way for an hour after the game (ie. as it was in previous seasons).
I agree that threatening to not renew next season seems a bit extreme, but each to their own. It is frustrating that this situation has got a lot worse, but the solution is so simple.
I now park at Power League, which is 15 mins walk, but avoids the Aston Hall Rd snarl-up - but I'd prefer parking where I used to (opposite the Leisure Centre)
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I get the train. :)
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It doesn't even need a copper, Council contractors close down the roads off Witton Lane with barriers and bollards, it would simply be another job for them as they seem to stand around for an hour and a half waiting for the game to finish. I cant help but think though that it would be better finding out who is the B'ham Councillor responsible for highways and taking it up with them.
Something needs to be done, it's appalling how long it takes to get home from a game now compared to last season.
The police don't see the traffic problem as a large enough problem to warrant ONE policeman for an hour before and an hour after a game.
They apparently need to see an accident caused; someone injured; a celebrity having problems with the public in traffic .... just something to give them a reason to employ ONE Copper at VP for 2 hours.
Amazing.
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They apparently need to see an accident caused; someone injured; a celebrity having problems with the public in traffic .... just something to give them a reason to employ ONE Copper at VP for 2 hours.
Maybe David Gold could put a word in, his little incident was around there wasn't it?
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They apparently need to see an accident caused; someone injured; a celebrity having problems with the public in traffic .... just something to give them a reason to employ ONE Copper at VP for 2 hours.
Maybe David Gold could put a word in, his little incident was around there wasn't it?
David Gold............Celebrity....................In his dreams;-)
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We had bigger gates two years ago and the traffic there was much better due to the presence of one copper.
Strikes me that a club that usually has 7000 empty seats and can't sell out for its hated rivals or Man United should be concerned about anything like this which concerns regular customers.
Everyone knows it takes a while to get away from football grounds, but when the situation arises which makes it much worse, and there exists an obvious remedy, that is a pretty good example of what this thread is for.
Recently after a match i saw cars parked both sides of Aston hall road, leaving not enough room for two cars to pass, and a 40 ton lorry coming towards the ground. Leaving aside the question of people trying to get away from the match, that is a ridiculous traffic situation that the police are allowing to happen.
The empty seats are because of the ridiculously priced £45 tickets, nothing to do with traffic. The £25 tickets are reasonable yes but the club need to seriously rethink the £45 tickets, we haven't sold out against Blues or Man Utd which tells you everything you need to know. Our highest priced tickets were about £30-£35 just a few years ago so how can the club justify a £10-£15 increase in a few years when we've done nothing on the pitch to justify it.
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We had bigger gates two years ago and the traffic there was much better due to the presence of one copper.
Strikes me that a club that usually has 7000 empty seats and can't sell out for its hated rivals or Man United should be concerned about anything like this which concerns regular customers.
Everyone knows it takes a while to get away from football grounds, but when the situation arises which makes it much worse, and there exists an obvious remedy, that is a pretty good example of what this thread is for.
Recently after a match i saw cars parked both sides of Aston hall road, leaving not enough room for two cars to pass, and a 40 ton lorry coming towards the ground. Leaving aside the question of people trying to get away from the match, that is a ridiculous traffic situation that the police are allowing to happen.
The empty seats are because of the ridiculously priced £45 tickets, nothing to do with traffic. The £25 tickets are reasonable yes but the club need to seriously rethink the £45 tickets, we haven't sold out against Blues or Man Utd which tells you everything you need to know. Our highest priced tickets were about £30-£35 just a few years ago so how can the club justify a £10-£15 increase in a few years when we've done nothing on the pitch to justify it.
I wasn't saying the empty seats are caused by the traffic.
I'm saying that when a club consistently has so many empty seats, they need to take every opportunity they can to make going to the matches more appealing.
That includes ticket prices as you mentioned, but it also includes improving access to the ground. The club have done well with this in the past - the Villa bus services, for example - and something like the issue someone flagged up above is in the same category, I think.
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Hi General
I was really disappointed on Wednesday to discover the Villa Vitality food outlet in the lower Doug Ellis has been closed and replaced by the usual burgers and chips.
It took up just one half of a kiosk (the real coffee place is in the other half, I hope that's not for the chop too).
Elsewhere there are three full kiosks selling all the usual football stadium fare. Surely the club makes enough profit from those outlets to give over one eighth of its catering floor space to offer other options.
It's been great having the choice, especially for night games or matches like today when it's convenient to grab something to eat at the stadium. Now the club is missing out on my cash.
Can you explain the decision please?
This isn't an answer, I know, but in the Trinity they were serving the Villa Vitality stuff - cottage pie & absolutely delicious it was too. Must have been a problem with you Witton Lane yobs!! ;)
Oh rub it in, why don't you!
Obviously all you Trinity Lane people must be very svelte and healthy, and turn one's noses up at pies and chips ;-)
General, any thoughts? (on the original question, not whether Trinity Laners are toffs)
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I bought a burger from the stand in the Trinity... it was luke warm, no dressing and the bread was rock hard. Well worth the £3+ it cost. No wonder there wasn't a queue.
If they are going to do something like this, it must be done right. It clearly isn't happening at the moment.
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The food smell in the Upper Trinity is one of those smells you never, ever get anywhere else.
Obviously, it is based on the pungent aroma of chips, but it has an extra Villaness about it which makes it unique. It's like the modern equivalent of the AV floodlights.
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General Krulak here:
1. Sorry that I have been off the site for so long...I had a long trip (business) that I had to make. I am not happy about being away for so long...makes for many questions to answer.
2. Sid1964: ST prices for next year. We absolutely recognize the economic situation and will take that reality into consideration when setting prices next year. Randy is very much aware of what is happening in the UK at this time.
3. PaulMcGrath#5: You are correct, I sometimes do not get to every question. For the most part, that happens for two reasons: 1) I am just an old fart and cannot always remember what has been posted. I normally make notes to myself on the questions but when I don't, I can miss some. A good example is the one from "Phil from the Upper Holte"...he just asked me to answer his question but I cannot remember what it was...nor can I find it. Again, it is NOT because I am trying to duck a question. 2) When an issue comes up that dominates the site...such as the search for a new Manager. That type of event or incident "hides" other questions.
4. North Stand: We are closing in on a decision point as to when we will begin that work...but we have not made it yet. As soon as we have decided, the Fans will be notified as we will want to coordinate the effort with the Fans to ensure that we have minimal impact on them.
5. Tannoy: As I have indicated, we DO know we have a problem. The actual final fix will not occur until we start work on the renovation mentioned above. We HAVE spent money on the current system...lots of money...but the infrastructure needed to make the kind of improvements we want will not be forthcoming until we work the renovation...we just don't want to spend money on something that will have to be ripped out later. We will continue to try an interim fix for it.
6. DeKuip: As I have mentioned MANY times, we do not control the police nor do we control the traffic. We meet with the police...we tell them the numbers we expect...they know the timing...we URGE them to help make entry and exit easier...etc. etc. We do not have any real control over the numbers of police used or the traffic patterns employed. We continually seek help.
7. The Royal Couple have, to date, not asked to use the Holte Suite or the Holte Pub but we expect the request to come to us very soon. I do understand that H&V have been asked to produce the wedding book and album.
8. BCV: "45 pound ticket prices"..."done nothing on the Pitch". First off, we don't have "just" 45 pound ticket prices...we have a large variety of prices. Secondly, I would say that we have done "something" on the Pitch. I would imagine that many Clubs would have liked to have gone to Wembley twice...or placed where we have placed in the tables. I recognize that WE ALL would like to do much better BUT, to say we have done "nothing" might be taking it a bit too far.
9. Just a few points of interest: Our young lads have been doing a fine job...Bannan, Clark, Albrighton and Delfouneso have got the most attention but Hogg, Lichel, and Herd have also made their PL debuts and have been playing well. We are very proud of our Academy...and the people who work there. Obviously, the ideal is to get a nice blend of youth and experience...and I believe we can do that. I am sure that Fans are probably debating what will happen when players start returning from injuries...will the young lads be sidelined. I suspect the answer is a shade of gray vice black/white. The young lads will continue to feature at different times and different frequencies. The KEY is to let the Manager manage and pick the best team for every game. It is the Manager's call as to who he plays...not the Boards. We trust GH to do what is best for the Club.
10. We have two big home games coming up....Arsenal and West Brom. I encourage everyone to get a ticket if you don't already have one. These are key games and we need as many fans as possible cheering the lads on. Fans DO make a HUGE difference!!!
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General Krulak here:
6. DeKuip: As I have mentioned MANY times, we do not control the police nor do we control the traffic. We meet with the police...we tell them the numbers we expect...they know the timing...we URGE them to help make entry and exit easier...etc. etc. We do not have any real control over the numbers of police used or the traffic patterns employed. We continually seek help.
General
When I recently paid a plumber to come and do some work for me I had input into what I was getting for my money. Had he stood out in the back garden doing nothing all day I wouldn't have paid his bill.
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excellent stuff getting the young lads tied down to new contracts...
has nathan delfouneso been given one too?
i cant remember seeing an announcement...
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General,
Would you say Sarah Palin is as thick as she sounds? Or that George Bush really doesn't get how the rest of the world sees the US following his 8 years at the helm? do you think we should be touring China or the far-east when they don't spend a lot of money on replica shirts because they can get good cheap knock-offs? Finally, why don't we do a tour of Southern India where football is huge? Calcutta, Mumbai, Goa etc
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Hi General,
You said a while back that there was an ongoing debate about the shelf life of the new shirt.
As I said before,I am extremely reluctant to buy a shirt which will be out of date by May.
I look forward to buying the new shirt each season but (and I appreciate that the timing was not altogether in the hands of the club) I feel a little aggrieved at having to pay the full price with this limited life.
If it is to be replaced next season then on this occasion I shall go without and snap it up in the end of season sales instead.
Sorry to sound so down about this but value for money goes a long way in this present world of tight finances.
Lower Holte
TT 74
Welcome back General,
Here's one of the questions you missed...
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General...... this was my question/point that I asked that you missed. Thanks in advance!
General.
Some time ago I bought to your attention the ludicrous situation where I tried to buy tickets for a future game on a match day and the ticket office refused as they were selling match day tickets only. A decision I questioned as the ticket office was practically empty at the time.
Tonight was round 2
On the official club website it states that today I was able to purchase tickets for the Blose game in the cup. Due to work commitments and travel problems I arrived at the Villa Park ticket office approximately 45 mins before kick off. Again I was told 'tonights game only' - I explained the situation to the ticket office head honcho, that as I am a teacher and won't be able to spend hours on the phone or internet tomorrow to get tickets this was my only option of purchasing tickets. His reply was that he was being directed from 'inside the office' as to what to tell people. The steward was polite, sympathetic and almost apologetic about the situation but it was clear that he was unable to do anything to help. The result - again I walk away ticketless.
Now had the ticket office been busy i could fully understand the situation but again there was nobody queuing outside and it would have been no more than a five minute wait. (I did actually take a photo) Surely there is a facility somewhere at Villa Park that can sell tickets for future matches in the hour running up to the current game for people who are not able to sit for ages on a phone or on the internet.
I'm incredibly annoyed by this as I will more than likely be missing out on tickets for the Blues game because of this stupid system that is in place.
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General, any thoughts on my question further up his page about Villa Vitality?
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General, any thoughts on my question further up his page about Villa Vitality?
When are we playing Italy?
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General Krulak here:
1. DeKuip: The police are not like plumbers...we do not "hire" them.
2. Peterw: Although I have never met Sarah Palin, I have listened to her speak, be interviewed, etc. etc. To date, I have not been overly impressed with her understanding of geo-politics, economic issues and defense issues. She does have a depth of knowledge on energy. Former President Bush probably has a good sense that he would not win a popularity contest in Europe. At the same time, he had to make some pretty tough decisions that, at this time, are pretty easy to second guess.
3. PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt: Please call Nicky Keye at AVFC ext. 304 and explain what you have encountered on two separate occasions and see if she can help sort out this issue. It might be helpful coming from a fan.
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as you are around general! did you read my post on match attax corner in the holte suite? I have had a few messages from people saying their kids would be up for it!
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as you are around general! did you read my post on match attax corner in the holte suite? I have had a few messages from people saying their kids would be up for it!
I may be being a bit thick,stupid but if you have some friends interested already why dont you just set it up for yourselves in a corner of the Holte suite
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Thank you General
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do you think permission and the chance to actually tell others it is there may help?
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General, when designing a new stand (new North Stand for example) are acoustics taken into account, with a view to improving the atmosphere?
Do they club have any other plans in the pipeline for improving accoustics within the ground? I sit in the Upper Holte and am genuinely surprised after some matches when people in other parts of the ground claim they couldn't hear us. I do appreciate that we aren't that loud for many matches but am thinking more along the lines of when I think we have been.
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General, when designing a new stand (new North Stand for example) are acoustics taken into account, with a view to improving the atmosphere?
Do they club have any other plans in the pipeline for improving accoustics within the ground? I sit in the Upper Holte and am genuinely surprised after some matches when people in other parts of the ground claim they couldn't hear us. I do appreciate that we aren't that loud for many matches but am thinking more along the lines of when I think we have been.
One answer, which the people who run this site aren't interested in, is the join the stands up somehow.
I wait to see what the General has to say !
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General, when designing a new stand (new North Stand for example) are acoustics taken into account, with a view to improving the atmosphere?
Do they club have any other plans in the pipeline for improving accoustics within the ground? I sit in the Upper Holte and am genuinely surprised after some matches when people in other parts of the ground claim they couldn't hear us. I do appreciate that we aren't that loud for many matches but am thinking more along the lines of when I think we have been.
One answer, which the people who run this site aren't interested in, is the join the stands up somehow.
I wait to see what the General has to say !
Where do you garner that opinion from? Your question does not make sense anyway.
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General,
It hasn't escaped my attention that we NEVER win when we play in claret shorts.
Can you have a polite word with the kit staff and ask them to burn every pair we own?
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Think Stephen Ireland need to work with Acorns for a week to remind him how lucky he is and change his outlook and attitude as he is not performing even after telling off. There is a good player but he got to have desire and commitment
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General
My question was that I was wondering if the Villa were willing to sponsor me, I am growing a moustache for Movember and its in aid of raising money for prostate cancer research! A worthwile cause im sure you'll agree, I know the Villa do a lot of work for charity with Acorns etc but every penny counts and I guess im just being a bit cheeky. Refusal wont offend
Regards
Phil
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General
My question was that I was wondering if the Villa were willing to sponsor me, I am growing a moustache for Movember and its in aid of raising money for prostate cancer research! A worthwile cause im sure you'll agree, I know the Villa do a lot of work for charity with Acorns etc but every penny counts and I guess im just being a bit cheeky. Refusal wont offend
Regards
Phil
Phil have you got a website?
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General, when designing a new stand (new North Stand for example) are acoustics taken into account, with a view to improving the atmosphere?
Do they club have any other plans in the pipeline for improving accoustics within the ground? I sit in the Upper Holte and am genuinely surprised after some matches when people in other parts of the ground claim they couldn't hear us. I do appreciate that we aren't that loud for many matches but am thinking more along the lines of when I think we have been.
One answer, which the people who run this site aren't interested in, is the join the stands up somehow.
I wait to see what the General has to say !
Where do you garner that opinion from? Your question does not make sense anyway.
'Garnered' from comments from your colleagues Legion.
Corners filled in = better atmosphere.
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'Garnered' from comments from your colleagues Legion.
Corners filled in = better atmosphere.
Having a different opinion to you isn't a crime.
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Hi General
I was really disappointed on Wednesday to discover the Villa Vitality food outlet in the lower Doug Ellis has been closed and replaced by the usual burgers and chips.
It took up just one half of a kiosk (the real coffee place is in the other half, I hope that's not for the chop too).
Elsewhere there are three full kiosks selling all the usual football stadium fare. Surely the club makes enough profit from those outlets to give over one eighth of its catering floor space to offer other options.
It's been great having the choice, especially for night games or matches like today when it's convenient to grab something to eat at the stadium. Now the club is missing out on my cash.
Can you explain the decision please?
This isn't an answer, I know, but in the Trinity they were serving the Villa Vitality stuff - cottage pie & absolutely delicious it was too. Must have been a problem with you Witton Lane yobs!! ;)
Oh rub it in, why don't you!
Obviously all you Trinity Lane people must be very svelte and healthy, and turn one's noses up at pies and chips ;-)
General, any thoughts? (on the original question, not whether Trinity Laners are toffs)
Trinity Lane? That's a new one.
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The empty seats are because of the ridiculously priced £45 tickets, nothing to do with traffic. The £25 tickets are reasonable yes but the club need to seriously rethink the £45 tickets, we haven't sold out against Blues or Man Utd which tells you everything you need to know. Our highest priced tickets were about £30-£35 just a few years ago so how can the club justify a £10-£15 increase in a few years when we've done nothing on the pitch to justify it.
When we start cutting ticket prices for games like that and still failing to fill the ground, it must be time to look at season ticket prices. I get the feeling that many people are getting fed up about all the cheap ticket offers, which used to only be for poor games. When the season ticket holders start to vote with their feet it won't be a trickle that walk away, in my opinion, it will be a very large number.
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If we look back a couple of seasons , people were moaning that they couldn't have a nice cosy chat at half time or before a game because of the music. Now there are some saying there is no atmosphere and no volume out of the speakers. I think the music should be wound up as loud as possible and we should have some old sixties and seventies stuff on there.
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The empty seats are because of the ridiculously priced £45 tickets, nothing to do with traffic. The £25 tickets are reasonable yes but the club need to seriously rethink the £45 tickets, we haven't sold out against Blues or Man Utd which tells you everything you need to know. Our highest priced tickets were about £30-£35 just a few years ago so how can the club justify a £10-£15 increase in a few years when we've done nothing on the pitch to justify it.
When we start cutting ticket prices for games like that and still failing to fill the ground, it must be time to look at season ticket prices. I get the feeling that many people are getting fed up about all the cheap ticket offers, which used to only be for poor games. When the season ticket holders start to vote with their feet it won't be a trickle that walk away, in my opinion, it will be a very large number.
I made that very point not long ago and got laid into by several people who seem to not accept the fact that the pricing between match to match offers and season tickets is an incredibly delicate thing to get right.
I appreciate the need to get people in on a per match basis this season, and the reasons the club made the offers they did - and f they hadn't, i suspect crowds would have been much worse - but thus far, on offers already made, my season ticket is turning out to be not really a great deal cheaper than buying on a per match basis with the offers.
I'll renew mine as I like the people I sit near, and I like my seat, but it'd be dangerous ground to assume that the majority would think the same way.
With the economy screwed, and Birmingham screwed more than anywhere else, it is going to be even harder to persuade people to part with 4 or 500 odd quid in May / June next year.
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The empty seats are because of the ridiculously priced £45 tickets, nothing to do with traffic. The £25 tickets are reasonable yes but the club need to seriously rethink the £45 tickets, we haven't sold out against Blues or Man Utd which tells you everything you need to know. Our highest priced tickets were about £30-£35 just a few years ago so how can the club justify a £10-£15 increase in a few years when we've done nothing on the pitch to justify it.
When we start cutting ticket prices for games like that and still failing to fill the ground, it must be time to look at season ticket prices. I get the feeling that many people are getting fed up about all the cheap ticket offers, which used to only be for poor games. When the season ticket holders start to vote with their feet it won't be a trickle that walk away, in my opinion, it will be a very large number.
Surely it would be worth the club when doing any deals during the season, taking the discount off next seasons season tickets for existing ticket holders. I am not a season ticket holder due to working nights, but to me people who put their money into the club in the summer should not lose out when backing the Villa for a whole campaign in advance.
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I won't renew next year. Had I have purchased tickets this season on a match by match basis using the offers I would have been better off.
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Mr. Krulak, Question - though it has possibly been asked before.
Who approved the signing of Stephen Ireland? MON may have supported the Milner/Ireland deal but it was completed after he left. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but buying players without having a manager on board is stupid in the extreme.
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'Garnered' from comments from your colleagues Legion.
Corners filled in = better atmosphere.
Having a different opinion to you isn't a crime.
Dave, if I said that grass was green you'd argue against it.
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'Garnered' from comments from your colleagues Legion.
Corners filled in = better atmosphere.
Having a different opinion to you isn't a crime.
Dave, if I said that grass was green you'd argue against it.
What do you expect when you come out with such ridiculous statements?
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General
My question was that I was wondering if the Villa were willing to sponsor me, I am growing a moustache for Movember and its in aid of raising money for prostate cancer research! A worthwile cause im sure you'll agree, I know the Villa do a lot of work for charity with Acorns etc but every penny counts and I guess im just being a bit cheeky. Refusal wont offend
Regards
Phil
Phil have you got a website?
Yes
No laughing now http://uk.movember.com/mospace/690038
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'Garnered' from comments from your colleagues Legion.
Corners filled in = better atmosphere.
Having a different opinion to you isn't a crime.
Dave, if I said that grass was green you'd argue against it.
What do you expect when you come out with such ridiculous statements?
From you ? A ridiculous reply and I got it !
You're not as in touch with things Villa as you think you are mate.
How do you think we ought to go about improving the atmosphere ?
( Constructive thinking awaits ?? )
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'Garnered' from comments from your colleagues Legion.
Corners filled in = better atmosphere.
Having a different opinion to you isn't a crime.
Dave, if I said that grass was green you'd argue against it.
What do you expect when you come out with such ridiculous statements?
From you ? A ridiculous reply and I got it !
You're not as in touch with things Villa as you think you are mate.
How do you think we ought to go about improving the atmosphere ?
( Constructive thinking awaits ?? )
Quite what inspired these outbursts I don't know, but they're your last. I suggest you grow up and stop looking for fights with anyone whose opinions you don't agree with.
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'Garnered' from comments from your colleagues Legion.
Corners filled in = better atmosphere.
Having a different opinion to you isn't a crime.
Dave, if I said that grass was green you'd argue against it.
What do you expect when you come out with such ridiculous statements?
From you ? A ridiculous reply and I got it !
You're not as in touch with things Villa as you think you are mate.
How do you think we ought to go about improving the atmosphere ?
( Constructive thinking awaits ?? )
Quite what inspired these outbursts I don't know, but they're your last. I suggest you grow up and stop looking for fights with anyone whose opinions you don't agree with.
I suggest you grow some ..... old chap.
This is not an 'outburst' - I am asking you a question.
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I don't know and quite frankly I don't care. Now stop stamping your foot and leave this thread for the purpose it was intended for.
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:) nope, I genuinely want us to improve VP's atmosphere.
Rangers did it as far as I know ?
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Mr. Krulak, Question - though it has possibly been asked before.
Who approved the signing of Stephen Ireland? MON may have supported the Milner/Ireland deal but it was completed after he left. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but buying players without having a manager on board is stupid in the extreme.
Its General not MR
It has been explained before as well
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The General cannot and will not comment on transfer matters.
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General
I have been a supporter for 30 years and in that time have held a season ticket for several years.I am no longer a season ticket holder as i have moved away from the midlands and cant get to Villa Park regularly.However,i watch the villa about 10/12 times a season,mainly away from home.I use different peoples client ref numbers to obtain tickets.For this reason i missed out on wembley tickets last season so decided to start getting tickets this season on my own client ref number.I phoned Villa park today to purchase a ticket for the arsenal game on saturday.The ticket office guy told me i could only have restricted view tickets as the client ref number hadnt got enough credits on it.when i asked him if there was other tickets available he said yes but i didnt qualify.Could you please confirm this is/isnt club policy?
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General, when designing a new stand (new North Stand for example) are acoustics taken into account, with a view to improving the atmosphere?
Do they club have any other plans in the pipeline for improving accoustics within the ground? I sit in the Upper Holte and am genuinely surprised after some matches when people in other parts of the ground claim they couldn't hear us. I do appreciate that we aren't that loud for many matches but am thinking more along the lines of when I think we have been.
One answer, which the people who run this site aren't interested in, is the join the stands up somehow.
I wait to see what the General has to say !
Wouldn't want to a see a wrap around or bowl effort going on, I like the character of a typical British ground.
I do think we could give a few of the corners and the Holte roof a better finish though, it looks ugly in that corner between the Holte and Witton. It also looks a bit odd and unfinished between the Trinity and North but that should (hopefully) change when the North gets renovated.
What Rangers have done is one example, there are others in Germany and Spain.
Keep the four stands separate but close in the corners might be some way to improve atmosphere and acoustics. Ultimately though it's not going to make a huge amount of difference if there is noise only coming from one half of one stand.
General: have we considered designs for the new North Stand from any other firm apart from HOK, or has the whole project been parked for the time being?
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General, again, could you please ask those responsible to consider returning the big screen in the North Stand?
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General,
Just noticed that Arsenal's partner club the Colorado Rapids have won the MLS. I assume that the Chivas team has some sort of deal with the Mexican Chivas team too. I do not know how or in what capacity these partnerships are established but have villa considered such a deal?
Have the club considered a partnership with the Columbus Crew for example? It'd be an ideal place for some of our younger players to get experience and also a team where we could grow american and latin players for the Villa team. Not to mention the publicity that it could bring to Villa in the states.
I have mentioned Columbus Crew because of it's proximity to Cleveland, an even better option would be a Cleveland Villa team... A certain Brad Freidel would be an ideal manager.
Too jazzy?
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General, again, could you please ask those responsible to consider returning the big screen in the North Stand?
Leeg - he answered that several pages back. I believe the answer was that it won't be looked at untli the North Stand is re-developed.
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Thanks. Many apologies.
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General,
Is the North Stand re-development being planned so that it happens between seasons, thus, hopefully, it will have no ( or minimal) impact on the fans / the capacity at VP ?
When the new Trinity was built, I seem to remember a whole season without that Stand in action and it was quite a difficult season for tickets etc.
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Wasn't there asbestos problems with the trinity development?
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Wasn't there asbestos problems with the trinity development?
That was the Witton Lane.
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Wasn't there asbestos problems with the trinity development?
That was the Witton Lane.
Ah Ok. I knew it was one of the stands on the side.
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How long do we have to wait for the North Stand to be redeveloped? If it's years away why can't the big screen be returned?
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General. Any chance we can have a choice of lagers in the stands rather than the nats piss that is currently offered?
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How long do we have to wait for the North Stand to be redeveloped? If it's years away why can't the big screen be returned?
I'm in no rush, the prices will go up when it gets redeveloped, and it's good value at the moment even without a chip pan.
I can't believe that the first job to do when redeveloping it was to take the screen down, we're clearly not going to do anything else to the stand until May so I just don't understand the logic.
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I'm in no rush, the prices will go up when it gets redeveloped, and it's good value at the moment even without a chip pan.
I can't believe that the first job to do when redeveloping it was to take the screen down, we're clearly not going to do anything else to the stand until May so I just don't understand the logic.
I can't believe that when so many people on here complain that TV has ruined the game there are so many people complaining that one's been removed!!! Why don't we all just watch what's going on on the pitch?!
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I'm in no rush, the prices will go up when it gets redeveloped, and it's good value at the moment even without a chip pan.
I can't believe that the first job to do when redeveloping it was to take the screen down, we're clearly not going to do anything else to the stand until May so I just don't understand the logic.
I can't believe that when so many people on here complain that TV has ruined the game there are so many people complaining that one's been removed!!! Why don't we all just watch what's going on on the pitch?!
It's not JUST while the games being played, but before the game and at half time too .... it adds to the atmosphere and is informative.
Guess it depends where you sit as to how reliant you'd become on it - in the Upper Trinity it was a very useful screen and (almost) a plethora of information to boot !
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It would have to be a new screen anyway as the bottom third is now what makes up the screen in the Trinity/ North Stand corner.
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It would have to be a new screen anyway as the bottom third is now what makes up the screen in the Trinity/ North Stand corner.
There's plenty of room above that new walkway for the big screen to be reinstalled.
Incidentally General, what's happened to the old big screen, has it been put into storage or has it been sold?
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General Krulak here:
1. Villa1: Yes, when the new stand is put in, we will upgrade acoustics and tannoy.
2. TimtheVillan: I honestly don't understand your question and have become confused with all the back and forth. Just ask me your question in plain "yank" english and I will try to answer you.
3. Philfromtheupperholte: The Club sponsors many, many, projects and efforts...we cannot do them all. I am afraid a mustache probably would not rank too high on the meter.
4. DCF: I don't know what more I can say about ST prices that I haven't said many, many, times before. We have worked hard to keep them as low as possible...MUCH lower, across the board, than most Clubs. We walk a fine line is we keep them lower as we will never be able to afford to do many of the things you, as a fan, would like done. Like buying players.
5. pauliewalnuts: The one thing that I have been assured is that ST holders still make out significantly better than those who buy single game tickets. Not only is it cheaper but the seats are guaranteed and when we go to Wembley, the ST-holder knows they will have a seat.
6. brontebilly: I have literally answered your question, at a minimum, of 4 times.
7. dantelevelli: Yes, we have and are considering an affiliation. It has to be "right."
8. We kept the old screen.
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Thank you. With regard to point 8, where is it and when might it be reinstalled?
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Evening General.
Regarding the screen, is it possible to put the screen on top of an Austin Montego and drive it round the pitch at half time with the hazard lights flashing.The older fan can then get the half time scores with misty eyes.
Thanks.
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General Krulak here:
2. TimtheVillan: I honestly don't understand your question and have become confused with all the back and forth. Just ask me your question in plain "yank" english and I will try to answer you.
Not surprised, there was some interruptus alright.
2 questions:
1) Do you plan to upgrade the North Stand in between seasons ?
2) Do you think that a kind of uniting of the stands - not nessesarily with seats ( glass / perspex / walls ) could improve the atmosphere at Villa Park as much of the noise generated is not contained within the stadium as it is at the moment.
Thanks General.
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General,
Obviously you and Randy are both very passionate about the club.
What have been your highlights of your time in charge?
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General,
Quite clearly MoN has a voodoo doll somewhere of all the players and is slowly taking them out. Is it not time the club pulled it's finger out and took him out in return? ;)
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Cheers for your answer general.
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Evening General.
Regarding the screen, is it possible to put the screen on top of an Austin Montego and drive it round the pitch at half time with the hazard lights flashing.The older fan can then get the half time scores with misty eyes.
Thanks.
Marvelous.
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Evening General.
Regarding the screen, is it possible to put the screen on top of an Austin Montego and drive it round the pitch at half time with the hazard lights flashing.The older fan can then get the half time scores with misty eyes.
Thanks.
Marvelous.
Agreed!
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General Krulak here:
1. bigad82: I have already asked the facility folks to look for a bracket that might fit the roof of your Austin Montego...and to figure out the best way to cut down the obvious wind resistance that will come from the screen. Always trying to think of ways to save you money.
2. The screen will be put up after the work on the stand is completed. It is now in storage in the bowels of the stadium...if I said where, I am afraid some of my favorite H&V folks would find it, and remount it.
3. Both Randy and I have several highlights: The first time we stood in the old Director's Box and looked at the lads come out onto the Pitch. The return of the '82 Squad with the scarfs flying. Ron's return to Villa Park. 5-1 Blues game. These are just some of the great memories.
4. Our plan would be to upgrade during the off-season...not necessarily this coming one. Not real sure about closing the corners.
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General, what is randy's vision for Villa over the next 3 years?
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General Krulak here:
3. Both Randy and I have several highlights: The return of the '82 Squad with the scarfs flying.
that was indeed, a magnificent day... 3-0 against sheff utd... i took my missus to that game, and all she did was read the old newspaper and talk about her nails... women!
its a good job she has a cute arse, otherwise i would have disowned her that day... (athough i think she was a bit intimidated by the crowd, as she had only ever been to a plymouth argyle game when they were in league 2, before that...)
strangely enough, the big crowd freaked out my young cousin when i took him to his first villa game in the friendly against internazionale...
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General Krulak here:
4. Our plan would be to upgrade during the off-season...not necessarily this coming one. Not real sure about closing the corners.
General, a lot of the posts on this thread are either about the North Stand screen, or the tannoy system. You have repeatedly said that neither will be addressed until the re-build. I'm only speaking for myself here, but I could accept the delay if there were a definate timeframe for the work to be done. To hear that not only won't it be done this season, but possibly not next season, or even the season(s) after is dismaying. I accept that we don't have an absolute right to a link to the upper echelons of the club, and that you try to be as open with your answers as you can. But don't you see that this is a major bone of contention for many fans; the majority of whom have been, and are, very patient.
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Mr. Krulak, Question - though it has possibly been asked before.
Who approved the signing of Stephen Ireland? MON may have supported the Milner/Ireland deal but it was completed after he left. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but buying players without having a manager on board is stupid in the extreme.
Its General not MR
It has been explained before as well
The US Army doesnt have any authority over me anyway. Mr Krulak is a board member who gives of his time to answer fans on a forum fair enough. I applaud him for that but I'm not going to genuflect before a general in the US army at the same time.
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So what? It's a matter of respect and recognition of his career. General Krulak is the correct term as far as I am concerned.
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The US Army doesnt have any authority over me anyway. Mr Krulak is a board member who gives of his time to answer fans on a forum fair enough. I applaud him for that but I'm not going to genuflect before a general in the US army at the same time.
Fair enough, but I suppose you expect an answer despite the fact you can't respect him for what he has achieved in his rather remarkable career?
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Mr. Krulak, Question - though it has possibly been asked before.
Who approved the signing of Stephen Ireland? MON may have supported the Milner/Ireland deal but it was completed after he left. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but buying players without having a manager on board is stupid in the extreme.
Its General not MR
It has been explained before as well
The US Army doesnt have any authority over me anyway. Mr Krulak is a board member who gives of his time to answer fans on a forum fair enough. I applaud him for that but I'm not going to genuflect before a general in the US army at the same time.
You could at least make the effort not to appear churlish, puerile and disrespectful, which is the least we expect on this site, and is what pretty much every single person on here manages.
Nobody is asking you to genuflect.
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Mr. Krulak, Question - though it has possibly been asked before.
Who approved the signing of Stephen Ireland? MON may have supported the Milner/Ireland deal but it was completed after he left. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but buying players without having a manager on board is stupid in the extreme.
Its General not MR
It has been explained before as well
The US Army doesnt have any authority over me anyway. Mr Krulak is a board member who gives of his time to answer fans on a forum fair enough. I applaud him for that but I'm not going to genuflect before a general in the US army at the same time.
If you're going to insult someone, at least get your facts right. It's Marines, not army.
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Mr. Krulak, Question - though it has possibly been asked before.
Who approved the signing of Stephen Ireland? MON may have supported the Milner/Ireland deal but it was completed after he left. Hindsight is a wonderful
thing but buying players without having a manager on board is stupid in the extreme.
Its General not MR
It has been explained before as well
The US Army doesnt have any authority over me anyway. Mr Krulak is a board member who gives of his time to answer fans on a forum fair enough. I applaud him for that but I'm not going to genuflect before a general in the US army at the same time.
If you're going to insult someone, at least get your facts right. It's Marines, not army.
I'm not insulting anyone you clown but your PC sensibilities. Whatever happened to the right to an opinion. It is a side issue but I for one am not overly impressed by a career in a force that had caused global instability for many years. Even taking politics out of it do you not think as fans we should question our boards decisions or even motives. If Randy Lerner pulled out in the morning Villa would be in a Pompey situation. Why was Houllier not signed up till after the transfer window closed for example? I asked a question about a serious board fuck up. The board as is their right do not have to answer it but signing Ireland will cost the club 3m minimum when we flog him.
As with the rest of you I'm happy by and large with Lerner to date but his experiences with the Cleveland Browns and those of owners elsewhere mean that we as supporters should always be cautious and questioning. How exposed is Mr Lerner to the huge debt crisis in Europe for example. Some of you guys seem overjoyed to have your stomach tickled by board members. A bit of debate about the future of the club wouldn't go astray at times.
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brontebilly,
"It is a side issue but I for one am not overly impressed by a career in a force that had caused global instability for many years."
It is quite possible that this is the most asinine statement that I have seen on this forum, and I have seen some doozies.
How many times must the Ireland deal be explained to you? It is not that difficult. MON and MCFC had a deal signed and sealed. It was done. Finished. Finito. MON, of course, was speaking for more than himself but, in fact, was speaking for AVFC. When MON left, this did not mean that the deal BETWEEN AVFC AND MCFC was null and void. A deal is a deal. Now, MCFC and Ireland had to hammer out contract/pay issues, but that had nothing to do with the deal in place. The deal had already been finalized and there was no way out of it. Is this so difficult to understand?
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Mr. Krulak, Question - though it has possibly been asked before.
Who approved the signing of Stephen Ireland? MON may have supported the Milner/Ireland deal but it was completed after he left. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but buying players without having a manager on board is stupid in the extreme.
Its General not MR
It has been explained before as well
The US Army doesnt have any authority over me anyway. Mr Krulak is a board member who gives of his time to answer fans on a forum fair enough. I applaud him for that but I'm not going to genuflect before a general in the US army at the same time.
You might not agree with the actions of the US Army, US foreign policy or any other bobbins. But the guy has earned the title.
Show him the respect he deserves.
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Asinine ..... The adjective wet dream police are sure out in force
Are you suggesting Milner played illegally against West Ham so?
brontebilly,
"It is a side issue but I for one am not overly impressed by a career in a force that had caused global instability for many years."
It is quite possible that this is the most asinine statement that I have seen on this forum, and I have seen some doozies.
How many times must the Ireland deal be explained to you? It is not that difficult. MON and MCFC had a deal signed and sealed. It was done. Finished. Finito. MON, of course, was speaking for more than himself but, in fact, was speaking for AVFC. When MON left, this did not mean that the deal BETWEEN AVFC AND MCFC was null and void. A deal is a deal. Now, MCFC and Ireland had to hammer out contract/pay issues, but that had nothing to do with the deal in place. The deal had already been finalized and there was no way out of it. Is this so difficult to understand?
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As we still held the players registration I'd doubt that it would be illegal to play him.
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. Some of you guys seem overjoyed to have your stomach tickled by board members. A bit of debate about the future of the club wouldn't go astray at times.
There is plenty of debate on this thread and elsewhere, so I don't understand your point.
All that was asked is that you treat the General with a bit of respect, not pledge your allegiance to the American flag.
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I don't personally hold with religion, but if I was writing to a member of the clergy I'd still use his correct title. Brontebilly, you're far more likely to get reasoned responses to your questions if you demonstrate a small amount of respect and maturity.
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General Krulak here:
1. brontebilly: All I have ever asked is that Fans treat each other and those on this thread with respect and with dignity. "General or Mr." is not something that I get exercised about but...to denigrate service...whether in uniform as a US Marine or any other Nation's military...seems to go a step too far. Like the British soldiers fighting and sacrificing in Afghanistan, they are doing what their Nation asked them to do...you may not agree with the policy or for US policy...but don't denigrate the service. As for your question, Pelty pretty much hit the nail on the head which is the same answer (basically) that I provided on more that 3 occasions. The deal was completed while MON was the Manager...simple as that. Signed and sealed.
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General Krulak here:
1. brontebilly: All I have ever asked is that Fans treat each other and those on this thread with respect and with dignity. "General or Mr." is not something that I get exercised about but...to denigrate service...whether in uniform as a US Marine or any other Nation's military...seems to go a step too far. Like the British soldiers fighting and sacrificing in Afghanistan, they are doing what their Nation asked them to do...you may not agree with the policy or for US policy...but don't denigrate the service. As for your question, Pelty pretty much hit the nail on the head which is the same answer (basically) that I provided on more that 3 occasions. The deal was completed while MON was the Manager...simple as that. Signed and sealed.
here here
We all have our opinions on the decisions made by governments across the world, but the brave men and women of all armed forces sacrifice themselves so the rest of us can live better lives. That should never be forgotten and we should respect them for that if nothing else.
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General, I'm hoping third time's a charm for this question. Here it is again, from Novermber 13...
I was really disappointed on Wednesday to discover the Villa Vitality food outlet in the lower Doug Ellis has been closed and replaced by the usual burgers and chips.
It took up just one half of a kiosk (the real coffee place is in the other half, I hope that's not for the chop too).
Elsewhere there are three full kiosks selling all the usual football stadium fare. Surely the club makes enough profit from those outlets to give over one eighth of its catering floor space to offer other options.
It's been great having the choice, especially for night games or matches like today when it's convenient to grab something to eat at the stadium. Now the club is missing out on my cash.
Can you explain the decision please?
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While I don't have a problem with referring to CK as General-I would never call someone 'My Lord' or 'Your Majesty' as I could not be persuaded to either. I would also support anyone's right to state they hold no regard for someone who has served his country in military service. They do not ask for our approval as individuals and cannot expect it automatically.
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While I don't have a problem with referring to CK as General-I would never call someone 'My Lord' or 'Your Majesty' as I could not be persuaded to either. I would also support anyone's right to state they hold no regard for someone who has served his country in military service. They do not ask for our approval as individuals and cannot expect it automatically.
What - not even Paul McGrath?
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There are always exceptions DeK.
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While I don't have a problem with referring to CK as General-I would never call someone 'My Lord' or 'Your Majesty' as I could not be persuaded to either. I would also support anyone's right to state they hold no regard for someone who has served his country in military service. They do not ask for our approval as individuals and cannot expect it automatically.
probably sums up what I was trying to say. The man himself has said he isnt that bothered so perhaps the easily offended brigade can take a deep breath. Dont think I'm denigrating those who have fought for their country's interests abroad. Certainly a bit of a leap there. The majority these days have a choice in the matter though, I have family members as have many of this forum that didnt. Anyway maybe that is the end of it.
See what I dont get about the whole Milner/Ireland plus cash deal is that it could not have been signed and sealed if Milner lined out against West Ham. If it was signed and sealed then both players registration would have been transferred which it obviously wasnt. The deal it seems was about to be signed and sealed before Ireland tried to get more money off City which he was perfectly entitled to. Once MON left though surely the whole deal should have been pulled. If the club needed the cash then fair enough Milner could have been sold but imposing a new signed player on a club without a manager was bad business imo.
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Signed and sealed "subject to" I believe is the term.
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Mr. Krulak, Question - though it has possibly been asked before.
Who approved the signing of Stephen Ireland? MON may have supported the Milner/Ireland deal but it was completed after he left. Hindsight is a wonderful
thing but buying players without having a manager on board is stupid in the extreme.
Its General not MR
It has been explained before as well
The US Army doesnt have any authority over me anyway. Mr Krulak is a board member who gives of his time to answer fans on a forum fair enough. I applaud him for that but I'm not going to genuflect before a general in the US army at the same time.
If you're going to insult someone, at least get your facts right. It's Marines, not army.
I'm not insulting anyone you clown but your PC sensibilities. Whatever happened to the right to an opinion. It is a side issue but I for one am not overly impressed by a career in a force that had caused global instability for many years. Even taking politics out of it do you not think as fans we should question our boards decisions or even motives. If Randy Lerner pulled out in the morning Villa would be in a Pompey situation. Why was Houllier not signed up till after the transfer window closed for example? I asked a question about a serious board fuck up. The board as is their right do not have to answer it but signing Ireland will cost the club 3m minimum when we flog him.
As with the rest of you I'm happy by and large with Lerner to date but his experiences with the Cleveland Browns and those of owners elsewhere mean that we as supporters should always be cautious and questioning. How exposed is Mr Lerner to the huge debt crisis in Europe for example. Some of you guys seem overjoyed to have your stomach tickled by board members. A bit of debate about the future of the club wouldn't go astray at times.
Is it me or are you a clown? Respect costs nothing, the world would be a far better place if we were to show each other a bit more respect.
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General krulak here:
1. Kipeye: I confess that your comment probably cut deeper than any comment I have read on this site since the day I arrived!! The fact that someone has the "right to state that they hold no regard for someone who has served his country in the military service" ...You need to understand that the "right" to make that statement was EARNED by the Blood, Sweat and Tears of those who DID serve and CONTINUE to serve their Country!!! Do you truly believe that your comment would be allowed to be made IF Germany had won WW II or that Russia had won the Cold War. You might want to read a bit of your own history to discover that if it were not for some very brave fighter pilots and soldiers and sailors, our world might have been quite a bit different. Yes, people do have the "right" that you mentioned but, by damn, you best understand that the same people who served their Country GAVE THEM THAT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!
2. brontebilly: Do you really think that I am not telling you the truth??I have given you the answer...very clearly. The fact that you don't like it doesn't mean it isn't fact!
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Relax.
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You are right General, and I have family that served in those conflicts to protect the right of free speech.
They will be spinning in there graves right now at the forced apologies made by the those two Tory guys expressing honest held opinons this past week or so. People can make their own minds up at the ballot box and vote em out if they want to. Or just bloody ignore them. Drives me mad.
I'd emigrate if I wouldn't miss the Villa so much.
Oh and back on topic. We'll be fine. Most people trust Randy and his team and appreciate the difference from 4 years ago in all aspects (other than the kit issue I guess)
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If I inadvertently offend someone, the least I can do is apologise and ensure I don't offend them again. That's basic common courtesy, nothing more, and some of us should bear it in mind.
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Relax.
I think the General handled that pretty well to be honest.
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General krulak here:
1. Kipeye: I confess that your comment probably cut deeper than any comment I have read on this site since the day I arrived!! The fact that someone has the "right to state that they hold no regard for someone who has served his country in the military service" ...You need to understand that the "right" to make that statement was EARNED by the Blood, Sweat and Tears of those who DID serve and CONTINUE to serve their Country!!! Do you truly believe that your comment would be allowed to be made IF Germany had won WW II or that Russia had won the Cold War. You might want to read a bit of your own history to discover that if it were not for some very brave fighter pilots and soldiers and sailors, our world might have been quite a bit different. Yes, people do have the "right" that you mentioned but, by damn, you best understand that the same people who served their Country GAVE THEM THAT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!
2. brontebilly: Do you really think that I am not telling you the truth??I have given you the answer...very clearly. The fact that you don't like it doesn't mean it isn't fact!
I'm afraid that's just what you don't get General. You won no right for me, there was very little choice about the second world war, if anything it was about self preservation. Even then you cannot say that we had to fight Germany, or in your case Japan. There were lots of alternatives, perhaps unpalatable but may have meant millions of lives were saved and maybe even meant that the gains would have still been made another way. Anything is possible.
I have certainly read my history and it tells me that often in the long term, the victors end up the losers and vice versa.
Secondly, can you categorically say all the wars and conflict since then have been to protect my rights? No-one asks me if we should have an army at all but if I suggest differently am immediately rounded upon with the usual arguments (which I hope we won't start now). And General I have met many people who have fought in numerous wars including Vietnam and many would also express many more doubts than me.
Democracy usually means the minority ruling the majority and although it may be a system most would vote for and many would die for, it is far from perfect.
Expressing a contrary view should not be seen as betraying the people who fought in wars it should be seen as entirely necessary to ensure we do not engage in them lightly.
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Mr. Krulak, Question - though it has possibly been asked before.
Who approved the signing of Stephen Ireland? MON may have supported the Milner/Ireland deal but it was completed after he left. Hindsight is a wonderful
thing but buying players without having a manager on board is stupid in the extreme.
Its General not MR
It has been explained before as well
The US Army doesnt have any authority over me anyway. Mr Krulak is a board member who gives of his time to answer fans on a forum fair enough. I applaud him for that but I'm not going to genuflect before a general in the US army at the same time.
If you're going to insult someone, at least get your facts right. It's Marines, not army.
I'm not insulting anyone you clown
Do you not regard calling someone a clown insulting?
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General Krulak here:
1. kipeye: I am at a loss to even begin to fathom your argument. Let me see, if we hadn't fought Germany or Japan, it "may have meant millions of lives were saved." Like those Jews, Gypsies, mentally and physically handicapped who perished by the millions at the hands of the Nazis would have been "saved"...or that the "rape of Nanking" would not have taken place. Obviously not every conflict since WW II has been fought to preserve your right to speak freely but I did not say that did I? As many know, I have had my doubts about the second Gulf War and what is happening now in Afghanistan...but that is not the issue and not what your initial statement conveyed. My point is simple: You can have a go at the National Policy and at the Politicians who set that policy but to have a go at the young men and women who carry out that policy is something you should think long and hard about before you do so.
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General krulak here:
1. Kipeye: I confess that your comment probably cut deeper than any comment I have read on this site since the day I arrived!! The fact that someone has the "right to state that they hold no regard for someone who has served his country in the military service" ...You need to understand that the "right" to make that statement was EARNED by the Blood, Sweat and Tears of those who DID serve and CONTINUE to serve their Country!!! Do you truly believe that your comment would be allowed to be made IF Germany had won WW II or that Russia had won the Cold War. You might want to read a bit of your own history to discover that if it were not for some very brave fighter pilots and soldiers and sailors, our world might have been quite a bit different. Yes, people do have the "right" that you mentioned but, by damn, you best understand that the same people who served their Country GAVE THEM THAT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!
2. brontebilly: Do you really think that I am not telling you the truth??I have given you the answer...very clearly. The fact that you don't like it doesn't mean it isn't fact!
I'm afraid that's just what you don't get General. You won no right for me, there was very little choice about the second world war, if anything it was about self preservation. Even then you cannot say that we had to fight Germany, or in your case Japan. There were lots of alternatives, perhaps unpalatable but may have meant millions of lives were saved and maybe even meant that the gains would have still been made another way. Anything is possible.
You've contradicted yourself with those two statements.
We would have gone to war eventually with Germany, in fact we cold have gone to war much earlier if we'd listened to some of the war-mongerers in Parliament at the time.
And if we hadn't we would have saved lives, but what about the millions more who would have died in concentration camps if the Nazi regime continued?
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Like I said General-the usual arguments. I hope we can move on now as I doubt we need to say more.
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Relax.
I think the General handled that pretty well to be honest.
I agree, now we can all chill out.
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Like I said General-the usual arguments. I hope we can move on now as I doubt we need to say more.
The words of someone who realises they've screwed up and is attempting to save face.
An apology would've been more appropriate.
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Relax.
I think the General handled that pretty well to be honest.
I agree, now we can all chill out.
chill out have you seen the forcast -5
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Like I said General-the usual arguments. I hope we can move on now as I doubt we need to say more.
The words of someone who realises they've screwed up and is attempting to save face.
An apology would've been more appropriate.
Your right Adam. I apologise General. Appeasement is always best.
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Like I said General-the usual arguments. I hope we can move on now as I doubt we need to say more.
The words of someone who realises they've screwed up and is attempting to save face.
An apology would've been more appropriate.
Your right Adam. I apologise General. Appeasement is always best.
I can see a thread here. You would have appeased Hitler. You would have appeased Hirihito. And now you want to appease the General because you can't win.
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Can we get back to questions for The General, please?
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General,
Why do you bother replying to ignorant ill informed statements?
I can, however, fully understand why you feel the need to.
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WOW! Those last couple of pages were stunning.
Regardless of whether or not you agree with US Foreign Policy (and it makes me shake my head), regardless of whether you feel indebted to soldiers past and present, surely to God you have to have some respect for a man that has reached the absolute top of his chosen profession? Whatever that profession may be...doctor, lawyer, footballer, teacher, politician, businessman...to get to the absolute top takes some doing. I think I'd even have respect for the top dog in the Taliban: he's got there because he's dedicated and determined. And you simply have to respect that.
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Signed and sealed "subject to" I believe is the term.
That is a contradiction though isn't it. How was Milner allowed play against West Ham. If he had got injured would City have pulled the deal? To my mind it doesnt make any sense. Signed and sealed means exactly that, this deal evidently wasn't until after the West Ham game.
The whole deal should have been pulled once MON left and a straight cash deal for Milner instead mooted if we badly needed the cash as seems to be the case.
I'll be interested to see what money is made available in January to be honest.
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Can we stop the arguing and drifting off topic and leave this thread for questions to the General, please?
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its pretty difficult to read this stuff without passing comment, so maybe the mods need to start moderating and deleting posts that are so off topic
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Signed and sealed "subject to" I believe is the term.
That is a contradiction though isn't it. How was Milner allowed play against West Ham. If he had got injured would City have pulled the deal? To my mind it doesnt make any sense. Signed and sealed means exactly that, this deal evidently wasn't until after the West Ham game.
The whole deal should have been pulled once MON left and a straight cash deal for Milner instead mooted if we badly needed the cash as seems to be the case.
I'll be interested to see what money is made available in January to be honest.
Don't you ever stop. Give it a rest Brontebilly you've had your answer, just accept it. You've worse than my missus for going on and on and on and on and on (smiley face).
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I've just come to this thread hoping to read some informed, useful dialogue between the General and us, the caring, motivated supporters of this unique institution, Aston Villa, and nearly all the content is irrelevant repetitious cant and rubbish with occasional bleats interspersed in attempts to bring the thread back to its original intent.
God only knows what the General must make of it all.
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Back to the football folks???
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its pretty difficult to read this stuff without passing comment, so maybe the mods need to start moderating and deleting posts that are so off topic
Totally agree. New thread on the way.