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Heroes & Villains => Villa Memories => Topic started by: IAmTheOneIanOlney on September 05, 2015, 02:43:53 PM

Title: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: IAmTheOneIanOlney on September 05, 2015, 02:43:53 PM
Just came across this today, putting it up for anyone who was there. I wasn't, I was very probably asleep/watching Scooby Doo.

I was 26 at the time.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COI3sXAXAAAeHtD.jpg:small)

@TerraceImages
Ticketless Aston Villa fans watch the home game with Ipswich Town from Aston Park in 1981 #AVFC #AstonVilla 
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 05, 2015, 03:14:21 PM
I was there in the ground. I was 11. So very very long ago.

Only other time I can remember seeing loads on that hill was Wolves in the FA Cup a few years later. Probably happened a number of times but I can't remember them.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: luke95 on September 05, 2015, 03:33:07 PM
Ipswich home in 81 was an evening kick off under floodlights.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: asgpaul on September 05, 2015, 04:07:11 PM
I was 14 at the time, crammed into the Holte, I managed to get a foot hold to climb up and get an elevated position but could only see half the pitch tho' was worse for my mate who couldn't see a thing.  Ah the good old days! My kids don't know they're born, they moan when they're sat watching a game and someone in the seat in front obscures their view temporarily! 
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 05, 2015, 04:18:03 PM
I fell our with my best mate at school as he (the most casual and disinterested Nose known to man) decided he'd go to the game. I argued he was denying Villa fans a ticket and was only going due to the 'top of the table clash' interest. From what I remember I was high up in the Holte and don't remember it being that full.

The less said about the game the better.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: IAmTheOneIanOlney on September 05, 2015, 04:23:44 PM
Ipswich home in 81 was an evening kick off under floodlights.
Yeah, I thought that was a bit odd too, I remember the game from the Official History video (and the audible gasps when Eric Gates scored), so maybe it's the following season? That game was in October '81.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: IAmTheOneIanOlney on September 05, 2015, 04:24:56 PM
And just to clarify the original post, I wasn't really 26 at the time, I was two and a half, it was just a shit joke.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: dave shelley on September 05, 2015, 04:28:46 PM
I was sat in the Witton Lane stand approximately level with the edge of the penalty area when that irritating little knob scored.  I still haven't recovered.

It was definitely an evening kick off, I went straight from work.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Fasth56 on September 05, 2015, 04:54:50 PM
It was an evening KO and I stood in Trinity Park with my ex father in law at least I'm still with the Villa.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Rupert on September 05, 2015, 06:30:28 PM
was,nt the attentance 39,000 i was so pissed we couldnt get in
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Villan For Life on September 05, 2015, 06:40:34 PM
was,nt the attentance 39,000 i was so pissed we couldnt get in

It was nearer the then 48,000 capacity than that. It was one of the biggest queues that I've ever seen at Villa Park. We walked from town and the queue for the Holte was back under the motorway two hours before kick off.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 05, 2015, 06:45:17 PM
47,495. Albion game the previous week was 47,998. The Liverpool game was 47,960. Capacity as VFL says was 48,000.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Rupert on September 05, 2015, 06:53:12 PM
was sure it was less,but it was a while ago and the old brain aint what it was,by the way i was pissed off not pisssed.
,
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Witton Warrior on September 05, 2015, 07:19:12 PM
was sure it was less,but it was a while ago and the old brain aint what it was,by the way i was pissed off not pisssed.
,

The bizarre exactly 39,000 gate that season was the last home match against Boro
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 05, 2015, 07:37:27 PM
I think that might be Besiktas the following season.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: luke95 on September 05, 2015, 07:50:58 PM
I don't think it the Bestikas game , looks like winter/spring time (by the looks of the trees).

Tho I don't think it's Ipswich 80/81 either
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 05, 2015, 08:49:20 PM
I remember seeing some Besiktas footage and there weren't many on the hill. And too many on the streets for that as well I reckon.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 05, 2015, 08:52:51 PM
Would it be that light at 7.30 in mid-April?
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Mister E on September 05, 2015, 10:13:28 PM
Well, I wad at the game. It was a light, balmy April evening and the ground was completely stuffed. And - IIRC - the tannoy announced the landing of the space shuttle. The game was very frustrating.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: silhillvilla on September 05, 2015, 10:31:31 PM
I was 12, remember it was a midweek game after school, quite a sunny spring evening . Was so gutted with the result. Think it was Eric gates who scored a sublime goal.
Villa never really got going.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: villan from luton on September 06, 2015, 12:12:01 AM
I was at the game and Gates played superb. The best thing I remember is Sir Ron saying after the game whether the commentator (was it Newbon?) wanted to bet on Villa not winning the league. Must admit I thought Ipswich were in the driving seat after that game
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 06, 2015, 12:41:26 AM
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: OzVilla on September 06, 2015, 04:56:54 AM
Would it be that light at 7.30 in mid-April?

Yes, they scored very early after a Ken McNaught messed up by hesitating when it needed to go into row z. It was still light/twighlight then.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: andyh on September 06, 2015, 08:08:36 AM
I remember queuing, as a 14 year old, from about 5.30 to get into the Holte end on the Witton Lane side.
As we waited, one of the strangest things was seeing a car drive up Witton Lane and as it went past the crowds, it's front axel just broke, and it crashed in a crumpled heap.
Weird.

As for the match, the Eric Gates 'roll' is one of the 2 most gutting football images engrained in my memory.
The other being the Fergie and Kidd celebrations.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: bob on September 06, 2015, 08:56:18 AM
And just to clarify the original post, I wasn't really 26 at the time, I was two and a half, it was just a shit joke.

I got it and I was amused!
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 06, 2015, 11:46:49 AM
I remember it well.  Was in group with dad and work colleagues.  We met up in the Lamp in Digbeth where a buffet had been laid on.  Travelled to the game, and returned to the Lamp afterwards to finish up the sandwiches  and vol au vents in silence.  Cant remember how light it was at the start.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Chris Smith on September 06, 2015, 12:24:02 PM
Just to the right of the woman with a scarf over her shoulder on the left hand side of the picture there is a giant fox staring back at the camera, we need to ge Yvette Fielding on the case. She might also be able to tell us for sure which game it was.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Hoppo on September 06, 2015, 12:30:46 PM
This pic is from the Besiktas game 1000%. Has been put up on sites numerous times.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 06, 2015, 03:08:34 PM
This pic is from the Besiktas game 1000%. Has been put up on sites numerous times.

I thought it was, but as has been pointed out, there are too many people milling about on Trinity Road, and the trees are too bare for that time of year. The absolute cert way of finding out is to enlarge the picture and look at the corner of the Witton Lane stand. If it's empty it's Besiktas.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 06, 2015, 03:13:09 PM
It may have been on the official history video that I saw it, but i've definitely seen footage of Villa fans celebrating on the hill at the Besiktas game, and there weren't many there. IIRC they were doing a conga.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 06, 2015, 03:19:13 PM
1 hour 20 mins in, i'm positive it's not Besiktas. Leaves are on the trees as well.

Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 06, 2015, 03:20:17 PM
It may have been on the official history video that I saw it, but i've definitely seen footage of Villa fans celebrating on the hill at the Besiktas game, and there weren't many there. IIRC they were doing a conga.

They were, but the more I try to look at it the more Witton Lane looks deserted and nobody is on the ledge of the Holte wall, which would always have people sitting there for big games.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 06, 2015, 03:22:15 PM
Check the video Dave and see what you think, I don't think it's Besiktas. Due to the leaves and number of people.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: luke95 on September 06, 2015, 04:16:07 PM
Is it possible it's a none villa game .... i.e Man city v Ipswich f a cup semi 81 , hence the Ipswich connection ?

There must be a technology wizard on here who can colour/enlarge & enhance that picture ?
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Sunny Villa on September 06, 2015, 04:55:15 PM
It is Besiktas . I was there .
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 06, 2015, 05:14:38 PM
Check the video Dave and see what you think, I don't think it's Besiktas. Due to the leaves and number of people.

The video is definitely Besiktas.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: MorrisNielson on September 06, 2015, 05:49:15 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/humiGr3.png)

As PWS & DW have stated, its not Besiktas. This photo is from the ITN clip of the Besiktas game.
I’m sure I’ve seen that photo before, just can’t place it. Could it be from David Weir’s book?
I’m stumped as it looks too early in the year to be mid-April (looking at the trees).
Was March/April 81 a cold couple of months? Is it the 1980’s or could it be 1970’s?
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: conman on September 06, 2015, 07:22:42 PM
could it be sunderland ,,,the last home game 1975
over 57 thousand  in the ground and thousands locked out
loads  on the hill during the match ,,,,mainly sunderland fans
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 06, 2015, 07:38:13 PM
Check the video Dave and see what you think, I don't think it's Besiktas. Due to the leaves and number of people.

The video is definitely Besiktas.

I meant the pic isn't Besiktas.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: conman on September 06, 2015, 07:51:00 PM
http://www.midlandsmemorabilia.com/aston_villa_fc_supporters_memorabilia.html
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 06, 2015, 08:14:10 PM
could it be sunderland ,,,the last home game 1975
over 57 thousand  in the ground and thousands locked out
loads  on the hill during the match ,,,,mainly sunderland fans

The clothes and haircuts are definitely early eighties.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Rudy65 on September 06, 2015, 08:37:11 PM
I think that might be Besiktas the following season.

Nope.

That was played in September, whereas this photo is taken either autumn or spring given the lack of leaves on trees
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: IAmTheOneIanOlney on September 06, 2015, 08:44:49 PM
How much of the game was actually visible from the park?
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Pete on September 07, 2015, 04:33:07 PM
How much of the game was actually visible from the park?

From memory, maybe a quarter of the pitch at most?
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: class-of-82 on September 07, 2015, 06:03:32 PM
I reckon the kit man had hung out 11 villa shirts to dry on the half way line on a Sunday morning.
Then 2,000 of us turned up to watch em dry
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Sunny Villa on September 07, 2015, 10:07:22 PM
Ok .  I was there . it's Besiktas .  so you can mither on as you like . I am off picture and the lads I was with are there .

I went the away game . it took me 6 weeks to get home .

You lot crack on . as the one fella said look at the clobber .

You could see the 2/3 of the half close to the Holte .
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Sunny Villa on September 07, 2015, 10:12:05 PM

With all due respect . no body could see anything from that picture .  unless they were twitchers looking for a lesser specled woodpecker


could it be sunderland ,,,the last home game 1975
over 57 thousand  in the ground and thousands locked out
loads  on the hill during the match ,,,,mainly sunderland fans
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: MorrisNielson on September 07, 2015, 10:58:53 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/mrYRE23.jpg)

I thought I’d look up the match report, just in case it showed anything.
Alas, the photos from the Mail are taken from the Trinity Road looking towards Witton Lane Stand.
Anyway, this is the match report if anyone is interested.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: castlefields_villan on September 09, 2015, 12:43:52 PM
I remember this game as if it was yesterday - can't believe it's now more than 34 years ago.   I went home distraught, feeling we'd totally "blown it" - in retrospect - having seen the reaction of the Ipswich players on the final whistle afterwards - they clearly thought beating us was enough to win them the league.

I remember going home and not wanting to talk to anyone - but after watching the highlights on tv and hearing Ron utter those never to be forgotten words when asked as to whether that would be that - it gave us a real lift and yes - 4 games to go is still 8 points to play for.

It's probably been mentioned on here several times - but we were the last team to be league champions under the 2 points for a win system, had the 3 points been in place a year earlier we would have won it by a distance - 26 league wins compared to Ipswich's 21 I believe - I'm sure someone will clarify that.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Damo70 on September 09, 2015, 02:27:55 PM
Well, I wad at the game. It was a light, balmy April evening and the ground was completely stuffed. And - IIRC - the tannoy announced the landing of the space shuttle. The game was very frustrating.


Wasn't it the night of the take off of the first space shuttle after a number of delays as opposed to the landing? If not I have been associating that night with a slightly incorrect piece of history for the last thirty odd years!
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Pat McMahon on September 09, 2015, 02:38:11 PM
Well, I wad at the game. It was a light, balmy April evening and the ground was completely stuffed. And - IIRC - the tannoy announced the landing of the space shuttle. The game was very frustrating.


Wasn't it the night of the take off of the first space shuttle after a number of delays as opposed to the landing? If not I have been associating that night with a slightly incorrect piece of history for the last thirty odd years!

What happened at Villa Park, and Saunders' post match comments, were far more historical in my eyes...

Re the original photo, I agree it is not Besiktas for the arguments listed above. I cant say for sure it is that Ipswich game but I do remember it still being light  when we pissed about in our own box to gift them an early goal. In those days evening kick offs were at 7.30 too.....
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 09, 2015, 02:45:51 PM

It's probably been mentioned on here several times - but we were the last team to be league champions under the 2 points for a win system, had the 3 points been in place a year earlier we would have won it by a distance - 26 league wins compared to Ipswich's 21 I believe - I'm sure someone will clarify that.

Ipswich won 23.

We'd have had 86 points, Ipswich 79.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on September 10, 2015, 11:30:16 PM
Ok .  I was there . it's Besiktas .  so you can mither on as you like . I am off picture and the lads I was with are there .

I went the away game . it took me 6 weeks to get home .

You lot crack on . as the one fella said look at the clobber .

You could see the 2/3 of the half close to the Holte .

Why did it take you 6 weeks to get home ?
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Villan For Life on September 11, 2015, 11:09:48 AM
Well, I wad at the game. It was a light, balmy April evening and the ground was completely stuffed. And - IIRC - the tannoy announced the landing of the space shuttle. The game was very frustrating.


Wasn't it the night of the take off of the first space shuttle after a number of delays as opposed to the landing? If not I have been associating that night with a slightly incorrect piece of history for the last thirty odd years!

I think it was the landing of the space shuttle, I recall that they put it on the electronic scoreboard. According to Wiki, it took off on the 12th and returned on the 14th which was the day of the Ipswich game.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: peter w on September 11, 2015, 08:04:44 PM
Ok .  I was there . it's Besiktas .  so you can mither on as you like . I am off picture and the lads I was with are there .

I went the away game . it took me 6 weeks to get home .

You lot crack on . as the one fella said look at the clobber .

You could see the 2/3 of the half close to the Holte .

Why did it take you 6 weeks to get home ?

Did you not see Midnight Express?
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: ez on September 13, 2015, 03:11:41 PM
Judging by the people down milling about on the road I would guess it's the final minutes of a match showing people who have left early. If that's right it can't be the Ipswich game.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: usav on September 14, 2015, 07:14:44 PM
never mind.
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Sunny Villa on September 16, 2015, 06:25:34 PM
It was pitch black at the end of the ipswich game
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Sunny Villa on September 16, 2015, 06:27:01 PM

I had my stuff stolen from the Hotel and hitch hiked home
Ok .  I was there . it's Besiktas .  so you can mither on as you like . I am off picture and the lads I was with are there .

I went the away game . it took me 6 weeks to get home .

You lot crack on . as the one fella said look at the clobber .

You could see the 2/3 of the half close to the Holte .

Why did it take you 6 weeks to get home ?
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: shirley_villan on September 16, 2015, 06:34:17 PM
How many Villa went to Besiktas?
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Sunny Villa on September 19, 2015, 08:13:38 PM
200 tops . it was a lairy trip but we had loads if fun .

There was a bar opposite the hotel the was claret and blue . so we obviously adopted it .

The night before the game there was about 100 Besiktas fans outside the hotel chanting and singing to us as we were on the balcony . 

Very surreal
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: Sunny Villa on September 19, 2015, 08:17:01 PM
It took me 6 weeks as I had my bag stolen with my return train ticket . trans alpino special  so went the consulate who were not really helpful . so needed up in the pudding club and met some Brit truck drivers and decided I would hitch home

It was very very eventful
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: shirley_villan on September 21, 2015, 07:06:42 PM
Haha, fair play.

Had my coat robbed with passport in Moscow when we played there the other year, only took me an extra day to get some though not 6 weeks!
Title: Re: Villa - Ipswich 1981 Photo
Post by: ez on September 21, 2015, 10:12:29 PM
The picture is in Simon Inglis's book, Villa Park 100 Years. Sadly he doesn't say which game it is.
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