Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: dave.woodhall on December 24, 2021, 05:00:06 PM
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Over time there's been a lot of talk about how something should be done to comemorate Ron Saunders, and in particular that the club should erect a statue. The club didn't do the McGregor one - it was a bright idea that was taken up by the Supporters Trust. The club agreed to match funding but the rest was done by us. This was in the days before crowd funding so we rattled buckets, begged, twisted arms and had one memorable gig before Randy Lerner, to his credit, said we'd done enough and donated the rest. We agreed on a design, got a sculptor and worked with them until unveiling. And so, if this statue is ever going to exist we'll have to do it ourselves. Ron Saunders was not only our greatest-ever manager, he also said he was proud to be a Villa supporter, so it's only right that the supporters should run this project. It won't be easy and you'll probably be looking at something approaching £100,000 to be raised. If you're involved it's going to be a lot of work and be prepared for comments about how bad it looks and where's the money gone. But when it finally happens you'll be able to look at it forever and think "I helped do that". Someone else might want to do it and not want me involved which will be fine - I'll step aside, but first of all anyone who's interested message me and let's see what the interest is.
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I don’t mind helping again.
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Would happily donate a reasonable amount to this.
Would the club not chip in at all? I mean Lerner did given he wasn't all bad in early years so would be surprised if the current hierachy weren't interested, Arsenal have what 4-5 statues of recent greats and Wenger dotted around Emirates and Kroenke dosen't care about the football side much at all so would be surprised.
Ron Saunders standing aloft infront of a New North stand would be great arrival point from those coming from the Witton side on matchday (when I'm walking past McGregor statue there's always loads of fans having selfies with it on matchday despite it being hidden away a bit).
That seems ideal location especially if timeframe to raise cash is 3-4 years.
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Would happily donate a reasonable amount to this.
Would the club not chip in at all? I mean Lerner did given he wasn't all bad in early years so would be surprised if the current hierachy weren't interested, Arsenal have what 4-5 statues of recent greats and Wenger dotted around Emirates and Kroenke dosen't care about the football side much at all so would be surprised.
Ron Saunders standing aloft infront of a New North stand would be great arrival point from those coming from the Witton side on matchday (when I'm walking past McGregor statue there's always loads of fans having selfies with it on matchday despite it being hidden away a bit).
That seems ideal location especially if timeframe to raise cash is 3-4 years.
They'd have to be approacehd and we'd see what they have to say about donating. It should always be acknowledged that no matter how hard we worked to get the McGregor statue fnished, it would never have happened without Lerner's contribution.
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Would happily donate a reasonable amount to this.
Would the club not chip in at all? I mean Lerner did given he wasn't all bad in early years so would be surprised if the current hierachy weren't interested, Arsenal have what 4-5 statues of recent greats and Wenger dotted around Emirates and Kroenke dosen't care about the football side much at all so would be surprised.
Ron Saunders standing aloft infront of a New North stand would be great arrival point from those coming from the Witton side on matchday (when I'm walking past McGregor statue there's always loads of fans having selfies with it on matchday despite it being hidden away a bit).
That seems ideal location especially if timeframe to raise cash is 3-4 years.
They'd have to be approacehd and we'd see what they have to say about donating. It should always be acknowledged that no matter how hard we worked to get the McGregor statue fnished, it would never have happened without Lerner's contribution.
O.k. I'd just be really surprised given the obvious feeling they have for the club (at least what gets communicated through the press/their PR) if it was flat rejection of the idea.
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I’d like to help. Crowdfunding should make the money side a bit more straightforward. I have an idea of what it should look like too…
(https://i.ibb.co/QvfxRZD/DDF4-C94-F-F847-4-EB8-965-F-5-E695-F2-DB6-FC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QvfxRZD)
Made from granite
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I am sure the club would chip in
Get a costing and see what needs to be spent
If it cost a 100,000 and 20,000 chipped in it would be a fiver each
I am sure there are, in addition to the club many Villa supporters who own businesses that would chip in with some sponsorship
Launch the project !
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Great idea Dave. I would happily contribute towards this.
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Surely Purslow would at least share his thoughts on it at a future meeting with the fans reps.
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Great idea and Dave you are the right person to push this. Doesn't need to said but I will happily donate.
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It is great that you are taking this forward Dave, and I think most people would happily donate to it.
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More than happy to donate, probably much easier to do now than in the bucket rattling days.
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I’d happily donate but if it’s going in the North Stand car park then we need to factor in the potential redevelopment of that end of the ground.
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Arsenal have what 4-5 statues of recent greats and Wenger dotted around Emirates and Kroenke dosen't care about the football side much at all so would be surprised.
A private development of that size probably can with an obligation for public art, which I am sure their statues would qualify. Loads of paving slabs/brick near the statues are sponsored which seems a good way to raise money.
Good luck with it. It’s a great idea. I live near the Emirates and the statues are a nice touch and make an otherwise unremarkable modern stadium feel a bit classier.
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Put me down for a sub.
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Great idea, I’ll donate to this.
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I’m in.
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In front of the Holte would be my preference but more importantly I'd happily donate!
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Yes, willing to put a few quid in
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I’m in for a few bob.
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Deserving!
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I would like a moveable statue.
If we're not playing well, it appears out the tunnel and starts walking down the cinder track towards the dugout.
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Would be nice to see a statue of Ron and Tony Barton together.
I'm in for a few dollars !
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And me.
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Brilliant idea very happy donate
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I am 110% behind it and I certainly wouldn't bet against it. ;)
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Would definitely donate, think it's a fantastic idea
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Great idea Dave, fully agree and more than willing to contribute towards a statue of the great man
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Yes, great idea. I’m in.
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Outside the Holte Suite?
I'm in for whatever is needed (not the whole £100k, you understand!).
Would a Saunders / Mortimer combo statue work?
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Although I could see the appeal of it being outside The Holte, I’d be more inclined to name the North Stand after him when it’s rebuilt and have a statue of him in front of it.
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Although I could see the appeal of it being outside The Holte, I’d be more inclined to name the North Stand after him when it’s rebuilt and have a statue of him in front of it.
Agree with this. We need a Ron Saunders stand. And the suggestion for a statue of Mortimer, with the European Cup, is ace and all.
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Would definitely chip in for this.
Have always thought the space on top of the Holte Suite would be perfect for some sort of tribute the 82 European Cup win as well. Saunders outside a new North Stand would be very fitting too.
(https://i.ibb.co/5BnDm7Z/Facade-of-the-Holte-End-Villa-Park.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5BnDm7Z)
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Although I could see the appeal of it being outside The Holte, I’d be more inclined to name the North Stand after him when it’s rebuilt and have a statue of him in front of it.
Agree with this. We need a Ron Saunders stand. And the suggestion for a statue of Mortimer, with the European Cup, is ace and all.
I think if you have too many statues, it devalues them slightly, as well as obviously doubling the cost. Saunders definitely deserves one though.
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I’m in and so would the family also.
Maybe a cheeky letter to each of the 14 or so players he regularly used to win the league and Andy Gray as well
I would think they would support the proposal.
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First of all so many good servants of the Villa, where do you start and what do you do. The club should take charge I think and at the very least say no stands are to be called after an ex player, manager or owner, that would mean straight away reclaiming the Witton Lane as the Witton Lane. In place I would place a plaque to honour Doug Ellis (no matter how much my dislike of him me or anyone else holds) -
We certainly should do something for Ron Saunders and yes a statute but along with some of the players of the era possibly Brian Little, Dennis Mortimer and possibly Jimmy Rimmer (I think Andy Gray and his antics wanting a move away rules himself out)
People would then start quite rightly arguments over the likes of Peter Mc , Pongo or Brue Rioch. So many others to consider. What about Jack Grealish for example.
Such a touchy and difficult subject.
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I'm all for acknowledgement of what he did but where do you stop with this sort of thing? And don't ever forget that he left us and went straight to you-know-where and didn't give a toss what we thought of it.
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Put me down please Dave I would love to help.
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I'm all for acknowledgement of what he did but where do you stop with this sort of thing? And don't ever forget that he left us and went straight to you-know-where and didn't give a toss what we thought of it.
He was doing his job and did a bloody good one for us.
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I’ll be in favour of anything to honour Ron Saunders
On the subject of statues
I always ask fans of other clubs when I’m chatting or talking in the pub or whatever to tell me who the statues are of outside their grounds
Obviously they are always Great players or managers of the past
Then I say yeah that’s the difference mate between Aston Villa and every other club in the land
Outside our ground is the statue of the man that founded the football league
It top trumps everyone and everybody
It’s still our league they just play in it
(yeah I know it’s a stretch but if you shout really loud when you’re saying it, it helps)
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I'm all for acknowledgement of what he did but where do you stop with this sort of thing?
Well if it's for winning the league I guess it would stop at Saunders and George Ramsey
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I would like a moveable statue.
If it has a disagreement with the owner, I suppose it'll make it easier for it to bugger off across the city.
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I'm all for acknowledgement of what he did but where do you stop with this sort of thing? And don't ever forget that he left us and went straight to you-know-where and didn't give a toss what we thought of it.
He did relegate them though, then he relegated Albion. Then retired. Absolute legend!
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Would certainly give towards this. Would like the new North stand to be christened the Ron Saunder stand
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I'm all for acknowledgement of what he did but where do you stop with this sort of thing? And don't ever forget that he left us and went straight to you-know-where and didn't give a toss what we thought of it.
He did relegate them though, then he relegated Albion. Then retired. Absolute legend!
Didn’t he manage blues to defeat against Altrincham and then sell Steve Bull from Albion to Wolves?
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I’d prefer the North Stand end named after him once it’s redeveloped. Saunders’ achievement merits recognition and has done for 40 + years. A stand has lasting recognition as the name of it is constant. A statue? No, not for me.
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Happy to donate
Great idea, and am sure would be welcomed by the club
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I'd be happy to make a donation. Would this statue be next to McGregor or in another location?
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will the club chip in?
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I support and would be willing to donate. I’d prefer somewhere near The Holte End Stand side of the ground, a statue the same dimensions as the Mc Gregor and with the straightforward epitaph “Do you want to bet against us?”
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Put the wrong right and give the Witton Lane Stand a worthy name.
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I’d prefer the North Stand end named after him once it’s redeveloped. Saunders’ achievement merits recognition and has done for 40 + years. A stand has lasting recognition as the name of it is constant. A statue? No, not for me.
To my mind, it should be the Saunders Barton Stand. To recognise what both achieved. The Witton Lane needs renaming though. And the other two should remain as they are.
A statue would last forever though.
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Put the wrong right and give the Witton Lane Stand a worthy name.
I've never been in it, but from what I hear it already has.
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To my mind, it should be the Saunders Barton Stand. To recognise what both achieved. The Witton Lane needs renaming though. And the other two should remain as they are.
A statue would last forever though.
I agree, the key contribution made to our success was Tony standing on the shoulders of a giant.
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I don't like stands being named after people, it removes something of the identity of a ground. Take Anfield where the old Kemlyn Road Stand was a bit of a curio with it's angled roof and floodlights. It was rebuilt and named the Centenary Stand and is now the Kenny Dalglish Stand and has lost something that was unique to that stand.
In addition I don't think statues and naming stands should happen until those involved have passed away, and into legend less you cheapen the gesture. They could always transgress as well making the statue become rather controversial. Further more their achievements may be overshadowed thus provoking the clamour for another statue and before you know it the place looks like Madame Toussauds.
I like the fact that we just have the one but the addition of another for Ron would be more than welcome, I appreciate the Barton angle and I think this should be acknowledged elsewhere within the ground. Saunders achievements are unlikely to be repeated, at least for a generation and even if they are, the league title in particular was unique given the amount of players he used.
With a likely development at the Witton End of the ground, atop the Holte Suite is the place for me further enhancing that vista.
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There is nothing unique at all about the Doug Ellis stand. Disgraceful, sycophantic decision to call it that. Tear it down, rebuild it and call it the Saunders/Barton stand.
If not, yes, build a statue and I will be happy to contribute.
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I like the fact that we just have the one but the addition of another for Ron would be more than welcome, I appreciate the Barton angle and I think this should be acknowledged elsewhere within the ground. Saunders achievements are unlikely to be repeated, at least for a generation and even if they are, the league title in particular was unique given the amount of players he used.
Perhaps Saunders' statue could be mounted on a tetradecagonal plinth. One vertex for each of the players who played in 1980-81. A subtle tribute and one that those who know, know.
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There is nothing unique at all about the Doug Ellis stand. Disgraceful, sycophantic decision to call it that. Tear it down, rebuild it and call it the Saunders/Barton stand.
If not, yes, build a statue and I will be happy to contribute.
It would be had it remained the Witton Lane Stand (as it still is for some of us...).
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Two league cups, European qualification, a league title and built our European Cup winning team. I understand the argument about recognising individuals but this man is the most successful manager in our modern history. It's a worthy suggestion.
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And when we rebuild the North it should be called the Ron Saunders stand with a statue of our great manager proudly stood outside it.
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I don't think statues and naming stands should happen until those involved have passed away
Well Ron Saunders has been gone a little over two years. The debate seems to be about where to place a statue.
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I feel that If we were to have a Ron Saunders statute then we need one of Tony Barton next to him as well.
Very much like the one of Clough and Taylor at Derby. To fully acknowledge what the two great men achieved for us.
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One thing is for certain.
People at all levels will need to be pulling in the same direction for this to even get any traction as an idea.
It would be a fantastic thing to do but it will be a challenge to achieve it.
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One thing is for certain.
People at all levels will need to be pulling in the same direction for this to even get any traction as an idea.
It would be a fantastic thing to do but it will be a challenge to achieve it.
How do you think the McGregor one was done?
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One thing is for certain.
People at all levels will need to be pulling in the same direction for this to even get any traction as an idea.
It would be a fantastic thing to do but it will be a challenge to achieve it.
How do you think the McGregor one was done?
I'd hope that with the owners we have they would be very receptive to this sort of proposal.
I'd be more than willing to contribute to the cause.
Just pointing out that everyone needs to pulling in the same direction for it to be a success.
I've had some experience with helping with a couple of local projects which have hit insurmountable problems and its clouded my feelings somewhat.