Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: dave.woodhall on August 30, 2013, 09:58:19 AM
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Following on from the WM debate, I was talking to someone at Villa yesterday and we agreed that one of the problems with the club's communication with supporters and the media wasn't so much that Randy doesn't talk (after all, most chairmen don't, and the ones that do tend to be Whelanesque professional gobshites) but that there wasn't someone who commands universal respect and can in effect put an arm round our communal shoulders and say that everything's going to be alright. A presidential figure, if you like, who would be far enough removed from management not to be seen to interfere and who would also use his public profile to help boost ours.
We discussed a few names but none of them seemed suitable. Ron Saunders is too much of a recluse, BFR is still in his own mind a manager (I wouldn't be surprised if he thinks he'll get one last crack at a job somewhere), Sir Graham doesn't seem overly bothered by football anymore. Of former players, Dennis Mortimer is his own worst enemy in often coming across as bitter, Paul McGrath should never be brought into the limelight and Ian Taylor doesn't have the air of gravitas that the role demands. We do, of course, already have a President but at his age he's not exactly got the sort of image we want.
Has anyone got any suggestions?
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Peter McParland
Chris Nicholl
Charlie Aitken
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Charlie Aitken. - We have a winner.
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Brian Little, Sid Cowans.
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Sir Graham is the ideal candidate but isn't he involved at a similar level with Watford again?
I like Legion's list and from it I'd pick Charlie Aitken.
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How about Brian Little.
I think it's fair to say his crack at the management game is over.
He is held in the highest esteem by the supporters, is a Villa man through and through.
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If it was to be someone with a playing connection it could be one who has some kind of media profile (however small) - Brian Little perhaps or possibly Tony Morley (although his media involvement is through the club).
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BFR would get my vote, I know that he comes with some baggage but I think he has learned lessons. Might be too controversial though.
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Brian Little or Peter Withe.
Peter Withe, I'd imagine, is well known in Asia due to the work he has done in that part of the world, which could be an added bonus.
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Charlie Aitken,heard him interviewed on the radio years ago, the man has an aura of integeraty,in a Sean Connery sort of way.Peter Withe is ,Im afraid to say,just to scruffy for that role.
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Brian Little is a man of integrity and holds the club in high esteem. He has knowledge of the management and playing side at Villa.
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I can't think of anyone past Sir Graham. I did very briefly think of Steve Stride but that might cause more problems than it would solve. Sir Brian would be an interesting choice. Fascinating question though.
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Brian Little
David Platt
Southgate would have been good if he hadn't taken the U21 role
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How about Stephen Ireland - the tw-t aint got nothing else to do!!!
Serious note any of Charlie or Brian i would be happy with....both in love with the club and it's past heritage and history.
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Big Ron
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Mervyn King
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Bobby Robson
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Throw another name into the mix....who could seriously relate with the supporters....Gary Shaw!!!
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Mervyn King
That's a good shout.
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Cameron,it would offer him an upgrade from PM to President,or Prince William,introduce some Republicanism into the Royal Family.Sir Mervyn King ?
All 3 would be able to attract media interest and finance but can't stand any of them so ...
I vote for Big Ron.
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Throw another name into the mix....who could seriously relate with the supporters....Gary Shaw!!!
As great as he was (my mum loved him), lots of younger fans just wont remember him. Same goes for many of those older players from yesteryear.
It needs someone with a media profile today.
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Brian Little.
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Sir Brian Little and Mervyn King ?
bugger beaten to it by Rocket Reducer.....
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John Fear :)
Surely if Randy does not talk then PF is his mouthpiece for the club and its actions?
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It needs someone with a media profile today.
Exactly what I was thinking when reading through the thread.
An ex-captain of ours that now has a big media presence; Andy Townsend!
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What about the current President Emeritus ?
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What about the current President Emeritus ?
Read the opening post a little more carefully...
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John Fear :)
Surely if Randy does not talk then PF is his mouthpiece for the club and its actions?
As I said at the start - someone who could command universal respect and be seen as the voice of calm reassurance. A current club employee is not going to do that.
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BFR would get my vote, I know that he comes with some baggage but I think he has learned lessons. Might be too controversial though.
If we want someone with gravitas, appearing on Celebrity Big Brother does away with that in a stroke.
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Sir Graham would be the first name to spring to my mind. Des Bremner has had some senior roles at the PFA I believe. On the occasions I have met Ken McNaught he comes across as quietly authoritive. Brian Little would be the only other suitable name I could come up with.
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I'd suggest Mervyn King.
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Either Sir Brian or John Gregory, both comes across very well in interviews and are highly regarded by the fans. BFR comes with too much baggage and tends to speak before he thinks so he's controversy waiting to happen - not a good choice. Sir Graham has effectively retired and I doubt he's interested.
Dean Saunders also comes across well but is looking for a managerial job and won't probably be around too long. Paul Merson could be another candidate but he's already working for Sky and I doubt Villa could pay his salary and Sky might not like the idea.
Sir Brian is probably better known outside Villa so he'd be probably better choice than JG. Townsend also could be a good choice, still seems to like Villa and is liked by the fans.
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Mervyn King is a great shout.
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Paul Merson is at best semi literate. Townsend is a pundit and not supposed to be pro one specific club. John Gregory is a likeable man, Villa through and through, but a loud gobshite with a tendency to put his foot in his mouth. Sir Brian is not high profile enough outside Villa.
If we are looking at the likes of Merson or Gregory then I'd rather we didn't have anyone in this position. They're supposed to talk eloquently about the club, they'd need to be diplomatic, and they'd need to have a certain gravitas at all times.
Most of the people suggested on this thread come across as people who'd probably just turn into claret and blue versions of that Dave Whelan idiot.
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Paul Merson is at best semi literate. Townsend is a pundit and not supposed to be pro one specific club. John Gregory is a likeable man, Villa through and through, but a loud gobshite with a tendency to put his foot in his mouth. Sir Brian is not high profile enough outside Villa.
If we are looking at the likes of Merson or Gregory then I'd rather we didn't have anyone in this position. They're supposed to talk eloquently about the club, they'd need to be diplomatic, and they'd need to have a certain gravitas at all times.
Most of the people suggested on this thread come across as people who'd probably just turn into claret and blue versions of that Dave Whelan idiot.
I agree on all of those names. Mervyn King seems to be the best suggestion to me.
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Southgate is the only one I can think of and obviously that is out now he has the U21 job.
Otherwise I agree with pretty much everything Paulie just said.
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Why exactly would they need a high profile outside of all things Aston Villa?
Being a club with an owner who doesn't give many interviews, any president would probably
gain that profile naturally just by being in a position to speak to the press on the clubs behalf.
another vote for Brian Little from me.
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It all depends what the terms of reference are.
For gravitas and broad commonsense, I thought of Mervyn King (as have others).
There are very few ex-players that would do it for me. Of all - in terms of being reasonably current, reasonably articulate and reasonably international - I'd go for Martin Laursen.
But it's all down the brief that they're given.
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Laursen is a good shout. And I agree that a lot would depend on what the role is. A few soundbites here and there or the public face of Aston Villa, makes a big difference.
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Laursen is a good shout.
Seconded.
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I did think of Laursen just after I posted but isn't he a coach somewhere?
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Prince George of Cambridge
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Alan Wright? I have always think he comes across well when interviewed...and refers to Villa as 'we'.
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Nige ?
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Nige ?
That's a "monster" idea. So long as he doesn't have a tendency to fiddle while Rome burns.
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Brian Little
David Platt
Southgate would have been good if he hadn't taken the U21 role
With your second suggestion I think you are not taking this seriously enough or you tongue is firmly planted in a cheek (and I am not sure which one!)
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Prince George of Cambridge
Obviously in for the long haul because his first job's going to take some time coming
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What about Dion Dublin or Collymore? Both are well known and both (especially Collymore) likes the club, although SVC might come with too much baggage.
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How bout Nige K ?
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Dion Dublin is a good shout.
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Brian Little or David Unsworth.
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Genesis fans often refer to Tony Banks as the "keeper of the flame" as far as the heart and soul of the band is concerned, the member closest to the ideal of the music Genesis.
A Villa President should be in this mould, not working for any other club or media organisation associated with Football, a good public speaker, balanced and intelligent. Unfortunatley that rules out most of the suggestions in this thread.
Merv fits the bill as does SGT and as far as former players are concerned, Brian Little stands out but I'd plump for Merv.
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John Gregory.
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After listening to Peter Withe on WM lately, he comes across as articulate and knowledgable. Villa through and through and scoring the winning goal in a European Cup final will always command respect.
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Before I vote Merv, can I clarify we are talking King and not Day.
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Dave Woodhall.
(Fiver in the post I hope).
If Daves wage demands are too high then perhaps Laursen. I wouldn't be adverse to Sir Brian either. Dublins a good shout too.
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Vote for Brian Little
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Julie Bayley - plenty of contacts, active in Social media, good friend of Paul Lambert, well known in Europe- the job has got her name all over it.
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Brian Little, all day long.
Had he still been alive I'd have said Acker.
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If he was healthy Petrov would be my top choice. Seems respected by everyone in the game.
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Brian Little
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I love Brian as much as anyone, but he has this quiet air that doesn't necessarily strike me as 'presidential', so I'd doubt his suitablilty to the requirements of the job and whether he'd actually want it or not.
Perhaps the thread needs a poll of the most likely candidates?
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Brian Little is my all-time Villa hero. But not sure his personality or profile these days is what the club will be after.
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Genesis fans often refer to Tony Banks as the "keeper of the flame" as far as the heart and soul of the band is concerned, the member closest to the ideal of the music Genesis.
A Villa President should be in this mould, not working for any other club or media organisation associated with Football, a good public speaker, balanced and intelligent. Unfortunatley that rules out most of the suggestions in this thread.
Merv fits the bill as does SGT and as far as former players are concerned, Brian Little stands out but I'd plump for Merv.
That's exactly what I was thinking of but you've put it much better. It needs someone with gravitas, who is respected by all Villa supporters and while he doesn't have to be a big name within football, his achievements should command - that word again - respect. Mervyn King isn't a football man but we would be stupid not to utilise him in any way he feels appropriate. Brian Little is a great Villa man, although whether he has that gravitas is debatable. Charlie Aitken seems the best candidate to me.
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The other thing worth considering is that this almost certainly would not be a full time job, so people aren't going to be quitting their day job to do it, so maybe someone who has retired or not in gainful employment would be more interested?
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I added a poll after a very quick scan through to see who people had suggested.
If anyone else needs to be added, just post here and ask a mod to do it.
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I think Laursen sees his future as a coach/manager, so doubt he'd be interested in a job away from the playing side of things.
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Hey! Hey! LBJ! How many goals did you score today?
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I think Laursen sees his future as a coach/manager, so doubt he'd be interested in a job away from the playing side of things.
Could be the ideal job though if it is part time while he gets his badges?
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I added a poll after a very quick scan through to see who people had suggested.
If anyone else needs to be added, just post here and ask a mod to do it.
After some deliberation I went for SMK over SGT on the basis a non football man would not be as likely to be perceived as undermining the manager.
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I added a poll after a very quick scan through to see who people had suggested.
If anyone else needs to be added, just post here and ask a mod to do it.
After some deliberation I went for SMK over SGT on the basis a non football man would not be as likely to be perceived as undermining the manager.
That's an excellent point.
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I added a poll after a very quick scan through to see who people had suggested.
If anyone else needs to be added, just post here and ask a mod to do it.
Depends what you mean by Club President.
Normally they are a figurehead - schmoozing with other club presidents and the FA, influencing behind the scenes, providing the owner / CEO with sage advice, etc.
In that context Sir Merve is the clear candidate, IMO.
If you want someone who - as in Dave's opening post - will bring fans, local community, ex-players, and other stakeholders together, then someone like Martin Laursen is yer man.
The roles are exclusive, so we would do well with both.
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I love Graham Taylor but isn't he more associated with Watford by anyone who doesn't support Villa?
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Genesis fans often refer to Tony Banks as the "keeper of the flame" as far as the heart and soul of the band is concerned, the member closest to the ideal of the music Genesis.
A Villa President should be in this mould, not working for any other club or media organisation associated with Football, a good public speaker, balanced and intelligent. Unfortunatley that rules out most of the suggestions in this thread.
Merv fits the bill as does SGT and as far as former players are concerned, Brian Little stands out but I'd plump for Merv.
Mervyn King isn't a football man but we would be stupid not to utilise him in any way he feels appropriate.
My choice.
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Sir Mervyn got my vote.
I like the ex-player idea like Laursen/Dublin/Townsend, but ultimately Mervyn is head and shoulders ahead of them in most elements of the job description.
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I would love it to be my boyhood hero Peter McParland, but on the grounds of gravitas, I voted for Sir Mervyn.
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Martin Laursen, I don't know why, I just really like him.
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Charlie Aitken.
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Charlie Aitken.
Does he still go to the games ?
I used to see him sat in the Director's Box but haven't recently
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I voted for Mervyn King, for much the same reasons as others have said.
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Is it realistic at all to think that Mervyn King would take the job? I'd imagine it would be a good to be someone who's good public speaker and can also go to the football shows to talk. From the ex-players I'd say Laursen or Withe as both could be respectable enough to work in official capacity.
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Mervyn King if we are going for someone with some standing outside of the game, Martin Laursen because he loves us so much and would appeal a bit like Ian Taylor to a broad section of fans especially young. Graham Taylor ideally just don't see him wanting it.
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Charlie Aitken.
Does he still go to the games ?
I used to see him sat in the Director's Box but haven't recently
I saw him in the North Stand Car Park before the Swansea game last season.
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Steve Hodge?
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Our last successful manager, Brian Little.
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Ron Saunders please.
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Steve Hodge?
lolol
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Brian Little.
Talented, intelligent, coherent, humble, dignified, and a deity.
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Sir Merv for me - I've watched him in action answering questions at a Government Select Committee. Awesome as the kids say. And he loves the Villa, and was a Vice President of the Club before the evil City dragged him off to London.
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Sir Mervyn for me. Spoke on TMS recently and loves Villa and sport.
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Actually, after giving it some thought, I think Sir Mervyn would be a better bet. I was in corporate at Arsenal on day one and when he walked in everyone knew who he was, and those who didn't already know he was a Villa fan were genuinely impressed (if not surprised) that he wasn't an Arsenal fan. I think his presence in the Directors Box would give us some real kudos around the country.
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Big Merv.
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Ron Saunders please.
An 80 year old who has had nothing to do with football for 25 years? Much as we love Super Ron I don't think he's the man for the job somehow.
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Sir Mervyn King for me. An articulate, intelligent, informed communicator, and as has been said, he loves the Villa.
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Laursen is a good shout.
Seconded.
I agree
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Sir Mervyn King has the neccesary respect and contacts to make a real difference in the role. Interesting that every suggestion is a man.
How about ex Home Secretary and Villa Season Ticket holder Jacqui Smith? It wasn't her that downloaded the porn......
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Merv for me. The numbers in his mobile phone would connect us to a works that Brian Little can only dream about. He's also sufficiently removed - ie a long way - from football to not be seen as compromising the managers position. When asked about football he can either tow the party line or say "I leave that to the experts".
Which other clubs have presidents of any stature? I can think of Bayern but that's about it.
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Charlie Aitken for me.
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Mervyn King
Don't think he could devote enough time for the club. The PDC darts season is pretty much all year round now.
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Sir Mervyn King for me. An articulate, intelligent, informed communicator, and as has been said, he loves the Villa.
Well summed up. Pretty much the reasons why I also voted for him. Well that, and the fact that Tom Hanks wasn't on the list.
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Ex-players -
Brian Little or Charlie Aitken
Non-players -
Sir Mervyn King or Lord Digby Jones [ex CBI Director General - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digby_Jones ]
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Olof Mellberg.
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The term has connotations of seniority, and whilst not all presidents are older types, most are.
So an Aitkin or Mervyn King makes sense in that regard.
I would like to see a role for Dean Saunders, mind. For no other reason that he's always so ridiculously positive and upbeat whenever he talks about us. It would be nice to have someone like that fighting our corner when negative stories start circulating.
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Sir Mervyn King has the neccesary respect and contacts to make a real difference in the role. Interesting that every suggestion is a man.
How about ex Home Secretary and Villa Season Ticket holder Jacqui Smith? It wasn't her that downloaded the porn......
Doesn't she live in Hagley?
If she does, enough reason not to...
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The term has connotations of seniority, and whilst not all presidents are older types, most are.
So an Aitkin or Mervyn King makes sense in that regard.
I would like to see a role for Dean Saunders, mind. For no other reason that he's always so ridiculously positive and upbeat whenever he talks about us. It would be nice to have someone like that fighting our corner when negative stories start circulating.
Dean Saunders in ambassadorial role would be great, but he's still looking for a managerial job (and he'll probably get it before end of the season) so he'd be just temporarely. Even him working temporarely would give us a boost in visibility.
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Ex-players -
Brian Little or Charlie Aitken
Non-players -
Sir Mervyn King or Lord Digby Jones [ex CBI Director General - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digby_Jones ]
Coincidence that I heard Digby Jones give speeches on three different occasions in about 18 months.
He bigged up his love for the Villa every time! Totally inappropriate to the occasion and audience!
I warmed to him enormously after the first one and tried to kiss him passionately after the other two.
But only in a brotherly "we both love the Villa" kinda way!
;-)
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Not many people have heard of Charlie Aitken and he must be getting on.
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I went for Sir Graham.
Honestly think if he'd had any kind of involvement whilst Faulkner was finding his feet we would have avoided the houllier and Mcleish debacles.
The man will always be a legend in my eyes. I just wish he hadn't been offered the England job as we could well have a few more than 7 titles in the bag by now if he had stayed.
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To be honest I can't think of anyone better suited for such a role than Dave Woodhall.
I am not sure he would go for the title but Club Ambassador wouldn't be too objectionable, I wouldn't have thought.
I know you guys like to pull his leg but I can't think of anyone who has been as diplomatic about the club's transition than Dave, while still retaining his integrity, by walking the fine line between proper concern and knee-jerk overreaction.
He doesn't talk in irritating PR-speak and as a proper fan his appointment would be a step nearer to getting the fans properly involved in the club.
So I would vote for Dave because every other candidate fails on at least one of the measures l have listed above.
Whether he would want it or not is another matter.
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SMK for me, but is this even likely to happen or is it something the club are seriously considering?
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To be honest I can't think of anyone better suited for such a role than Dave Woodhall.
I am not sure he would go for the title but Club Ambassador wouldn't be too objectionable, I wouldn't have thought.
I know you guys like to pull his leg but I can't think of anyone who has been as diplomatic about the club's transition than Dave, while still retaining his integrity, by walking the fine line between proper concern and knee-jerk overreaction.
He doesn't talk in irritating PR-speak and as a proper fan his appointment would be a step nearer to getting the fans properly involved in the club.
So I would vote for Dave because every other candidate fails on at least one of the measures l have listed above.
Whether he would want it or not is another matter.
Arise, noble peasant.
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If we're going to have someone talking on our behalf then we needs someone who talks senses every time he opens his mouth.
As that rules out anyone involved in football I propose Benjamin Zephaniah.
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At first I thought Sir Graham would be an obvious choice for this role, but the more I think about it perhaps a non-football person would be better. There would certainly be no danger of interference on the football side of things. So, Sir Merv gets my vote. He's well known, respected, speaks well and loves the Villa.
On a related note, the mention of Benjamin Zephaniah also got me thinking. Wouldn't it be ace to be the first football club to appoint a poet laureate. Commission someone like Zephaniah to write a collection of Villa poems, perhaps do recitals at the Holte Suite, create poems to mark special occasions (our 140th anniversary, for instance). He's a Villa fan, a proud Brummie, but just as importantly he's a normal working class bloke, one of us. In terms of PR, it would certainly grab headlines, elevate our profile and cement our place as a pioneering club, not just a football club but a cultural institution.
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On a related note, the mention of Benjamin Zephaniah also got me thinking. Wouldn't it be ace to be the first football club to appoint a poet laureate. Commission someone like Zephaniah to write a collection of Villa poems, perhaps do recitals at the Holte Suite, create poems to mark special occasions (our 140th anniversary, for instance). He's a Villa fan, a proud Brummie, but just as importantly he's a normal working class bloke, one of us. In terms of PR, it would certainly grab headlines, elevate our profile and cement our place as a pioneering club, not just a football club but a cultural institution.
Fantastic idea and wouldn't be hard to arrange I imagine.
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To be honest I can't think of anyone better suited for such a role than Dave Woodhall.
I am not sure he would go for the title but Club Ambassador wouldn't be too objectionable, I wouldn't have thought.
I know you guys like to pull his leg but I can't think of anyone who has been as diplomatic about the club's transition than Dave, while still retaining his integrity, by walking the fine line between proper concern and knee-jerk overreaction.
He doesn't talk in irritating PR-speak and as a proper fan his appointment would be a step nearer to getting the fans properly involved in the club.
So I would vote for Dave because every other candidate fails on at least one of the measures l have listed above.
Whether he would want it or not is another matter.
There are too many billionaire media types in the game as it is.
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To be honest I can't think of anyone better suited for such a role than Dave Woodhall.
I am not sure he would go for the title but Club Ambassador wouldn't be too objectionable, I wouldn't have thought.
I know you guys like to pull his leg but I can't think of anyone who has been as diplomatic about the club's transition than Dave, while still retaining his integrity, by walking the fine line between proper concern and knee-jerk overreaction.
He doesn't talk in irritating PR-speak and as a proper fan his appointment would be a step nearer to getting the fans properly involved in the club.
So I would vote for Dave because every other candidate fails on at least one of the measures l have listed above.
Whether he would want it or not is another matter.
Arise, noble peasant arselicker. There's no way you'll get free H&V subscriptions.
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On a related note, the mention of Benjamin Zephaniah also got me thinking. Wouldn't it be ace to be the first football club to appoint a poet laureate. Commission someone like Zephaniah to write a collection of Villa poems, perhaps do recitals at the Holte Suite, create poems to mark special occasions (our 140th anniversary, for instance). He's a Villa fan, a proud Brummie, but just as importantly he's a normal working class bloke, one of us. In terms of PR, it would certainly grab headlines, elevate our profile and cement our place as a pioneering club, not just a football club but a cultural institution.
Fantastic idea and wouldn't be hard to arrange I imagine.
Love that idea.
I agree that a high(ish) profile figure to represent the club would be useful from a PR perspective. Merv King is an interesting idea and if he was up for it I think it would be good for the clubs image, although it doesn't seem likely to me unless anyone knows something I don't.
If we were going with an ex player I would say Little or Withe. Well known enough to be respected but their management careers are probably behind them.
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There's also Prof. Carl Chinn.
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I'd go for someone like Des Bremner. It needs to be an avuncular figure and not just a popular one. I think that would rule out sir Bri as he's just too popular.
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I'd go for someone like Des Bremner. It needs to be an avuncular figure and not just a popular one. I think that would rule out sir Bri as he's just too popular.
Sir Brian is very avuncular. I have always wanted him to sit me on his knee and read Where The Wild THings Are to me.
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To be honest I can't think of anyone better suited for such a role than Dave Woodhall.
I am not sure he would go for the title but Club Ambassador wouldn't be too objectionable, I wouldn't have thought.
I know you guys like to pull his leg but I can't think of anyone who has been as diplomatic about the club's transition than Dave, while still retaining his integrity, by walking the fine line between proper concern and knee-jerk overreaction.
He doesn't talk in irritating PR-speak and as a proper fan his appointment would be a step nearer to getting the fans properly involved in the club.
So I would vote for Dave because every other candidate fails on at least one of the measures l have listed above.
Whether he would want it or not is another matter.
What a nice tribute, and well-deserved too.
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Oooooh look at Percy and his boyfriend.
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Can someone please vote for Chris Nicholl - it's breaking my heart seeing him in that line up like the last kid to be picked for a game of footie like the slightly over-weight asthmatic that was at everyone's school that ended up being goalie.
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Done.
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Oooooh look at Percy and his boyfriend.
I'm not gay and neither is my boyfriend.
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Thanks Peter W - you are a good man.
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Merv. King is, in my view, the obvious choice.
But I love the Poet Laureate idea. What about a few poems to musuc, with Nige on fiddle.
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How abut a bizarre human hydra genetic freak with heads of Mervyn King, Prince William, Tom Hanks, Mrs Doyle, Martin Laursen, Gary Shaw and Nigel Kennedy?
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Tom Hanks or Prince William ;)
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I am pushed to think of anyone worse than Mervyn King - besides obviously David Cameron (who has actually gone on record saying he doesn't like football - before he had to change his image and appeal to the common man). Mervyn King has already ripped the country off, and us once already, with the whole banking scandal. I can't believe people would think it would be a good idea for him to then be club president of the club we love. Have people lost their minds?! My only consolation is that the votes are split between Sir Brian and Sir Graham and there are more votes for them combined. Jeez - shaky head thing.
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Oooooh look at Percy and his boyfriend.
Ha ha ha, for some reason (not because it was Percy), that made me laugh.
School playground humour is ace.
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I am pushed to think of anyone worse than Mervyn King - besides obviously David Cameron (who has actually gone on record saying he doesn't like football - before he had to change his image and appeal to the common man). Mervyn King has already ripped the country off, and us once already, with the whole banking scandal. I can't believe people would think it would be a good idea for him to then be club president of the club we love. Have people lost their minds?! My only consolation is that the votes are split between Sir Brian and Sir Graham and there are more votes for them combined. Jeez - shaky head thing.
How has Mervyn King ripped the country off?
Love Sirs Brian and Graham as I do, there's also a very valid point someone made on a previous page that a former football manager in the post would always be seen as a possible threat to the incumbent manager.
I think that's enough of a risk to rule out former managers, in fact.
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I am pushed to think of anyone worse than Mervyn King - besides obviously David Cameron (who has actually gone on record saying he doesn't like football - before he had to change his image and appeal to the common man). Mervyn King has already ripped the country off, and us once already, with the whole banking scandal. I can't believe people would think it would be a good idea for him to then be club president of the club we love. Have people lost their minds?! My only consolation is that the votes are split between Sir Brian and Sir Graham and there are more votes for them combined. Jeez - shaky head thing.
How has Mervyn King ripped the country off?
Love Sirs Brian and Graham as I do, there's also a very valid point someone made on a previous page that a former football manager in the post would always be seen as a possible threat to the incumbent manager.
I think that's enough of a risk to rule out former managers, in fact.
Mervyn King was instrumental in ripping us off to the tune of at least £1 Trillion pounds of our money in the banking collapse and subsequent bail out/scam. He then supported the Tory Lib coalitions drastic cuts in public services - affecting millions of vulnerable people. Quite a legacy.
I do take on board what you are saying about former football managers being a threat but I don't think Sir Brian or Sir Graham are going to /or would want to take up the reigns of management again (well I'm pretty sure not Sir Graham). Better to have someone who knows the club inside out, loves it and a football person (in my opinion).
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Mervyn King was instrumental in ripping us off to the tune of at least £1 Trillion pounds of our money in the banking collapse and subsequent bail out/scam. He then supported the Tory Lib coalitions drastic cuts in public services - affecting millions of vulnerable people. Quite a legacy.
Going way off topic and beyond my area of expertise but can you be more specific? I'm not sure what powers the BoE have other than manipulating interest rates.
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To be honest I can't think of anyone better suited for such a role than Dave Woodhall.
I am not sure he would go for the title but Club Ambassador wouldn't be too objectionable, I wouldn't have thought.
I know you guys like to pull his leg but I can't think of anyone who has been as diplomatic about the club's transition than Dave, while still retaining his integrity, by walking the fine line between proper concern and knee-jerk overreaction.
He doesn't talk in irritating PR-speak and as a proper fan his appointment would be a step nearer to getting the fans properly involved in the club.
So I would vote for Dave because every other candidate fails on at least one of the measures l have listed above.
Whether he would want it or not is another matter.
What a nice tribute, and well-deserved too.
Woodhall out!
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Who on earth would want Mervyn King to be Villa's life president - this is the man who presided over the most calamtous financial crisis in this country for 90 years? The ultimate blathering front man for a bunch of thieving bankster scumbags?
Jeeps if a third world despot's action led directly or indirectly to the subtle theft of a huge portion of the nation's wealth by a bunch of financial terrorists would he be held in such esteem?
Therefore if it is a non football person , and outside of SGT I thinks those proposed are impractical, for different reaons.
Therefore I like the Carl Chinn or Benjamin - and I think they could do it very well.
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Mervyn King was instrumental in ripping us off to the tune of at least £1 Trillion pounds of our money in the banking collapse and subsequent bail out/scam. He then supported the Tory Lib coalitions drastic cuts in public services - affecting millions of vulnerable people. Quite a legacy.
Going way off topic and beyond my area of expertise but can you be more specific? I'm not sure what powers the BoE have other than manipulating interest rates.
They were held down too low for too long - all of this was on his watch. This lead to a house price bubble (not accounted for in the inflation target) and provided ever cheaper ever riskier ever more wreckless credit which ultimately lead to a huge liquidity and solvency issue with the retail and/or investment banks.
And that is my major angst.
None of the lessons have been learned prior to his departure at the BoE as interest rates continued to be artifically low couple with printing £400bn of free money fuelling more inflation by which stage had become unimportant. This was done to prop up the bankrupted banks, headed by Merv's friends and co and which are ultimately underwritten by the taxpayer partly in the form of huge cuts to public services.
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Having considered it there is a blindingly obvious candidate who we are all overlooking.
A man who has only had good things to say about Villa to the best of my knowledge and therefore has a great deal of fondness for the club. I believe he still lives reasonably locally so geography would not be a challenge. He is not currently in full time employment but he is a well liked if not universally respected figure in the game.
TSM!!
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Ron Saunders please.
An 80 year old who has had nothing to do with football for 25 years? Much as we love Super Ron I don't think he's the man for the job somehow.
Do you want to bet against him?
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Twenty five years? Surely any association with football ended in 1982.
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On a related note, the mention of Benjamin Zephaniah also got me thinking. Wouldn't it be ace to be the first football club to appoint a poet laureate. Commission someone like Zephaniah to write a collection of Villa poems, perhaps do recitals at the Holte Suite, create poems to mark special occasions (our 140th anniversary, for instance). He's a Villa fan, a proud Brummie, but just as importantly he's a normal working class bloke, one of us. In terms of PR, it would certainly grab headlines, elevate our profile and cement our place as a pioneering club, not just a football club but a cultural institution.
Great choice and Zephaniah would get my vote if he were on the list.
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Judging by his voice alone, Sir Graham wasn't sounding too good on Radio 5 just now. His voice has considerably weakened, and he now sounds "old".
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On a related note, the mention of Benjamin Zephaniah also got me thinking. Wouldn't it be ace to be the first football club to appoint a poet laureate. Commission someone like Zephaniah to write a collection of Villa poems, perhaps do recitals at the Holte Suite, create poems to mark special occasions (our 140th anniversary, for instance). He's a Villa fan, a proud Brummie, but just as importantly he's a normal working class bloke, one of us. In terms of PR, it would certainly grab headlines, elevate our profile and cement our place as a pioneering club, not just a football club but a cultural institution.
Great choice and Zephaniah would get my vote if he were on the list.
A superb choice (if it wasn't going to be an ex-player or manger) he'd definitely get my vote.
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I don't buy the former manager as threat to current manager thing. A retired (and frankly well past it in 2003) manager like SGT acting as a conduit between owners and supporters/media should be no more a threat to Lambert than having Ken McNaught on AVTV is a threat to Ron Vlaar's first team place. It's a completely different and unconnected role. Unless Lambert has some severe insecurity and paranoia issues.
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I don't buy the former manager as threat to current manager thing. A retired (and frankly well past it in 2003) manager like SGT acting as a conduit between owners and supporters/media should be no more a threat to Lambert than having Ken McNaught on AVTV is a threat to Ron Vlaar's first team place. It's a completely different and unconnected role. Unless Lambert has some severe insecurity and paranoia issues.
I agree with this.
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On a related note, the mention of Benjamin Zephaniah also got me thinking. Wouldn't it be ace to be the first football club to appoint a poet laureate. Commission someone like Zephaniah to write a collection of Villa poems, perhaps do recitals at the Holte Suite, create poems to mark special occasions (our 140th anniversary, for instance). He's a Villa fan, a proud Brummie, but just as importantly he's a normal working class bloke, one of us. In terms of PR, it would certainly grab headlines, elevate our profile and cement our place as a pioneering club, not just a football club but a cultural institution.
Great choice and Zephaniah would get my vote if he were on the list.
A superb choice (if it wasn't going to be an ex-player or manger) he'd definitely get my vote.
I'd certainly vote for Zephaniah as club poet laureate rather than club president. I see the roles as being quite different. Appointing a poet laureate would be a first, to my knowledge. It would grab headlines all over the world. It would set us apart as a sporting and cultural institution, one that has a role serving its community beyond the cynical, money obsessed sport of top-flight football. It might even inspire Villa fans to pen their own verses about the club and what it means to them. And other clubs might follow our example. Not only that, but I doubt it would cost too much - a week of Stephen Ireland's salary at the most.
As we've discussed on here in the past, the Villa have a history of being mentioned in prose and poetry, from Larkin to DH Lawrence. We already have an association with literature. It would be brilliant if we could commission a book of 21st century poems to celebrate our 140th anniversary, and Zephaniah would be the obvious choice of poet.
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Mervyn King for me is the best choice of those proposed.
He speaks fluidly and with authority. Regardless of what you think of his handling of the bank of England he is still a known and well respected individual who would add more profile to our club and who would represent it well in a presidential role.
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Nigel K has just given the Villa one of the best plugs in a non footballing arena.
Last night of the Proms magical performance
Nige for President!!!
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Nigel K has just given the Villa one of the best plugs in a non footballing arena.
Last night of the Proms magical performance
Nige for President!!!
Seconded!
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Nigel K has just given the Villa one of the best plugs in a non footballing arena.
Last night of the Proms magical performance
Nige for President!!!
Seconded!
Ditto!
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Nigel K has just given the Villa one of the best plugs in a non footballing arena.
Last night of the Proms magical performance
Nige for President!!!
Of the world.
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Nigel K has just given the Villa one of the best plugs in a non footballing arena.
Last night of the Proms magical performance
Nige for President!!!
Seconded!
Ditto!
Fourthed!
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He's be too off-the-cuff and opinionated for this type of role though.
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how about Allan Evans or Ken McNaught?
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First one that came to my mind was Ian Taylor. Regularly in the media and doesn't seem to have any interest going into coaching, bit young though. What we could do is have him in some sort of club ammasador role like Man. United do with Bryan Robson and Man. City did with Viera for a bit.
Big Ron was another I suppose, surprised Dave seems to think he wants another job as manager, he's 74 and hasn't managed since 1999, mind you I suppose Newcastle could offer him a director of football role!
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Stanley Victor Collymore. He has more passion for the Villa than any of the other suggestions.
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Interesting reading through this thread, I'm still struggling to work out what this president thingy would entail....would he go round the home counties trying to hoover up some more support for us, would he tell us everything's going to be alright when everyone wants the manager sacked after we lose to a league 2 side in the cup and could we get free tickets off him like the General used to do? How would any president spin a McLeish style appointment positively out of interest?
Being serious for a second, I like the Digby Jones suggestion. He's always in the media complaining Brum doesn't punch its weight like Manchester so I reckon he'd be good promoting our image a little bit better to the wider football world.
I always thought for some reason he was a Blues fan so good to know he's Villa.
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Stanley Victor Collymore. He has more passion for the Villa than any of the other suggestions.
I get what you mean, but it's worth considering that nobody who does this job is going to do it full time, or do another job to do it.
I'm sure people like Stan would be mindful of how this would affect their day job, and reject it as a result.
I'd actually prefer someone who had never played for us, and had never been a manager to do it. A non football person. Well, I mean a non on-the-pitch or in-the-dugout person.
A former manager would be seen as undermining the current manager, I think.
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A name that's just come to me is Simon Inglis.
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First one that came to my mind was Ian Taylor. Regularly in the media and doesn't seem to have any interest going into coaching, bit young though. What we could do is have him in some sort of club ammasador role like Man. United do with Bryan Robson and Man. City did with Viera for a bit.
Big Ron was another I suppose, surprised Dave seems to think he wants another job as manager, he's 74 and hasn't managed since 1999, mind you I suppose Newcastle could offer him a director of football role!
Isn't Ian Taylor already Club Ambassador?
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Yes, and a fine one he is too. Anyone who window-snogs a woman holding up a 94/95 Muller Yoghurt jersey is surely going beyond the call of duty for both Villa and Fruit Corners.
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Interesting reading through this thread, I'm still struggling to work out what this president thingy would entail....would he go round the home counties trying to hoover up some more support for us, would he tell us everything's going to be alright when everyone wants the manager sacked after we lose to a league 2 side in the cup and could we get free tickets off him like the General used to do? How would any president spin a McLeish style appointment positively out of interest?
Being serious for a second, I like the Digby Jones suggestion. He's always in the media complaining Brum doesn't punch its weight like Manchester so I reckon he'd be good promoting our image a little bit better to the wider football world.
I always thought for some reason he was a Blues fan so good to know he's Villa.
Digby Jones - that's a very good suggestion. Experienced and articulate. High Profile without the financial carnage associated with King.
As for TSM - nobody could spin that as positive. There may have been worse decisions in the club's history but I am at loss to think of them.
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F*ck Digby-Jones.
I don't want a Tory parasite anywhere near my club.
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F*ck Digby-Jones.
I don't want a Tory parasite anywhere near my club.
Funny, I thought Digby Jones was a Minister in Gordon Browns Labour Government and took the Labour Whip in the House of Lords.
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F*ck Digby-Jones.
I don't want a Tory parasite anywhere near my club.
Funny, I thought Digby Jones was a Minister in Gordon Browns Labour Government and took the Labour Whip in the House of Lords.
The Minister for Trade & Investment for about 18 months.
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Indeed.
Tells you everything you need to know about the 'modern' ie thoroughgoing Thatcherite Labour Party.
More of these people running our football club the way they've ruined our economy?
No thanks.
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An ideal candidate is now available having just quit his job.
Does the Villa President role come with a salary ?
We need to prevent him living off state handouts like some of his family.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24065166
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I read an article Ian Taylor did about MON tonight. Said in that he's just been appointed club ambassador. Is that the sort of role we were on about here, I assume he'll act as a link between the board and fans on a fairly regular basis?
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I read an article Ian Taylor did about MON tonight. Said in that he's just been appointed club ambassador. Is that the sort of role we were on about here, I assume he'll act as a link between the board and fans on a fairly regular basis?
He's been doing that for ages.
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Couldn't happen to a nicer and better person
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Sir Brian
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Apart from Sir Brian of course
But Ian Taylor has been doin' it, as Dave says.
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I have just read the entire thread and have observed that you all want someone with Villa connections who is known to the kids, someone whose credentials are without question. I am quite surprised none of you have put forward the name of.....DJ CAMPBELL!
Otherwise its Sir Mervyn King or my choice Charlie Aitken
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Mervyn King all day long. Failing that, Mervyn Day.
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Totally agree with uk redsox has to be prince William even if he won't accept because he has some other little job to do he can be our un-official president. I pass his little pad just off Kensington high street every day so if you want me to ask him just say.
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I read an article Ian Taylor did about MON tonight. Said in that he's just been appointed club ambassador. Is that the sort of role we were on about here, I assume he'll act as a link between the board and fans on a fairly regular basis?
He's been doing that for ages.
Oh.
"And Taylor, who spent nine years at Villa Park as an all-action midfielder and who was revealed as Villa’s inaugural club ambassador this week"
That lead me to believe it might've been something to do with this thread!
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We've already got a President: Doug Ellis.
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Totally agree with uk redsox has to be prince William even if he won't accept because he has some other little job to do he can be our un-official president. I pass his little pad just off Kensington high street every day so if you want me to ask him just say.
hashe got a Villa flag in one of the windows?