Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Risso on April 16, 2016, 04:53:25 PM

Title: Relegated
Post by: Risso on April 16, 2016, 04:53:25 PM
Well, that's that then. The club is an utter disgrace.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 16, 2016, 04:54:10 PM
Fitting team selection and meek surrender to officially finish us off.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Monty on April 16, 2016, 04:54:41 PM
At least we might find out soon who the new manager is.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jimbo on April 16, 2016, 04:54:46 PM
We asked for it, and asked for it, and we finally got it.

Well done, Randy Lerner.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: CJ on April 16, 2016, 04:55:58 PM
Circle the plughole long enough and eventually you go down the sewer.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: villabear on April 16, 2016, 04:57:12 PM
Take a bow you useless wankers
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 16, 2016, 04:57:22 PM
Bravo Randy Lerner you incompetent fool.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Adam B on April 16, 2016, 04:58:39 PM
It's just a false narrative.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: go on the dog on April 16, 2016, 04:58:59 PM
Were down, but were not out. UTV
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: curiousorange on April 16, 2016, 05:00:02 PM
Will surely hit me in a few hours. At the moment, it feels numb.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Malandro on April 16, 2016, 05:00:47 PM
It takes some fuckery to take a club the size of Villa to rock bottom of the table.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: in exile on April 16, 2016, 05:01:45 PM
Sorry folks but I'm just glad it's over to be honest
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Can Gana Be Bettered!?!? on April 16, 2016, 05:01:55 PM
It doesn't actually feel any different now to how I've felt for the last few months.

Can imagine a last day of the season relegation being horrific, but we've known it was coming for so long, it just feels like another standard defeat.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 16, 2016, 05:02:23 PM
Been preparing for it since September so pretty calm about it.

Still depressing to see a thread like that on here finally confirming it. Didn't think I'd see the day especially with all the great escapes over the last few years.

Will it get better....or much worse. Have to say it's 50/50. Let's see who the new manager is and what sort of squad he constructs.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ez on April 16, 2016, 05:02:43 PM
How long before the first nose posts on here?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on April 16, 2016, 05:03:16 PM
It feels like an appointment with the proctologist. Painful in advance, but now it's done, for me the thought was worse than the reality. We're down, nothing we can do about it apart from build for the next few years now. And drink a lot in the meantime to forgot this pathetic season of ineptitude.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: CT on April 16, 2016, 05:03:18 PM
Sorry folks but I'm just glad it's over to be honest

Me too.

We've been like a blind old incontinent sheep dog walking round the field for the last few years.

We've finally been put down.

We're not in pain anymore.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Warren Aspinall on April 16, 2016, 05:04:11 PM
It takes some fuckery to take a club the size of Villa to rock bottom of the table.

Not just rock bottom but way bottom, it's an achievement in a macabre kind of way.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: villabear on April 16, 2016, 05:04:19 PM
16 points. I don't know how we managed to get those!
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Leighton on April 16, 2016, 05:04:28 PM
The worst team we have ever had. There should be pictures of them all in each stand at Villa Park- preferably in every urinal.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: GarTomas on April 16, 2016, 05:05:41 PM
How long before the first nose posts on here?

Maybe we create their own thread where we can just observe them try and grasp the basics of the English language.

Although I expect them to be able to spell relegation given how familiar they are with the concept.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: The Man With A Stick on April 16, 2016, 05:06:19 PM
Lerner, Lambert, O'Neill, Sherwood, anyone else I've missed out and, in particular, the entire current playing squad.  I fart in your general direction.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Le Lapin on April 16, 2016, 05:08:12 PM
Sad day for us all. The players, particularly Gabby and Grealish should be ashamed of themselves.  If they had any sustance they would have left nothing out on pitch busting a gut to keep us up.
The hierarchy of our club during the last six years should hang their heads in shame. Alas, none of them gives a crap about us and the club we love .
But this has been coming since MON walked. The club was shaken to its foundations and never recovered. No leadership on and off the pitch.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 16, 2016, 05:10:16 PM
On the plus side, Kiddy are relegated as well. 6 fingered twonks.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ClarrieBlue on April 16, 2016, 05:12:40 PM
Personally I'm just glad it's finally all over. Hopefully now Sir Brian and Co can start to engineer a turnaround but with RL still at the helm it's more blind hopeful optimism than confidence.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ez on April 16, 2016, 05:13:35 PM
How many of our players will be sitting in the changing room feeling devastated. Not many.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: in exile on April 16, 2016, 05:15:05 PM
None of them looked bothered at the end of the broadcast I was watching...Guzan, Lescot, Gestede, Clark   
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Mister E on April 16, 2016, 05:16:41 PM
No new news ... just pathetic how feeble we've been all season.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: tomd2103 on April 16, 2016, 05:17:03 PM
Sad day for us all. The players, particularly Gabby and Grealish should be ashamed of themselves.  If they had any sustance they would have left nothing out on pitch busting a gut to keep us up.
The hierarchy of our club during the last six years should hang their heads in shame. Alas, none of them gives a crap about us and the club we love .
But this has been coming since MON walked. The club was shaken to its foundations and never recovered. No leadership on and off the pitch.

Agree.  The hierarchy at the club are seemingly the only ones who haven't seen this coming.  It takes a special bunch of idiots to take a top six side to where we find ourselves now in a short few years and spend a fortune doing it.  Plenty of people should take a share of the blame, but letting Lambert drift along aimlessly for too long really killed us and saw the club go to ruin.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: tomd2103 on April 16, 2016, 05:18:06 PM
How many of our players will be sitting in the changing room feeling devastated. Not many.

No time for that, probably too busy planning their night out in Manchester.  Whoop whoop!
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: CJ on April 16, 2016, 05:18:17 PM
Sad day but I accepted we're down after losing to Norwich & Sunderland over Christmas/New Year followed by lack of activity in the January transfer window. Glad it's now done and we can start the rebuild, but I think it will only really, really hit home when next season's fixture list comes out in June.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 16, 2016, 05:18:23 PM
I'm not a violent man, but I'd never tire of stamping on that face.

(http://thumbsnap.com/s/c29yqKkX.jpg)[/url]
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: old man villa fan on April 16, 2016, 05:18:49 PM
Time to sort the wheat from the chaff.  The Club needs to be strong and ruthless and get rid of those players that are the centre of the negativity.

There are players in that squad that can do better with the right type of players around them but there are others that are dragging these players down.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Irish villain on April 16, 2016, 05:20:06 PM
The fans were unbelievable there from the stream I was watching.

A horror show of a half-decade has ended in relegation. It is time for the rebuild to start. First item on the agenda should be the repairing of the fractures that have developed between the club and its own supporters.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: andyh on April 16, 2016, 05:20:35 PM
We have known its coming for months.
We have been resigned to it for weeks.
We have wanted to be put out of our misery for ages.

It still feels fucking shit though.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: AV89 on April 16, 2016, 05:20:59 PM
https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/721371675137286145
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: exigo on April 16, 2016, 05:21:05 PM
Well, the good news is we won't have Arsenal keeping us off the top of the league all summer.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: DeKuip on April 16, 2016, 05:21:16 PM
Life goes on and football goes on.
VTID.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: in exile on April 16, 2016, 05:21:59 PM
I'm not a violent man, but I'd never tire of stamping on that face.

(http://thumbsnap.com/s/c29yqKkX.jpg)[/url]
I like the idea of having a Brazilian on his head, makes him look like a cnut too
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: myf on April 16, 2016, 05:22:17 PM
I'm not a violent man, but I'd never tire of stamping on that face.

(http://thumbsnap.com/s/c29yqKkX.jpg)[/url]

Isn't that after the final whistle?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Risso on April 16, 2016, 05:22:28 PM
Time to sort the wheat from the chaff.  The Club needs to be strong and ruthless and get rid of those players that are the centre of the negativity.

There are players in that squad that can do better with the right type of players around them but there are others that are dragging these players down.

That won't take long, as it's all chaff.  Chaff from top to bottom.  There really is nothing to sort.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: andyh on April 16, 2016, 05:22:51 PM
If Lescott has said what Stan has twittered then that fucker needs his face kicked in.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jimbo on April 16, 2016, 05:22:55 PM
https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/721371675137286145

Well said, Stan. I know there's the old cliche about footballers being thick, but Lescott is a prize fucking no-mark. Dim, dim, dim twat.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 16, 2016, 05:23:19 PM
I'm not a violent man, but I'd never tire of stamping on that face.

(http://thumbsnap.com/s/c29yqKkX.jpg)[/url]

Isn't that after the final whistle?

Apparently it is. 
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jimbo on April 16, 2016, 05:23:53 PM
I'm not a violent man, but I'd never tire of stamping on that face.

(http://thumbsnap.com/s/c29yqKkX.jpg)[/url]

Get rid of this grinning halfwit as soon as possible.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 16, 2016, 05:24:54 PM
https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/721371675137286145

That's one of the dumbest statements I've heard.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 16, 2016, 05:25:10 PM
I'm not a violent man, but I'd never tire of stamping on that face.

(http://thumbsnap.com/s/c29yqKkX.jpg)[/url]
that kin stupid grin, twat
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: David_Nab on April 16, 2016, 05:26:39 PM
Now to see who goes with us , Newcastle looked in trouble but results today a big help and Norwich have tough fixtures coming up.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: old man villa fan on April 16, 2016, 05:28:13 PM
Time to sort the wheat from the chaff.  The Club needs to be strong and ruthless and get rid of those players that are the centre of the negativity.

There are players in that squad that can do better with the right type of players around them but there are others that are dragging these players down.

That won't take long, as it's all chaff.  Chaff from top to bottom.  There really is nothing to sort.

They are not all rubbish.  There is a core of players that we can build on but there are 5 or 6 that keep on being picked for the 1st Team that have to go and be replaced with players that have the right attitude.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 16, 2016, 05:28:23 PM
Just sad really, not angry. That left my body a while ago. I just hope we are doing everything possible to get promoted immediately. That's my only concern now.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 16, 2016, 05:28:40 PM
Well, that's that then. The club is an utter disgrace.

Indeed. It takes an incredible amount of fuckwittery to relegate a club as big as Aston Villa but somehow they managed it.
Shame on you, Randy Lerner. Shame on you.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 16, 2016, 05:29:10 PM
Here's another one.

(http://thumbsnap.com/s/Z1yfaHMC.jpg)[/url]
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: tomd2103 on April 16, 2016, 05:29:52 PM
I'm not a violent man, but I'd never tire of stamping on that face.

(http://thumbsnap.com/s/c29yqKkX.jpg)[/url]
.

Get rid of this grinning halfwit as soon as possible.

Not the only one.  Don't want to see Richards, Lescott or Agbonlahor in a Villa shirt ever again.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: auntiesledd on April 16, 2016, 05:31:03 PM
Time to sort the wheat from the chaff.  The Club needs to be strong and ruthless and get rid of those players that are the centre of the negativity.

There are players in that squad that can do better with the right type of players around them but there are others that are dragging these players down.

That won't take long, as it's all chaff.  Chaff from top to bottom.  There really is nothing to sort.

Absolutely right, although my faith in the club to do the right thing is virtually non-existent now.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on April 16, 2016, 05:31:14 PM
https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/721371675137286145

That's one of the dumbest statements I've heard.

just sums up what a c*** lescott is

we couldnt really be arsed during the last nine games when there was the faintest glimmer but now we are down we may try a bit if we can be arsed
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: CJ on April 16, 2016, 05:33:54 PM
I want to see Agbonlahor one more time so I get the opportunity to let him know how we feel about our club 'captain'. Then he can fuck right off. Free transfer somewhere or hopefully he's got a relegation clause in his contract so his wages go down and we can just pay his contract up at less than it would cost now.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: old man villa fan on April 16, 2016, 05:34:56 PM
Well, that's that then. The club is an utter disgrace.

Indeed. It takes an incredible amount of fuckwittery to relegate a club as big as Aston Villa but somehow they managed it.
Shame on you, Randy Lerner. Shame on you.

It is similar to a battle, you can retreat but at some point you have to set up a defensive position and you go no further, otherwise you will be routed.  Lerner failed to sanction what was necessary at the beginning of Lambert's 2nd season.  The result is that we have been routed.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: tomd2103 on April 16, 2016, 05:35:40 PM
https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/721371675137286145

That's one of the dumbest statements I've heard.

just sums up what a c*** lescott is

we couldnt really be arsed during the last nine games when there was the faintest glimmer but now we are down we may try a bit if we can be arsed

Sums up just how out of touch some of these clowns are.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Whiney MacWhineface on April 16, 2016, 05:36:26 PM
16 points. I don't know how we managed to get those!

Back in October I predicted we wouldn't end up even with 20. Sadly for my Nostradamus status it was caveated by saying "unless we get rid of Sherwood soon".

Get the next manager right Villa, or it can get worse.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: andyh on April 16, 2016, 05:41:33 PM
The more I dwell on what that ****** Lescott has said, the angrier I get.
It just proves how little this club being relegated means to this overpaid, overrated piece of shit.

Fucking bastard wanker.!!

(I know it's not clever to swear but I am livid).
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: itbrvilla on April 16, 2016, 05:45:01 PM
https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/721371675137286145

That's one of the dumbest statements I've heard.
I heard it was his pockets not him.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: tomd2103 on April 16, 2016, 05:45:15 PM
Well, that's that then. The club is an utter disgrace.

Indeed. It takes an incredible amount of fuckwittery to relegate a club as big as Aston Villa but somehow they managed it.
Shame on you, Randy Lerner. Shame on you.

It is similar to a battle, you can retreat but at some point you have to set up a defensive position and you go no further, otherwise you will be routed.  Lerner failed to sanction what was necessary at the beginning of Lambert's 2nd season.  The result is that we have been routed.

Agree.  All in hindsight of course, but Lambert should have gone at the end of that second season.  It was clear there were problems behind the scenes then that could have been nipped in the bud with he right appointment then.  As it was he was allowed to carry on drifting aimlessly along, destroying every the club as he went.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Nunkin1965 on April 16, 2016, 05:52:44 PM
I'll renew next season but I've serious doubts that we'll return to the Prem at the first time of asking. Its going to take one huge turnaround.

Does anyone know the figures about recent instances of sides coming straight back up? There are plenty of cases of teams stuck in the mess that is mid table mediocrity. I wonder if the success rate is that good.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: old man villa fan on April 16, 2016, 05:56:38 PM
I'll renew next season but I've serious doubts that we'll return to the Prem at the first time of asking. Its going to take one huge turnaround.

Does anyone know the figures about recent instances of sides coming straight back up? There are plenty of cases of teams stuck in the mess that is mid table mediocrity. I wonder if the success rate is that good.

It will all depend on the Club's attitude to the current squad.  Probably more so than the manager we appoint.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ez on April 16, 2016, 05:58:41 PM
I'll renew next season but I've serious doubts that we'll return to the Prem at the first time of asking. Its going to take one huge turnaround.

Does anyone know the figures about recent instances of sides coming straight back up? There are plenty of cases of teams stuck in the mess that is mid table mediocrity. I wonder if the success rate is that good.

The trouble is it's probably going to take more than a year to clearout so many bad players.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on April 16, 2016, 05:59:21 PM
https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/721371675137286145

That's one of the dumbest statements I've heard.

just sums up what a c*** lescott is

we couldnt really be arsed during the last nine games when there was the faintest glimmer but now we are down we may try a bit if we can be arsed

Sums up just how out of touch some of these clowns are.

im just hoping the useless lump gets picked next saturday, as if he thought he has had pelters before he hasnt seen anything yet
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: FrankyH on April 16, 2016, 05:59:55 PM
How long before the first nose posts on here?

Well half of them seem to be on this site 24/7 , so it shouldn't be long !
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: CT on April 16, 2016, 06:05:21 PM
How long before the first nose posts on here?

Well half of them seem to be on this site 24/7 , so it shouldn't be long !

Let them at least get back from the Home game I'm sure they've all been to.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 16, 2016, 06:06:08 PM
How long before the first nose posts on here?

Well half of them seem to be on this site 24/7 , so it shouldn't be long !

Let them at least get back from the Home game I'm sure they've all been to.

Or parole meeting.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: old man villa fan on April 16, 2016, 06:07:03 PM
How long before the first nose posts on here?

Well half of them seem to be on this site 24/7 , so it shouldn't be long !

Let them at least get back from the Home game I'm sure they've all been to.

Yes, lost to claret and blue again.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: AV89 on April 16, 2016, 06:07:25 PM
Let's get things straight here.  We weren't relegated because of losing today.  We are relegated because of six years of complacency, arrogance and piss poor decision making.

It's ok pointing the finger, but everyone has played a part.  Randy Lerner has to take some blame, so do Tom Fox, Paddy Reilly, Henrik Almstadt, Tim Sherwood, Remi Garde  and all of the executives, coaches and playing staff (past and present).  Standards have been allowed to drop to the point where not enough people care.  Even today with the drop confirmed, most just shook hands with the United players and strolled off the field.

As desperate as things are, I've no doubt that Aston Villa will come back.  It may take a year, two years or even longer, but this remains a great club.  It's part of being a fan of any club.  You have good times and bad.

Now the work must start to get us back.  Anyone who has no stomach for the fight must go.  We've lacked passion in the team for so long.   We need players who we can relate to and can trust.   Players who you know will leave the field with nothing left to give.  A united club can go far, a club divided has no chance.

In short, this is the hard lesson we face for coasting along. 
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Holtemeister on April 16, 2016, 06:16:17 PM
To be fair ... there will be be very few tears as weve known its been coming for so very very long...in truth it should / could have been any of the last 3 or 4 seasons.

Its been like losing a long suffering loved one... part of you dreads the day they are taken but for the other part of you, as there is only one outcome,  to end their suffering that day cant come soon enough.

We can know look back on the memories of happier times and look to the light at the end of the tunnel.

There is always light ... just matter of time
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: enigma on April 16, 2016, 06:22:21 PM
I don't even feel angry right now. Haven't for a while in truth. The half a decade of shit knocked that out of me some time ago. It was obvious we were going down months ago so it's no great shock. We are one of the very worst teams this league has seen. We're rotten to the core so I can't see us making the turnaround necessary to come straight back up. It's going to be a painful few years until this is all sorted out.

It'll hit home more when next seasons fixtures come out and we go off to places we've never been before.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Villa in Denmark on April 16, 2016, 06:27:58 PM
To be fair ... there will be be very few tears as weve known its been coming for so very very long...in truth it should / could have been any of the last 3 or 4 seasons.

Its been like losing a long suffering loved one... part of you dreads the day they are taken but for the other part of you, as there is only one outcome,  to end their suffering that day cant come soon enough.

We can know look back on the memories of happier times and look to the light at the end of the tunnel.

There is always light ... just matter of time

Just as long as the light at the end of the tunnel isn't a bloody train coming straight at you.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 16, 2016, 06:31:00 PM
Thanks Joleon.

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/aston-villa/story/2852106/aston-villas-lescott-relegation-a-weight-off-the-shoulders
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: David_Nab on April 16, 2016, 06:34:21 PM
I'll renew next season but I've serious doubts that we'll return to the Prem at the first time of asking. Its going to take one huge turnaround.

Does anyone know the figures about recent instances of sides coming straight back up? There are plenty of cases of teams stuck in the mess that is mid table mediocrity. I wonder if the success rate is that good.

It was on BT sport earlier

IIRC

In Prem era 12% have come straight back up , more concerning 52% have never returned

Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 16, 2016, 06:34:29 PM
Phew, we can all stop worrying now and enjoy ourselves you utter clown.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PeterWithe on April 16, 2016, 06:34:54 PM
Hopefully now the pressure is off, Jolean can inspire his lads to a few wins. That would be nice.

I'm just glad none of them sat in the centre circle with their heads in their hands after the final whistle, I couldn't have handled that.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Pete3206 on April 16, 2016, 06:37:19 PM
Tool
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 16, 2016, 06:41:22 PM
Collymore on Twitter.

Lescott: "Now confirmed maybe it's a weight off the shoulders and we can give these fans what they deserve, some performances." #avfc Tit.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Marton on April 16, 2016, 06:48:34 PM
Problem is that there is just so much in the club that has to be cut and replaced.

Granted there been some overdue sacking of boardmembers...but still. Lerners ever absent spirit is still looming like a wet blanket.

Something like 70% squad has to be replaced. And there is fear that we end up losing the 30% we would like to keep and gets stuck with the wrong ones just because they are fairly cheap in relation to Villas standard inflated wages. So we get stuck with Westwood, Sinclair, Lescott, Cisshoko, Gestede, Hutton and Richardsson....it wasnt fun to watch those in Premier League and doubt its much more enjoyable in the Championship.

Then there is the scouting and recruiting team  with that Paddy f**ker and his adepts still hanging on. As much as we hated the team this year these are they guys that paid 50 million last summer and recruited this assembly of overpaid, dont give a shit  failures and sat on their asses during January , failing even to get a single loan while we still had a chance to change things. These are the inept people that the club now charge with the task of retooling Villa to go back up. THAT scares me more then anything.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: martin o`who?? on April 16, 2016, 06:53:31 PM
To all the die-hards who went home-and-away every game this season I absolutely tip my hat to you all, you deserve better than this shit, hold your heads up high tonight - respect.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: wittonwarrior on April 16, 2016, 06:54:53 PM
Depends  as how you read Lescott's comment.  I am definitely not a big fan of his, but somehow I do have some incline as to what he was trying to say. 

A lot of people are being put into the mix  over this relegation.  I feel sorry for Sherwood who had his hands tied and did during his short tenure manage to put 3 or 4 decent performances forward. 

But do agree 100% we have had this day coming to us for the past 6 years.  Sickening and I can't see an instant return, more worried about the over opening and possible demise back into Division 3.  Apart from a 5/10 spell today we looked likes boys against men.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Quiet Lion on April 16, 2016, 06:55:38 PM
Funny how in previous seasons I always thought, when this time came I would be on the floor in the foetal position, crying, beating my fists on the floor and gutted beyond belief.

My anger subsided in January, I was more gutted this morning when I dropped my toast on the buttery side.

Shame on all of those that had a hand in this
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: northeast villan on April 16, 2016, 06:56:02 PM
No way. That was after the warm up and he's thinking "oh sh&t I'm nearly sweating here"
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: in exile on April 16, 2016, 07:08:04 PM
To all the die-hards who went home-and-away every game this season I absolutely tip my hat to you all, you deserve better than this shit, hold your heads up high tonight - respect.
Hear hear.
I've been trying to find the words but you sum it up completely
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: mr-villa on April 16, 2016, 07:10:28 PM
This needs to be treated as an opportunity.  I really don't understand what everybody is getting in a hooley about.  We now have an opportunity to compete in a league with a realistic possibility of actually winning something be that the championship or promotion back to the Premier League.  The only downside is if we do go back up next season it will be to just join the gravy train without ever really being able to win it.  The Premier League is shit, uncompetitive and boring, I find it astonishing that so many supporters on here want to carry on playing in that league. Keep your nerve we will have far more excitement next season in The Championship.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jimbo on April 16, 2016, 07:13:17 PM
This needs to be treated as an opportunity.  I really don't understand what everybody is getting in a hooley about.  We now have an opportunity to compete in a league with a realistic possibility of actually winning something be that the championship or promotion back to the Premier League.  The only downside is if we do go back up next season it will be to just join the gravy train without ever really being able to win it.  The Premier League is shit, uncompetitive and boring, I find it astonishing that so many supporters on here want to carry on playing in that league. Keep your nerve we will have far more excitement next season in The Championship.

Hmm.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: andyh on April 16, 2016, 07:16:02 PM
This needs to be treated as an opportunity.  I really don't understand what everybody is getting in a hooley about.  We now have an opportunity to compete in a league with a realistic possibility of actually winning something be that the championship or promotion back to the Premier League.  The only downside is if we do go back up next season it will be to just join the gravy train without ever really being able to win it.  The Premier League is shit, uncompetitive and boring, I find it astonishing that so many supporters on here want to carry on playing in that league. Keep your nerve we will have far more excitement next season in The Championship.
Tell that to Leicester City.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Pete3206 on April 16, 2016, 07:16:05 PM
This needs to be treated as an opportunity.  I really don't understand what everybody is getting in a hooley about.  We now have an opportunity to compete in a league with a realistic possibility of actually winning something be that the championship or promotion back to the Premier League.  The only downside is if we do go back up next season it will be to just join the gravy train without ever really being able to win it.  The Premier League is shit, uncompetitive and boring, I find it astonishing that so many supporters on here want to carry on playing in that league. Keep your nerve we will have far more excitement next season in The Championship.

Agree with the bit about never winning the league, disagree with the rest.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: brian green on April 16, 2016, 07:19:08 PM
The true problem is that nothing has changed.

We have new board members and we have been lulled into thinking that means things will change for the better.  In real terms nothing has changed.  We continue to lose games and we continue to outrage the supporters.  Improvement may come but there has been nothing  different for the last three months than for the last five years.

Houllier came and we said great, things will get better.  Houllier left and we said we will get a healthy replacement and things will get better.  His replacement was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Lambert got sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Sherwood was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Garde was sacked, Fox was sacked, Almstadt was sacked and we all said great, things will get better.  Bernstein, King, Bevington and Brian Little came in andcwe said great, things will get better.

But things have not got better.  They have got worse.

Now we are saying the games will be much easier next season, great things will get better.

Nothing other than a slap on the wrist for Gabby has happened to correct our decline.  We have just been relegated and the only words directed towards the bedrock of the club, the fans, are insults from Lescott and banal rent-a-caretaker platitudes from Eric Black.

I see no positive sign whatsoever that anything has changed or is in the process if being changed with any degree of urgency.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: croatian on April 16, 2016, 07:24:22 PM
This needs to be treated as an opportunity.  I really don't understand what everybody is getting in a hooley about.  We now have an opportunity to compete in a league with a realistic possibility of actually winning something be that the championship or promotion back to the Premier League.  The only downside is if we do go back up next season it will be to just join the gravy train without ever really being able to win it.  The Premier League is shit, uncompetitive and boring, I find it astonishing that so many supporters on here want to carry on playing in that league. Keep your nerve we will have far more excitement next season in The Championship.

Hmm.
Just think of the jolly fun to be had in the third division.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 16, 2016, 07:28:43 PM
I honestly cannot see us coming back up anytime soon.  The rot is so deeply ingrained that it could take another five years of rebuilding.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Ads on April 16, 2016, 07:29:28 PM
I'm sure they said the same about Sunderland.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: mr-villa on April 16, 2016, 07:29:31 PM
This needs to be treated as an opportunity.  I really don't understand what everybody is getting in a hooley about.  We now have an opportunity to compete in a league with a realistic possibility of actually winning something be that the championship or promotion back to the Premier League.  The only downside is if we do go back up next season it will be to just join the gravy train without ever really being able to win it.  The Premier League is shit, uncompetitive and boring, I find it astonishing that so many supporters on here want to carry on playing in that league. Keep your nerve we will have far more excitement next season in The Championship.
Tell that to Leicester City.

Wondered how long it would take for somebody to jump on that.  First time in the entire 24 year history of the Premier League that it might be won by a cinderella team.  Study the stats it will likely show the top four places filled by the same teams year in year out therefore not competitive.  The sooner they disappear up their own arses into the European Super league the better.  The Sky money really has ruined our national sport and the national team has reaped the reward of utter failure over the same 24 year period, the two things are most definitely not mutually exclusive.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 16, 2016, 07:31:12 PM
This needs to be treated as an opportunity.  I really don't understand what everybody is getting in a hooley about.  We now have an opportunity to compete in a league with a realistic possibility of actually winning something be that the championship or promotion back to the Premier League.  The only downside is if we do go back up next season it will be to just join the gravy train without ever really being able to win it.  The Premier League is shit, uncompetitive and boring, I find it astonishing that so many supporters on here want to carry on playing in that league. Keep your nerve we will have far more excitement next season in The Championship.

Hmm.

Maybe but the vast majority of our existance has been in the top division and for many of those season competiting in the top 6-8.

That's the annoyance for me, that it's been drummed in from the clubs actions last 5 years that we're not good enough for the premier league and so should be grateful to be going down to the championship where we can win some games.

We've been winning games comfortably enough for most seasons I've followed us up to 2010. As uncompetitive as the premier league usually is (apart from this season) you can't say 2008-10 were boring seasons. We won pretty much 50% of our league games over a 3 season period.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Allan C on April 16, 2016, 07:34:52 PM
The true problem is that nothing has changed.

We have new board members and we have been lulled into thinking that means things will change for the better.  In real terms nothing has changed.  We continue to lose games and we continue to outrage the supporters.  Improvement may come but there has been nothing  different for the last three months than for the last five years.

Houllier came and we said great, things will get better.  Houllier left and we said we will get a healthy replacement and things will get better.  His replacement was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Lambert got sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Sherwood was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Garde was sacked, Fox was sacked, Almstadt was sacked and we all said great, things will get better.  Bernstein, King, Bevington and Brian Little came in andcwe said great, things will get better.

But things have not got better.  They have got worse.

Now we are saying the games will be much easier next season, great things will get better.

Nothing other than a slap on the wrist for Gabby has happened to correct our decline.  We have just been relegated and the only words directed towards the bedrock of the club, the fans, are insults from Lescott and banal rent-a-caretaker platitudes from Eric Black.

I see no positive sign whatsoever that anything has changed or is in the process if being changed with any degree of urgency.
Nothing will change until we replace the vast majority of the squad. This is the worst Villa team I've ever seen. Absolutely awful
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: SheffieldVillain on April 16, 2016, 07:35:27 PM
The true problem is that nothing has changed.

We have new board members and we have been lulled into thinking that means things will change for the better.  In real terms nothing has changed.  We continue to lose games and we continue to outrage the supporters.  Improvement may come but there has been nothing  different for the last three months than for the last five years.

Houllier came and we said great, things will get better.  Houllier left and we said we will get a healthy replacement and things will get better.  His replacement was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Lambert got sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Sherwood was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Garde was sacked, Fox was sacked, Almstadt was sacked and we all said great, things will get better.  Bernstein, King, Bevington and Brian Little came in andcwe said great, things will get better.

But things have not got better.  They have got worse.

Now we are saying the games will be much easier next season, great things will get better.

Nothing other than a slap on the wrist for Gabby has happened to correct our decline.  We have just been relegated and the only words directed towards the bedrock of the club, the fans, are insults from Lescott and banal rent-a-caretaker platitudes from Eric Black.

I see no positive sign whatsoever that anything has changed or is in the process if being changed with any degree of urgency.

All very true Brian, but in terms of the new board members most of the things you've mentioned have happened in the last month or two.

The one thing that absolutely has to happen before there is any prospect of improvement on the pitch is for the 'core' of our squad to leave. That process hasn't been able to start yet (although I think they may have started to try to persuade Gabby his time is up).

Until the squad has been purged of at the very least Gabby, Lescott, Richards, N'Zogbia, Richardson, Hutton - our so called 'senior pros', nothing is going to improve regardless of who is manager or chairman. That needs to start the minute the final ball has been kicked. It's only then that we will see any change.

Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Nunkin1965 on April 16, 2016, 07:36:19 PM
To all the die-hards who went home-and-away every game this season I absolutely tip my hat to you all, you deserve better than this shit, hold your heads up high tonight - respect.
Hear hear.
I've been trying to find the words but you sum it up completely

I thought the line up today was an insult to the travelling fans.

If Eric Black is still in charge next week, are we supposed to accept the same teamsheet?

Unacceptable with nothing left to play for league wise.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Ads on April 16, 2016, 07:37:31 PM
It's a strange feeling. It's more the absence of any anger that's odd, but then this day has been coming for years so it's kind of like putting down your 19 year old one eyed, deaf cat whose teeth have all fallen out.

Even the glory hunting day trippers didn't seem as irritating today as normal.

It's what we deserve and it's how we respond. One day we will wake up and remember that we are a massive club again and start acting like it. I'm hoping that's a day coming soon.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: in exile on April 16, 2016, 07:38:19 PM
To all the die-hards who went home-and-away every game this season I absolutely tip my hat to you all, you deserve better than this shit, hold your heads up high tonight - respect.
Hear hear.
I've been trying to find the words but you sum it up completely

I thought the line up today was an insult to the travelling fans.

If Eric Black is still in charge next week, are we supposed to accept the same teamsheet?

Unacceptable with nothing left to play for league wise.
Again, I agree.
Something wrong with me this evening!
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: mr-villa on April 16, 2016, 07:40:15 PM
This needs to be treated as an opportunity.  I really don't understand what everybody is getting in a hooley about.  We now have an opportunity to compete in a league with a realistic possibility of actually winning something be that the championship or promotion back to the Premier League.  The only downside is if we do go back up next season it will be to just join the gravy train without ever really being able to win it.  The Premier League is shit, uncompetitive and boring, I find it astonishing that so many supporters on here want to carry on playing in that league. Keep your nerve we will have far more excitement next season in The Championship.

Hmm.

Maybe but the vast majority of our existance has been in the top division and for many of those season competiting in the top 6-8.

That's the annoyance for me, that it's been drummed in from the clubs actions last 5 years that we're not good enough for the premier league and so should be grateful to be going down to the championship where we can win some games.

We've been winning games comfortably enough for most seasons I've followed us up to 2010. As uncompetitive as the premier league usually is (apart from this season) you can't say 2008-10 were boring seasons. We won pretty much 50% of our league games over a 3 season period.

Don't disagree but Richard Scudamore who controls the premier league really needs to take it in a different direction.  I believe we need to move towards a similar model to the NFL where there is at least an attempt to keep a level playing field amongst the teams through the draft to maintain competitiveness.  You just don't see the same dominance of sport over there by one or two teams.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: GarTomas on April 16, 2016, 07:49:50 PM
The true problem is that nothing has changed.

We have new board members and we have been lulled into thinking that means things will change for the better.  In real terms nothing has changed.  We continue to lose games and we continue to outrage the supporters.  Improvement may come but there has been nothing  different for the last three months than for the last five years.

Houllier came and we said great, things will get better.  Houllier left and we said we will get a healthy replacement and things will get better.  His replacement was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Lambert got sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Sherwood was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Garde was sacked, Fox was sacked, Almstadt was sacked and we all said great, things will get better.  Bernstein, King, Bevington and Brian Little came in andcwe said great, things will get better.

But things have not got better.  They have got worse.

Now we are saying the games will be much easier next season, great things will get better.

Nothing other than a slap on the wrist for Gabby has happened to correct our decline.  We have just been relegated and the only words directed towards the bedrock of the club, the fans, are insults from Lescott and banal rent-a-caretaker platitudes from Eric Black.

I see no positive sign whatsoever that anything has changed or is in the process if being changed with any degree of urgency.

I think the past few months have been putting in place the 'right' people at the board level to make the decisions.
The next few months will dictate whether they are the 'right' people.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 16, 2016, 07:59:13 PM
Compare Darren Bents reaction to that utter tear Lescott's.

Sad to see my former club villa go down today. Painful for everyone associated with the club. Hopefully they will be back very soon. #avfc
6:28pm - 16 Apr 16
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: dave shelley on April 16, 2016, 08:01:36 PM
Nice touch.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: brian green on April 16, 2016, 08:03:14 PM
Darren Bent is a thoroughly nice guy.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Deano's Mullet on April 16, 2016, 08:06:55 PM
Its 1987 all over again.Villa are down and flicking through the tv first film i see on is Dirty Dancing!
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Taylor on April 16, 2016, 08:08:32 PM
The true problem is that nothing has changed.

We have new board members and we have been lulled into thinking that means things will change for the better.  In real terms nothing has changed.  We continue to lose games and we continue to outrage the supporters.  Improvement may come but there has been nothing  different for the last three months than for the last five years.

Houllier came and we said great, things will get better.  Houllier left and we said we will get a healthy replacement and things will get better.  His replacement was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Lambert got sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Sherwood was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Garde was sacked, Fox was sacked, Almstadt was sacked and we all said great, things will get better.  Bernstein, King, Bevington and Brian Little came in andcwe said great, things will get better.

But things have not got better.  They have got worse.

Now we are saying the games will be much easier next season, great things will get better.

Nothing other than a slap on the wrist for Gabby has happened to correct our decline.  We have just been relegated and the only words directed towards the bedrock of the club, the fans, are insults from Lescott and banal rent-a-caretaker platitudes from Eric Black.

I see no positive sign whatsoever that anything has changed or is in the process if being changed with any degree of urgency.
We all know what has to change, but until someone decides that buying a championship football club is financially viable we're f***ed.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Matt C on April 16, 2016, 08:13:14 PM
The Guardian: http://gu.com/p/4tcqe/stw
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 16, 2016, 08:19:15 PM
It will be easy to find articles that depict the worst case scenario. I'd go along with all of it if Tom Fox/Almstadt were still overseeing things with Randy a million miles away. We have started the process to clean up the mess over the past 5 years so the hope is we will approach next season more prepared than many other sides. Not less.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Malandro on April 16, 2016, 08:24:45 PM
The Guardian: http://gu.com/p/4tcqe/stw

"One long-serving employee was asked recently to undertake a quiz on Villa’s history to convince the people above her that she should keep her job"

I hope she was part of the tour team, otherwise what the hell does it matter.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 16, 2016, 08:29:13 PM
The Guardian: http://gu.com/p/4tcqe/stw

"One long-serving employee was asked recently to undertake a quiz on Villa’s history to convince the people above her that she should keep her job"

I hope she was part of the tour team, otherwise what the hell does it matter.


I don't know it's a pity that test can't be extended to our playing staff.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: TonyD on April 16, 2016, 08:41:39 PM
Step up. Sir Nigel Pearson.   "This club is an utter shambles and I am going throttle every last and single one of them.."
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Richard E on April 16, 2016, 08:43:54 PM
The Guardian: http://gu.com/p/4tcqe/stw

"One long-serving employee was asked recently to undertake a quiz on Villa’s history to convince the people above her that she should keep her job"

I hope she was part of the tour team, otherwise what the hell does it matter.

This wouldn't work anyway, since Blues and Albion fans seem to have a more encyclopaedic knowledge of our history than the average Villa supporter.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Big Dick Edwards on April 16, 2016, 08:45:05 PM
This needs to be treated as an opportunity.  I really don't understand what everybody is getting in a hooley about.  We now have an opportunity to compete in a league with a realistic possibility of actually winning something be that the championship or promotion back to the Premier League.  The only downside is if we do go back up next season it will be to just join the gravy train without ever really being able to win it.  The Premier League is shit, uncompetitive and boring, I find it astonishing that so many supporters on here want to carry on playing in that league. Keep your nerve we will have far more excitement next season in The Championship.

A club like Villa simply has to aspire to at least be in the Premier League.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on April 16, 2016, 08:48:52 PM
On the plus side, Kiddy are relegated as well. 6 fingered twonks.

Hey now. Some of us have Kiddy as our second team. :( Feck.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Irish villain on April 16, 2016, 08:54:57 PM
It will be easy to find articles that depict the worst case scenario. I'd go along with all of it if Tom Fox/Almstadt were still overseeing things with Randy a million miles away. We have started the process to clean up the mess over the past 5 years so the hope is we will approach next season more prepared than many other sides. Not less.


Easy to find such articles because they have been so inept for six seasons that the articles write themselves. Lerner's villa sat back and proved Ian Holloway's 2011 insult  about 'half arsed club that used to be famous' to be true instead of rolling up their sleeves and shoving them back down his throat.

People have spent five years hoping we would turn the corner and things would get better. Instead, things have got worse and worse. It baffles me how any villa fan can, on this day, give Lerner's villa regime the benefit of the doubt.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 16, 2016, 08:57:25 PM
It will be easy to find articles that depict the worst case scenario. I'd go along with all of it if Tom Fox/Almstadt were still overseeing things with Randy a million miles away. We have started the process to clean up the mess over the past 5 years so the hope is we will approach next season more prepared than many other sides. Not less.


Easy to find such articles because they have been so inept for six seasons that the articles write themselves. Lerner's villa sat back and proved Ian Holloway's 2011 insult  about 'half arsed club that used to be famous' to be true instead of rolling up their sleeves and shoving them back down his throat.

People have spent five years hoping we would turn the corner and things would get better. Instead, things have got worse and worse. It baffles me how any villa fan can, on this day, give Lerner's villa regime the benefit of the doubt.

Who is giving Lerner the benefit of the doubt?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: TonyD on April 16, 2016, 09:01:00 PM
This needs to be treated as an opportunity.  I really don't understand what everybody is getting in a hooley about.  We now have an opportunity to compete in a league with a realistic possibility of actually winning something be that the championship or promotion back to the Premier League.  The only downside is if we do go back up next season it will be to just join the gravy train without ever really being able to win it.  The Premier League is shit, uncompetitive and boring, I find it astonishing that so many supporters on here want to carry on playing in that league. Keep your nerve we will have far more excitement next season in The Championship.

A club like Villa simply has to aspire to at least be in the Premier League.
And trying to win it.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: aj2k77 on April 16, 2016, 09:03:41 PM
It will be easy to find articles that depict the worst case scenario. I'd go along with all of it if Tom Fox/Almstadt were still overseeing things with Randy a million miles away. We have started the process to clean up the mess over the past 5 years so the hope is we will approach next season more prepared than many other sides. Not less.


Easy to find such articles because they have been so inept for six seasons that the articles write themselves. Lerner's villa sat back and proved Ian Holloway's 2011 insult  about 'half arsed club that used to be famous' to be true instead of rolling up their sleeves and shoving them back down his throat.

People have spent five years hoping we would turn the corner and things would get better. Instead, things have got worse and worse. It baffles me how any villa fan can, on this day, give Lerner's villa regime the benefit of the doubt.

Who is giving Lerner the benefit of the doubt?

General Footinmouth is probably the only person alive who still thinks Lerner is capable of running a bath.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on April 16, 2016, 09:06:57 PM
Compare Darren Bents reaction to that utter tear Lescott's.

Sad to see my former club villa go down today. Painful for everyone associated with the club. Hopefully they will be back very soon. #avfc
6:28pm - 16 Apr 16

Cheers Darren. Decent of you.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jimbo on April 16, 2016, 09:08:41 PM
That's the annoyance for me, that it's been drummed in from the clubs actions last 5 years that we're not good enough for the premier league and so should be grateful to be going down to the championship where we can win some games.

That's it, there. Expectations have been steadily lowered since 2010, and now some people are talking about Settling into a legue where we might win a game or two. There lies the path to League One.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 16, 2016, 09:10:34 PM
Nice touch from Mr Bent.

And don't worry Ciggies, i'll still talk to you. Which thinking about it, is probably your punishment for liking Kiddy!
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 16, 2016, 09:12:59 PM
That's the annoyance for me, that it's been drummed in from the clubs actions last 5 years that we're not good enough for the premier league and so should be grateful to be going down to the championship where we can win some games.

That's it, there. Expectations have been steadily lowered since 2010, and now some people are talking about Settling into a legue where we might win a game or two. There lies the path to League One.

Spot on again. Our 6 season decline has been staggering and we've finally gone with barely a whimper. This is Aston Villa we're talking about.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on April 16, 2016, 09:14:21 PM
Nice touch from Mr Bent.

And don't worry Ciggies, i'll still talk to you. Which thinking about it, is probably your punishment for liking Kiddy!

Bwahaha :)
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Chris Harte on April 16, 2016, 09:34:10 PM
It's over. It's a mathematical certainty.

What a relief.

And what an injustice that it didn't happen three weeks sooner (three wins all season).
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Ron Manager on April 16, 2016, 09:36:51 PM
Im down Im really down
Im down, down on the ground
Im down Im really down
How can you laugh when you know Im down.

But we will be back.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 16, 2016, 09:37:10 PM
It's over. It's a mathematical certainty.

What a relief.

And what an injustice that it didn't happen three weeks sooner (three wins all season).


Good god, three wins all season. Have we ever gone a season with so few wins before?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Monty on April 16, 2016, 09:41:41 PM
Pat Murphy's had his say, and while it's mostly sensible he does say that the players he'd keep include Clark, who he'd make captain, Rudy Gestede, and Ashley fucking Westwood. He wouldn't keep Veretout or Adama Traore, it seems. I'm expecting more of this kind of nativism, the idea that our failure is down to soft-wristed foreigners and that we need more British Blokes.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: AV89 on April 16, 2016, 09:47:56 PM
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/aston-villa-fans-beyond-sadness-7771380
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on April 16, 2016, 09:49:08 PM
Sorry for my language but today is an emotional day. (spoilered Pat Murphy abuse)

Pat Murphy you can FUCK OFF you pompous villa hating ******. You are without a doubt the worst employee of BBC sport ever and you are a disgrace to its name. Lucky for for you the BBC does not sack incompetents like you but be under no illusions we know the score. You are a fucking imbecile. Now FUCK OFF AWAY FROM MY CLUB. Hopefully when we come back up you will have been retired or packed off to cover the fucking basketball or something equally shit you are fit for. ******.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Steve R on April 16, 2016, 09:50:54 PM
i can see what Lescott is trying to say, he is trying to say something positive, he just isn't saying it very well. His mistake is not appreciating that this is not the time to draw attention to yourself.

It is all very well Collymore getting uppity about it all, at least Lescott is doing something to meet his contractual obligations.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 16, 2016, 09:53:32 PM
Sorry for my language but today is an emotional day. (spoilered Pat Murphy abuse)

Pat Murphy you can FUCK OFF you pompous villa hating c***. You are without a doubt the worst employee of BBC sport ever and you are a disgrace to its name. Lucky for for you the BBC does not sack incompetents like you but be under no illusions we know the score. You are a fucking imbecile. Now FUCK OFF AWAY FROM MY CLUB. Hopefully when we come back up you will have been retired or packed off to cover the fucking basketball or something equally shit you are fit for. c***.


What's he said that's so offensive to you?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 16, 2016, 09:54:05 PM
i can see what Lescott is trying to say, he is trying to say something positive, he just isn't saying it very well. His mistake is not appreciating that this is not the time to draw attention to yourself.

It is all very well Collymore getting uppity about it all, at least Lescott is doing something to meet his contractual obligations.

Is he? What's that then?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: OzVilla on April 16, 2016, 09:54:43 PM
Just got up to the news. Feeling relieved in a perverse sort of way.

Good to hear the fans did the right thing with dignity and not Geordieesque hysterics.

Surprised so many on his thread havn't mentioned the part Paul Lambert has played in this. I'd rank him almost above Lerner in why we are where we are today.

Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on April 16, 2016, 09:56:22 PM
Sorry for my language but today is an emotional day. (spoilered Pat Murphy abuse)

Pat Murphy you can FUCK OFF you pompous villa hating c***. You are without a doubt the worst employee of BBC sport ever and you are a disgrace to its name. Lucky for for you the BBC does not sack incompetents like you but be under no illusions we know the score. You are a fucking imbecile. Now FUCK OFF AWAY FROM MY CLUB. Hopefully when we come back up you will have been retired or packed off to cover the fucking basketball or something equally shit you are fit for. c***.


What's he said that's so offensive to you?

Years of his shitty reporting about our club have built up a nice little obssessive hatred of the bloke from me. Always wants to make the story about himself and I always pick up little snide digs at us. 

Several well respected fans here disagree and hold him in esteem.  I accept I am in a minority, but a growing one I hope :) I just cant stand the man.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 16, 2016, 09:58:07 PM
Sorry for my language but today is an emotional day. (spoilered Pat Murphy abuse)

Pat Murphy you can FUCK OFF you pompous villa hating c***. You are without a doubt the worst employee of BBC sport ever and you are a disgrace to its name. Lucky for for you the BBC does not sack incompetents like you but be under no illusions we know the score. You are a fucking imbecile. Now FUCK OFF AWAY FROM MY CLUB. Hopefully when we come back up you will have been retired or packed off to cover the fucking basketball or something equally shit you are fit for. c***.


What's he said that's so offensive to you?

Years of his shitty reporting about our club have built up a nice little obssessive hatred of the bloke from me. Always wants to make the story about himself and I always pick up little snide digs at us. 

Several well respected fans here disagree and hold him in esteem.  I accept I am in a minority, but a growing one I hope :) I just cant stand the man.

I think he tells it as it is. Let's face it we've deserved the vast majority of criticisms that have been thrown at us these last 6 years.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Pete3206 on April 16, 2016, 10:00:24 PM
Sorry for my language but today is an emotional day. (spoilered Pat Murphy abuse)

Pat Murphy you can FUCK OFF you pompous villa hating c***. You are without a doubt the worst employee of BBC sport ever and you are a disgrace to its name. Lucky for for you the BBC does not sack incompetents like you but be under no illusions we know the score. You are a fucking imbecile. Now FUCK OFF AWAY FROM MY CLUB. Hopefully when we come back up you will have been retired or packed off to cover the fucking basketball or something equally shit you are fit for. c***.


Should be fun with Nigel Pearson then. Him and Murphy have previous.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Monty on April 16, 2016, 10:02:33 PM
Kind and accurate words from Daniel Taylor of the Graun:

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/apr/16/aston-villa-relegation-randy-lerner
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Tayls_7 on April 16, 2016, 10:03:02 PM
Sorry for my language but today is an emotional day. (spoilered Pat Murphy abuse)

Pat Murphy you can FUCK OFF you pompous villa hating c***. You are without a doubt the worst employee of BBC sport ever and you are a disgrace to its name. Lucky for for you the BBC does not sack incompetents like you but be under no illusions we know the score. You are a fucking imbecile. Now FUCK OFF AWAY FROM MY CLUB. Hopefully when we come back up you will have been retired or packed off to cover the fucking basketball or something equally shit you are fit for. c***.


Should be fun with Nigel Pearson then. Him and Murphy have previous.

The worst BBC employee ever? Er, Jimmy Saville? Or worse, Ian Wright. You're welcome.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 16, 2016, 10:21:15 PM
Sorry for my language but today is an emotional day. (spoilered Pat Murphy abuse)

Pat Murphy you can FUCK OFF you pompous villa hating c***. You are without a doubt the worst employee of BBC sport ever and you are a disgrace to its name. Lucky for for you the BBC does not sack incompetents like you but be under no illusions we know the score. You are a fucking imbecile. Now FUCK OFF AWAY FROM MY CLUB. Hopefully when we come back up you will have been retired or packed off to cover the fucking basketball or something equally shit you are fit for. c***.


What's he said that's so offensive to you?

Years of his shitty reporting about our club have built up a nice little obssessive hatred of the bloke from me. Always wants to make the story about himself and I always pick up little snide digs at us. 

Several well respected fans here disagree and hold him in esteem.  I accept I am in a minority, but a growing one I hope :) I just cant stand the man.

I think he tells it as it is. Let's face it we've deserved the vast majority of criticisms that have been thrown at us these last 6 years.

I agree I don't think he's Villa hating at all. I also think the personal abuse is a bit much.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Des Little on April 16, 2016, 10:24:46 PM
Can we now field a team of players that actually want to be here next season please?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: tony scott on April 16, 2016, 10:28:30 PM
This is my 4th relegation with the Villa, and its by far the worst, the least they can be expected to do, is take to the last two fixtures.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: exigo on April 16, 2016, 10:42:20 PM
Can we now field a team of players that actually want to be here next season please?

Bring your boots next week.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: walsall villain on April 16, 2016, 10:49:48 PM
This is my 4th relegation with the Villa, and its by far the worst, the least they can be expected to do, is take to the last two fixtures.
4th for me too and this is by far the worst Villa team I have ever seen. Previous shit teams had less technical ability but so did there peers in those days but at least Villa teams of old competed. This year, for the first time in my life, it feels like we withdraw from the league and football has carried on without us.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Louzie0 on April 16, 2016, 11:01:20 PM
This is my 4th relegation with the Villa, and its by far the worst, the least they can be expected to do, is take to the last two fixtures.

My third, and I take your point.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 16, 2016, 11:03:10 PM
Technically third for me as I was born in March 1970 so we were about to drop to the third division. This is the most gutless side i've ever seen, closely followed, not surprisingly be the 86/87 side. And they didn't fight for their lives every game, they still finished bottom, well adrift of safety and took some right pastings, despite being, on paper at least imo, a side that should have been at least comfortable mid-table as it was a better squad than a lot of the division.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: TonyD on April 16, 2016, 11:06:05 PM
Jesus VanG looks like he is mates with Bruce's hammer
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Dave on April 16, 2016, 11:09:52 PM
Kind and accurate words from Daniel Taylor of the Graun:

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/apr/16/aston-villa-relegation-randy-lerner

Yup, he knows his onions alright.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: themossman on April 16, 2016, 11:20:53 PM
Good piece. This line about Lerner, with reference to the Cleveland Browns, should be his epitaph:

“He wasn’t a good owner by any means, but he wasn’t a lucky one, either.”
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on April 16, 2016, 11:22:59 PM
Good piece. This line about Lerner, with reference to the Cleveland Browns, should be his epitaph:

“He wasn’t a good owner by any means, but he wasn’t a lucky one, either.”

I thought that was good as well. Lerner has made some poor decisions but my god this club has never caught a break the past few years.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: andyh on April 16, 2016, 11:42:16 PM
Now that I have had a few rums to take edge off, I realise how just how bloody gutted I am about out situation.
My missus really needs to dust in here.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: passport1 on April 16, 2016, 11:45:33 PM
I have been expecting for this day since I chucked my season ticket in 2010.

The inevitability of it is what is really depressing.

Randy Lerner would you now please fuck off.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 16, 2016, 11:49:40 PM
Rather annoyingly, Troy Deeney has now gone up a bit in my estimation. Even more so as it's upset some of the knuckledraggers.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jimbo on April 16, 2016, 11:49:53 PM
Good piece. This line about Lerner, with reference to the Cleveland Browns, should be his epitaph:

“He wasn’t a good owner by any means, but he wasn’t a lucky one, either.”

I thought that was good as well. Lerner has made some poor decisions but my god this club has never caught a break the past few years.

Not strictly true. We've had a couple of stays of execution these past few years.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: OzVilla on April 16, 2016, 11:51:40 PM
Rather annoyingly, Troy Deeney has now gone up a bit in my estimation. Even more so as it's upset some of the knuckledraggers.

Why what's he done?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 16, 2016, 11:51:48 PM
Rather annoyingly, Troy Deeney has now gone up a bit in my estimation. Even more so as it's upset some of the knuckledraggers.

What's he said?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 16, 2016, 11:52:59 PM
Sorry, meant to include the link in my previous post.

https://twitter.com/T_Deeney

You'll have to scroll down a bit as he's jabbering away so pushing posts down the page..
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Steve R on April 16, 2016, 11:56:20 PM
i can see what Lescott is trying to say, he is trying to say something positive, he just isn't saying it very well. His mistake is not appreciating that this is not the time to draw attention to yourself.

It is all very well Collymore getting uppity about it all, at least Lescott is doing something to meet his contractual obligations.

Is he? What's that then?

I am sure even you can spot the difference.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: KevinGage on April 16, 2016, 11:56:40 PM
Troy Deeney has obviously jumped into the DeLoren, nipped back to 1955 and returned home with an old school football attitude.

Fair play to him.

Oh, and both Lescott and Collywobbles can get fucked.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 16, 2016, 11:57:58 PM
Sorry, meant to include the link in my previous post.

https://twitter.com/T_Deeney

You'll have to scroll down a bit as he's jabbering away so pushing posts down the page..

He was happy enough laying into our situation during the season prior to their game at Villa Park. He seems a lot more civil and considered there to his credit.

Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: dave shelley on April 17, 2016, 01:01:36 AM
The thing about relegation: In our one hundred and forty two year history, we have been relegated in total from all divisions six times.  I have witnessed five.  I know I have posted this before but it needs to be put into significance.  I'm not optimistic about a swift return.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Nunkin1965 on April 17, 2016, 01:08:25 AM
Sorry for my language but today is an emotional day. (spoilered Pat Murphy abuse)

Pat Murphy you can FUCK OFF you pompous villa hating c***. You are without a doubt the worst employee of BBC sport ever and you are a disgrace to its name. Lucky for for you the BBC does not sack incompetents like you but be under no illusions we know the score. You are a fucking imbecile. Now FUCK OFF AWAY FROM MY CLUB. Hopefully when we come back up you will have been retired or packed off to cover the fucking basketball or something equally shit you are fit for. c***.


What's he said that's so offensive to you?

Years of his shitty reporting about our club have built up a nice little obssessive hatred of the bloke from me. Always wants to make the story about himself and I always pick up little snide digs at us. 

Several well respected fans here disagree and hold him in esteem.  I accept I am in a minority, but a growing one I hope :) I just cant stand the man.

I think he tells it as it is. Let's face it we've deserved the vast majority of criticisms that have been thrown at us these last 6 years.

I agree I don't think he's Villa hating at all. I also think the personal abuse is a bit much.

What?

I've no problem with Pat Murphy at all.

He tells it as it is and I respect his opinion on most things. Especially the "shitty" way out club has been run in the last 5 years.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: West Derby Villan on April 17, 2016, 01:31:49 AM
Pat Murphy's had his say, and while it's mostly sensible he does say that the players he'd keep include Clark, who he'd make captain, Rudy Gestede, and Ashley fucking Westwood. He wouldn't keep Veretout or Adama Traore, it seems. I'm expecting more of this kind of nativism, the idea that our failure is down to soft-wristed foreigners and that we need more British Blokes.
[/quo



Agreed Pat
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: West Derby Villan on April 17, 2016, 01:46:25 AM
Sorry for my language but today is an emotional day. (spoilered Pat Murphy abuse)

Pat Murphy you can FUCK OFF you pompous villa hating c***. You are without a doubt the worst employee of BBC sport ever and you are a disgrace to its name. Lucky for for you the BBC does not sack incompetents like you but be under no illusions we know the score. You are a fucking imbecile. Now FUCK OFF AWAY FROM MY CLUB. Hopefully when we come back up you will have been retired or packed off to cover the fucking basketball or something equally shit you are fit for. c***.


What's he said that's so offensive to you?

Years of his shitty reporting about our club have built up a nice little obssessive hatred of the bloke from me. Always wants to make the story about himself and I always pick up little snide digs at us. 

Several well respected fans here disagree and hold him in esteem.  I accept I am in a minority, but a growing one I hope :) I just cant stand the man.

I think he tells it as it is. Let's face it we've deserved the vast majority of criticisms that have been thrown at us these last 6 years.

I agree I don't think he's Villa hating at all. I also think the personal abuse is a bit much.

What?

I've no problem with Pat Murphy at all.

He tells it as it is and I respect his opinion on most things. Especially the "shitty" way out club has been run in the last 5 years.





Agreed Pat Murphy is the least of our troubles
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: West Derby Villan on April 17, 2016, 01:50:59 AM
Fuck you fuckin fuckin fuckers....just fuck off
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: brontebilly on April 17, 2016, 02:14:03 AM
ive been drinking whiskey but.....

AVFC will never die, too many people care about this institution

lets not even focus on the absolute shower of c*nts who have disgraced themselves and the shirt over the last five years

lets not even focus on Lerner and his merry bunch of sh*t smelling sycophants

if AVFC get back up next season, those involved no matter what will always be held in complete respect by me and I'm sure the majority of all Villa fans

AVFC til I die, forever
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: thick_mike on April 17, 2016, 02:18:59 AM
Sorry for my language but today is an emotional day. (spoilered Pat Murphy abuse)

Pat Murphy you can FUCK OFF you pompous villa hating c***. You are without a doubt the worst employee of BBC sport ever and you are a disgrace to its name. Lucky for for you the BBC does not sack incompetents like you but be under no illusions we know the score. You are a fucking imbecile. Now FUCK OFF AWAY FROM MY CLUB. Hopefully when we come back up you will have been retired or packed off to cover the fucking basketball or something equally shit you are fit for. c***.


What's he said that's so offensive to you?

Years of his shitty reporting about our club have built up a nice little obssessive hatred of the bloke from me. Always wants to make the story about himself and I always pick up little snide digs at us. 

Several well respected fans here disagree and hold him in esteem.  I accept I am in a minority, but a growing one I hope :) I just cant stand the man.

I think he tells it as it is. Let's face it we've deserved the vast majority of criticisms that have been thrown at us these last 6 years.

I agree I don't think he's Villa hating at all. I also think the personal abuse is a bit much.

What?

I've no problem with Pat Murphy at all.

He tells it as it is and I respect his opinion on most things. Especially the "shitty" way out club has been run in the last 5 years.
Pat Murphy is wa*king himself silly thinking about our relegation. He is totally biased against us. He doesn't miss a chance to have a dig (which, to be fair, hasn't been difficult over the last few years). The only time he cut us slack was when his bestie Martin was in charge.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 17, 2016, 04:09:16 AM
Craig Burley on ESPN lays into Lescott

http://es.pn/1NfvLB1
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: papa lazarou on April 17, 2016, 05:01:54 AM
Dear Randy and team, to be relegated having spent so much money is quite an achievement - it could have been accomplished far more economically. You utter, clueless, incompetent simpletons.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Matt C on April 17, 2016, 06:44:16 AM
Craig Burley on ESPN lays into Lescott

http://es.pn/1NfvLB1

Craig Burley has gone up in my estimations.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: clash city rocker on April 17, 2016, 07:41:47 AM
Fair play to burley there.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on April 17, 2016, 08:20:47 AM
I really never thought I'd see this day to be honest
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Chris Smith on April 17, 2016, 08:37:50 AM
We deserve this. We have been flirting with it for years and shown neither sufficient will nor the appropriate effort to change it, always relying on others being just that little bit worse. If this is what has been needed to shake the club from its half arsed approach then some good might come from it.

I look at the restructuring that has taken place at senior management level and see some slight cause for optimism but that has to be put into the context of it being nothing more than a sketch of an idea at the moment. I need to see some practical improvement of the football side - the manager and players - for me to take it as any more than that.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 17, 2016, 08:40:47 AM
I really never thought I'd see this day to be honest

If you'd have told me this a few years ago I'd agree with you but the way we've been run since 2010 is beyond ridiculous and it's been on the cards since then. I think we've been lucky to last this long, and boy have we deserved this relegation.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: NeilH on April 17, 2016, 08:51:42 AM
I felt little emotion about it as opposed to last time around. Perhaps its because I am not in Brum anymore, perhaps its the passing of time, but I think perhaps it because I accepted it a long long time ago. I look now to next season and how long it will take us to fix this monumental clusterf**k we have created for ourselves.
Last time around, I had confidence that we were a big fish in a small pond and once SGT was announced I was utterly convinced we would bounce back; this time I am so full of doubts as the task seems so insurmountable at this moment.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: DB on April 17, 2016, 09:01:41 AM
Down to 1 bloke the way he has run the club, clueless chump. With him still there I don't have much confidence we will come back up. Yes we have new people to advise but will he listen & provide the money to tempt a manager in and buy the players needed for the Championship?...
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 17, 2016, 09:06:06 AM
Down to 1 bloke the way he has run the club, clueless chump. With him still there I don't have much confidence we will come back up. Yes we have new people to advise but will he listen & provide the money to tempt a manager in and buy the players needed for the Championship?...

Absolutely. What Lerner has done to this club is quite unforgivable.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: supertom on April 17, 2016, 09:07:53 AM
Craig Burley on ESPN lays into Lescott

http://es.pn/1NfvLB1

Craig Burley has gone up in my estimations.
Same here. Always thought he was a bit dim but fair play, the state of the modern game obviously winds him up as much as it does for many fans.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: john e on April 17, 2016, 09:08:36 AM
Craig Burley on ESPN lays into Lescott

http://es.pn/1NfvLB1

wow, considering the bloke to my knowledge has never had a connection to Villa he's extremely pasionate there,
I know he's talking about football in general at times but he's doesn't mince his words about the Villa players and board

Sounds as pissed off as we are about the game

Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: QuintonVilla on April 17, 2016, 09:09:31 AM
"We fancied a change, we fancied a chaaaange, just for a season, we fancied a change"

Get the right man in, give everyone a kick up the arse, clear the club from top to bottom, rebuild and come back stronger. At least it should be more fun than scrapping to try and finish 17th every season and losing nearly every week. Our away support yesterday was magnificent and it will be next season, we will take thousands and sell out everywhere and play our part in hopefully getting back to where we belong.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Steve kirk on April 17, 2016, 09:16:48 AM
Yesterday should have felt monumental but yet I felt very little, I suppose knowing weve been doomed for so long has made it much easier to bear, the only change as the season has progressed has been the increase in my utter contempt for certain players at our club who have shown no professional pride in their performances and clearly only care about the pay cheque, massive praise to our long suffering fans for their dignity loyalty and humour in this hideous season.
Up the Villa
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: NeilH on April 17, 2016, 09:18:34 AM
Get the right man in, give everyone a kick up the arse, clear the club from top to bottom, rebuild and come back stronger.

And again when I read this, I realise that getting back in one season seems insurmountable right now.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: john e on April 17, 2016, 09:20:50 AM
Get the right man in, give everyone a kick up the arse, clear the club from top to bottom, rebuild and come back stronger.

And again when I read this, I realise that getting back in one season seems insurmountable right now.
e

Yep, mainly because it's going to be impossible to clear the club from top to bottom
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Steve67 on April 17, 2016, 09:24:06 AM
Get the right man in, give everyone a kick up the arse, clear the club from top to bottom, rebuild and come back stronger.

And again when I read this, I realise that getting back in one season seems insurmountable right now.


Pat Murphy's piece on the BBC website is quite sobering. Have a read.  So much to do for any manager but we simply have to get on with it. The bit about Lerner still pulling the strings is like a punch in the stomach.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: brian green on April 17, 2016, 09:26:28 AM
I agree with everything you say Chris and the measured way in which you say it.  Your phrase about there being only a sketch plan for the future is particularly apt.  We do have new board members who SEEM to be better equipped to bring about a recovery but nothing concrete has been put forward since the sacking of Garde, Fox and Almstadt.  The minor convulsion about Gabby apart there is nothing positive to report about the new board and Remi Garde tried in vain to do that anyway.

It is as you say a sketch plan.  An outline that can fall apart just as quickly as all the false dawns we have seen come and go since the purchase of the club by Randy Lerner.  Appoint a manager who is too weak or too much of a yes man to fire hose the dressing room and the sketch plan will be in tatters.

If you had been in suspended animation since we last went down, when we chanted for the removal of the then owner at Old Trafford, and looked at what we are now you would believe that Ellis had been replaced by asset strippers like the scoundrels who plundered Longbridge.  I am so bitter this morning I really think we would be no worse off owned by speculators.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PeterWithe on April 17, 2016, 09:47:51 AM
Craig Burley on ESPN lays into Lescott

http://es.pn/1NfvLB1

Can he do the team talks for us?

Spot on.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: sickbeggar on April 17, 2016, 09:48:58 AM
I'm quite optimistic myself. I think a hell of a lot of those players can do well in the Championship given the drop in ability IF they have the right attitude. That all depends on the right managerial appointment i guess but once those we can sell or get rid off have gone then things will start to look a lot clearer. We've had 6 months of being in limbo waiting for the inevitable and to me even a so-so rebuilding  season in the championship would be progress compared to the horror show we've experienced. Reminds me very much of our last relegation and yes we WERE comparably bad, with hasbeens, neverwillbe's and players wanting out and causing trouble - you just didn't here so much about it with today's media and Internet.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: clash city rocker on April 17, 2016, 09:57:18 AM
There is a small pool of players in our squad that is good enough to stay at the club. We may have seen better performances from them if they hadn't been thrown into a cesspit with absolutely shit management to help them out.Imagine going to work and being surrounded by shisters and bullies with the management too weak to do anything about it. No wonder some of the players have been rank but with strong leadership I am sure one or two could look like totally different players.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Rudy65 on April 17, 2016, 10:03:57 AM
Should feel gutted this morning. But I dont. Just accpet the inevitable, I suppose. Second relegation in 44 years for me. The previous 5 seasons of struggle ive either had a an ST or been to most of the games. We managed to avoid the drop and a lot of those end of season games were exciting and on a knife edge and it really meant some thing to stay up.

This year I just cant be bothered for all the reasons outlined by others. Stopped going to VP, not bothering to watch in the net or even yesterday bother with the score until full time.

Maybe it will hit me when the fixtures come out
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Rudy65 on April 17, 2016, 10:06:51 AM
Good piece. This line about Lerner, with reference to the Cleveland Browns, should be his epitaph:

“He wasn’t a good owner by any means, but he wasn’t a lucky one, either.”

I thought that was good as well. Lerner has made some poor decisions but my god this club has never caught a break the past few years.

i would say we got very lucky the previous 4 seasons given how we stunk the league out with our style of play and goals. Our luck just plain ran out this year
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: QuintonVilla on April 17, 2016, 10:09:47 AM
I've watched a lot of Championship football this season and while it is a very competitive league, the quality is poor. Blues are crap and have very few goals in their team but have been flirting with the play offs all season, Derby had a bad run again but never dropped out of the play offs, Wolves have been terrible but are still in no danger of relegation. I watched Hull v Wolves on Friday, very poor from both teams yet Hull are challenging for automatic promotion. I'm not saying we're going to walk the league but if we get the right manager in and the right group of players who have a bit of quality, and more importantly fight, we should do alright. Ashley Westwood is scared of his own shadow, we need someone in there who can put their foot in and be nasty when needed.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Rudy65 on April 17, 2016, 10:14:27 AM
The true problem is that nothing has changed.

We have new board members and we have been lulled into thinking that means things will change for the better.  In real terms nothing has changed.  We continue to lose games and we continue to outrage the supporters.  Improvement may come but there has been nothing  different for the last three months than for the last five years.

Houllier came and we said great, things will get better.  Houllier left and we said we will get a healthy replacement and things will get better.  His replacement was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Lambert got sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Sherwood was sacked and we said great, things will get better.  Garde was sacked, Fox was sacked, Almstadt was sacked and we all said great, things will get better.  Bernstein, King, Bevington and Brian Little came in andcwe said great, things will get better.

But things have not got better.  They have got worse.

Now we are saying the games will be much easier next season, great things will get better.

Nothing other than a slap on the wrist for Gabby has happened to correct our decline.  We have just been relegated and the only words directed towards the bedrock of the club, the fans, are insults from Lescott and banal rent-a-caretaker platitudes from Eric Black.

I see no positive sign whatsoever that anything has changed or is in the process if being changed with any degree of urgency.

I like your passion Brian

I think chnage can only really come when the season ends. The current playing staff are to ingrained with defeat and apathy. The clear out will come in the summer, along with, hopefully the right managerial appointment.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: dorsetvillian on April 17, 2016, 10:17:21 AM
Like many have said, gutted we are finally down, but the actual act was quite painless. To put things in perspective I phoned a friend afterwards who although he lives in the south, was visiting his elderly mum who still lives in Aston and is very ill. Somehow, relegation didn't seem to matter. We did say that in some strange way we were both looking forward to next season and hopefully coming back stronger. We talked about being at some of the great games in the past: Roterdam, Highbury 81, etc and that it might take time but we will be back!   

Dorset Villa
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Villa Lew on April 17, 2016, 10:24:13 AM
Have now witnessed 5 relegations, 59, 67, 70, 87, 16.

When we went down in 67 it took us 8 years to get back to the top tier, spending 2 seasons of the 8 in the 3rd division. Considering the state of the club now it is not inconceivable that it will happen again, if you don't get the right manager and the right players in.

Big clubs such as Leeds, Wednesday, and Forest are all examples of what the future might be.



Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: clash city rocker on April 17, 2016, 10:28:16 AM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 17, 2016, 10:30:03 AM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Clampy on April 17, 2016, 10:32:20 AM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: HolmesyVilla on April 17, 2016, 10:32:59 AM
Now that I have had a few rums to take edge off, I realise how just how bloody gutted I am about out situation.
My missus really needs to dust in here.

Quality image you gave me andyh...kinda like 'the thinking man'....
Now if you can remember.... Just before you noticed the dust....did you see anything of Aston Villa's future
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: jwarry on April 17, 2016, 10:34:05 AM
I spent yesterday witnessing a promotion party at Poole Town. Looking forward to doing the same at VP in 2017 🙏
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: john e on April 17, 2016, 10:39:26 AM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.

100%
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Malandro on April 17, 2016, 10:41:00 AM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.

I'd be gutted if we left Villa Park. It would feel like a different club.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 17, 2016, 10:42:36 AM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.

I agree. What we should have done was upgrade the stadium in the early days of Lerner's reign when there was a feel-good factor at the club. The North Stand should have been rebuilt and we might have attracted even more fans.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Smirker on April 17, 2016, 10:43:17 AM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Agreed.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Clampy on April 17, 2016, 10:50:25 AM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.

I agree. What we should have done was upgrade the stadium in the early days of Lerner's reign when there was a feel-good factor at the club. The North Stand should have been rebuilt and we might have attracted even more fans.

The North Stand does need re-doing at some point but I don't we are being left behind by new stadiums at all. It's adequate for where we've been, it's not as if we sell out every week.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 17, 2016, 10:52:34 AM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.

I agree. What we should have done was upgrade the stadium in the early days of Lerner's reign when there was a feel-good factor at the club. The North Stand should have been rebuilt and we might have attracted even more fans.

The North Stand does need re-doing at some point but I don't we are being left behind by new stadiums at all. It's adequate for where we've been, it's not as if we sell out every week.

When we've built new stands in the past I think our average attendances went up. It adds to the feel-good factor. Something Man City found out and West Ham are about to.
We've certainly been left behind.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PeterWithe on April 17, 2016, 10:53:29 AM
Although there is an argument that if the expansion had happened then crowds would have increased with it as they have at other grounds.

Seems a daft thing to be discussing this weekend mind, although that's never stopped us before.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Clampy on April 17, 2016, 11:01:51 AM
Although there is an argument that if the expansion had happened then crowds would have increased with it as they have at other grounds.

Seems a daft thing to be discussing this weekend mind, although that's never stopped us before.

This. It's should be the last thing on our minds, it's not really that important in the great scheme of things.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: john e on April 17, 2016, 11:41:01 AM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.

I agree. What we should have done was upgrade the stadium in the early days of Lerner's reign when there was a feel-good factor at the club. The North Stand should have been rebuilt and we might have attracted even more fans.

The North Stand does need re-doing at some point but I don't we are being left behind by new stadiums at all. It's adequate for where we've been, it's not as if we sell out every week.

It did have that little clean up though before the Rugby thing
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: aj2k77 on April 17, 2016, 11:57:15 AM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

They'll never compare.

The walk up under the bridge, Burger vans, Aston Park on your left, the Holte Pub comes in to sight, behind it the Holte End and it's steps rising. It's changed a bit down the years but not beyond recognition and it's a walk you've done hundreds of times. Inside the ground, it still has character. It's not an oval named after a mega corp. It's not in the middle of nowhere next to toys r us. You can't nip for a frankie and benni's over the road afterwards. It's a football ground, in the middle of a community the way football was, not a tourist attraction set apart or on a retail park like just another ''business''.

You can't leave behind a ground like Villa Park.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: HolmesyVilla on April 17, 2016, 11:58:48 AM
don't forget the Church!
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Villatillidie1982 on April 17, 2016, 12:11:01 PM
Villa are bigger than Leeds, Forest and Wednesday but it could take a couple of years. If a plan for the future is not put into place it may take longer. The club seems to have just lurched from day to day in recent years with no forward planning. No youth policy and no proper transfer policy .
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: john e on April 17, 2016, 12:26:57 PM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

They'll never compare.

The walk up under the bridge, Burger vans, Aston Park on your left, the Holte Pub comes in to sight, behind it the Holte End and it's steps rising. It's changed a bit down the years but not beyond recognition and it's a walk you've done hundreds of times. Inside the ground, it still has character. It's not an oval named after a mega corp. It's not in the middle of nowhere next to toys r us. You can't nip for a frankie and benni's over the road afterwards. It's a football ground, in the middle of a community the way football was, not a tourist attraction set apart or on a retail park like just another ''business''.

You can't leave behind a ground like Villa Park.

Very well put
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Ian. on April 17, 2016, 12:50:38 PM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

They'll never compare.

The walk up under the bridge, Burger vans, Aston Park on your left, the Holte Pub comes in to sight, behind it the Holte End and it's steps rising. It's changed a bit down the years but not beyond recognition and it's a walk you've done hundreds of times. Inside the ground, it still has character. It's not an oval named after a mega corp. It's not in the middle of nowhere next to toys r us. You can't nip for a frankie and benni's over the road afterwards. It's a football ground, in the middle of a community the way football was, not a tourist attraction set apart or on a retail park like just another ''business''.

You can't leave behind a ground like Villa Park.

Very well put
Indeed, brilliantly put
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 17, 2016, 12:59:53 PM
Villa Park is a magnificent traditional football stadium. As is Goodison. It will be a crying shame if either is replaced.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Steve R on April 17, 2016, 04:22:48 PM
Villa Park has held us back as a Premier League club, just as Goodison has held Everton back. However, as a second tier club we are probably better off not having a breathtaking stadium.

By the time we get back up, ridiculous TV money will have eroded the advantages a well appointed Stadium can offer. So maybe the Ansell principle has finally delivered.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: myf on April 17, 2016, 04:38:14 PM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.

I agree. What we should have done was upgrade the stadium in the early days of Lerner's reign when there was a feel-good factor at the club. The North Stand should have been rebuilt and we might have attracted even more fans.

The North Stand does need re-doing at some point but I don't we are being left behind by new stadiums at all. It's adequate for where we've been, it's not as if we sell out every week.


I love VP but we are being left behind in terms of ground capacity and attendances
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: myf on April 17, 2016, 04:42:15 PM
Villa Park has held us back as a Premier League club, just as Goodison has held Everton back. However, as a second tier club we are probably better off not having a breathtaking stadium.

By the time we get back up, ridiculous TV money will have eroded the advantages a well appointed Stadium can offer. So maybe the Ansell principle has finally delivered.

How has it held us back? What a strange post.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: exigo on April 17, 2016, 04:44:07 PM
How are we being left behind exactly? Leicester are currently winning the league in a 32k ground. The only team who can realistically catch them are playing in front of a full house of 36k.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: LukeJames on April 17, 2016, 04:50:39 PM
This post has gone weird, in what way, shape or form is Villa Park bolding us back? What nonsense.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: myf on April 17, 2016, 04:52:47 PM
How are we being left behind exactly? Leicester are currently winning the league in a 32k ground. The only team who can realistically catch them are playing in front of a full house of 36k.

Well spurs will be 60k soon, Liverpool too. Man city is now 50+. West ham 60k. Aren't Leicester expanding too?

VP  is being left behind as one of the traditional big grounds and our average attendance is about tenth in the prem.

Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: tomd2103 on April 17, 2016, 05:00:18 PM
How are we being left behind exactly? Leicester are currently winning the league in a 32k ground. The only team who can realistically catch them are playing in front of a full house of 36k.

Well spurs will be 60k soon, Liverpool too. Man city is now 50+. West ham 60k. Aren't Leicester expanding too?

VP  is being left behind as one of the traditional big grounds and our average attendance is about tenth in the prem.

Even when we've been doing well, we've very rarely sold out Villa Park, so what good would expanding to 50,000+ do?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: tomd2103 on April 17, 2016, 05:03:40 PM
Villa are bigger than Leeds, Forest and Wednesday but it could take a couple of years. If a plan for the future is not put into place it may take longer. The club seems to have just lurched from day to day in recent years with no forward planning. No youth policy and no proper transfer policy .

There has been a lot of talk of Leeds, Forest, Sheffield Wednesday, without the acknowledgement that a lot of those clubs have spent a considerable periods of their history outside the top flight.  We haven't.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: in exile on April 17, 2016, 05:07:57 PM
Villa Park has held us back as a Premier League club...
What utter, utter bull shit
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: class-of-82 on April 17, 2016, 05:19:44 PM
Goodson has held Everton back because of lack of corporate facilities but we have executive boxes on three sides of the ground
And don't start me off with those new Lego  land stadiums like man city and Arsenal which look great from the sky but zero atmosphere also west hams new ground which is basically a steel shell with seats inside and a conservatory around the outside.
Villa park gives me a tingle like no other ground does and not because it is my teams ground but because it is iconic and special.
If it ain't broke don't fix it
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: KevinGage on April 17, 2016, 05:28:38 PM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.


I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.

With three of our stands only dating back to the nineties to noughties (and our oldest one only going back to the 70s)  Villa Park is pretty plastic now anyway.

The remoddled Holte isn't much different to the bog standard two tier structures at Palace, West Ham, Norwich and elsewhere.  But bulldozing the old Trinity for the current shed was the biggest waste. 16 years on, I can say with absolute certainty that it was a price not worth paying. We became a lot less special when we lost that link to our past.

 If we had to extend, there was ample space at the North Stand for new designers to get creative.  Or bulldoze the Doug Ellis and start again.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: brian green on April 17, 2016, 05:35:17 PM
The designs for expansion to the north and saving the old Trinity were already prepared Kevin.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: hipkiss92 on April 17, 2016, 05:35:48 PM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.


I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.

With three of our stands only dating back to the nineties to noughties (and our oldest one only going back to the 70s)  Villa Park is pretty plastic now anyway.

The remoddled Holte isn't much different to the bog standard two tier structures at Palace, West Ham, Norwich and elsewhere.  But bulldozing the old Trinity for the current shed was the biggest waste. 16 years on, I can say with absolute certainty that it was a price not worth paying. We became a lot less special when we lost that link to our past.

 If we had to extend, there was ample space at the North Stand for new designers to get creative.  Or bulldoze the Doug Ellis and start again.

The two-tier structure at Norwich is more akin to Walsall than ourselves. Wasn't the Holte the largest free-standing behind the goal stand in Europe at one point?

And there's nothing plastic about the exterior of the Holte either.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Steve R on April 17, 2016, 05:44:17 PM
Villa Park has held us back as a Premier League club, just as Goodison has held Everton back. However, as a second tier club we are probably better off not having a breathtaking stadium.

By the time we get back up, ridiculous TV money will have eroded the advantages a well appointed Stadium can offer. So maybe the Ansell principle has finally delivered.

How has it held us back? What a strange post.

(and others)

It isn't just numbers, it is quality of accommodation. Villa Park has been a limiting factor in both. In the 90's when we had a good team and match income was easily the biggest part of turnover we had a 39,000 capacity stadium that had more obstructed views than any other top flight ground and little more than a modicum of premium seating.

Our average gate with a successful team was only a few thousand more than the average 35 years previously when we were in the Third Division, and they haven't moved much since. Very much against the trend within the top flight and the ground has played a significant part in that.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: luke95 on April 17, 2016, 05:50:55 PM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

They'll never compare.

The walk up under the bridge, Burger vans, Aston Park on your left, the Holte Pub comes in to sight, behind it the Holte End and it's steps rising. It's changed a bit down the years but not beyond recognition and it's a walk you've done hundreds of times. Inside the ground, it still has character. It's not an oval named after a mega corp. It's not in the middle of nowhere next to toys r us. You can't nip for a frankie and benni's over the road afterwards. It's a football ground, in the middle of a community the way football was, not a tourist attraction set apart or on a retail park like just another ''business''.

You can't leave behind a ground like Villa Park.
Got to agree with that .
There's no better walk up to any football ground than Villa Park coming from Lichfield Rd.
Magnificent!
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Billy Walker on April 17, 2016, 05:53:02 PM
Just a reply to TOMD2103, who asked:

"Even when we've been doing well, we've very rarely sold out Villa Park, so what good would expanding to 50,000+ do?"


Historically our crowds have always been as big as Spurs and Man City.  The question we need to ask is how, all of a sudden, are they looking to build (or move into for free) 55/60K stadia whilst we are not?  I would argue the other two clubs have people running their clubs who have ambition, vision, drive and an understanding of competitive football.  They have top notch marketing people constantly engaging with fans and potential fans; they understand the football industry.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Billy Walker on April 17, 2016, 06:00:57 PM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.

I agree. What we should have done was upgrade the stadium in the early days of Lerner's reign when there was a feel-good factor at the club. The North Stand should have been rebuilt and we might have attracted even more fans.

Exactly right - and Lerner might even have found that such investment would have made Villa more attractive to sell on at a later date. 
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: four fornicholl on April 17, 2016, 06:02:42 PM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.

I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

They'll never compare.

The walk up under the bridge, Burger vans, Aston Park on your left, the Holte Pub comes in to sight, behind it the Holte End and it's steps rising. It's changed a bit down the years but not beyond recognition and it's a walk you've done hundreds of times. Inside the ground, it still has character. It's not an oval named after a mega corp. It's not in the middle of nowhere next to toys r us. You can't nip for a frankie and benni's over the road afterwards. It's a football ground, in the middle of a community the way football was, not a tourist attraction set apart or on a retail park like just another ''business''.

You can't leave behind a ground like Villa Park.
Got to agree with that .
There's no better walk up to any football ground than Villa Park coming from Lichfield Rd.
Magnificent!
Agree totally,but the walk away has been pretty shitty for a while now though
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: aj2k77 on April 17, 2016, 06:03:49 PM
Something I'd add that I think gets looked over is style.

Spurs and Man City have both signed players with a bit of skill, put bums on seats, entertainers, they're generally thought of as attractive sides, not just now but for a while.

We're seen as dour. We sign hard working English players like Milner or your Heskey. There's very few times I can think of when we've signed what are universally considered attractive players who people want to watch. How many new fans do we pick up when we are doing well? Very few I'd say, maybe something to do with the players we sign and the football we've played?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Billy Walker on April 17, 2016, 06:05:55 PM
Villa Park has held us back as a Premier League club, just as Goodison has held Everton back. However, as a second tier club we are probably better off not having a breathtaking stadium.

By the time we get back up, ridiculous TV money will have eroded the advantages a well appointed Stadium can offer. So maybe the Ansell principle has finally delivered.

How has it held us back? What a strange post.

(and others)

It isn't just numbers, it is quality of accommodation. Villa Park has been a limiting factor in both. In the 90's when we had a good team and match income was easily the biggest part of turnover we had a 39,000 capacity stadium that had more obstructed views than any other top flight ground and little more than a modicum of premium seating.

Our average gate with a successful team was only a few thousand more than the average 35 years previously when we were in the Third Division, and they haven't moved much since. Very much against the trend within the top flight and the ground has played a significant part in that.

Doug Ellis and Randy Lerner's diabolical custodianships have played the main part in curtailing attendance growth.  Give the people hope, belief  and ambition and they will fill Villa Park.  Apathy, penny-pinching and hollow statements of false ambition will keep people away.  Villa fans have never been mugs.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 17, 2016, 06:14:46 PM
The number of obstructed view seats was massively reduced when the old Trinity went.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: KevinGage on April 17, 2016, 06:18:04 PM
At the moment the only 2 things that Aston Villa F.C have got that are any good are villa park and the fans. Next season we will still have Villa park and the fans so I will take that as my positive at this moment in time.


I love Villa Park but even that's being left behind what with all these new stadiums going up.

Give me Villa Park than a soulless plastic new stadium anyday.

With three of our stands only dating back to the nineties to noughties (and our oldest one only going back to the 70s)  Villa Park is pretty plastic now anyway.

The remoddled Holte isn't much different to the bog standard two tier structures at Palace, West Ham, Norwich and elsewhere.  But bulldozing the old Trinity for the current shed was the biggest waste. 16 years on, I can say with absolute certainty that it was a price not worth paying. We became a lot less special when we lost that link to our past.

 If we had to extend, there was ample space at the North Stand for new designers to get creative.  Or bulldoze the Doug Ellis and start again.

The two-tier structure at Norwich is more akin to Walsall than ourselves. Wasn't the Holte the largest free-standing behind the goal stand in Europe at one point?

And there's nothing plastic about the exterior of the Holte either.


On it's own, it is not a terrible stand.  And it has more facilities than the old Holte, granted (not hard).

But the old Holte was a far more imposing structure.  We used to get more people behind the goal than some sides managed for a whole attendance.

I look at Dortmund's Sudtribune and can't help feeling that we should have been aiming for something closer to that.

And the frontage of the New Holte has always looked like a poor imitation of the old Trinity, for me. Though some of Lerner's improvements have, er improved it.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on April 17, 2016, 06:18:31 PM
It looked a class above though. Even if it was getting a bit ratty.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Richard E on April 17, 2016, 06:19:10 PM
I'd like the corners filled in and the roofs connected.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: four fornicholl on April 17, 2016, 06:23:39 PM
I'd like the corners filled in and the roofs connected.
I can think of several things at VP that need filling in
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: KevinGage on April 17, 2016, 06:24:47 PM
The number of obstructed view seats was massively reduced when the old Trinity went.

Yes, but the old stand didn't have to be completely gutted to achieve that. 

Rangers were able to add a new roof and a new tier to their not dissimilar Bill Struth Main Stand, keeping the red brick facade and much of the character of the old stand.

That wouldn't have been without its problems -it might have even cost more than the final bill for the current carbuncle. But some things require a bit more effort and consideration.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: clash city rocker on April 17, 2016, 06:36:26 PM
I love villa park just the way it is warts and all...imagine loving the sty..!!! Imagine loving that pisspot of a ground in Smethwick. ..ground wise we are one of the luckiest set of fans there are. I love villa park I'm just not so keen on the shit we put on the pitch.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on April 17, 2016, 07:30:00 PM
I've watched a lot of Championship football this season and while it is a very competitive league, the quality is poor. Blues are crap and have very few goals in their team but have been flirting with the play offs all season, Derby had a bad run again but never dropped out of the play offs, Wolves have been terrible but are still in no danger of relegation. I watched Hull v Wolves on Friday, very poor from both teams yet Hull are challenging for automatic promotion. I'm not saying we're going to walk the league but if we get the right manager in and the right group of players who have a bit of quality, and more importantly fight, we should do alright. Ashley Westwood is scared of his own shadow, we need someone in there who can put their foot in and be nasty when needed.

Agree with this I watched hull and it was desperate
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: myf on April 17, 2016, 07:33:55 PM
How are we being left behind exactly? Leicester are currently winning the league in a 32k ground. The only team who can realistically catch them are playing in front of a full house of 36k.

Well spurs will be 60k soon, Liverpool too. Man city is now 50+. West ham 60k. Aren't Leicester expanding too?

VP  is being left behind as one of the traditional big grounds and our average attendance is about tenth in the prem.

Even when we've been doing well, we've very rarely sold out Villa Park, so what good would expanding to 50,000+ do?

Where did I say it would? I just said it is no longer one of the top 5 English grounds any more which is a statement of fact
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: luke95 on April 17, 2016, 07:35:42 PM
Something I'd add that I think gets looked over is style.

Spurs and Man City have both signed players with a bit of skill, put bums on seats, entertainers, they're generally thought of as attractive sides, not just now but for a while.

We're seen as dour. We sign hard working English players like Milner or your Heskey. There's very few times I can think of when we've signed what are universally considered attractive players who people want to watch. How many new fans do we pick up when we are doing well? Very few I'd say, maybe something to do with the players we sign and the football we've played?
I think our crowds suffer from 2-3 things
Birmingham as a city/region gets dismissed left right & centre by the national media
We've not had a sustained period of success for generations
& we're stuck slap bang in the middle of the country , which makes it easy to go along to the big clubs of London & the North West
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: tomd2103 on April 17, 2016, 07:53:45 PM
I've watched a lot of Championship football this season and while it is a very competitive league, the quality is poor. Blues are crap and have very few goals in their team but have been flirting with the play offs all season, Derby had a bad run again but never dropped out of the play offs, Wolves have been terrible but are still in no danger of relegation. I watched Hull v Wolves on Friday, very poor from both teams yet Hull are challenging for automatic promotion. I'm not saying we're going to walk the league but if we get the right manager in and the right group of players who have a bit of quality, and more importantly fight, we should do alright. Ashley Westwood is scared of his own shadow, we need someone in there who can put their foot in and be nasty when needed.

Agree with this I watched hull and it was desperate

Just caught some of the goals from the weekend and saw Nathan Baker giving a penalty away with a stupid challenge.  Some things never change.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: aj2k77 on April 17, 2016, 08:00:25 PM
One thing I worry about is we're talking about Baker, Gardner and Steer coming back to the club and doing a job. They currently play for the 16th, 17th and 19th best teams in the division. Bristol City in particular appear to be terrible at the back.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: McGraths Dry Cleaning on April 17, 2016, 08:19:14 PM
I do think Villa are poor at marketing along with everything else. Since I moved back to the Midlands about 7 years ago I've been regular (couple of seasons missing literally one or two games) but have reduced a lot as I have a young family. I have gone to far fewer games but have bought adult/child packages (taken my oldest boy but he's still just under 5 so a bit young to really get into it). I rarely get contacted by the club about anything useful like ticket packages and so on but would have gone more if I'd realised earlier in the season what a bargain some of the games have been. I work in marketing and have grown our business by over 50% in the last couple of years and I contact everyone on our database at least once a week.

Mrs MDC works for one of the Premier League's sponsors so we've had a few tickets to various grounds over the last few years and they're all rammed with tourists. We can complain about this all we like and how rubbish modern football is but a lot of clubs get their attendances up because they are good at getting people to come to games. Lots of folk round by me (Solihull outskirts) go to Wasps as its under £20 a ticket and kids are free.

Having said all that I expect to go a lot more next season because either my lad will get into it (I'm already thinking half season tickets at Xmas) or I'll be able to go to more evening games when the kids are in bed.

Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: TonyD on April 17, 2016, 08:34:34 PM
New single tier Holte of 22k please. 
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Stirchley Villain on April 17, 2016, 08:40:36 PM
New single tier Holte of 22k please.

Whoah Nellie!!!
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: D.boy on April 17, 2016, 09:32:53 PM
Villa Park hasn't held us back. The muppets on the pitch and in the ivory towers are the ones who have caused our plummet into the championship.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 17, 2016, 09:47:31 PM
Pat Murphy's had his say, and while it's mostly sensible he does say that the players he'd keep include Clark, who he'd make captain, Rudy Gestede, and Ashley fucking Westwood. He wouldn't keep Veretout or Adama Traore, it seems. I'm expecting more of this kind of nativism, the idea that our failure is down to soft-wristed foreigners and that we need more British Blokes.

Ray Houghton said the same on Talksport this morning, said Westwood would be a good player in the championship and he also said positive things about Clark although he does generally perform well for Ireland.

At a push I would keep players like Clark, Gestede, Hutton and Baker as back up, it is 46 games after all but we won't be getting automatic promotion if those are week in week out starters for us.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 17, 2016, 11:36:29 PM
The number of obstructed view seats was massively reduced when the old Trinity went.

Yes, but the old stand didn't have to be completely gutted to achieve that. 

Rangers were able to add a new roof and a new tier to their not dissimilar Bill Struth Main Stand, keeping the red brick facade and much of the character of the old stand.

That wouldn't have been without its problems -it might have even cost more than the final bill for the current carbuncle. But some things require a bit more effort and consideration.

It was basically falling down, and a fire hazard to boot.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: KevinGage on April 17, 2016, 11:44:18 PM
After Bradford, the Taylor report and everything else, I doubt very much any stand in the top flight could have survived until 2000 were that actually the case.

Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: seanthevillan on April 17, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Pat Murphy's had his say, and while it's mostly sensible he does say that the players he'd keep include Clark, who he'd make captain, Rudy Gestede, and Ashley fucking Westwood. He wouldn't keep Veretout or Adama Traore, it seems. I'm expecting more of this kind of nativism, the idea that our failure is down to soft-wristed foreigners and that we need more British Blokes.

Ray Houghton said the same on Talksport this morning, said Westwood would be a good player in the championship and he also said positive things about Clark although he does generally perform well for Ireland.

At a push I would keep players like Clark, Gestede, Hutton and Baker as back up, it is 46 games after all but we won't be getting automatic promotion if those are week in week out starters for us.

I think Clark might get away with more of his mistakes in the Championship, and I think he'll score quite a few as well.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 17, 2016, 11:45:53 PM
After Bradford, the Taylor report and everything else, I doubt very much any stand in the top flight could have survived until 2000 were that actually the case.



That's what I was told by those who know a bit about these things.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: tomd2103 on April 17, 2016, 11:48:51 PM
One thing I worry about is we're talking about Baker, Gardner and Steer coming back to the club and doing a job. They currently play for the 16th, 17th and 19th best teams in the division. Bristol City in particular appear to be terrible at the back.

Exactly.  We want players too good for that league, not those who belong in the lower reaches of it. 
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: KevinGage on April 17, 2016, 11:52:07 PM
The Three Wise Men? Fred Rinder?

Forgive me, but if it is anyone connected to the club in the past 20 years, I might be a tad cynical.

What was the £2-3 million spent on in 1992? 

Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 17, 2016, 11:53:34 PM
The three wise men? Fred Rinder?

Forgive me, but if it is anyone connected to the club in the past 20 years, I might be a tad cynical.

What was the £2-3 million spent on in 1992? 



Members of the Football Licensing Authority and stadium safety experts. People like that.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: KevinGage on April 18, 2016, 12:09:53 AM
That must have been a pretty rapid decline, to undergo the work it did in 1992 to ensure it up to speed with the new legislation by the mid 90s -only to then be completely unsafe a few years later.

The original structure was old, but it was reported in the match programme at the time that the work carried out in 1992 had strengthened the foundations and secure the stand for decades to come.

Not that it was beyond Herbert and co to lie, of course.

Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Glenn Peen on April 18, 2016, 08:06:24 AM
Agreed, Kevin Gage - I don't buy it, either. There was a lot of talk at the AGMs at the time about saving the old Trinity. Ellis gave repeated assurances the stand would be saved and the money was spent in the early 1990s to correct the problems.

Yet whether the stand internally was fit-for-purpose or not is not really the point. What mattered about the old Trinity was the outside - Rangers saved their inferior red brick facade and we could have saved our beautiful stately frontage.

The temporary custodians of our club seemed carefree about our history at the time, and more concerned about finding a quick and inferior fix. Was it ever thus.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: brian green on April 18, 2016, 08:24:22 AM
I blame the architectural community at the time.  It was riddled with middle class snobbery.  If Villa Park had been a theatre or a railway station or law courts there would have been a nationwide outcry at the loss of part of our Victorian architectural history.  But it was only a football ground populated by the great unwashed who kept coal in the bath.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Glenn Peen on April 18, 2016, 08:36:59 AM
Again, I'm in complete agreement, Brian. Apathy was and is a big problem.

I remember approaching Carl Chinn at the time the Trinity was about to go and asking what he thought we should do. He agreed it was a problem but said the city faced bigger problems - Rover was on its knees and he was trying to help save the business. That was fair enough. The demise of the motor industry is part of a bigger malaise that has affected the city and led to the demise, departure or purchase of great Brummie brands, like Rover, HP and Cadbury's.

Yet in the end, everything seems connected. We've had the rug pulled from under us many times. Everything great goes. And in the end, we all just shrug. Maybe we're just tired? But if you tolerate this, then your children will be next. As someone once sang.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: maidstonevillain on April 18, 2016, 08:41:01 AM
I blame the architectural community at the time.  It was riddled with middle class snobbery.  If Villa Park had been a theatre or a railway station or law courts there would have been a nationwide outcry at the loss of part of our Victorian architectural history.  But it was only a football ground populated by the great unwashed who kept coal in the bath.

Except that it wasn't Victorian. By quite a long way.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jimbo on April 18, 2016, 08:45:46 AM
History has shown that you can demolish practically any building in Birmingham and get little more than a few shrugged shoulders in response. That's what we do here.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Richard E on April 18, 2016, 08:48:29 AM
History has shown that you can demolish practically any building in Birmingham and get little more than a few shrugged shoulders in response. That's what we do here.

Cracking! When does work start on The Sty?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Glenn Peen on April 18, 2016, 08:50:01 AM
True, Jimbo - in the future, everyone will bemoan the lost of our concrete heritage, such as the old Bull Ring and the new - now old - Central Library... In many ways, Brum is a bit like an American city. Forever changing, with a population wondering why it doesn't have a sense of history. I guess the story of Brum is always one of rapid change. In fact, that is Brum's history - ever-constant change.

But I miss the old Trinity. For me, it was a huge part of what made the Villa special.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Risso on April 18, 2016, 08:55:49 AM
After Bradford, the Taylor report and everything else, I doubt very much any stand in the top flight could have survived until 2000 were that actually the case.



That's what I was told by those who know a bit about these things.

I used to go to Burnden Park a lot with work when I first moved to the north west, and I'd imagine that was a similar story.  Old, cramped wooden seats and it really didn't feel safe at all.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: brian green on April 18, 2016, 09:23:24 AM
I half expected the correction about the structure being Victorian.  Victoria may well have been dead but the architecture was very much in the Victorian idiom.  The names of monarchs only approximate to architectural styles. The Fascist style of public architecture lasted long after Mussolini decorated a Milanese petrol filling station.   There are still Modern buildings being erected today eighty years or more after the heyday of the Modern Movement.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 18, 2016, 09:33:03 AM
I went up to Ibrox a couple of years ago and it is absolutely beautiful - and it was a poor copy of the Trinity Road when it was built. Archie Leitch took the Rangers board to see the Trinity and they said " we want that, but cheaper".

I can't believe that every effort was made to keep it. Which is ironic, given that money was no object to Rinder when it was built in the first place. What would he have though of Doug's decision to replace it with a B&Q design.   
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: FatSam on April 18, 2016, 09:38:13 AM
I blame the architectural community at the time.  It was riddled with middle class snobbery.  If Villa Park had been a theatre or a railway station or law courts there would have been a nationwide outcry at the loss of part of our Victorian architectural history.  But it was only a football ground populated by the great unwashed who kept coal in the bath.
Sweeping generalisation (which I'm not suggesting is a problem on an Internet forum). It's not the architectural community who would be to blame for this, it's the conservationist community. If there is one city in the UK that has done most to obliterate its cultural heritage, it's Birmingham (my own sweeping generalisation!).
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jimbo on April 18, 2016, 09:43:39 AM
It follows a familiar pattern in this city. A nice old building is either in need of repair, or demolition and replacement with a soulless utilitarian structure. Option B is easier than option A. Option B might even make somebody, somewhere, a lot of money. A bullshit reason why the building must be demolished is circulated, and people accept it with a shrug. The building is demolished and replaced with a soulless utilitarian structure. The world gets duller and more corporate. Repeat ad nauseam.

They tend not to fall for the same crap in Glasgow.   
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 18, 2016, 10:14:33 AM
It might have looked nice but the point remains that it was described as potentially dangerous - and you can't just shout "Liar" at anyone who said so. It was also woefully outdated by 2000 and would have been even more so now. Corners were cut in its replacement but for modern football the new stand is many times more suited.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 18, 2016, 10:19:21 AM
As new stands go, the new Trinity is decent. Pity we couldn't have replicated the old stand (like we did with the new Holte) but it's still pretty impressive.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 18, 2016, 10:22:22 AM
Sad article from Inglis ( featuring one of the old posters on here..)

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/may/14/newsstory.sport8


 
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Jimbo on April 18, 2016, 10:23:08 AM
They managed a compromise at Ibrox. The Trinity looks pretty good from the pitch, but cheap and nasty from every angle on Trinity Road.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: oldhill_avfc on April 18, 2016, 10:36:13 AM
A couple of thoughts.

In order to retain the identity and aura of the club you need a degree of continuity; this could be the ground/stands, location, key board members etc.  Only the location remains teh same - it's a massive shame that the old Trinity could not have been incorporated in a more integrated and far reaching ground develoment - but those sort of decisions were symptomatic of the late part of Ellis's time.

Secondly, I've said before that if Lerner had any real ambition or indeed business sense then there was no option other than to extend the ground - and then fill it.  There's no other way of competing with the ever increasing list of clubs that have revenue coming from grounds that care massively bigger than Villa Park.

Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: VILLA MOLE on April 18, 2016, 10:41:34 AM
They did a good job with the Holte with the front  with the entrance. I do not know why they couldn't  have done something similar

when rebuilding the Trinity, It doesnt  have a focal point , and the sheets of metal are awful.  I thought they shoulld cover them up

with bronze  murals of legends of the past.  McGrath, Little withe   imposing themselves as you walk up   :)
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: maidstonevillain on April 18, 2016, 11:36:11 AM
It is a shame the facade at least was not retained, although I appreciate that would have been difficult and expensive.  I bet Doug is regretting not doing so.  It would have been his legacy, because I anticipate the Doug Ellis stand will eventually change name afetr a suitable period of respect, and the other stands will only have a limited shelf life.  Having said that the way the club is going we will be ground sharing with Sutton Town before long.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: not3bad on April 18, 2016, 11:40:31 AM
We're going down
But we'll come back brighter
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Ads on April 18, 2016, 11:42:17 AM
The problem they had with the new stand is the lack of space to do anything impressive from the outside, as it goes over the road. Perhaps towards the north stand they could have included some red brick design as they have with the back of the Holte. Perhaps they still could, its all for show and wouldn't be structural.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: VILLA MOLE on April 18, 2016, 11:54:44 AM
The problem they had with the new stand is the lack of space to do anything impressive from the outside, as it goes over the road. Perhaps towards the north stand they could have included some red brick design as they have with the back of the Holte. Perhaps they still could, its all for show and wouldn't be structural.


I understand the space thing , but all the corrugated metal is awful
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: KevinGage on April 18, 2016, 12:22:27 PM
Naturally I am biased, but the original frontage was the best entrance to a club ground in British football, and probably one of the best in world football. I went to the Switzerland v Holland game at Villa Park in 1996, and there were loads of Dutch and Swiss fans taking pictures outside it. Supporters of other clubs who I would bring over from time to time would always comment on it.

The current set-up looks like a slightly bigger version of the BT Cellnet (or whatever Boro are calling their ground now, or the Stadium of Light, or the hundreds of other dull, indentikit main stands.

It wasn't just the entrance either, the gable and the ornate panelling between the enclosure and the upper tier are all things that should have been retained (or replicated as best as possible).

But then the original stand was commissioned at a time when the mindset was only the best is good enough for Aston Villa.  The new Trinity is the embodiment of the 'That'll do' mindset that blights the club and the country at large.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: andyh on April 18, 2016, 01:51:03 PM
Love him, like him or loath him, it's quite sad when an elderly fan like Doug says he hopes he is still alive to see us return to the top league.
I suppose the same can be said for many of our elderly fans, I sit next to a few and during our half time chats they have said similar.
It's all very sad.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: FatSam on April 18, 2016, 01:57:00 PM
I'd like the corners filled in and the roofs connected.
I'm very firmly of the opinion that Villa Park should remain a ground with four legibly separate stands, rather than a stadium with connected stands. This doesn't mean that they shouldn't relate or coordinate with one another, or that piecemeal re-development is good.

Until recently, progress in terms of stadium redevelopment in this country has been in pursuit of a singular Old Trafford-esque bowl. The resulting indentikit stadia like Leicester, Cardiff, Southampton etc. are perfectly rational, efficient, and ultimately soul-less. They occupy industrial estate sites on the edge of town, allowing for easy expansion should the club be promoted beyond their traditional level.

Villa Park has its character precisely because of the constraints of its site, and because of the gradual process of development over time. Of course, the post-Taylor report reality has meant that three sides of the ground have been built in a relatively short period of time, which has eroded this somewhat. However, I've always considered the biggest factor in the character of Villa Park to be the way that Trinity Road cuts into the corner of the ground, and you get the view of Aston Park between the Holte End and Trinity Road stands.

I've never been comfortable with the new North stand scheme that fills the corner between it and the Trinity Road stand. It just seems like a thoughtless pursuit of this perfect bowl that is ultimately unattainable on this site. I'm excited by the new main stand at Anfield which seems to be showing that there is another way to redevelop and enlarge a historic ground with four separate stands.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on April 18, 2016, 02:02:51 PM
A Man City supporting mate of mine came down to Villa park with his 2 young sons for the match this season. First time his kids had visited Villa Park - they've been to a fair few away grounds in the last few seasons- and he said they loved it. Had their photos taken outside the Holte steps and both said it was the best ground they've been to. Trouble with Villa Park for me is that it's not a fortress, it's more like a stately home.     
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Villa in Denmark on April 18, 2016, 02:03:01 PM
Naturally I am biased, but the original frontage was the best entrance to a club ground in British football, and probably one of the best in world football. I went to the Switzerland v Holland game at Villa Park in 1996, and there were loads of Dutch and Swiss fans taking pictures outside it. Supporters of other clubs who I would bring over from time to time would always comment on it.

The current set-up looks like a slightly bigger version of the BT Cellnet (or whatever Boro are calling their ground now, or the Stadium of Light, or the hundreds of other dull, indentikit main stands.

It wasn't just the entrance either, the gable and the ornate panelling between the enclosure and the upper tier are all things that should have been retained (or replicated as best as possible).

But then the original stand was commissioned at a time when the mindset was only the best is good enough for Aston Villa.  The new Trinity is the embodiment of the 'That'll do' mindset that blights the club and the country at large.

The first time I took my wife to Villa Park in '97, we did the walk under the motorway and up past the Holte Pub towards the Holte, where she said something along the lines of "that's pretty impressive for a football ground". We carried on up Trinity Road until the Trinity was in clear view.  "Wow, it looks more like a stately home than a football ground."
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: FatSam on April 18, 2016, 02:21:23 PM
But then the original stand was commissioned at a time when the mindset was only the best is good enough for Aston Villa.  The new Trinity is the embodiment of the 'That'll do' mindset that blights the club and the country at large.

Doug was most interested in the fact that it was construction-managed in-house by the club, which saved a few quid. The lack of a coordinated redevelopment plan for the three sides of the ground that were re-built within a ten year period in the 90s is incredibly frustrating. Other big clubs such as Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea have all appointed well-regarded architects with good stadium expertise. Doug tried to do it all on the cheap, and frankly it shows. 
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 18, 2016, 02:23:39 PM
But then the original stand was commissioned at a time when the mindset was only the best is good enough for Aston Villa.  The new Trinity is the embodiment of the 'That'll do' mindset that blights the club and the country at large.

Doug was most interested in the fact that it was construction-managed in-house by the club, which saved a few quid. The lack of a coordinated redevelopment plan for the three sides of the ground that were re-built within a ten year period in the 90s is incredibly frustrating. Other big clubs such as Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea have all appointed well-regarded architects with good stadium expertise. Doug tried to do it all on the cheap, and frankly it shows. 

Doug did it in the 90's. What did Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs do at the same time that put us so far behind them?
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Villa in Denmark on April 18, 2016, 02:24:21 PM
But then the original stand was commissioned at a time when the mindset was only the best is good enough for Aston Villa.  The new Trinity is the embodiment of the 'That'll do' mindset that blights the club and the country at large.

Doug was most interested in the fact that it was construction-managed in-house by the club, which saved a few quid. The lack of a coordinated redevelopment plan for the three sides of the ground that were re-built within a ten year period in the 90s is incredibly frustrating. Other big clubs such as Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea have all appointed well-regarded architects with good stadium expertise. Doug tried to do it all on the cheap, and frankly it shows. 
The Holte and Witton Lane don't jar too badly and thankfully don't try to complement the North Stand which is just a child of the 70's, but the Trinity just looks tacky from the outside.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: lordmcgrath5 on April 18, 2016, 06:23:46 PM
Naturally I am biased, but the original frontage was the best entrance to a club ground in British football, and probably one of the best in world football.

Indeed it was. Every time I look at a photo of the old Trinity Road it makes me want to cry. OK, it had to go, but surely it could have been done better. It's gone from a thing of beauty to a branch of B&Q.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 18, 2016, 07:49:37 PM
Spare a thought for Lewis Kinsella. Relegated with 2 clubs on the same day.

https://twitter.com/Lewis_kinsella/status/721407922757115909
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Risso on April 18, 2016, 07:51:56 PM
Spare a thought for Lewis Kinsella. Relegated with 2 clubs on the same day.

https://twitter.com/Lewis_kinsella/status/721407922757115909

It's a bit like that in our house, a mix of Villa and Bolton fans.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: FatSam on April 19, 2016, 07:25:27 AM
Fair point. Chelsea and Spurs are now on their second wave of redevelopment since then. Arsenal's new North Bank in the 90s was definitely of a high standard, and complemented the two listed stands, but is perhaps not a fair comparison because there was never going to be a wholesale character changing redevelopment of the ground due to their presence.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: AV82EC on April 19, 2016, 07:40:34 AM
I think I've said on here before that if we're ever going to redevelop the ground again we should knock the whole thing down and move the stadium further into the plot we have. There is an enormous amount of space behind the current stadium where the car parks and Villa Village are and this would allow all 4 stands to be constructed in the correct proportions without the Trinity Road and Witton Lane cutting off the scale you would need for a 60k stadium.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: AV89 on April 19, 2016, 10:12:34 PM
Not sure if anyone's seen this.  Midlands Today 1987.

Take a look at @bbcmtd's Tweet: https://twitter.com/bbcmtd/status/721945296465334272?s=09
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: The Man With A Stick on April 19, 2016, 10:15:43 PM
Not sure if anyone's seen this.  Midlands Today 1987.

Take a look at @bbcmtd's Tweet: https://twitter.com/bbcmtd/status/721945296465334272?s=09

For all of his faults, at least Ellis had the balls to talk in front of the cameras.  Don't hold your breath waiting for Randolph to do the same.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Richard E on April 19, 2016, 10:18:35 PM
For all of his faults, at least Ellis had the balls to talk in front of the cameras. 

Usually about himself.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on April 20, 2016, 10:49:23 AM
So it begins

http://talksport.com/football/aly-cissokho-set-start-aston-villa-exodus-after-relegation-making-besiktas-switch

No love lost there
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: HolmesyVilla on April 20, 2016, 10:52:59 AM
So it begins

http://talksport.com/football/aly-cissokho-set-start-aston-villa-exodus-after-relegation-making-besiktas-switch

No love lost there

Sweet. Cya and thanks for nothing.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 20, 2016, 11:04:49 AM
If the club have told him he'd be transfer listed I can't blame him for agreeing a deal. Good luck to him. He was never great but certainly wasn't among our worse players. Admittedly, that's not saying much.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: PeterWithe on April 20, 2016, 11:06:04 AM
So it begins

http://talksport.com/football/aly-cissokho-set-start-aston-villa-exodus-after-relegation-making-besiktas-switch

No love lost there

Watch your arse on the way out.

One of those players you will never get in a 'name the line up' game in five years time.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: peter w on April 20, 2016, 11:11:31 AM
So it begins

http://talksport.com/football/aly-cissokho-set-start-aston-villa-exodus-after-relegation-making-besiktas-switch

No love lost there

oh no. I may be in Istanbul for next season and they'd be my local team. Oh Christ, no.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Steve R on April 20, 2016, 12:42:03 PM
So the club says he has no future here and he finds another club that gives him possible Champs League opportunity. Seems fair enough to me compared to 'fuck it, I'll put my feet up until my contract ends'.

Here's hoping the other exitees go with the same modicum of fuss.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: AVH87 on April 20, 2016, 12:47:17 PM
Well if he can land a Champs League club, maybe there's hope for Bacuna yet.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on April 20, 2016, 01:04:17 PM
He is one of the few who's desire I've never questioned (unlike his ability), good luck to him.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Clampy on April 20, 2016, 01:07:18 PM
I wouldn't get too pleased just yet, it is only on Talk Sport.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Malandro on April 20, 2016, 01:07:25 PM
He is one of the few who's desire I've never questioned (unlike his ability), good luck to him.

Agree with that, he did put a shift in. What woeful crossing though!
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Bottom Right 89 on April 20, 2016, 01:09:34 PM
He is one of the few who's desire I've never questioned (unlike his ability), good luck to him.
Exactly my thoughts could never question his effort just a shame he never really backed himself to take on a player or get a shot in once he came across the half way line. We've had worse Left backs.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: Clampy on April 20, 2016, 01:11:42 PM
A mate of mine can't stand him so he'll be relieved he's possibly buggering off. Ok defensively, but awful going forward but yes, we've had worse.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: 1_Pablo_Angel on April 20, 2016, 01:12:45 PM
He was solid enough defensively, just a bit crap at football.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: old man villa fan on April 20, 2016, 01:36:12 PM
Another one that started reasonably and went down hill.  The same when he came back this season.  You do wonder whether some players are undermining the confidence of others away from the pitch.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: in exile on April 20, 2016, 02:40:53 PM
We have Amavi to come back and a Championship level left back in Joe Bennet, so he can go anyway
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 25, 2016, 09:15:26 AM
I've just heard that bhs are going into Administration because they've become irrelevant on the High Street.  Aston Villa the bhs of football.
Title: Re: Relegated
Post by: b23 on April 27, 2016, 12:20:23 PM
Tom Hanks speaks.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36143291
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