Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: not3bad on April 04, 2016, 04:47:02 PM

Title: Seats on 7
Post by: not3bad on April 04, 2016, 04:47:02 PM
Not the first time this kind of thing has been tried.  Anybody up for this one?

This is what the Aston Villa protestors have planned for the Bournemouth match

The Aston Villa Protest Group are planning the 'Seats on 7' demonstration as part of their campaign to make their feelings of frustration known to absent owner Randy Lerner.

Aston Villa protestors are calling for their fellow fans to leave their Villa Park seats empty for the start of the Premier League match against Bournemouth.

The Aston Villa Protest Group are planning the 'Seats on 7' demonstration as part of their campaign to make their feelings of frustration known to absent owner Randy Lerner.

Previously the group staged an 'Out the Door on 74' walkout, encouraging supporters to leave the stadium on 74 minutes of last month's defeat to Everton.

On Saturday, there was a 'Banners Out on 74' protest with fans holding up A4 posters with the slogan 'Proud History. What Future?' during the loss to Chelsea.

The group are now asking fans to leave their seats empty for the first seven minutes of Saturday's game against the Cherries at Villa Park.

Here is the thinking behind their latest plan - in a statement from the group
Seats on 7 – Aston Villa vs Bournemouth, April 9th, 2016.

Following on from the successful demonstrations against Everton and Chelsea we are again calling on you our fellow supporters to join us in protest. We are asking you to refrain from entering the terraces until 7 minutes after KO this Saturday vs Bournemouth.

We also encourage you to join with your fellow supporters in the concourse to make a strong visual and vocal statement that as a fan base we are very much united in our pursuit of answers and positive action from our absent owner.

The significance of 7 minutes being that during Aston Villa’s rich and proud history we have won the League title on 7 occasions, a league in which due to the incompetent ownership of this magnificent club we will not be competing in next season.

Further to this, by leaving your seat vacant at kick off you will be mimicking the actions of our absent owner, whose seat has not been filled at Villa Park since September of 2014. That being the ONLY time he has attended Villa Park since December 2012.

We also want to see a continuation of Banners Out on 74. The supporters must now own this.

We have been asked why we don’t protest the players. That is not in our particular remit, they are a symptom of the disease rather than the cause. However we feel that banners, such as those seen last Saturday, provide the ideal opportunity for fans to express their discontent towards ownership and players alike.

We must maintain the pressure on Mr Lerner. The need for him to make a statement addressing the concerns in our recent open letter to him along with the need for him to action the three requests within that statement is as imperative as ever.

Further to this we are in a crucial time for the club as it seeks to appoint a new manager and we must leave those responsible in no doubt that they must work hard to appoint the correct manager for the plight we face.

We must continue to show the world that despite a lack of passion from Mr Lerner and from the players that we the supporters care deeply for our club. That we will not rest until Aston Villa is proven to be back on a firm footing and heading in the right direction.

Aston Villa Protest Group


http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-aston-villa-protestors-planned-11135308
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Richard E on April 04, 2016, 04:47:52 PM
But we'll miss the first 3 Bournemouth goals!!
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Olof's Beard on April 04, 2016, 04:50:31 PM
Could this not lead to a huge crush of people in the concourses? That's if anybody bothers turning up at all.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Des Little on April 04, 2016, 04:55:27 PM
I'm not getting in 3 minutes earlier than I usually do for this...
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chris Jameson on April 04, 2016, 04:55:50 PM
Bollocks to that, I'm not getting up at 7.30am to catch a train down to then miss the opportunity to mock the likes of Richards for seven minutes. There will be thousands of empty seats anyway so it strikes me as a pointless exercise. The thousands of empty seats throughout the game are surely more of an indication of how people are feeling, not the greatest idea.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Clampy on April 04, 2016, 04:58:49 PM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Nunkin1965 on April 04, 2016, 05:03:07 PM
Not sure. The place will be half empty in any case unless theres David Moyes in our dugout.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 04, 2016, 05:03:51 PM
If things go tits up against Bournemouth, there'll be no need for planned protests because the spontaneous reaction will be more effective. Getting the game held up would be brilliant. There won't be many more chances to make a protest to a Premier League audience. Nobody else will give a shit about us next season, this is the opportunity.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: markavfc40 on April 04, 2016, 05:11:12 PM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.

Far from it mate. Non of us involved in this protest group want to be doing this. There are only three home games left this season though and as we have no desire to have to protest at the start of next season we want to try to keep the focus on Randy Lerner now, call on him to make a statement regarding the concerns we have raised in an open letter to him and also get him to action the three requests with in that open letter. By protesting now we'd like to think it will help ensure the club is in much better shape next season which will mean there is no need to protest.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Clampy on April 04, 2016, 05:19:40 PM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.

Far from it mate. Non of us involved in this protest group want to be doing this. There are only three home games left this season though and as we have no desire to have to protest at the start of next season we want to try to keep the focus on Randy Lerner now, call on him to make a statement regarding the concerns we have raised in an open letter to him and also get him to action the three requests with in that open letter. By protesting now we'd like to think it will help ensure the club is in much better shape next season which will mean there is no need to protest.

I disagree. There's been changes to the board and on the managerial side and whilst there's a lot of hard work to be done, it's a start and hopefully a step in the right direction. Leaving the new people to get on with it for now would be the best way forward.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: VillaAlways on April 04, 2016, 05:22:37 PM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.
Bit rude.

I think the protests have been very successful The banners especially was a huge effort which I'm very grateful for.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Legion on April 04, 2016, 05:27:20 PM
Hasn't this already been done? A late entry into the match, I mean.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Legion on April 04, 2016, 05:27:56 PM
I thought the banners etc at the Chelsea match worked very well indeed.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: West Derby Villan on April 04, 2016, 05:28:48 PM
Don't think that there will be more than 30K at the match anyway, so the empty seats protest loses its value. I think that the targeting of certain players with abuse is more effective. They ain't bothered about our protest, they get paid anyway. Lerner has put Hollis
in charge and he has, in my opinion, got a decent board in place. I support your stance but won't be boycotting the first seven minutes. UTV
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: curiousorange on April 04, 2016, 05:29:55 PM
I think they're running out of ideas. As Edwyn Collins sang, 'too many protest singers, not enough protest songs.'
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Clampy on April 04, 2016, 05:30:53 PM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.
Bit rude.

I think the protests have been very successful The banners especially was a huge effort which I'm very grateful for.

The banners had a point to them because it was visual and being on the telly it had an impact. With the new board in and a possibly a new manager soon, they need to take a step back. If it was just Tom Fox still there, then yes, fine. He's not, 4 or 5 people have come in and they still want people to protest. It's time (I feel) to give the board the chance to correct the mess we've been left in.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: tomd2103 on April 04, 2016, 05:35:20 PM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.
Bit rude.

I think the protests have been very successful The banners especially was a huge effort which I'm very grateful for.

The banners had a point to them because it was visual and being on the telly it had an impact. With the new board in and a possibly a new manager soon, they need to take a step back. If it was just Tom Fox still there, then yes, fine. He's not, 4 or 5 people have come in and they still want people to protest. It's time (I feel) to give the board the chance to correct the mess we've been left in.

I agree.  I mean what exactly is there to protest about now?  Lerner wants to sell and I'm sure does not really need any speeding up to do so.  I'd rather everyone there was trying to create the best atmosphere we can and at least showing there are still some people with some pride left in the club. 
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 04, 2016, 05:36:58 PM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.
Bit rude.

I think the protests have been very successful The banners especially was a huge effort which I'm very grateful for.

The banners had a point to them because it was visual and being on the telly it had an impact. With the new board in and a possibly a new manager soon, they need to take a step back. If it was just Tom Fox still there, then yes, fine. He's not, 4 or 5 people have come in and they still want people to protest. It's time (I feel) to give the board the chance to correct the mess we've been left in.

I suspect most fans won't be so easily placated
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 04, 2016, 05:49:07 PM
The banners was great as well as it was a bit of a "fuck you" to the club after the banner shit at the Spurs game. I said at the time how much the behaviour of stewards pissed me off so I boycotted the Chelsea game in protest.

This one is crap though, been done before, we'll struggle to have 30K in the ground so will look shite as there will be so many empty seats any way. Just do another banner one or another walk out rather than trying to be clever and do a different one every game.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: VillaAlways on April 04, 2016, 05:49:40 PM
I thought turn your back on 74 was a good idea as that could be looked on as a protest against the shitness of the players.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 04, 2016, 05:50:01 PM
What's there to protest about? What is there not to protest about? I hope we raise all hell until this nightmare of a season is over. Whether sufficient numbers will be arsed to take part in this, I really don't know, but the banners/placards thing worked well. I think throwing towels on the pitch would be much better visually, and more symbolic of the club's lack of professionalism..
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Gregorys Boy on April 04, 2016, 05:52:47 PM
I'm guessing the only thing to protest about now is trying to get Lerner out.  Which is funny because he wants out too. 

In fairness the board are now making steps to correct the past, too little too late of course.  The next protest should be when we appoint Ian Holloway as our new manager ;)
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: CT on April 04, 2016, 05:55:02 PM
The problem with this is you'll have missed two goals before you get in.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 04, 2016, 05:58:52 PM
Get in early in order to boo the shithouses on to the pitch.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Nelly on April 04, 2016, 06:00:55 PM
This might be one of the only chances to visually and hopefully iconically show our displeasure at Villa's impending relegation. Anyone who wants to protest that shocking state of affairs has every right to in my book. Also, fair play for actually getting up and starting something. Everyone has ideas, doing it is something else.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Clampy on April 04, 2016, 06:06:12 PM
I'm guessing the only thing to protest about now is trying to get Lerner out.  Which is funny because he wants out too. 

In fairness the board are now making steps to correct the past, too little too late of course.  The next protest should be when we appoint Ian Holloway as our new manager ;)

I agree and you're right, it's too late but it's a start and it's not as if they're sitting on their hands doing nothing.

Any other protest should now maybe be against the players. Maybe letting them do their 'lap of honour' in front of a virtually empty stadium after the Newcastle game might be a good idea although I wouldn't think anyone would want to applaud them anyway.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Legion on April 04, 2016, 06:06:55 PM
I would very much doubt if that took place.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 04, 2016, 06:08:09 PM
I think any Villa fans that are still prepared to attend matches should be treated with respect.
if some of them want to protest then so be it. I don't see why they are being criticised.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: VillaAlways on April 04, 2016, 06:09:55 PM
I thought the lap of appreciation was for the supporters not the players, they should be forced to do it by the board the shit we've put up with.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: not3bad on April 04, 2016, 06:11:43 PM
This season has been an utter farce and I see no reason to let anyone off the hook for the last few games.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: ez on April 04, 2016, 06:14:15 PM
Booing the players is a rare thing these days but we need to let the culprits know they are not welcome at villa park.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: in exile on April 04, 2016, 06:14:57 PM
I think they're running out of ideas. As Edwyn Collins sang, 'too many protest singers, not enough protest songs.'
You come up with something then
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: olaftab on April 04, 2016, 06:26:07 PM
There is a new Board  in place. All practical steps are in place to ensure appointment of the right Manager to fix the team so I don't see any point in doing this.
I will have to be extra late on Saturday to ensure not being involved.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: brian green on April 04, 2016, 06:26:28 PM
Please do not address Clampy as "mate".  He is an old sweat who has served his time.  He is "Clampy" or if you are feeling very, very brave, "Clamps" but not mate.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on April 04, 2016, 06:26:57 PM
Booing the players is a rare thing these days but we need to let the culprits know they are not welcome at villa park.

Definitely this. I don't get the protests towards Lerner now at all. If the boardroom changes hadn't happened then yeah... but they have, that's the statement. If he doesn't get involved with any running of the club I actually don't give a shit if he stays the owner. He continues to wipe off debts and lose money. Yes he's a shit businessman which has been discussed ad infinitum, he's fucked the club up etc. Everyone knows. I want the players ripped to shreds now, I want them to want to fuck off.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Brend'Watkins on April 04, 2016, 06:34:02 PM
If only we could break into their cars and plant stink bombs which go off when they reach a speed of 74 mph on their way anywhere for ever and ever or at the very least 6 years. 
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 04, 2016, 06:38:41 PM
Please do not address Clampy as "mate".  He is an old sweat who has served his time.  He is "Clampy" or if you are feeling very, very brave, "Clamps" but not mate.

He's also Clamps me old mucka to his intimates.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 04, 2016, 06:39:54 PM
Altogether now: 'Who do these people think they are? Randy wants to sell but nobody is buying football clubs these days. They know we're pissed off so we don't need to tell them. Protests are pointless without a clear set of aims and onpbjectives. Let's just cheer on the team.' Etc. Etc.

Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chris Jameson on April 04, 2016, 06:45:41 PM
I think the Bournemouth match should see the players getting the wrath, there's a good chance we could be relegated on Saturday and once it is confirmed some of the fringe players might get a game and it wouldn't be fair on them to have to play in such an atmosphere. Let Richards, Agbonlahor, Lescott etc know how highly they are thought of.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Mister E on April 04, 2016, 06:48:03 PM
This might be one of the only chances to visually and hopefully iconically show our displeasure at Villa's impending relegation. Anyone who wants to protest that shocking state of affairs has every right to in my book. Also, fair play for actually getting up and starting something. Everyone has ideas, doing it is something else.
Well said.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: exigo on April 04, 2016, 06:52:46 PM
I think the Bournemouth match should see the players getting the wrath, there's a good chance we could be relegated on Saturday and once it is confirmed some of the fringe players might get a game and it wouldn't be fair on them to have to play in such an atmosphere. Let Richards, Agbonlahor, Lescott etc know how highly they are thought of.

Or we could the opposite route. Just sing songs about the next generation of Villa players – the ones who'll give everything to wear the shirt.
Andre Green can have Darren Bent's old chant.
Hepburn-Murphy can have Andi Weimann's.
Jordan Lyden can have Libor Kozak's.
Etc etc.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: peter w on April 04, 2016, 07:28:19 PM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.

Or they're doing something which has had a modicum of success. Last Saturday's campaign was successful and picked up by just about every media outlet. You hoping to get someone to notice you by coming out with this comment? It smacks of 'please please look at me'. If anyone is liking the sound of their own voice it's you. You may not like it, you may not support it, and you may even be right in your negativity - but why be snide?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: FrankyH on April 04, 2016, 07:29:01 PM
(http://images1.fanpop.com/images/soapbox/red-dwarf_2167_20.jpg?cache=1205989181)
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Ads on April 04, 2016, 07:29:14 PM
I'd love to see the game held up while they clear thousands of white towels from the pitch.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on April 04, 2016, 07:31:50 PM
I think the Bournemouth match should see the players getting the wrath, there's a good chance we could be relegated on Saturday and once it is confirmed some of the fringe players might get a game and it wouldn't be fair on them to have to play in such an atmosphere. Let Richards, Agbonlahor, Lescott etc know how highly they are thought of.

Totally agree. There are players who need to be told how much we hate them.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Pete3206 on April 04, 2016, 07:43:13 PM
Bet Richards is 'injured' before Saturday.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Pete on April 04, 2016, 07:49:06 PM
I'd love to see the game held up while they clear thousands of white towels from the pitch.

Ha! Fantastic idea. Seconds after kickoff. There'd probably he a fine to the club for 'failing to control supporters' or some such, but, what the hell?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Steve67 on April 04, 2016, 07:50:55 PM
They have done well so far. The banners got fantastic coverage. I don't want to miss the first 7 minutes though. I'd rather vent my spleen with telling some of the players how crap they have been.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: West Derby Villan on April 04, 2016, 07:53:56 PM
I do feel a bit guilty about the enjoyment I got "venting my spleen" last Saturday, but not enough to stop me repeating the exercise this coming Saturday
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: peter w on April 04, 2016, 07:56:39 PM
And to be fair to the group I never thought I'd witness a plane kamikaze assault to rival Coventry in my life time. Well done.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Skerra on April 04, 2016, 08:03:42 PM
I really have appreciated what the group have done. Just the banners last week must have cost a fortune. I may not always be in agreement with them but, at least they are doing something not just talking like a few on here.

Lads, as true supporters, we are all in this together so, please show some appreciation for their efforts. I for one don't see them as trying to say "look at me" as, I genuinely believe they are doing their best to at least come up with some ideas, whether we agree with them or not.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: claret and blue blood on April 04, 2016, 08:05:34 PM
How about we all take a sheet of paper in and construct our planes and throw them on 7 mins?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on April 04, 2016, 08:21:07 PM
After watching a documentary on the Second World War, I'm going to build a full size glider during the game and fly over the pitch in the 74th minute.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Dante Lavelli on April 04, 2016, 08:39:00 PM
It's all coming across as a bit Princess Diana to me, clubs get relegated every year.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: richl on April 04, 2016, 08:41:08 PM
Tens of thousands of tennis balls on the pitch, easy to throw and need to be moved. Although I think Charlton threw a few a the weekend. Looked effective !!
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: gpbarr on April 04, 2016, 08:47:52 PM
I just think this is so simple - get as many down there as possible, full capacity, and do two things the whole match.

1. Sing the Villa name with pride - show the world what our fans are like even in the darkest despair
2. Boo and chant against the players on the pitch - show them we don't need them and we don't want them

I'd love to join alas, will be 3000 miles away under the duvet!
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on April 04, 2016, 08:48:05 PM
I'd love to see the game held up while they clear thousands of white towels from the pitch.

Agreed. Maybe for the Southampton game?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 04, 2016, 09:08:47 PM
I'd love to see the game held up while they clear thousands of white towels from the pitch.

Agreed. Maybe for the Southampton game?

Yep. Delay your entry and you deprive yourselves of 7 minutes of something you've paid through the nose to watch. Chuck stuff on the pitch and you interrupt the game, you demonstrate the power of fans. Ultimately that's what all this is about. Hello, we're here, we're not passive, we're mad as hell and we can make life difficult for you.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: DeKuip on April 04, 2016, 09:19:19 PM
I think they're running out of ideas. As Edwyn Collins sang, 'too many protest singers, not enough protest songs.'
You come up with something then
How about everyone who cares dearly about the the great name of Aston Villa and the pride we have in it, buy a ticket, pack the place out and create non-stop noise for 90 minutes in what could be the lowest point in our recent history.
Make your feelings known and protest about the players, the owner, whoever by being there and being vocal.
Bournemouth is the team we had 48,000 at Villa Park for in a 3rd Division fixture remember, so trying to draw attention to a few more empty seats in a half empty stadium is a bit feeble.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chris Harte on April 04, 2016, 09:27:35 PM
It's all coming across as a bit Princess Diana to me, clubs get relegated every year.
Not this club, though (although the custodian has had enough warnings over the last five years).

I've not partaken in the protests to date but I've no issue with those who have. These last few years have been utter shit and so it's a wonder the protests didn't start sooner. Also it's a wonder that we're still getting the gates that we do, although if Bournemouth don't sell out their allocation on Saturday it will surely dip under 30,000 for only the third(?) time this season.

All this said, I'll probably have to leave early on Saturday anyway so it may look like I'm doing a solo out the door on 74 protest.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chris Jameson on April 04, 2016, 09:45:36 PM
It's all coming across as a bit Princess Diana to me, clubs get relegated every year.

How? Unless there is a mass outbreak of public crying and maudlin behaviour it's nowt like it. People are pissed off and angry at how it's been allowed to happen, it's not like those with the ability to prevent it happening hadn't been warned.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: adrenachrome on April 04, 2016, 09:48:55 PM
It's all coming across as a bit Princess Diana to me, clubs get relegated every year.

How? Unless there is a mass outbreak of public crying and maudlin behaviour it's nowt like it. People are pissed off and angry at how it's been allowed to happen, it's not like those with the ability to prevent it happening hadn't been warned.

Yes. If it is coming across as a bit Price Dianna to you, it is because you are a bit Elton John.

The rest of us just want to kill somebody with an axe and play with their blood.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: BC54 VFC on April 04, 2016, 09:49:49 PM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.

Or they're doing something which has had a modicum of success. Last Saturday's campaign was successful and picked up by just about every media outlet. You hoping to get someone to notice you by coming out with this comment? It smacks of 'please please look at me'. If anyone is liking the sound of their own voice it's you. You may not like it, you may not support it, and you may even be right in your negativity - but why be snide?

Well said.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: walsall villain on April 04, 2016, 09:51:02 PM
After watching a documentary on the Second World War, I'm going to build a full size glider during the game and fly over the pitch in the 74th minute.
Ah, you have a plan to escape.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 04, 2016, 09:54:23 PM
Yes, because when Princess Diana died the general public were all ripped off to the tune of £30-40 a week, frequently humiliated, made the butt of every shit joke going and habitually denigrated by wankers like Ian Wright.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chris Jameson on April 04, 2016, 10:09:49 PM
Robbie Savage wasn't predicting her death on Celebrity Deathwatch for three years running either.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: amfy on April 04, 2016, 10:32:01 PM
It's just too confusing.

Originally it was out the door on 74 for 3 games, then we stopped for a game, then we did banners out on 74, and now it's something else.

The Guardian actually reported that the banners thing went well, but that no one left. No one was supposed to leave because the banner thing replaced the leaving, but that part of the plan obviously got a bit lost in translation for some.

Now we're going to keep the banners, but come in a bit late, which we have tried before & it was a non event even with a bigger crowd.

I'd just say they need to stop tinkering with it so much. It's bad enough that every suggestion is met with loads of people suggesting something else, without the people that are organising it changing it every 5 minutes to add to the puzzle.

I have no problem with people who want to protest, but you don't have to dream up something new every week.

Also - the trophy we won 7 times? It's now awarded to the team who wins the division we're headed for. So the whole premise, convoluted as it was anyway, is basically flawed.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: not3bad on April 04, 2016, 10:32:33 PM
Robbie Savage wasn't predicting her death on Celebrity Deathwatch for three years running either.

Anyone who feels this is a bit Princess Diana should imagine the smug look on Robbie Savage's face when relegation is confirmed.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 04, 2016, 10:36:35 PM
Savage's face is more Camilla Parker Bowles.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 04, 2016, 11:18:32 PM
Next week 'handstands on seats at 81.'
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Pat McMahon on April 04, 2016, 11:28:28 PM
If only we could break into their cars and plant stink bombs which go off when they reach a speed of 74 mph on their way anywhere for ever and ever or at the very least 6 years. 

Sadly I bet none of them drive Volkswagens
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: aj2k77 on April 04, 2016, 11:57:19 PM
I propose a mass boo on two.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Pat McMahon on April 04, 2016, 11:59:46 PM
The protests on Saturdaybrought a lot of media coverage. Fair play to anybody who made an effort re banners and posters. A lot more people are now aware of how awful we are and how we feel about it. Plenty of fans have remarked on it to me since Saturday, even people who don't know a lot about football.

The board have a duty to act quickly in identifying the new manager, and in making fans believe that we are starting to move in the right direction.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: dicedlam on April 05, 2016, 12:20:49 AM
It's just too confusing.

Originally it was out the door on 74 for 3 games, then we stopped for a game, then we did banners out on 74, and now it's something else.

The Guardian actually reported that the banners thing went well, but that no one left. No one was supposed to leave because the banner thing replaced the leaving, but that part of the plan obviously got a bit lost in translation for some.

Now we're going to keep the banners, but come in a bit late, which we have tried before & it was a non event even with a bigger crowd.

I'd just say they need to stop tinkering with it so much. It's bad enough that every suggestion is met with loads of people suggesting something else, without the people that are organising it changing it every 5 minutes to add to the puzzle.

I have no problem with people who want to protest, but you don't have to dream up something new every week.

Also - the trophy we won 7 times? It's now awarded to the team who wins the division we're headed for. So the whole premise, convoluted as it was anyway, is basically flawed.

Well said Amfy.

Changing things each game just confuses the matter.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: CT Villan on April 05, 2016, 12:53:28 AM
The rest of us just want to kill somebody with an axe and play with their blood.

Great idea, let's recreate the closing scene of The Walking Dead finale
with the players lined up around the centre-circle...who wants to be Negan ?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Risso on April 05, 2016, 07:00:43 AM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.

Far from it mate. Non of us involved in this protest group want to be doing this. There are only three home games left this season though and as we have no desire to have to protest at the start of next season we want to try to keep the focus on Randy Lerner now, call on him to make a statement regarding the concerns we have raised in an open letter to him and also get him to action the three requests with in that open letter. By protesting now we'd like to think it will help ensure the club is in much better shape next season which will mean there is no need to protest.

I disagree. There's been changes to the board and on the managerial side and whilst there's a lot of hard work to be done, it's a start and hopefully a step in the right direction. Leaving the new people to get on with it for now would be the best way forward.

Great. We're still getting relegated with the worst team in memory so I think I'll wait and see if the new board makes any difference first. Bernstein or whoever it was wittering on about the importance of an English boss suggests to me they've learned nothing.   
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Clampy on April 05, 2016, 07:08:50 AM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.

Far from it mate. Non of us involved in this protest group want to be doing this. There are only three home games left this season though and as we have no desire to have to protest at the start of next season we want to try to keep the focus on Randy Lerner now, call on him to make a statement regarding the concerns we have raised in an open letter to him and also get him to action the three requests with in that open letter. By protesting now we'd like to think it will help ensure the club is in much better shape next season which will mean there is no need to protest.

I disagree. There's been changes to the board and on the managerial side and whilst there's a lot of hard work to be done, it's a start and hopefully a step in the right direction. Leaving the new people to get on with it for now would be the best way forward.

Great. We're still getting relegated with the worst team in memory so I think I'll wait and see if the new board makes any difference first. Bernstein or whoever it was wittering on about the importance of an English boss suggests to me they've learned nothing.   

Of course we have to wait. Where's the fairness in having a pop at the board when some of them have only been there for a couple of months?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chris Smith on April 05, 2016, 07:16:59 AM
If people want to show their frustration then that is there prerogative and entirely understandable. I am sure that in the scheme of things it will make no material difference and that they probably realise as much. However, with watching  the football being so mind numbing if this is how they want to alleviate the boredom then why not?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: olaftab on April 05, 2016, 07:23:38 AM
Covering the pitch with white towels at kick off is an excellent idea. Need a hero  to get this going.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 05, 2016, 07:26:11 AM
I think they're running out of ideas. As Edwyn Collins sang, 'too many protest singers, not enough protest songs.'

Or for even older readers, '22 singers, and one microphone'.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: luke95 on April 05, 2016, 07:39:19 AM
When are we protesting against the protesters?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: greenwichvilla on April 05, 2016, 07:44:11 AM
Don't know if this has been mentioned before but does anyone think that protesting might be actually putting off potential buyers?

"Yeah, mate. Can't be arsed in dealing with that if it all goes wrong".

Just a thought.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithe on April 05, 2016, 07:50:32 AM
As ever, fair to play to those putting effort into these protests. I cant help but think it's all got a bit muddled though.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: olaftab on April 05, 2016, 07:54:12 AM
Don't know if this has been mentioned before but does anyone think that protesting might be actually putting off potential buyers?

"Yeah, mate. Can't be arsed in dealing with that if it all goes wrong".

Just a thought.

No. Buyers are much more savvy than that.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: VillaAlways on April 05, 2016, 07:56:26 AM
Don't know if this has been mentioned before but does anyone think that protesting might be actually putting off potential buyers?

"Yeah, mate. Can't be arsed in dealing with that if it all goes wrong".

Just a thought.

Well if the owners were thinking they might be needed to be protested against at some point I wouldn't want them anyway.

I'm sure any prospective owner can see why we are so pissed off now, just like the media can.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: curlytailavfc on April 05, 2016, 08:02:39 AM
If I was a potential buyer It would be in my favoure all the protests, as lerner will in the end sell for a lower wedge, but Lerner must have dementia as he dont know what the fucks going on
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Des Little on April 05, 2016, 08:16:55 AM
We could always dump millions of pounds worth of horse shit on the pitch?


Oh.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Boz on April 05, 2016, 08:52:30 AM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.

Far from it mate. Non of us involved in this protest group want to be doing this. There are only three home games left this season though and as we have no desire to have to protest at the start of next season we want to try to keep the focus on Randy Lerner now, call on him to make a statement regarding the concerns we have raised in an open letter to him and also get him to action the three requests with in that open letter. By protesting now we'd like to think it will help ensure the club is in much better shape next season which will mean there is no need to protest.

I disagree. There's been changes to the board and on the managerial side and whilst there's a lot of hard work to be done, it's a start and hopefully a step in the right direction. Leaving the new people to get on with it for now would be the best way forward.

Great. We're still getting relegated with the worst team in memory so I think I'll wait and see if the new board makes any difference first. Bernstein or whoever it was wittering on about the importance of an English boss suggests to me they've learned nothing.   

Of course we have to wait. Where's the fairness in having a pop at the board when some of them have only been there for a couple of months?

Does anyone think these protests are causing Lerner any concern, they don't seem to have so far?

The Protest Group statement speaks about their remit not covering the players, who are a disgrace to the club and a major factor in why we are where we are.  IMO, the only impact at a match to have an effect is to show those players who don't give a toss about Villa they are not wanted at VP, and are the ones who should be targeted.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Irish villain on April 05, 2016, 08:54:56 AM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.

Far from it mate. Non of us involved in this protest group want to be doing this. There are only three home games left this season though and as we have no desire to have to protest at the start of next season we want to try to keep the focus on Randy Lerner now, call on him to make a statement regarding the concerns we have raised in an open letter to him and also get him to action the three requests with in that open letter. By protesting now we'd like to think it will help ensure the club is in much better shape next season which will mean there is no need to protest.

I disagree. There's been changes to the board and on the managerial side and whilst there's a lot of hard work to be done, it's a start and hopefully a step in the right direction. Leaving the new people to get on with it for now would be the best way forward.

Great. We're still getting relegated with the worst team in memory so I think I'll wait and see if the new board makes any difference first. Bernstein or whoever it was wittering on about the importance of an English boss suggests to me they've learned nothing.   

Of course we have to wait. Where's the fairness in having a pop at the board when some of them have only been there for a couple of months?

Er, I think the protests are mostly about the owner. The one common denominator though the villa decline. If he had been more hands on for the last four seasons (being kind) he'd have seen Fox and various other personnel were not up to the job. He wasn't paying attention to the club he owns and this is where we are as a result. The new board with football knowledge is four years too late.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Nelly on April 05, 2016, 11:23:59 AM
Lets not forget, these protests aren't a council run thing, it's just a group of fans who have stepped up. They don't owe anyone anything but as far as I can see are just trying to help.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 05, 2016, 11:31:59 AM
Lets not forget, these protests aren't a council run thing, it's just a group of fans who have stepped up. They don't owe anyone anything but as far as I can see are just trying to help.

And most importantly, it's a long overdue "fuck you" to the wankers who have heaped misery and humiliation upon them through sheer neglect, stupidity and arrogance for five tedious years.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: passport1 on April 05, 2016, 11:40:13 AM
They have my whole hearted support. Anything that heaps pressure on Lerner & co is a good thing.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 05, 2016, 12:01:33 PM
Lets not forget, these protests aren't a council run thing, it's just a group of fans who have stepped up. They don't owe anyone anything but as far as I can see are just trying to help.

And most importantly, it's a long overdue "fuck you" to the wankers who have heaped misery and humiliation upon them through sheer neglect, stupidity and arrogance for five tedious years.

Spot on.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 05, 2016, 12:15:25 PM
Yeah fuck you Randy, here's my money and i'm not even going to watch the whole game. Have that bitch!

Just doesn't seem much of a "fuck you" to me. The banners at the last game seemed to work a treat, this one just doesn't strike me as being anywhere near as effective.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: AVH87 on April 05, 2016, 12:17:35 PM
I've actively supported the last 2 protests (Everton and Chelsea games), but I won't be taking part in this one, can't see it having the same impact. Fair play to anyone who wants to do it, we have to keep fighting and I'd go along with banners out on 74 again.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: not3bad on April 05, 2016, 12:30:46 PM
No. They're starting to like the sound of their own voice.

Far from it mate. Non of us involved in this protest group want to be doing this. There are only three home games left this season though and as we have no desire to have to protest at the start of next season we want to try to keep the focus on Randy Lerner now, call on him to make a statement regarding the concerns we have raised in an open letter to him and also get him to action the three requests with in that open letter. By protesting now we'd like to think it will help ensure the club is in much better shape next season which will mean there is no need to protest.

I disagree. There's been changes to the board and on the managerial side and whilst there's a lot of hard work to be done, it's a start and hopefully a step in the right direction. Leaving the new people to get on with it for now would be the best way forward.

Great. We're still getting relegated with the worst team in memory so I think I'll wait and see if the new board makes any difference first. Bernstein or whoever it was wittering on about the importance of an English boss suggests to me they've learned nothing.   

Of course we have to wait. Where's the fairness in having a pop at the board when some of them have only been there for a couple of months?

Er, I think the protests are mostly about the owner. The one common denominator though the villa decline. If he had been more hands on for the last four seasons (being kind) he'd have seen Fox and various other personnel were not up to the job. He wasn't paying attention to the club he owns and this is where we are as a result. The new board with football knowledge is four years too late.

As has been mentioned a few times they changed the deckchairs round before when they bought in Fox, O'Reilly etc and look how that turned out.  No, this is the worst season for 30 years at the Villa so sitting back and being trusting to a new board that hasn't done anything yet won't do as far as I'm concerned. We should let them know how we feel about this utter shitshow our club has descended into.  I doubt the new members will be so sensitive they think these protests are aimed at them when they've hardly come through the door anyway.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: preston28 on April 05, 2016, 12:30:59 PM
I'm afarid not. I am taking mny 6 year old to his second game and I don't want him to miss any of it - however awful it is on the pitch!

Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 05, 2016, 12:43:30 PM
I'm afarid not. I am taking mny 6 year old to his second game and I don't want him to miss any of it - however awful it is on the pitch!



Good luck, the only Villa win either of my kids have ever seen was when I took my daughter to see us beat Millwall Ladies at The Den last year. My son wouldn't be bothered if he never saw us play again. When I was the same age, Villa were flying up the divisions and exciting everyone who saw them. That's why I really fucking hate Lerner - he's lost us a generation of Villa fans. And I'm not talking about glory hunters but potential fans - kids of loyal fans - who, understandably, don't want to watch some absolutely dreadful shit every week.

This will be on my mind when I'm letting them all know how I feel at the next matches I'm going to. Organised, spontaneous, walkouts, chucking stuff, shouting abuse, banners. Do the fucking lot from now until the end of the season. And it still won't be enough to convey my anger.   
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: preston28 on April 05, 2016, 12:51:52 PM
I'm afarid not. I am taking mny 6 year old to his second game and I don't want him to miss any of it - however awful it is on the pitch!



Good luck, the only Villa win either of my kids have ever seen was when I took my daughter to see us beat Millwall Ladies at The Den last year. My son wouldn't be bothered if he never saw us play again. When I was the same age, Villa were flying up the divisions and exciting everyone who saw them. That's why I really fucking hate Lerner - he's lost us a generation of Villa fans. And I'm not talking about glory hunters but potential fans - kids of loyal fans - who, understandably, don't want to watch some absolutely dreadful shit every week.

This will be on my mind when I'm letting them all know how I feel at the next matches I'm going to. Organised, spontaneous, walkouts, chucking stuff, shouting abuse, banners. Do the fucking lot from now until the end of the season. And it still won't be enough to convey my anger.   

I fully understand but I feel the little ones need to enjoy the day and be encouraged to watch and support however dire.  They are the future support of the club. The adults can protest!!  My 17 year old son no doubt will be very vocal at the shambles on he pitch though as he was on the Copa 90 video!
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Holte L2 on April 05, 2016, 01:16:16 PM
The players need to get it in the kneck. Though I don't agree with any protests aimed at The Board.
We need to give them time to sort the situation out.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Bottom Right 89 on April 05, 2016, 01:27:12 PM
As I see it this is one protest too many. Time to drop the hate, we have 3 home premier league games left and we don't know when we'll be back. Time for us to face the music with class and dignity. Randy I'm sure has got the message, the new board from I've seen over the past few weeks are doing a good job and should be left now to get on with it. I'm sure the players also realise how badly they've let us down and we will no doubt start to see some of the academy lads introduced for the final few games and others will be making their excuses and packing their bags.

Suggest everyone fills the ground crank up the atmosphere and say goodbye to the Premier League in style - although I must admit I did enjoy the paper plane comp on Saturday. It would also be good for us to vote on Villa's best Premier League XI, top 10 goals and have some sort of awards after the last home game rather than an embarassing lap of appreciation.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: MillerBall on April 05, 2016, 01:28:12 PM
A protest about how truly appalling the players have been this season would be a good idea.

"Proud Cars - no engine" might be a start

or

"Bright polish -  No MOT"

"New kit - but clapped out"

"Nice Car - no steering"

Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 05, 2016, 01:30:07 PM
I'm sure the players also realise how badly they've let us down

Really? Don't want to speak for others but I think they would be incapable of quantifying how let down I feel.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: MillerBall on April 05, 2016, 01:32:44 PM
"Proud Contracts - no effort"

"Nice Credit History - hopefully no future"

Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: arnie66 on April 05, 2016, 01:34:39 PM
Lerner wants to sell, we all want him to sell, nobody wants to buy us.  No amount of protesting can change that scenario
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 05, 2016, 01:35:41 PM
I think no vitriol should be against the board. Hollis has formed a team of some pretty handy people and we look like we may have got the balance right off the pitch finally. Obviously the true test will be in the Manager recruitment where we have failed so often in the past.

The next will be investment - and for all his ills whilst he is still owner we need his cash - so I suggest we ease off a little until a deal is done or we hear from him plus I am very fearful of him "paying us back for the protests" by handing it over to some broke loony tune, and there are plenty of them out there

Now the players - give them fucking hell as to a man they have been a disgrace

Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: MillerBall on April 05, 2016, 01:35:56 PM
"Proud History - Dim owner!"
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: MillerBall on April 05, 2016, 01:37:14 PM
"Proud History - shite team"
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Bottom Right 89 on April 05, 2016, 01:41:00 PM

I'm sure the players also realise how badly they've let us down

Really?
Being booed onto the pitch by your own fans, barracked from the sidelines for 90 minutes, chants of your not fit to wear the shirt - do you think they can't hear it? do you think they don't read the papers or listen to the abusive calls on the radio or the embarrassing post mortems on match of the day? I doubt there is one of these lads that doesn't feel ashamed of the part they've played in all this.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 05, 2016, 01:43:16 PM

I'm sure the players also realise how badly they've let us down

Really?
Being booed onto the pitch by your own fans, barracked from the sidelines for 90 minutes, chants of your not fit to wear the shirt - do you think they can't hear it? do you think they don't read the papers or listen to the abusive calls on the radio or the embarrassing post mortems on match of the day? I doubt there is one of these lads that doesn't feel ashamed of the part they've played in all this.

Of course they hear it, I just think they honestly believe that the fans are singing it about other members of the team. Otherwise, why haven't the idle pricks done anything about it? I expect them to get even worse stick in the forthcoming games, inshalla
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: amfy on April 05, 2016, 02:12:35 PM

I'm sure the players also realise how badly they've let us down

Really?
Being booed onto the pitch by your own fans, barracked from the sidelines for 90 minutes, chants of your not fit to wear the shirt - do you think they can't hear it? do you think they don't read the papers or listen to the abusive calls on the radio or the embarrassing post mortems on match of the day? I doubt there is one of these lads that doesn't feel ashamed of the part they've played in all this.

Of course they hear it, I just think they honestly believe that the fans are singing it about other members of the team. Otherwise, why haven't the idle pricks done anything about it? I expect them to get even worse stick in the forthcoming games, inshalla

So how does this protest, or any of the others, let any of them know that we mean them? It doesn't do anymore than the other stuff.

The banners was fine. Watch the match, hold up a pre-printed message  on 74 mins or write your own to them. Added value of paper plane competition for the last quarter of an hour if you don't leave at that point. I don't know why we have to keep changing it.

I think it's the 'something new every week' element that underlies Clampy's comment which people took offence too (liking the sound of their own voice). I totally get why people want to protest even if I can't always see the point & fair play to anyone who tries to do something, but it just needs to be a protest, it doesn't have to be a way of showing how many different kinds of protest you can think of.

Look what's happened here you start a thread saying  'seats on 7' & people start saying let's throw towels on the pitch. Why don't we just stick with - hold up a banner & walk at 74? People have got that.

Personally though, at this stage, I think I'd just like to try & remember this is what I do for fun, & laugh like I did at Alan Hutton when we shouted 'Shoot!' & stop being so angry like it's the end of the world. It isn't. Teams get relegated. Sometimes it's you.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 05, 2016, 02:19:18 PM

I'm sure the players also realise how badly they've let us down

Really?
Being booed onto the pitch by your own fans, barracked from the sidelines for 90 minutes, chants of your not fit to wear the shirt - do you think they can't hear it? do you think they don't read the papers or listen to the abusive calls on the radio or the embarrassing post mortems on match of the day? I doubt there is one of these lads that doesn't feel ashamed of the part they've played in all this.

Of course they hear it, I just think they honestly believe that the fans are singing it about other members of the team. Otherwise, why haven't the idle pricks done anything about it? I expect them to get even worse stick in the forthcoming games, inshalla

So how does this protest, or any of the others, let any of them know that we mean them? It doesn't do anymore than the other stuff.

The banners was fine. Watch the match, hold up a pre-printed message  on 74 mins or write your own to them. Added value of paper plane competition for the last quarter of an hour if you don't leave at that point. I don't know why we have to keep changing it.

I think it's the 'something new every week' element that underlies Clampy's comment which people took offence too (liking the sound of their own voice). I totally get why people want to protest even if I can't always see the point & fair play to anyone who tries to do something, but it just needs to be a protest, it doesn't have to be a way of showing how many different kinds of protest you can think of.


Personally though, at this stage, I think I'd just like to try & remember this is what I do for fun, & laugh like I did at Alan Hutton when we shouted 'Shoot!' & stop being so angry like it's the end of the world. It isn't. Teams get relegated. Sometimes it's you.

I'm suggesting that everyone does what they want and makes whatever point they want. Clampy can stick his hands in his ears and try and ignore it for all I care. Personally though, I'm not prepared to accept what we've been dished up in the last few seasons and would prefer to articulate that by giving the players and earful of abuse. If they don't like it, fine, it's not the end of the world.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 05, 2016, 02:19:56 PM
They all know we're not happy with them, so we don't need to tell them. So presumably, should we ever score a goal again, we won't have to celebrate it because they already know we're happy. Just pay the money, sit there, buy programmes and refreshments and merchandise and be good fans.

No. We've been taken the piss out of for far too long by the club and players, and they should go into the close season in no doubt whatsoever that they should never, ever try to pull any shit like that again. Give them hell. 
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Nelly on April 05, 2016, 02:24:41 PM
I think it's quite harsh to criticise them for trying to come up with imaginative ways to show our collective displeasure. I see it as a chance for people to collectively express their dismay. I also think had the club been run with an iota of common sense we would not be being relegated, so to protest that is totally fair enough for me.

We've been placid for a long time, I can understand people being irate now. Especially as there are no guarantees for a club of any size that doesn't have mega money. To squander our league status so easily is pretty disgraceful in my opinion.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 05, 2016, 02:24:48 PM
Teams get relegated. Sometimes it's you.

At least we can look forward to Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchesters City and United, Everton and Tottenham getting relegated soon. Won't be long now. Get your popcorn.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Nelly on April 05, 2016, 02:27:32 PM
Teams get relegated. Sometimes it's you.

At least we can look forward to Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchesters City and United, Everton and Tottenham getting relegated soon. Won't be long now. Get your popcorn.

This. We were in the same bracket as these clubs only a few years ago and have completely pissed it away.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 05, 2016, 02:32:38 PM
Teams get relegated. Sometimes it's you.

At least we can look forward to Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchesters City and United, Everton and Tottenham getting relegated soon. Won't be long now. Get your popcorn.

4 of them have been relegated in my time. Everton dodged it under dubious circumstances.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 05, 2016, 02:39:58 PM
I was talking to a bluenose last weekend. He told me Villa are the biggest club north of London, and south of Liverpool. He went on to tell me Villa fans' trouble is our expectations are too high. So what exactly should fans of the biggest club between London and Liverpool expect? At the very least, when you've been established in the top division for over 20 years, and had hundreds of millions to play with, you'd expect to stay in that division. Minimum requirement. That's why I don't buy this 'it happens to every team' line. If that's true, I really can't wait for Man United's day. That'll be soon, right? 
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Risso on April 05, 2016, 02:43:23 PM
The banners at the weekend got a ton of press, and so at the very least it's shown the world that we give a shit.  People who don't want to join in don't have to, but I'm glad that they're trying something, anything.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 05, 2016, 02:45:37 PM
I was talking to a bluenose last weekend. He told me Villa are the biggest club north of London, and south of Liverpool. He went on to tell me Villa fans' trouble is our expectations are too high. So what exactly should fans of the biggest club between London and Liverpool expect? At the very least, when you've been established in the top division for over 20 years, and had hundreds of millions to play with, you'd expect to stay in that division. Minimum requirement. That's why I don't buy this 'it happens to every team' line. If that's true, I really can't wait for Man United's day. That'll be soon, right? 

You don't have to as Amfy said "Teams get relegated. Sometimes it's you" she never said it happens to every team.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 05, 2016, 02:52:40 PM
I was talking to a bluenose last weekend. He told me Villa are the biggest club north of London, and south of Liverpool. He went on to tell me Villa fans' trouble is our expectations are too high. So what exactly should fans of the biggest club between London and Liverpool expect? At the very least, when you've been established in the top division for over 20 years, and had hundreds of millions to play with, you'd expect to stay in that division. Minimum requirement. That's why I don't buy this 'it happens to every team' line. If that's true, I really can't wait for Man United's day. That'll be soon, right? 

You don't have to as Amfy said "Teams get relegated. Sometimes it's you" she never said it happens to every team.

I won't argue the semantics, but I'd love to see about-to-be-relegated Arsenal, Liverpool or even Tottenham fans saying "well, sometimes it's us" while causing an earthquake in China with a massive seismic shoulder shrug.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 05, 2016, 02:53:34 PM
Well obviously you won't as she never said that.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: not3bad on April 05, 2016, 02:55:26 PM
They all know we're not happy with them, so we don't need to tell them. So presumably, should we ever score a goal again, we won't have to celebrate it because they already know we're happy. Just pay the money, sit there, buy programmes and refreshments and merchandise and be good fans customers.

Fixed
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 05, 2016, 02:58:43 PM
It's not just Amfy, I've heard the 'relegation happens' line elsewhere. It does happen, to clubs that allow it.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: AVH87 on April 05, 2016, 03:04:57 PM
I was talking to a bluenose last weekend. He told me Villa are the biggest club north of London, and south of Liverpool. He went on to tell me Villa fans' trouble is our expectations are too high. So what exactly should fans of the biggest club between London and Liverpool expect? At the very least, when you've been established in the top division for over 20 years, and had hundreds of millions to play with, you'd expect to stay in that division. Minimum requirement. That's why I don't buy this 'it happens to every team' line. If that's true, I really can't wait for Man United's day. That'll be soon, right? 

You don't have to as Amfy said "Teams get relegated. Sometimes it's you" she never said it happens to every team.

I won't argue the semantics, but I'd love to see about-to-be-relegated Arsenal, Liverpool or even Tottenham fans saying "well, sometimes it's us" while causing an earthquake in China with a massive seismic shoulder shrug.

In fairness we aren't close to being in the same bracket as the first two, Spurs at a push, but they have a bigger fanbase and have been on an upward trajectory over the last 10 years.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 05, 2016, 03:05:13 PM
It's not just Amfy, I've heard the 'relegation happens' line elsewhere. It does happen, to clubs that allow it.

Well it does. For anyone over 60 this will be our 5th relegation. It's shit but it does happen, even to us.

And no one has said don't protest or just take relegation and say nothing. Most saying that they think this stay away for 7 mins idea is a bit crap, which it is in my opinion for reasons i've said earlier in the thread, have said the banner protest was great and a success.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Nelly on April 05, 2016, 03:06:03 PM
It's also the fact that we were stable and looking fowards, to completely surrending our league status. It's not like we've punched above our weight for a while, had a day in the sun and can go back to obscurity - we've been top flight for most of our existence; longer than (I think) most of the other clubs we've been talking about. It's not good enough to just invite relegation through incompitent management. Yes it does happen, sometimes clubs get surprised that it's them but that doesn't mean we have to sit around and take it.

Edit, sorry we do have to take it I guess. We don't have to be happy about it, is what I think I meant!
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: VillaAlways on April 05, 2016, 03:07:11 PM
I was talking to a bluenose last weekend. He told me Villa are the biggest club north of London, and south of Liverpool. He went on to tell me Villa fans' trouble is our expectations are too high. So what exactly should fans of the biggest club between London and Liverpool expect? At the very least, when you've been established in the top division for over 20 years, and had hundreds of millions to play with, you'd expect to stay in that division. Minimum requirement. That's why I don't buy this 'it happens to every team' line. If that's true, I really can't wait for Man United's day. That'll be soon, right? 

You don't have to as Amfy said "Teams get relegated. Sometimes it's you" she never said it happens to every team.

I won't argue the semantics, but I'd love to see about-to-be-relegated Arsenal, Liverpool or even Tottenham fans saying "well, sometimes it's us" while causing an earthquake in China with a massive seismic shoulder shrug.
The difference with these clubs is the protests would have started yonks ago if it was them. The club has done really well in lowering fans expectations We haven't behaved like a big club since we signed Bent. It's unforgivable and Lerner deserves all the shit he's getting
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 05, 2016, 03:11:18 PM
It's shit, it happens to us (twice in my lifetime), but it's unlikely ever to happen to other clubs we once considered our peers. We shouldn't ever meekly accept that. Because then it becomes ok, and we get lumped in the same bracket as the knuckledraggers, bitter birds and dog heads. There's no excuse for being in such a privileged position and then pissing it all away despite warning after warning.   

I tend to agree that the seats on 7 thing is ill advised, as these things require mass participation, which will be unlikely. But I'm all for any form of protest, dissent and disruption over apathy, shoulder-shrugging and accepting shit as the norm. 
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 05, 2016, 03:17:42 PM
In my opinion they should have stuck with the banner idea. Odds are good that a higher percentage of us would have joined in each time. By changing it every time I don't think it's gaining proper momentum. By my reckoning this is the 4th different thing in 4 games. Walk out, do nothing, banners, stay away for 7 mins.

And in reply to a few posts, virtually no one has said do nothing and just shrug our shoulders etc, i'm not sure why that keeps getting mentioned.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on April 05, 2016, 03:31:23 PM
The banners at the weekend got a ton of press, and so at the very least it's shown the world that we give a shit.  People who don't want to join in don't have to, but I'm glad that they're trying something, anything.

I agree with that, it's long overdue but I'd hope that before the season ends, we also show the world just what a massive club Aston Villa (still) is. Ideally, I'd love to see our game with Newcastle sold out, the Holte roaring for 90 minutes and a clear message to our next manager that he's not only got a job to do but get it right and he's got one of the best jobs in football. Forget the owner, the half arsed players, the fact is the club belongs to the fans. Let's go down with a bang, not a whimper, it will set a precedent for next season.

The support has been brilliant this season, especially away from home where we've taken thousands and despite having little, if anything to celebrate, we've shown what great fans we have. Even at home they've found the energy to rise up and support the team. It would therefore be a fitting reminder to all whether they be the new board, the next manager, potential signings, the media and beyond just how big Aston Villa is.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Clampy on April 05, 2016, 05:13:33 PM

I'm sure the players also realise how badly they've let us down

Really?
Being booed onto the pitch by your own fans, barracked from the sidelines for 90 minutes, chants of your not fit to wear the shirt - do you think they can't hear it? do you think they don't read the papers or listen to the abusive calls on the radio or the embarrassing post mortems on match of the day? I doubt there is one of these lads that doesn't feel ashamed of the part they've played in all this.

Of course they hear it, I just think they honestly believe that the fans are singing it about other members of the team. Otherwise, why haven't the idle pricks done anything about it? I expect them to get even worse stick in the forthcoming games, inshalla

So how does this protest, or any of the others, let any of them know that we mean them? It doesn't do anymore than the other stuff.

The banners was fine. Watch the match, hold up a pre-printed message  on 74 mins or write your own to them. Added value of paper plane competition for the last quarter of an hour if you don't leave at that point. I don't know why we have to keep changing it.

I think it's the 'something new every week' element that underlies Clampy's comment which people took offence too (liking the sound of their own voice). I totally get why people want to protest even if I can't always see the point & fair play to anyone who tries to do something, but it just needs to be a protest, it doesn't have to be a way of showing how many different kinds of protest you can think of.


Personally though, at this stage, I think I'd just like to try & remember this is what I do for fun, & laugh like I did at Alan Hutton when we shouted 'Shoot!' & stop being so angry like it's the end of the world. It isn't. Teams get relegated. Sometimes it's you.

I'm suggesting that everyone does what they want and makes whatever point they want. Clampy can stick his hands in his ears and try and ignore it for all I care. Personally though, I'm not prepared to accept what we've been dished up in the last few seasons and would prefer to articulate that by giving the players and earful of abuse. If they don't like it, fine, it's not the end of the world.

What exactly do I need to ignore? I'm not telling you that you can't protest. I don't have to agree with this latest one though and i'm not one the only one who hasn't. I don't need to stand on a concourse for 7 minutes to realise what an utterly shit season it's been, I already know.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: class-of-82 on April 05, 2016, 06:31:33 PM
I'm all for the paper aeroplanes scenario best bit about of entertainment all season
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Irish villain on April 05, 2016, 06:45:36 PM
Teams get relegated. Sometimes it's you.

At least we can look forward to Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchesters City and United, Everton and Tottenham getting relegated soon. Won't be long now. Get your popcorn.

4 of them have been relegated in my time. Everton dodged it under dubious circumstances.

Phew, that makes it OK so?

 A few years ago people used to defend Lerner with 'ah we would have been relegated in 2007 if he hadn't bought us'. Well that team in 2006 would thrash any team we have put out this (or any since 2012) season. We are going down with one of our worst ever and most humiliating seasons. Most fans don't give a toss about how other clubs came close to or were relegated because they know the villa were ever-present since 1992 and second most seasons in the top flight after Everton. Losing those badges of honour is horrible and who knows how long we will be out of the top flight for?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 05, 2016, 06:48:33 PM
Please quote me where I said getting relegated was ok. Or did I actually say getting relegated is shit?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: amfy on April 05, 2016, 08:00:09 PM
I don't expect you to take it with a shrug of the shoulders. I've said I've no problem with the protests.

My final paragraph starts with the word 'personally' for a reason. I would like to try and see my support of Astom Villa as being part of a story which includes up and downs. I am not happy about the downs. Even 'personally' I won't accept it with no noise at all. I am just tired of being angry - and that is my right as much as it is anyone else's to carry being angry.
 
Never mind Arsenal or anyone else - no one likes being relegated - no one, and it pretty much always happens to clubs that have been badly run one way or another. I give other club's supporters the respect of believing they hurt for their clubs as much as we do for ours, not that it was alright when 'littler' clubs got relegated but it's not alright for us.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: peter w on April 05, 2016, 08:31:54 PM
It's not just Amfy, I've heard the 'relegation happens' line elsewhere. It does happen, to clubs that allow it.

Well it does. For anyone over 60 this will be our 5th relegation. It's shit but it does happen, even to us.

And no one has said don't protest or just take relegation and say nothing. Most saying that they think this stay away for 7 mins idea is a bit crap, which it is in my opinion for reasons i've said earlier in the thread, have said the banner protest was great and a success.


I'm struggling to link the chain here though. Teams get relegated, yes, so are some saying we should just get a grip? That we can protest but only on their terms? That we can protest but don't do it differently every week because it's all a bit shit and anyway clubs get relegated all of the time? I seriously am struggling to get the point. I couldn't give two shits about any other team. Fuck them all. I'd like to demonstrate, cause mayhem and wanton destruction, when we lose a game never mind this mind-numbing, humiliating, wretched excuse of a club and team that Lerner et al have turned us into.

Yes relegation happens but it's not for someone as grand as Aston Villa. That it is, again, and in such a spineless way, should see us all reaching for the night nurse if not the semi automatics.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 05, 2016, 08:36:51 PM
Strikes me as pretty easy follow, although you were so way off the mark i'm tempted to change your username to Gabby A  ;)
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on April 05, 2016, 08:39:10 PM
Fuck the board, they are never going to listen and the protests so far should've made our feelings clear. These players are the ones who have let us down and the Gang of Four need to be booed, heckled and abused at their every touch. Fuck the fuckers. I want to see these shits going off the pitch in tears. As Jimbo said, give them hell. Fuck the fuckers.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: peter w on April 05, 2016, 08:39:51 PM
Gabby ? Fuck off. At least I tried...
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: olaftab on April 05, 2016, 09:13:29 PM
getting relegated was ok.
There it is
In black and white. I have quoted you it's easy😥
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 05, 2016, 09:16:25 PM
getting relegated was ok.
There it is
In black and white. I have quoted you it's easy😥

Pffffft, away with ye Affers.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 05, 2016, 09:31:10 PM
Also, for the remaining matches, this is our chance to vent our spleen, to get it all off our chests, to bring up all the bile. Because from the first match next season the club, the team and the fans are going to have pull together as one. Let there be no residue of our anger and disgust creeping into the new campaign, because it's going to be tough.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: DeKuip on April 05, 2016, 10:03:38 PM
Can you imagine the fun we'd all be having over on the 'the Gift..." thread if our friends from Small Heath had come up with such a daft idea for a protest.
Mind you they'd have to come in after zero minutes.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: GarTomas on April 07, 2016, 01:41:07 AM
I'm neither in favour or against the protests; but when I read them defined them as a success? I question what the definition of success is.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 07, 2016, 08:14:33 AM
I'm neither in favour or against the protests; but when I read them defined them as a success? I question what the definition of success is.

That's the thing about modern internet-based protest. Success isn't about getting what you wanted, it's how good your protest looked.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Nelly on April 07, 2016, 08:28:09 AM
I'm neither in favour or against the protests; but when I read them defined them as a success? I question what the definition of success is.

That's the thing about modern internet-based protest. Success isn't about getting what you wanted, it's how good your protest looked.

I'd argue that making a protest visually striking makes it instantly apparent that people are actually protesting. If it 'looked good'  then perhaps people will remember it and talk about it which is to say the protest highlighted our issues.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 07, 2016, 08:37:55 AM
I'm neither in favour or against the protests; but when I read them defined them as a success? I question what the definition of success is.

That's the thing about modern internet-based protest. Success isn't about getting what you wanted, it's how good your protest looked.

I'd argue that making a protest visually striking makes it instantly apparent that people are actually protesting. If it 'looked good'  then perhaps people will remember it and talk about it which is to say the protest highlighted our issues.

Which is the sensible answer. Did anyone think the Gulf War protests would actually stop the war? Perhaps not, but they were a massive show of disapproval for it, which is all the powerless can legally do. Which is a whole lot better than doing nothing.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Clampy on April 07, 2016, 08:51:59 AM
This latest one (for this weekend) for me just came across as them wanting to do another one for the sake of it. It's as if they sat round for a few hours and tried to think of something and it was the best they could come up with.

I'm by no means saying they should stop, but sometimes you need to take stock and let things settle a bit.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 07, 2016, 08:56:12 AM
I agree that the seats protest isn't a good idea, but think they should keep up the protests in other forms (banners, towels, etc.) with increasing intensity until the end of the season. Get it all off our chests while we can. The protests will have to stop at the start of next season if we're to have any hope of making a positive impact. Now is the time.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: peter w on April 07, 2016, 09:16:13 AM
It may not be a successful as the previous protest but it will receive some media interest which is the point. I fear that it is wrong because it opens us up to be mocked. "So Jim has the protest worked"? "Well there are some empty seats but that's understandable ha ha ha". Yes, ha ha ha indeed.

What I don't get is lambasting or ridiculing the group rather than just putting across an opinion and letting them, and those that wish to follow the protest, just get on with it. It's for the right reasons after all.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 07, 2016, 09:23:14 AM
And that's my point. It looked good. People talked about it. And nothing changed.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Risso on April 07, 2016, 09:28:03 AM
And that's my point. It looked good. People talked about it. And nothing changed.

As others have pointed out, why should 'change' be a barometer of success?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 07, 2016, 09:51:59 AM
Overcoming apathy and derision might be considered a success, especially at Villa. So, yes, the protests so far have been reasonably successful. This is about registering disapproval and an outpouring of anger as much as anything. Who knows what might happen if everybody joined in?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Gregorys Boy on April 07, 2016, 10:05:38 AM
If people feel strongly about it I think they should protest.  The fact that the board/players may not take the slightest bit of notice of it should not effect the fans decision.  For me its not something I would do, and the greater protest would be not going to the games for awhile, but I can understand why people are doing it.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Nelly on April 07, 2016, 10:06:09 AM
I wouldn't expect much to change after the protests, I'm not sure we really have a right to tell Lerner how to run his football club. As Jimbo and others have said it might be to express outrage at the shoddy running of something we are emotionally invested in, if not financially. For me it's to give the club a kick and tell them this isn't anywhere near acceptable. As 'custodians' (shudder) they are liable to recieve ire and derision for villa's demise.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 07, 2016, 10:31:08 AM
Im all for the protests. Sure we're not gonna change much but it's about time the fans spoke up and registered their disgust at the way Lerner has humiliated us. Keep it going everyone.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 07, 2016, 10:49:32 AM
And that's my point. It looked good. People talked about it. And nothing changed.

As others have pointed out, why should 'change' be a barometer of success?

Because the protest organisers have said they want change. If they didn't and all they wanted to do was complain about what's happening then they're a success. If you're making demands then if you don't get what you want then equally you've failed.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 07, 2016, 11:10:36 AM
How about writing "prepared" on banners for Bournemouth. Let cock-end Lerner know how we feel about his latest pisstake
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2016, 11:12:21 AM
How about we wear 80-82 shirts and show we don't?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Stu on April 07, 2016, 11:13:57 AM
How about writing "prepared" on banners for Bournemouth. Let cock-end Lerner know how we feel about his latest pisstake

What have I missed?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2016, 11:15:48 AM
"Prepared" isn't on the new badge and it's a very bad thing Lerner as done. Even though it wasn't on our shirts as we went from Div 3 to European champions.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 07, 2016, 11:18:53 AM
Fair enough, maybe we should all sit on our hands and clap like seals
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2016, 11:21:36 AM
Yes, because that's exactly what I said isn't it.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 07, 2016, 11:26:29 AM
Maybe you could come up with a more innovative option then. I know it's much harder to do that than to pull apart others' suggestions. Mine was a joke, by the way. I wouldn't waste a bed sheet on that twat.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2016, 11:27:39 AM
So you agree I didn't say that then.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: SheffieldVillain on April 07, 2016, 11:28:08 AM
How about writing "prepared" on banners for Bournemouth. Let cock-end Lerner know how we feel about his latest pisstake

How do 'we' feel?
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 07, 2016, 11:30:43 AM
Fuck me, another bout of semantic jousting.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: SheffieldVillain on April 07, 2016, 11:31:56 AM
Fuck me, another bout of semantic jousting.

Not really, just making the point that you're assuming that everyone shares your views.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 07, 2016, 11:32:39 AM
Ok, well done
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Comrade Blitz on April 07, 2016, 12:11:36 PM
What I don't get is lambasting or ridiculing the group rather than just putting across an opinion and letting them, and those that wish to follow the protest, just get on with it. It's for the right reasons after all.

Exactly - well said.

Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 07, 2016, 12:15:26 PM
What I don't get is lambasting or ridiculing the group rather than just putting across an opinion and letting them, and those that wish to follow the protest, just get on with it. It's for the right reasons after all.

Exactly - well said.



Agreed. It's the sneering at the protesters I just don't get.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Mouse Potato on April 07, 2016, 12:23:09 PM
And that's my point. It looked good. People talked about it. And nothing changed.

As others have pointed out, why should 'change' be a barometer of success?

Because the protest organisers have said they want change. If they didn't and all they wanted to do was complain about what's happening then they're a success. If you're making demands then if you don't get what you want then equally you've failed.

But you have to shoot to score a goal Dave.  It might not go in but if you don't have a pop you'll get nout.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2016, 12:52:35 PM
What sneering, lambasting etc is that then? A couple of people said days ago that they like the sound of their voices and that's it. Lots of others like me have said this idea is crap but the banner protest was great and worked very well and they should have continued that and built momentum with it for the last few games.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chris Jameson on April 07, 2016, 12:55:13 PM
I don't know that there is any sneering, the banners idea was great and worked well but any idea that involves going in early or leaving early isn't going to be effective in a stadium with thousands of empty seats.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: AVH87 on April 07, 2016, 01:00:51 PM
They should have just done the banners again, only thing they are guilty of is probably trying to be a bit too creative. They certainly deserve praise for their efforts so far though, much harder to do what they are doing than just stop going to games like a fair few have done.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 07, 2016, 01:01:15 PM
And that's my point. It looked good. People talked about it. And nothing changed.

As others have pointed out, why should 'change' be a barometer of success?

Because the protest organisers have said they want change. If they didn't and all they wanted to do was complain about what's happening then they're a success. If you're making demands then if you don't get what you want then equally you've failed.

But you have to shoot to score a goal Dave.  It might not go in but if you don't have a pop you'll get nout.

As Flashman put it, never give an order you aren't certain will be carried out. And never make a demand that can't be met at least halfway. If the protestors said their aim was to show that we're mad as hell and we're not going to take it, it's succeeded. They've got publicity. But they released some lengthy list of demands that won't be met, therefore they've failed.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Chris Harte on April 07, 2016, 01:29:00 PM
What sneering, lambasting etc is that then? A couple of people said days ago that they like the sound of their voices and that's it. Lots of others like me have said this idea is crap but the banner protest was great and worked very well and they should have continued that and built momentum with it for the last few games.
I think there was plenty of sneering prior to the original protest (out the door on 74) - stuff along the lines of "what are they doing that for?" "Lerner wants to sell" and "it won't change anything."

Sometimes there's no harm in giving the target of the protesters a little metaphorical dig in the ribs. And to be fair both protests got a fair amount of coverage.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Clampy on April 07, 2016, 01:40:30 PM
What sneering, lambasting etc is that then? A couple of people said days ago that they like the sound of their voices and that's it. Lots of others like me have said this idea is crap but the banner protest was great and worked very well and they should have continued that and built momentum with it for the last few games.
I think there was plenty of sneering prior to the original protest (out the door on 74) - stuff along the lines of "what are they doing that for?" "Lerner wants to sell" and "it won't change anything."

Sometimes there's no harm in giving the target of the protesters a little metaphorical dig in the ribs. And to be fair both protests got a fair amount of coverage.

I wouldn't call that 'sneering' as such, just questioning it.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: in exile on April 07, 2016, 01:41:13 PM
I'll be holding up last weeks banner for a couple of minuets on 74
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2016, 01:53:30 PM
So the sneering, such as it was, was weeks ago. Makes me wonder why a few felt the need to mention it today.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: peter w on April 07, 2016, 02:02:03 PM
And that's my point. It looked good. People talked about it. And nothing changed.

As others have pointed out, why should 'change' be a barometer of success?

Because the protest organisers have said they want change. If they didn't and all they wanted to do was complain about what's happening then they're a success. If you're making demands then if you don't get what you want then equally you've failed.

Well there has been change but obviously this has little to do with the organised protest I'd imagine. But in saying that we're no longer just ridiculed which is where we were just up to a week or two ago. We were lampooned. The protests have shown the popular media up if anything, that real people support Aston Villa, and there are serious issues to be highlighted, challenged, and poured over.

For numerous reasons, not least Shearer and Wright happy to see us where we are (et al) and the bbc allowing them to be as insightful as they are, we became list in their smug content. The protests deserve better support if for no other reason than the footballing fraternity remember we're here.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Jimbo on April 07, 2016, 02:05:58 PM
Those stupid stop the war protesters, hundreds of thousands of them. Failures. If only they'd said "We're mad about the war, but carry on if you must!" we could have considered them a success.

 
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Risso on April 07, 2016, 02:24:54 PM
Those stupid stop the war protesters, hundreds of thousands of them. Failures. If only they'd said "We're mad about the war, but carry on if you must!" we could have considered them a success.

And don't get me started on that bloody Nelson Mandela.....
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: UK Redsox on April 07, 2016, 02:39:42 PM
They should have just done the banners again,

I'm in favour of this. I forgot to take the "Owls versus Gibbons" banner I made
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: peter w on April 07, 2016, 02:44:50 PM
Okay but Dave W's point is still valid as was yours Risso in what we measure as the barometer of success. We won't get Villa sold but media interest becomes pressure for change. That has happened more to protect an investment than anything but it is as far removed as the Poll Tax riots as it is from them liking the sound if their own voices. But it is being done for the right reason and not for the sake of it.

Lerner can't send in the tanks to convey his legitimacy, he's used Krulak instead, but in the football world a few wins and she'll be right. That's the flippant nature of football supporting.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: Risso on April 07, 2016, 03:28:03 PM
Okay but Dave W's point is still valid as was yours Risso in what we measure as the barometer of success. We won't get Villa sold but media interest becomes pressure for change. That has happened more to protect an investment than anything but it is as far removed as the Poll Tax riots as it is from them liking the sound if their own voices. But it is being done for the right reason and not for the sake of it.

Lerner can't send in the tanks to convey his legitimacy, he's used Krulak instead, but in the football world a few wins and she'll be right. That's the flippant nature of football supporting.

Fair enough, but why is there a time limit on these things as well?

As far as I recall, the protestors requests were that Lerner gave a statement about still wanting to sell, backing the club until he does, and puttibc a proper board in place.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: peter w on April 07, 2016, 03:53:28 PM
Okay but Dave W's point is still valid as was yours Risso in what we measure as the barometer of success. We won't get Villa sold but media interest becomes pressure for change. That has happened more to protect an investment than anything but it is as far removed as the Poll Tax riots as it is from them liking the sound if their own voices. But it is being done for the right reason and not for the sake of it.

Lerner can't send in the tanks to convey his legitimacy, he's used Krulak instead, but in the football world a few wins and she'll be right. That's the flippant nature of football supporting.

Fair enough, but why is there a time limit on these things as well?

As far as I recall, the protestors requests were that Lerner gave a statement about still wanting to sell, backing the club until he does, and puttibc a proper board in place.

because it's purely organic. displeasure grows as the seeds of discontent are nourished by further defeats. We start next season well and look on course to get promoted, then there will not be one call for Lerner to go. Protests in football are finite by their very nature. We'll boo a team off for being 5 down at half-time and yet hail them as world beaters when they trudge off at full-time having won 6-5.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: LeeB on April 07, 2016, 07:57:20 PM
Im all for the protests. Sure we're not gonna change much but it's about time the fans spoke up and registered their disgust at the way Lerner has humiliated us. Keep it going everyone.

I'm in full agreement with this. Do what you feel you need to, short of physical violence. Well, only on the players, if you must.
Title: Re: Seats on 7
Post by: martin o`who?? on April 07, 2016, 08:22:06 PM
I am slightly surprised at how low-key the various protests have been given our predicament and inevitable relegation, I honestly believe the previous near misses we've endured over the last few seasons have - given the players we lost during the summer - inflicted an air of inevitability on most of us, the "You could see this coming" mindset has just numbed us into submission.
SimplePortal 2.3.6 © 2008-2014, SimplePortal