Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: richardhubbard on September 04, 2012, 12:29:31 PM
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I have personally till this late summer got a bit apethetic towards the villa. Club I have supported for 33 years, but over last 2 years got a bit tired of seen what been happening to our club and attending matches less and less to the point I felt forced to go to the spurs game last season
Personally have started taking my kids to watch non league football at stockport as it is close to home, relatively cheap and good fun ( plus it stop's them wanting to watch the red and blue shite of salford and manchester)
But I have to admit watching the highlights on Sunday, hearing Paul Lambert in interview and knowing nothing about our new side have re kindled my interest , I know this season going to be different and could be difficult but I have got interest level again that I had in 1995 and 2005
How everyone one else feel?
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Near enough exactly the same, Richard.
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Legion first time in a while I purchased tickets without feeling why?
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I don’t crave it like I used to. Didn’t rush to a telly at full time Sunday, don’t drop everything to get to a game. I do however really look forward to my monthly journey up to VP with some good pals and a few beers before the game. I’m feeling optimistic under PL guidance and feel for the fist time in a good few years, feel were in good hands. I look forward to it yes, but it doesn’t control my life like it used to.
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Permanent semi.
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Still unhealthily obsessed as I always have been and would bet money on always will be. They got right under my skin 40-odd years ago and have never left, the bastards. Although finances and two new babies have curtailed my attendance somewhat, it's only a momentary lapse in my condition.
Any excuse:
In a momentary lapse in my condition
Left me tumbling down into a deep despair
Lost and dazed so I had no real recollection
Until the rain had cleared the air.
When you wake to find that everything has left you
And the clothes you wear belong to someone else
See your shadow chasing off towards the shoreline,
Drifting into emptiness.
Like a child too small to reach the front-door handle
Maybe just too scared to see what I might find,
Now I feel I'm strong enough to take the slow ride
Not knowing when I will arrive.
There are bullrushes outside my window
And their leaves whisper words in the breeze
For tomorrow I'll walk to the harbour
And catch the first boat that's coming in.
I do believe I'm going home,
I don't call this place my own,
I'm missing what I had,
Happy times and sad,
More than I ever thought could be.
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Last season was a real low, but this year is the exact opposite for so many reasons. Even though there will probably some bad performances/results along the way as the team learns.
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I'm more excited about this season than I have been for ages, probably because there's a genuine sense of the unknown but also because success would be two fingers up to wankers like Robbie Savage who have written us off because we haven't spent our money on their Premier League journeymen mates.
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Unfortunately, due to other circumstances, I have very little interest in football, including the Villa, however it has been coming for a long long time. They will never leave me and I was at the Everton Home game, but the excitement that I once had has pretty much gone. I'm still considering a half season ticket, so I can start making a day of the Home games. That might bring me back round, but it's not feasible at the moment.
I hate modern football. I hate the Sky hype and that by and large, only a few teams will ever win anything. Wasn't like that when I was a lad...
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Last season was the lowest point as a supporter for some time, it didn't effect my attendance in any way I just resigned myself to the fact we were never going to be in the top 6 for sometime to come. That didn't make me lose my interest but just had me bored at what we were dishing up
Even with the first 2 league games we lost this season I feel there is something different, something building, so much so that a point at Newcastle is more than just a point. We look like we can compete and we look like we may get back to where we were a few years ago but by looking better than we did then.
There's an optimism now but my interest is the same as ever.
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I didn't bother renewing my season ticket last season for the first time in over 30 years. Still ended up going to the vast majority of the home games (although the vast majority were painful viewing and no regrets about not giving them my money for a season ticket).
However, I'm back in the fold this season and although the Everton match wasn't much fun, Sunday's performance and result has given me a bit of hope that this season will be better.
I don't let a defeat destroy my weekend like it used to............................. but the fact is the Villa is like a drug to me that I know I will be hooked on for life.
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Last time i had a season ticket was 8 years ago as i just lost interest in going to watch the matches and from time to time if some one i knew had a ticket spare i would go along but never be impressed with what i saw.
This year how ever i have decided to get a season ticket as i am hoping anything is better than last year and i want to be there to watch the beginning of the evolution of what should be a turning point for us.
First game Everton dissapointed me but hopefully these transfers and the small international break will give PL some time to mould together what he thinks will get us through this season where he can then carry on working to make us better.
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I'd agree Richard. The performance at the weekend showed what I've been desperate to see from Villa for years, passing and possession football with a real attacking threat. I've got plenty of optimism along with the unknown but potentially exciting new players, all who look hungry to succeed. Those players may succeed and may not, but I'd rather take that chance than have guaranteed mediocrity.
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I think the league cup final defeat to Man Utd in 2010 was the last reminder that we really had become John Gregory's Villa again under O'Neill. I didn't like the Gregory years much and had finally lost interest at that point. Obviously since then it's got far worse, but thanks to Lambert and his dealings this summer, together with watching the highlights of an energetic, ball passing and hard working looking team on Sunday, i'm now the most excited i have been since before that game in 2010. I think he'll build a decent team here that can play football.
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I fell out of love with the game over recent years but not AVFC, last season was my first without a season ticket since 1993/94 (not because of TSM but due to becoming a daddy and the accompanying financial restraints). I miss going down every week and even last year I missed it.
I truly believe it's a bond for life!
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I had either a season ticket or attended the majority of home games from the age of 11 through to three years ago. Going to the ground became a chore rather than something to look forward to so i stopped after i realised that i'd given my season ticket away for seven games due to other commitments.Attended one game last season, Hereford in the cup and can't say i missed it.However, even though i'm not expecting a great season my interest levels have shot up since Lambert took charge and i'll more than likely get a ticket for the Swansea game.My biggest gripe over the past few years have been the crap kick off times.Saturday tea time just eclipsing the 4pm Sunday game as my biggest bug bear.
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I hadn't really noticed that I'd lost any love for it, but over the last couple of seasons I really did. Think that's probably because despite results and performances, 95% of the away trips have been worth it for the day out, so nothing really ever changed. I found for the first time in a long time though that at Burton, Peterborough, Forest, Bremen, West Ham and Newcastle, that leaving the pub to go to the game was not actually a chore. I've even looked forward to leaving the pub. For those that know me, then I'd sure they'd back me up when I say that is not like me at all.
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I've even looked forward to leaving the pub.
Fecking hell, steady on son
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The guy I work with (who has no interest in football), say's he used to check the Villa score on a Saturday to see what mood I'd be in on the Monday morning. This is no longer the case.
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Have followed the villa since the late 1960's, when Dad used to bring the 7 kids down to Villa Park to give Mom a break on a Saturday afternoon. Has been a roller coaster ride ever since. Found M'ON flustrating, McLeish depressing but Mr Lambert has got us going uphill again. Like a previous poster said 'I am addicted to the Villa drug' and for the first time in a few years I am looking forward to being happy at weekends.
8)
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Bizarrely my dip came during the last days of the MON era. I only watched them away twice in the Houllier year and didn't see them at all last year. Prior to that I was a 5-10 games a season since moving away from Brum 25 years ago (ST until then) When my son hit 10 he fully defect to become a Gooner, I had been fighting a losing battle for some years given they are the closest PL team to where he was born and brought up and all his mates were. So I'm now down in Surrey with a Gooner son and Everton wife daughters! I'm going to Fulham (with the boy) and bizarrely am also taking my youngest daughter there a fortnight later for the Everton game. But, the fire is flickering and building somewhat at the moment. I felt so proud of Sunday, it will be seen as a massive turing point IMHO. The love has always been there but too easily put on the backburner in a busy life, but I'm really intrigued by what we might build over the next couple of years so can see my attendance increasing.
Maybe I'm just a gloryhunter!
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Luckily, for me, i had moved over here before Pubehead spat his dummy out and was pretty happy with the Villa i had been watching home and away under his leadership.
KMac taking over was ok, then Houllier was a complete mistake in my view,at his age and his set mentality.
Then, on my way to the local bar i saw my West Ham mate laughing before i ordered a pint.
The day TSM was confirmed as manager i just could not believe it and spent most of last season swearing at the telly ( I even went to the Docs thinking i had developed Tourrettes but Doc told me it was just normal behaviour for any fan who had TSM as their teams boss.)
Still, i went every weekend to watch them on the tv, every week the booze consumption growing pint by pint, the swearing getting worse until i nearly gave up, to be honest.
It was only the fact that we stayed up by the skin of our teeth that gave me some optimism that TSM was a gonner, things could only get better and we had some sort of future. Lambert made manager had me smiling for the first time since i moved and his signings since make me smile even more. It is going to be a tough season but one with lots of promise for the future. Still wish i was climbing the steps of the Holte every home game though. You dont realise how much you miss it until you are to far away to get there.
Oh well, tv it is for this season again, cold beer and mucky egg sarnies down the boozer.
It could be a lot worse for us all. Think about it for a minute and you will know what i mean.
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Didn't renew my season ticket for the first time. But, again, like others, I'm starting to feel some excitement again now, and have bought tickets for Swansea match.
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Had a ST for number of years but stopped about 4 seasons ago. Found myself getting to about 8-10 home games due to work/commitments and realised it was a habitual thing. Fallen out of love with modern football in a big way and although will always love Villa, I am now disappointed when we lose rather than gutted as Iwas years ago. I struggle with how much players get paid and their total lack of loyalty and grip on real life and that of the supporters.
Also as we never sell out you become accustomed to picking and choosing your games. I go to more away games than at home now as better fun.
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Overall, my love for the game has dwindled for all sorts of reasons - maybe even getting older is one of them - but I am still obsessed enough to have gone on H and V an average of about 10 times a day during my recent two week holiday down in the south of France!
Like many others, I love the fact that we are building through unknown youngsters now, despite the obvious risks. I feel as if I have got my club back a bit and can get behind them in a way I used to find very difficult with Hutton, Heskey et al. I've looked on with envy at teams who have done this successfully over the last few years. It is also so refreshing to see us try to play football the right way, it seems like the mid 1990s since we last did that though I am sure I am conveniently forgetting other spells when we have played some decent stuff for prolonged periods
Happens to the best of us though. My brother in law who until not that long ago was a hugely committed Derby fan now can't be bothered with them and has a season ticket to go and watch his local club, Exeter, every week
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Supporting the Villa is to me like being a Roman Catholic, I might be lapsed but it is in your DNA. I left Birmingham years ago and I'm only an occasional visitor to home and away games. but they are still under my skin and results and performance do impact on my mood.
I really believe that the Lambert era might be the start of something good.
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My interest hasn't changed from the 'A Touch Obsessed' level. However, my mood has changed from last season's 'Desperate/Masochistic' to 'Sunny/Optimistic/Happy Bunnies Frollicking In Meadows', partly down to TSM's departure, but because of everything mentioned so far: the feeling of there being a plan, that the style of play is being dragged into the modern era while the worst aspects of the modern era - Warnocks, Huttons and Collinses being paid gargantuan sums to not give a shit and be totally disassociated from the fans - are being replaced by young, hungry players with a point to prove who we might be able to connect to as fans, especially if they turn into a successful team. Many of us have been calling for this for a really long time, and now it finally seems to be happening to us.
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Pretty much the same as you Richard, although I am still reluctant to part with my cash I am definitely more interested again.
A word of warning though. I took my youngest to a County match to try and get him interested in his local team and he has been a Manure ever since (To be fair he was actually born in Manchester).
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From around 1995 onwards until around 2008 I was going to most home games, and had a season ticket for a few seasons, but then just stopped going down as regularly, not quite sure why, maybe a combination of my interest in football being over took by my obsession with watching bands, my brother saving to buy a house so didn't have the cash to go down any more. The last two seasons under houllier and TSM really didn't inspire me to think about spending my money down VP, but this summer with Lambert coming in, my desire to start going back down to watch villa has come back, I feel more positive about things for the villa as well. Plus a friend of mine has had a season ticket, so there's someone to go down with (and blag a lift with!) and another of our mates is up for going too, having mates to go down with, have a beer with beforehand, that's made a difference.
Even though we were poor against Everton, the feeling of being at the game, in the crowd, it was something I had missed, hopefully should be going to the Swansea game, got to check my finances at end of week and if it's viable book then.
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As I'm not local (from Finland actually) I don't obviously have the same connection to Villa as you lot. Ever since I started watching football and premier league back in the 90s as I was young lad, I connected with Villa for some reason...maybe it was the style of the playing under Big Ron.
As finnish public broadcasting company lost the rights to show PL, I had to stop watching matches because we would've had to get satellite dish but as I found about stre*coughcough* I started watching Villa again first time in years. Completely lost interest watching games last season but how that Lambert has taken over, the feeling is back there.
Maybe I'll see you guys in Villa Park next season if I manage to gather enough money for the trip :P.
Edit: found about strea*coughcough* in 07 I think, and now I have subscription to see games from telly.
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A bloke at work who had a season ticket for years just stopped going when due to an oversight (on Villa's part according to him), they sold his seat to someone else. Ever since he's been going to see the Moors, and he's always evangalising about how cheap it is, pint in the clubhouse etc. Thing is, no matter how cheap it is, it would be a waste of money for me, because I wouldn't give a shiny shite who wins.
If I want to spend less and still have an interest in the result, I can go to the reserves.
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I can recall being mortified at the thought of missing even one minute of a Villa match, home or away. Lately I have been in damage limitation, still going to most games but expecting the worst whilst hoping for the best.
Got a glimmer back after Sunday though. Dare I be optimistic? Probably not yet, but there's some hope.
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As much as I like all forms of football it doesn't compare to how I feel about the Villa. All the real ale you can drink in a pleasant pub and holding hands with opposition supporters at non league grounds sounds okay but it doesn't get anywhere near to one of ours in a claret and blue shirt bulging the net with a shot from outside the area.
On a scale of happiness, when Villa win it's right at the top. Blues/ManU and more recently Liverpool losing it's around the middle as is England/Ireland winning internationally which gives me the same level as Andy Murray winning a gold medal at tennis.
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Andy Murray winning the tennis I'd rate somewhere below having a really good fart.
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Andy Murray winning the tennis I'd rate somewhere below having a really good fart.
Ha ha.
I knew that would draw someone out. Perhaps I was more happy for him than happy in myself.
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As much out of love with the game in general as I am now, the day Villa lose and it doesn't ruin my weekend will be the day I am laid to rest. I hope that's a long time coming BTW!
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A bloke at work who had a season ticket for years just stopped going when due to an oversight (on Villa's part according to him), they sold his seat to someone else. Ever since he's been going to see the Moors, and he's always evangalising about how cheap it is, pint in the clubhouse etc. Thing is, no matter how cheap it is, it would be a waste of money for me, because I wouldn't give a shiny shite who wins.
If I want to spend less and still have an interest in the result, I can go to the reserves.
Might be just me but is the Moors that cheap at £12 a ticket? I'm a season ticket holder at villa and regularly buy tickets for my brother and a lot of the time get good deals for a ticket. £19 for the Albion game I thought was decent for a Derby.
The money involved in football annoys me as does the overpaid brats that play in the premiership, but I sense a bit of optimism in the fact that Villa are trying to build a team in a way that sits better than a lot of the teams in the premiership
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When I first met my partner 13 years ago she knew how Villa had got on due to my mood. The only reason she knows they've played these days is when our son tells me what the score was.
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Feeling a whole lot better than last season, still work to do but going inthe right direction
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I was pleased for Andy Murray too, I just really like farting. England cricket results, now they are utterly meaningless to me. Unless they're playing Australia.
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My interest is back right up again. I love the direction we're going in. To be honest I'm hitting the level of excitement as O Neills first couple of years. As good as we had it in the Cup final and FA Semi year (and decent push for 4th) I was getting somewhat bored with the ever predictable brand of football. I mean so many of us spent, what retrospectively, was a ridiculous amount of time on here moaning about that season. We'd not had it so good since the mid 90's, but we moaned (me included).
Now though. I like the lack of wasters, average players on huge wages, and the positive action taken by Lambert. Houllier and particularly McLeish's appointments bought nothing but a sense of impending "meh" or in the latters case, doom. I was about ready to give up last season. It was fucking horrific.
I've watched all three games so far and, though it's been tough in the first two, there was still some indication that we were trying to play football. Against Newcastle it just clicked. Still work in progress, but we look like we're in the right direction. The new signings excite me. O what we've seen, I really like Lowton. KEA looks really good. Vlaar I think will prove as popular as Mellberg, perhaps Laursen. He's big, strong and just that sort of strong character. Holman has impressed me too. He's struggled a little with the pace, but his workrate and attitude are infectious and top class.
There's no slacking. There's no pandering to reputations or to sentiment. Earn you place- keep it. Simple as. Work hard, or fuck off. Some of the football we played against Newcastle was a delight. The more this team gels, the more consistent said football will be. I love we're giving the unknowns a shot. None of those overrated, overpaid O Neill specials, who he'd then not play. We're giving lads a shot who might not have had it somewhere else in the top flight. I think it'll reap benefits. If you're telling me there's not a player in League 2 who can trap a ball (or pass/shoot whatever) better than Harewood, then you're crazy.
And what's annoying is...I'm fucking off to Asia for 6 months next week, so watching the games will be a bit more difficult. Ha ha! Will be going out of my way where possible to catch a few though.
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My interest is sky high again after the Newcastle performance. It was rock bottom beforehand. I'm fickle but I don't care. Up the Villa!
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This might sound non-sensical but it's Lambert's few words that have got me excited again. It reminds me a lot of the great Ron Saunders where he would rather say little and show more. There is a very quiet, no nonsense attitude about Lambert that I like immensely. He has restored a sense of calm and dignity to the club. The players are buying into it and so are the fans. He has brought in by design players that wanted to come to the club. Young, up and coming players that as many have pointed out bring with them an intriguing sense of the unknown. I just like it. He made short work of dumping Collins, Hutton and Warnock and has issued fair warning to others in dropping Given. Nobody is safe for the first time in a long, long time.
I'm not going to enjoy the result of every game but I know full well that at the start we'll have set out trying to win it. That's what I have wanted for ages it seems. For my team not to lie down and take it. If we go down we'll go down fighting. Football has changed and the chance to win the title has likely gone for good. But I just want to enjoy the pursuit of it and the cups again knowing my team will do their best every time. And as for the so called experts. Let's just let the style of play and the results talk for us.
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When I first met my partner 13 years ago she knew how Villa had got on due to my mood. The only reason she knows they've played these days is when our son tells me what the score was.
And the fact that you have over 8,000 posts on a Villa fans' forum. Sorry, this I am so relaxed and don't give a shit routine doesn't wash
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There's more to H&V than just Villa. It's like a drop-in facility for social inadequates. And I include myself in that sweeping assessment.
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There's more to H&V than just Villa. It's like a drop-in facility for social inadequates. And I include myself in that sweeping assessment.
This is true,I only on it because Ive got no real life friends
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Charming Damon.
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Followed the Villa all my life. After the Everton game never realised how depressed i was. But the Newcastle game has brought me back to feeling good again and life has become beautiful again ......... AVTV seems to show all the Newcastle highlights. Has anyone noticed ??
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Yeah, I noticed that! They left out Stephen Ireland's volley?
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When I first met my partner 13 years ago she knew how Villa had got on due to my mood. The only reason she knows they've played these days is when our son tells me what the score was.
And the fact that you have over 8,000 posts on a Villa fans' forum. Sorry, this I am so relaxed and don't give a shit routine doesn't wash
Of which probably 7,500 are in Off Topic not that I have to validate or justify it to somebody I've never met on the Internet. I did go to a match last season though so you've well and truly caught me out.
Plus I like hanging with Damon and other social inadequates since we got banned from Games Workshop.
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Yeah, I noticed that! They left out Stephen Ireland's volley?
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Ye also the spells of Villa possesion. Thought it would ne biased toward the Villa ..........
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I never lost my passion for the Villa even though we went through a bad time last season I still kept my ST I'm just so excited this season with PL in charge after Sundays game against Newcastle I think we are on a good journey into the unknown I can't wait for the Swansea game I think there will be some up's and down's on our journey but we will be better for it.
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And breathe...
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Don't give a flying fuck in a rolling doughnut about non-Villa football anymore.
If an England or other live game is on the TV i'll avoid it like the plague.
My interest in Villa has waned but I was there for the Everton game and i'll be there aginst Swansea, as will my son for whom it's his first game.
It's in the blood and it always will be as far as Villa are concerned.
But other games?
Nah, couldn't give a shit anymore.
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Don't give a flying fuck in a rolling doughnut about non-Villa football anymore.
If an England or other live game is on the TV i'll avoid it like the plague.
My interest in Villa has waned but I was there for the Everton game and i'll be there aginst swansea, as will my son for who it's his first game.
It's in the blood and it always will be as far as Villa are concerned.
But other games?
Nah, couldn't give a shit anymore.
Same here. I used to be really interested in all other football but now and for quite a few years it's just the Villa. Still have a soft spot for Walsall and Kidderminster Harriers, though.
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I am as mad for it as ever I have been. Makes no difference to me really if we are shite, which we are as often as not, or if we are brilliant which is an extreme rarity. I have been swallowed whole by Aston Villa and life without them would be meaningless.
My only fear is not relegation or being bought up by Carson Yeung, it is some twat moving the club to the M6 M42 junction or somewhere similar. I stand (I do stand most of the time) where my grandfather stood on the Holte End, my sons and my grandsons will stand where I stand. Having the worst manager in the known universe or losing all the games in a season pale into insignificance to those kind of feelings.
I think this manager is the real deal. I think this is the new dawn not the false dawn of O'Neill's perfidy.
I forgot. I never want them to play in any other colours.
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There's more to H&V than just Villa. It's like a drop-in facility for social inadequates. And I include myself in that sweeping assessment.
It's undeniably true.
Nearly everybody on this site is fucked up in the head to some degree.
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I am as mad for it as ever I have been.
I now picture Brian in a baggy sweatshirt pumping his arms to D-Mob whilst ripped off his tits on E's.
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That's me to a T.
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i've already been to more games this season than in the whole of last season,
i'm more confident and excited about the future now than at any time in the last 4 years,
it all started when i went down to West Ham, i have never seen a Villa team pass the ball about like they did in the first 30 minuets, i know it didnt turn out well in the end, but you could see this was going to be a massive sea change in playing style and football philosophy, and i bought into the Lambert revalution there and then,
having not been that keen on him originaly, thinking he was going to be to much like MON
i'm right on board now, i dont think there is another prem team that has changed the style of play as much as we have in such a short time,
i mean our back 4 of Dunne, Collins,Warnoc and Hutton last season havent played at all so far, there cant be another team thats completley changed its back 4 from one season to the next,
this is massive change and i'm loving it,
because for me its all about the football, thats why i support Villa, thats why i watch them because i love the game first and foremost, thats why my interest wained last year because it was just not enjoyable to watch, maybe i'm fickle in that respect, but i'm just not wasting my time watching something that annoys me, i've got 4 kids that can do that
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I am as mad for it as ever I have been. Makes no difference to me really if we are shite, which we are as often as not, or if we are brilliant which is an extreme rarity. I have been swallowed whole by Aston Villa and life without them would be meaningless.
My only fear is not relegation or being bought up by Carson Yeung, it is some twat moving the club to the M6 M42 junction or somewhere similar. I stand (I do stand most of the time) where my grandfather stood on the Holte End, my sons and my grandsons will stand where I stand. Having the worst manager in the known universe or losing all the games in a season pale into insignificance to those kind of feelings.
I think this manager is the real deal. I think this is the new dawn not the false dawn of O'Neill's perfidy.
I forgot. I never want them to play in any other colours.
Great post Brian.
Partly due to Uncle Frank, being born in Aston and my Dad forever waxing lyrical about Pongo Waring et al, my brother taking me to matches when kids could get in at half time for free and waxing lyrical about Gerry Hitchens, I feel there could never have been any other team for me. I remember being so proud of our history when I was growing up - and still am. So glad I was around to see us become the best team in England and win the European Cup. My son now goes when he can and my nephew started taking his 8 year old last season. The family links with the Villa continue. My brother even forgave me for missing his wedding and going to watch Villa play against Cardiff at Ninian Park in 1968 when I was 14.
A bit extreme to some folk perhaps, but the Villa mean so much to me; always have and always will.
UTV!
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Extreme? Never.
Enjoy (again):
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...and I have a really good feeling about life under Lambert.
I hope to see steady progress and the blossoming of some good young prospects into Villa heroes and legends. And every other team's fans admiring our style of play, wonderful club and being envious of the best supporters in the world!
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Thanks Leeg.
I'm getting all weepy - again!
(with tears in my eyes kind of weepy!)
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Last year was a chore and most of why I went was initially for social reasons and then because I had a season ticket and had paid for it. And that's it.
I had to be close to pissed to make it through the turnstiles such was my hate of watching us. That's how bad it was. When the pub, with the odd people that annoy me, sound one hundred times better than going to the match then you know something isn't right.
This season, for no good reason, I am like a giddy, excited schoolboy, hoping to finger a bird for the first time on the back of the coach on the school trip to Berkeley Power Station.
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There's more to H&V than just Villa. It's like a drop-in facility for social inadequates. And I include myself in that sweeping assessment.
It's undeniably true.
Nearly everybody on this site is fucked up in the head to some degree.
So true. I'm sure this site's kept me off anti-depressants at times.
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There's more to H&V than just Villa. It's like a drop-in facility for social inadequates. And I include myself in that sweeping assessment.
It's undeniably true.
Nearly everybody on this site is fucked up in the head to some degree.
So true. I'm sure this site's kept me off anti-depressants at times.
I couldn't tolerate this site WITHOUT anti-depressants.
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There's more to H&V than just Villa. It's like a drop-in facility for social inadequates. And I include myself in that sweeping assessment.
It's undeniably true.
Nearly everybody on this site is fucked up in the head to some degree.
So true. I'm sure this site's kept me off anti-depressants at times.
Consider this site as an official counselling respite :
I am going to start this session.
My name is WALTERS WARRIORS and iam Fucked up ...........
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My obsession is still very much there, just from the armchair though at the moment. I was only saying to my good lady I have not been up since my little girl was 3 years old. She is now nearly 8 and I have 3 more kids.
My boy has 2 kits and me and him will be in Villa Park together as soon as I think the time is right and before the vultures that is the Devonshire Reds take him into their ranks. My boy will get my obsession and taking him to Villa Park regularly is the only way to do it. Nothing beats it, my memories of Villa Park as a kid are still with me now.
With 3 sisters and mom in the house, I'm sure he will appreciate it too!
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Nothing to do with Villa but the actions of Dempsey, Van Persie Cole Rooney Terry Nasri, the list goes on.
The Sky News black out of the Man Citeh player who killed 2 people driving too fast.
The media bullshit, Agents the awarding the World Cup. to Qatar and Russia. Bent refereeing.
There is something very rotten in football.
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I didn't go to any games last season (apart from two freebies that I had) and had my Villa fix down the pub or watching a stream at home. I didn't miss a game, but a combination of the shite served up on the pitch and the fact that sky/money have completed ruined football made me not bother with a season ticket. This coming from a home and away match goer, including watching Villa all over Europe.
Since Lambert's arrival, I have got the lad a shirt, took him to Forest pre-season, got up in the middle of the night to watch streams of the games in America and got tickets for both home games so far. A season ticket isn't an option at the moment as i'm looking at moving house. However I intend to go to as many games as I can. Not because football has changed particularly, as the money teams will still win, but there is a real sense of intrigue around Lambert's signings and I really like the way he has got us to try and play football. I think with time we'll see an entertaining team, playing with spirit and enthusiasm, it's a shame modern football isn't really geared up for us to be a success anymore.
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I am full on however I did lapse during O'Leary years. Just got fed up of that man killing my hope as hope is all you have as a fan. Of course early years were wonderful because I started watching when we dropped to the Third and than after that till 82 it was success all the way. Was shocked to see us get relegated and want that never again.
I miss Villa not being in Europe. I believe a great club like ours in a big European city like Birmingham should be competing in Europe all the time. I therefore got very annoyed with those of you who disparaged the Europa League.
Don't really care about players. It's the colours, the badge, the Park and the fact that it is Aston Villa in Aston. Just love it.
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Nothing to do with Villa but the actions of Dempsey, Van Persie Cole Rooney Terry Nasri, the list goes on.
The Sky News black out of the Man Citeh player who killed 2 people driving too fast.
The media bullshit, Agents the awarding the World Cup. to Qatar and Russia. Bent refereeing.
There is something very rotten in football.
Well said sir.
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I love Villa and i'll never grow out of it. And even though at times it seems a very one way relationship I don't regret a second of it. I was born a Villan and i'll die a Villan.
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When my ex-missus was moaning at me all the time, I loved the Villa all the more because they were always pleased to see me and they never criticised me. Then that fucker O'Leary rocked up.
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i was nervous as hell when we started the second half on Sunday and shat myself as that free-kick was hurtling goalwards. i also coincide any return back to the UK with a game. Myself and my dad have indoctrinated my 11 year-old nephew and now he is bitten by the bug. When I go home in October as the missus is having number two (due Oct 14th) I'm already pencilling in Fulham away on 20th and taking my 3 year-old tohis first game the following week against Norwich. No, I am still hooked.
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Last year I not only stopped getting up in the middle of the night to watch games, I only watched the recordings if we had won. Even then I often only watched our goals and then turned it off. Like a lot of others though I feel completely different about this season, win lose or draw I've got a feeling we're going to be worth watching again
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It's been full on for me since the third division days. I'd say the only thing that's changed as i've got older is
realizing that 'we' the fans are Aston Villa not the players. This was even more apparent to me after chatting to some of the current squad in philly and chicago in july. Made me really think about the unbelievable support this amazing club has had over the years and the places I'd been to just because.
Win or lose we will still be there regardless of who's playing in the shirt.
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Great post lv.
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I've even looked forward to leaving the pub.
Fecking hell, steady on son
That's what I'm supposed to say to him. Not that I believe it (unless he's been in the pub since the crack of dawn).
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I am as mad for it as ever I have been. Makes no difference to me really if we are shite, which we are as often as not, or if we are brilliant which is an extreme rarity. I have been swallowed whole by Aston Villa and life without them would be meaningless.
My only fear is not relegation or being bought up by Carson Yeung, it is some twat moving the club to the M6 M42 junction or somewhere similar. I stand (I do stand most of the time) where my grandfather stood on the Holte End, my sons and my grandsons will stand where I stand. Having the worst manager in the known universe or losing all the games in a season pale into insignificance to those kind of feelings.
I think this manager is the real deal. I think this is the new dawn not the false dawn of O'Neill's perfidy.
I forgot. I never want them to play in any other colours.
Not all,obviously, but more or less my sentiments. Well said, Brian.
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I've even looked forward to leaving the pub.
Fecking hell, steady on son
That's what I'm supposed to say to him. Not that I believe it (unless he's been in the pub since the crack of dawn).
I wonder where he gets it from?
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Like father, like son.
His Dad wouldn't be able to keep up with him these days.
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Like father, like son.
His Dad wouldn't be able to keep up with him these days.
His mother, however...
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Like father, like son.
His Dad wouldn't be able to keep up with him these days.
His mother, however...
Drinks far too much soda water!
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A few years ago I would be in a terrible mood if we lost to the point that my GF would cancel evening plans if it was a bad one. I used to get incredibly excited about going to the games that sometimes it would boil over the top on match days.
Now days I get up in morning and watch the game, if it's on TV, and go about my business as if nothing happened.
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This might sound non-sensical but it's Lambert's few words that have got me excited again. It reminds me a lot of the great Ron Saunders where he would rather say little and show more. There is a very quiet, no nonsense attitude about Lambert that I like immensely. He has restored a sense of calm and dignity to the club. The players are buying into it and so are the fans. He has brought in by design players that wanted to come to the club. Young, up and coming players that as many have pointed out bring with them an intriguing sense of the unknown. I just like it. He made short work of dumping Collins, Hutton and Warnock and has issued fair warning to others in dropping Given. Nobody is safe for the first time in a long, long time.
I'm not going to enjoy the result of every game but I know full well that at the start we'll have set out trying to win it. That's what I have wanted for ages it seems. For my team not to lie down and take it. If we go down we'll go down fighting. Football has changed and the chance to win the title has likely gone for good. But I just want to enjoy the pursuit of it and the cups again knowing my team will do their best every time. And as for the so called experts. Let's just let the style of play and the results talk for us.
This just about sums it up for me
I could just add that at only 2 times in my life have i felt that the villa was becoming a chore - the first time was under DOL and the 2nd was obviously TSM. You worked all week to enjoy a game of football and we were served that shite from TSM that i nearly gave it all up - and as most know i actually get paid to watch them! how bad could it be
I like the whole philosophy of PL and the way the club is going - I know it was only one game against newcastle (we all got excited last year when against Arsenal we actually had a go at them and that proved to be a false dawn) but the effort they put in means that anything less and he will not be afraid to drop them - the Given move on Sunday was a catalyst for me and there was no way that the likes of GH / MON / TSM would have ever done that to such a senior pro - that above all else will inspire the younger players to think"If i get a chance i have to take it" and that can only be a very good thing
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I'm content with the thought that we appear to have appointed a manager who has the potential to improve us without necessarily spending big to achieve it. How long is it since we've been able to say that?
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As for modern football - i really do question why i subscribe to Sky anymore (I do really as its for the golf coverage) i used to watch almost every single live game - now i cannot stomach supadupamegasunday bollocks
Liverpool have not had a great start and now we have had Talk Shite have an inquest over 3 days - ffs
As for the Villa - wives and girlfiends have always been told that they were there before them and they would be there after them - so please dont ever try and get inbetween us as its a greater love than family and there would only be one winner
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I was at a family do with the in-laws on the first day of the season. One of them - a Spurs fan - announced the Villa result gloatingly just as we were sitting down to eat. I didn't react but my missus was ready to kill him - she thought I was going to sink into an angry depression and spoil her evening.
I didn't, which surprised her. The truth is I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of being upset. I just made pleasant conversation with his new and very pretty girlfriend, which he didn't like at all.
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Villa are an enjoyable hobby, I flog the fanzines, occasionally go to a match and enjoy the banter in the Bartons afterwards. The result no longer particularly elates or upsets me any more and hasn't done since about 1990 or so to be honest. I suppose it was around then that, for a couple of reasons that I won't disclose, I realised that football doesn't matter a tiny jot in the grand scheme of things.
Still love football in general though, I'll watch anything at any level.
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And what's annoying is...I'm fucking off to Asia for 6 months next week, so watching the games will be a bit more difficult. Ha ha! Will be going out of my way where possible to catch a few though.
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Supertom, watching games in Asia will be even easier than the UK. Asia is obsessed by the Premier League, (though the NBA rules in China) and you will have to get used to it being called the EPL.
Where will you be moving to? In China & Singapore there is a 7 or 8 hour time difference (1 hour less in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam) so 3pm games are at prime drinking time of 10 or 11pm. The only real pains are the Saturday 5.30pm and Sunday 4pm kick offs as they finish late, and it is very hard to go to sleep at 2am on a Monday morning when you have seen us get stuffed 6-0 at Newcastle.
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i'd like to concur with the honourable Macca above. When in pakistan I saw more Villa games than ever i very rarely didn't see a game televised. Same now in Nigeria. Always about 4 or 5 channels showing the games. I remember being in beijing and not being able to fins telly to watch Villa - Chelsea (the HDE handshake game). just as I was giving up hope at around 11/12 o'clock I dropped into a pub and it was full of football fans.
I disagree with pat's last bit. The worst were the evening kick-offs. In 3 and a half years i never saw us win once in the league and I eventually went to bed around 3 - half 3 meaning your head is still buzzing until about 4. I was up two or so hours later to go to work. Not one sodding win.
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I forget sometimes how hooked I am. I get a reminder every now and then, recently it was at West Ham right at the start of the game when the away end was singing at the start, if I recall we were only singing "Villa,Villa etc " but the the hairs stood up on the back of the neck and bloody hell I felt so alive. Villa is what defines me and has since my first game when I was 4. And you either understand it or you don't.
Sometimes I wish I didn't.
And another thing this passion gives us the right to moan and have dig at the team every now and then ( it's a Viila thing) but no one else is allowed to, especially former BNTs
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Having been to the West ham game. Shelling out £40 for a ticket I do question myself.
I have since come to the conclusion that I'd rather go to gigs instead of footy. It's cheaper and you know your going to be entertained.
So it's the occasional game for me (if it's on special rates or a good away day). I will follow via the tinternet.
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Distance makes it hard to stay in touch with what's happening, I rely more on this site than on any news report or such. I don't have PAY TV so am unable to watch any matches and of course over here only the top four are normally shown on any highlights programs.
My involvement in the game over here also distracts from the scene overseas, but I always love reading about the Villa on here. :)
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Purchased the tickets for the Swansea game yesterday.First league game since we beat Newcastle 1-0 to send them down.
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Live on a Greek Isle and the coverage of the Premier League is great over here. Four or five 'live' games every weekend and all of the other games are shown in their entirity within a few days. Probably why we are up shyte creek without a paddle, we spend all day watching footie.
8)
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I forget sometimes how hooked I am. I get a reminder every now and then, recently it was at West Ham right at the start of the game when the away end was singing at the start, if I recall we were only singing "Villa,Villa etc " but the the hairs stood up on the back of the neck and bloody hell I felt so alive. Villa is what defines me and has since my first game when I was 4. And you either understand it or you don't.
Sometimes I wish I didn't.
Perfect summary for me.
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Ha
Last year I not only stopped getting up in the middle of the night to watch games, I only watched the recordings if we had won. Even then I often only watched our goals and then turned it off. Like a lot of others though I feel completely different about this season, win lose or draw I've got a feeling we're going to be worth watching again
Ha ha, this exactly sums up last season for me too, WW. I think I've ready watched a third of the matches I watched last season already.
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Distance makes it hard to stay in touch with what's happening, I rely more on this site than on any news report or such. I don't have PAY TV so am unable to watch any matches and of course over here only the top four are normally shown on any highlights programs.
My involvement in the game over here also distracts from the scene overseas, but I always love reading about the Villa on here. :)
Same here essentially....I go to a bar to watch the game with the California Lions group link (http://avfccalifornia.blogspot.com/), but with the time difference even this is difficult...Mostly I rely on this site for my info.
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For on the West Coast, a 3pm kick off is at 7am. Perfect for a lazy morning with some breakfast. Then you have the whole ahead of you. But its just not the same as being there. Now & again the hairs stand up but that's only when hearing the Villa fans.
My love for football in general has waned a fair bit. I used to ridicule the North American sports format, but now some aspects are great. Particularly the salary cap
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I just like being at live football matches. The Villa make it a bonus.
I have noticed that I get more interested when we're playing someone half decent. To see us dicked on by Everton wasn't enjoyable but I was very impressed by them.
I'm looking forward to seeing Swansea again (I thought they were the best team I saw at Villa Park last year). Although I think it'll be another tough afternoon for us.
We've got a really good run of fixtures (home and away) until the Manc clubs and Arsenal are up in November.
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... when the away end was singing at the start, if I recall we were only singing "Villa,Villa etc " but the the hairs stood up on the back of the neck and bloody hell I felt so alive.
The "Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa" is the best chant in the world. With my classically-trained-musicology hat on, its simple, rising and descending melody eloquently reflect the lows and highs of supporting Aston Villa Football Club. When we sing it, it thrums round the park, its dynamics moving and swirling, expressing our love for the Villa with a passion that I imagine is akin to what the god-squadders feel when they sing a hymn.
I dream, too, of polyphony - just think, all four stands singing it as a round, like London's Burning.
Holte: Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa &c
Trinity: Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa &c
North: Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa &c
Witton: Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa
It would quickly end up with opposite stands singing the same line at the same time but from across the pitch at each other.
Any away support would be totally overwhelmed... and it would be a really, really beautiful thing to do. Just once.
I started supporting the Villa in 1980 - just a few months before we won the league - because I started junior school, somewhere you *had* to support a team. I lived (still do) in Shropshire, and Dad worked in Kidderminster, so I picked Villa out of geographical convenience on the chance that I might get taken to a match.
It's funny, because not a day has gone by since where I haven't smiled or frowned at a sudden thought about the Villa, spent long periods staring out of windows and thinking about 81, 82, finishing 2nd in 93, 94 and 96, Withey, Super gary Shaw, Dalian, Mcgrath, Deano, Dwight, Juan Pablo, Stan (Petrov), Mellberg, Laursen... and also TSM, DOL, Bosko, SVC, Alpay, Hutton and all the other cretins who we love to hate. I still get super-excited when I go to a game, but don't actually mind losing sometimes, as long as we have 'played up, played up, and played the game."
For something that started as a casual whim, from day one I've been claret and blue with a thoroughness that still has the power to surprise and move me.
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I don't know what 'thrumbs' means but I love the thought of that.
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Went from having a season ticket every season to living in California this year. At the time I thought I was picking a great time to give it a rest for while but miss it now. Not just the football itself (we can, as others have said, watch pretty much every game out here) but the atmosphere, the people, the tribalism.
So if anything, my absence has probably rekindled my enthusiasm and looking forward to what will probably be my one game of the season (apart from when I have to plan a trip back for the Cup Final, obviously) against the stripy filth during a brief trip back in a couple of weeks.
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I am interested more than I was but I can't see that I'll ever get a season ticket again, unless I moved back to Birmingham, which is highly unlikely.
I find myself wandering down to Bramall Lane these days, stopping for a pint on the way and it's much more fun and far more affordable. The football isn't as good quality (though A 5-3 Home win last time out may suggest differently) but it feels more honest.
I do, however, like what I've heard of Lambert's philosophy and approach with the younger players. Buying them because they will be hungrier and telling them the ball is the same regardless of division and getting them to play and work as a team.
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My interest has waned a lot. I'm not miserable when we lose now. I'm delighted when we win but its forgotten much quicker. I've not much interest in other games and rarely watch match of the day. I couldn't do one of those fantasy teams my workmates do as i don't keep up with what other clubs are doing. Last seasons manager did more to kill it for me than any other.
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Purchased the tickets for the Swansea game yesterday.First league game since we beat Newcastle 1-0 to send them down.
If you fancy having a whip round to send me to all of the games then we'll do the double.
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We used to have a couple of season tickets until the end of GT2. The reasons for this embrace many of the ideas expressed on here.
Havibg said that, we've been down four times already this season, including the two Next Gen matches.
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I gotta admit, still got a season ticket and still go - but like a few have said before me, its nice to win but I dont take it to heart when we lost anymore - its just a game - someone has to lose - we cant all be in the top few places...... but my passion is no longer there for Villa or football in general. I cant remember the last time I watched a footy game that didnt involve Villa as it is just so boring having the sky media hype rammed down my throat about how "great" everything is..........
If I can pinpoint a time to when my passion went it was Moscow. When ONeill and Lerner chucked that to chase the dollar of finishing 4th - that finished me off....... FANS WANT FINALS AND TROPHIES THAT LIVE IN THE MEMORY............ for this one act my love Villa, passion for football died and my hatred for ONeill and Lerner will remain forever....... Oh, at least they bought us some dinner and a free flag - pair of fucking wankers
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Why is Lerner a wanker for sanctioning a free meal and a flag?
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I am as mad for it as ever I have been. Makes no difference to me really if we are shite, which we are as often as not, or if we are brilliant which is an extreme rarity. I have been swallowed whole by Aston Villa and life without them would be meaningless.
My only fear is not relegation or being bought up by Carson Yeung, it is some twat moving the club to the M6 M42 junction or somewhere similar. I stand (I do stand most of the time) where my grandfather stood on the Holte End, my sons and my grandsons will stand where I stand. Having the worst manager in the known universe or losing all the games in a season pale into insignificance to those kind of feelings.
I think this manager is the real deal. I think this is the new dawn not the false dawn of O'Neill's perfidy.
I forgot. I never want them to play in any other colours.
Spot on - the entire post. My Dad usd to stand on the Witton End - and I'm pretty sure he started watching pre-war. He took me down in December 1959 to stand on his spot- and my blood has been claret & blue ever since.
My disappointments I have swallowed - always thinking "OH well, there's always next time"
My delights I have displayed on my face. Now I am lucky that my son has my claret & blue genes - just a shame that me being 6000 miles away from him means the chances of me going down toVP with him are not great...but when we do, I will be bursting with pride...
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I was a regular (ST when I could afford) from '74 to '91 and then faded as I got married/worked/child etc but about 10 years ago started taking an interest again and watched a coupla games a season. Then my lad took an interest (which was surprising due to the nature of his disability) and we have been to more and more games over the last three seasons.
Took the plunge and got ST's this year and love it already - he was disappointed to be told we only play at home roughly once a fortnight.
So my interest is higher now than on the last 20 years
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I think it's safe to say I am just as obsessed as I was when I was brought over from Ireland to Villa Park as an 8 year old in 1984.
If I could afford it, I would attend a lot more than my once a season trip.
I just have to make do with watching on the net for the other 37 games a season.
I still get pissed off when we loose and a win can make a weekend for me.
My 4 year old daughter would wear her Villa shirt 7 days a week if she was allowed so hopefully she will stay interested for another few years at least. She will probably have her first visit next season.
I am genuinely excited after the last two performances and am looking forward to another good win tomorrow , fingers crossed.
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Can honestly say now look forward to our games again
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before working as a postman, I love to watch football and do an Aston Villa web site and eat and sleep and breathe football, I also love travelling to Spain or Italy to watch Real Madrid. I spend a lot of time playing video games as well. I was excited to see new era from Randy Lerner and Martin O'Neill.
Last few season seeing players like Milner, Barry, Young and co moving on and football was dull. I lost interest as I discovered salsa.
Now I still like football and will go to home games if I have the money to buy the tickets. I like the intention and vision from Paul Lambert and hope he will develop the team to a quality team which can play football. I don't think I will buy season ticket again as I like to go away some weekend for salsa congress. My job make it difficult to attend Saturday afternoon games as I change walk every week. I won't know which walk I will be doing or what the workload will be like. I think a casual interest in the game is enough for me. I am not interested in average or dull or difficult to beat Aston Villa. I want to see brilliant, exciting, fun Aston Villa.
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Great post Brian.
Partly due to Uncle Frank, being born in Aston and my Dad forever waxing lyrical about Pongo Waring et al, my brother taking me to matches when kids could get in at half time for free and waxing lyrical about Gerry Hitchens, I feel there could never have been any other team for me. I remember being so proud of our history when I was growing up - and still am. So glad I was around to see us become the best team in England and win the European Cup. My son now goes when he can and my nephew started taking his 8 year old last season. The family links with the Villa continue. My brother even forgave me for missing his wedding and going to watch Villa play against Cardiff at Ninian Park in 1968 when I was 14.
A bit extreme to some folk perhaps, but the Villa mean so much to me; always have and always will.
UTV!
I think I'll change my name to frankmosswasmynewsagent - his shop on Shady Lane was always where you'd find me waiting for the pink'un around 6'ish on Saturday night - and a special thrill for a kid to see an actual former player behind the counter !!! Even met him once after he retired to run a newsagents shop in Looe.....
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Last few season seeing players like Milner, Barry, Young and co moving on and football was dull. I lost interest as I discovered salsa.
Salsa or having to endure Ivanhoe's constant falling down routine - why didn't I think of that.
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Last few season seeing players like Milner, Barry, Young and co moving on and football was dull. I lost interest as I discovered salsa.
Salsa or having to endure Ivanhoe's constant falling down routine - why didn't I think of that.
And Dorito's. They go well with anice salsa dip.
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I like to go away some weekend for salsa congress.
I can't seem to come up with an answer that....etc.
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I've tried to give the villa up once or twice. I've found it impossible tbh. Despite how shite we've been, I still enjoy going down the place.
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I like to go away some weekend for salsa congress.
I can't seem to come up with an answer that....etc.
it takes all sorts
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It is a very good dance though, salsa.
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My son and I are house painting. Last Saturday we spent from ten in the morning until about ten past four in the afternoon teetering on the tops of ladders and talking about the Villa. I cannot recall anything else being talked about but that is the way it always is, why talk about anything else when you can talk about the Villa? At about 4.07 Southampton's first goal went in followed in rapid succession by another three.
To a casual observer we must have looked like two catatonic madmen up ladders somewhere in Suffolk or perhaps like Men In Black, aliens had devoured us and inhabited our paint covered skin and clothing.
My son's wife appeared at this point and it became truly surreal. Lovely, warm, smiley, friendly, buxom young woman observing two catatonic madmen up a ladder only able to gurgle "Four f*cking one" and "to f*cking Southampton".
It is my own fault. When I don't go to a Villa game I do the sensible thing and spend the period of the game wandering around a field in total silence. Serves me right for allowing work to come between me and my obsession.
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Listening to the Villa fans at the beginning of the game and when the first goal went in, I really wished that I was there. It took me back to when I went to the games (was there when we won 3-2 after 2-0 down when Davis scoring the winner). I was really nostalgic. But I was even more nostalgic as their goals started flying in!!
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It's been full on for me since the third division days. I'd say the only thing that's changed as i've got older is
realizing that 'we' the fans are Aston Villa not the players. This was even more apparent to me after chatting to some of the current squad in philly and chicago in july. Made me really think about the unbelievable support this amazing club has had over the years and the places I'd been to just because.
Win or lose we will still be there regardless of who's playing in the shirt.
I love Aston Villa Football Club , for many reasons , the main one rightly or wrongly it was has been part of my life for so long .
My Parents , Aston Villa, My Wife and kids My Country ... they are all integral to my make up and my kids make up .
...
some scruffy arsed kid living in big Blues areas , never bothered me , I was blessed Villa through thick and thin ..........
I will always love ASTON VILLA , but i honestly hate the product our great club has become in embroiled in due the Commodification of OUR game
I want a club to buck the financial trend , I pray that as history has shown Aston Villa can once again become that Club.
come what may , Aston Villa is not a club it is an institution ......
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Nights like tonight. That's why.
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Hence let's savour it as we don't see this kind of performance often.
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Let's just say that after last year's aberration, the Villa are just getting back on my radar of interesting things to do with my time.
About time too.
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Nights like tonight. That's why.
Sums it up perfectly.