Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Risso on November 06, 2022, 05:01:09 PM

Title: 27 years
Post by: Risso on November 06, 2022, 05:01:09 PM
So our first home win in the league against those c***s since 19 August 1995, coincidentally by the same 3-1 scoreline. Beckham's first league goal for them.


Britpop was just getting started. 'Never Forget' by Take That was number one in the charts. Films that year included Heat, Seven, Usual Suspects and Twelve Monkeys.


Where were you and what you were doing?
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Sexual Ealing on November 06, 2022, 05:04:02 PM
I was a feckless, lazy, hedonistic 17-year-old. I'm now 44, and marginally less hedonistic.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: dave.woodhall on November 06, 2022, 05:05:03 PM
Making money out of Villa fans.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: passport1 on November 06, 2022, 05:07:14 PM
That game was memorable for two reasons the result and the fact that I found myself sitting next to Savos girlfriend.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: steamer on November 06, 2022, 05:09:58 PM
I was 40 last time at VP
But although not a regular occurrence  we mainly gave them a game at Villa Park before that
Best Villa memory (almost) LC Semi second leg 62,000 us 2 them 1
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Deano's Mullet on November 06, 2022, 05:10:09 PM
I was 18, still at college and never imagining it would be that long before we'd beat them at home again.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on November 06, 2022, 05:13:35 PM
I was watching the game as 21 year old, and never thought it would  take this long to repeat  the result!

Since then I have married, had three kids, floated my first business on the stockmarket, lost everything, divorced, started again, had  cancer twice, remarried,  had two more kids. Have lived in Brum, Liverpool, Wigan, the Lakes, Lancaster, Preston and rural Lancs.

I  hope less happens before the next home win against  them!
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Smithy on November 06, 2022, 05:14:14 PM
I was moving into my third-year Uni student house at the top of Trinity Road (on Hampton Road), literally three-quarters of a mile away.  The plan had been to go to the game with two of my housemates, but we got delayed loading the cars up that morning, and didn't even arrive to get the keys to the house until about five to three, so we decided against running down the road to see if we could get in - obviously in those days you could often get in on the gate. No idea if we'd even been able to get in!

So instead, we were treated to the incredible roars of the crowd as we unloaded cars over the next half an hour.  I was genuinely surprised to be able to hear it, as I thought we were too far away.  I'd never been that close to Villa Park during a game without actually attending, and it shocked me I could hear the goals that far up the road.  Needless to say I was a bit pissed we hadn't arrived an hour earlier.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: wince on November 06, 2022, 05:14:33 PM
Was 12, short and desperately geeky. To think I had not really reached puberty the last time we beat them at home in the league.,,,
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 06, 2022, 05:15:03 PM
A shithole that was Bosnia.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Beard82 on November 06, 2022, 05:15:43 PM
I was living in Essex - and went to watch Braintree Town v (Someone).  I can't remember the score of that game - though I know Braintree won.  This was a habit for much of my mid-teams, bar getting to the Villa 2 or 3 times a season. 
I listened to radio 5 for the updates - and can remember the goals going in and telling my Dad. 

Its funny - I really expected us to win that day - just had that feeling.  Likewise I expected us to win today.  No magic, I have been wrong in hundreds of times in the intervening years. 

I think Barnsley took the lead in their game - and for the briefest of in-game moments were top of the league (I might be getting mixed up on my years).

Anyway - well done to everyone involved today - especially those who kept the faith in between! 

Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Dave on November 06, 2022, 05:17:24 PM
12 years old, trying to get a signal to BBC World Service on a portable radio in the car park of a camping supplies shop in the Pyrenees.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 06, 2022, 05:18:44 PM
I had hair back then.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 06, 2022, 05:21:27 PM
I was 12. I had my tickets taken off me for the last win all those years ago because I got caught smoking cigarettes at the park.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 06, 2022, 05:22:15 PM
I was 12 - so probably being a prick.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Bad English on November 06, 2022, 05:22:44 PM
I was 29 and it was my first year of teaching (English to French Sixth Formers) in a lycée in Perpignan. Eight months before, I was in the middle of my teaching exams when my then wife told me our marriage (of two years...) was over. We also had a two year old girl. I probably didn't notice the win because I had a bit going on.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Beard82 on November 06, 2022, 05:23:52 PM
I was 12. I had my tickets taken off me for the last win all those years ago because I got caught smoking cigarettes at the park.
Do you still smoke now?
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 06, 2022, 05:24:53 PM
I was 12. I had my tickets taken off me for the last win all those years ago because I got caught smoking cigarettes at the park.
Do you still smoke now?

I’ve stopped and started a few times since. But no, not had a cigarette for 4 years
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: RamboandBruno on November 06, 2022, 05:26:02 PM
I was 21 and in my summer hols after my first year at uni, i never went to the game and sat in the Red Lion in the Jewellery Quarter, pre gentrification, getting hammered and other things 90s related as the scores came through. It was also 4 months after i met my partner, so I’ve been with her 27 years, married for 18 this December, two kids 12 and nearly 16, both me and the kids season ticket holders in the lower Holte.

I want to basque in today, but i want this to become the norm.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: RamboandBruno on November 06, 2022, 05:26:18 PM
I was 21 and in my summer hols after my first year at uni, i never went to the game and sat in the Red Lion in the Jewellery Quarter, pre gentrification, getting hammered and other things 90s related as the scores came through. It was also 4 months after i met my partner, so I’ve been with her 27 years, married for 18 this December, two kids 12 and nearly 16, both me and the kids season ticket holders in the lower Holte.

I want to basque in today, but i want this to become the norm.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Lastfootstamper on November 06, 2022, 05:27:38 PM
I was still in my twenties* and had a luxuriant full head of hair**

*only just
**was still massively lying to myself
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: LukeJames on November 06, 2022, 05:29:01 PM
I was 12 aswell. Bit of a theme developing.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Nelly on November 06, 2022, 05:29:43 PM
I was 11. Probably playing football in All Saints, as it used to be. Watching Red Dwarf and Bottom, contemplating the encroaching spectre of secondary school. I'm really glad we've finally beaten them at Villa Park. Lets not leave it so long again.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Beard82 on November 06, 2022, 05:32:22 PM
I was 12. I had my tickets taken off me for the last win all those years ago because I got caught smoking cigarettes at the park.
Do you still smoke now?

I’ve stopped and started a few times since. But no, not had a cigarette for 4 years
Well done - although I must admit was hoping for some kind of black magic, like that 95 was your first fag, and Yesterday you gave up
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Villa in Denmark on November 06, 2022, 05:32:44 PM
24 and at Villa Park saying it was a shame Savo hadn't scored because he'd done everything else until he went off.

Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 06, 2022, 05:33:26 PM
I was 12. I had my tickets taken off me for the last win all those years ago because I got caught smoking cigarettes at the park.
Do you still smoke now?

I’ve stopped and started a few times since. But no, not had a cigarette for 4 years
Well done - although I must admit was hoping for some kind of black magic, like that 95 was your first fag, and Yesterday you gave up
Haha. Sorry mate. No good. Too bloody expensive now
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: gpbarr on November 06, 2022, 05:34:33 PM
Getting divorced
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Bernie on November 06, 2022, 05:35:49 PM
I was 41. And I thought I was old then....
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: algy on November 06, 2022, 05:35:50 PM
So our first home win in the league against those c***s since 19 August 1995, coincidentally by the same 3-1 scoreline. Beckham's first league goal for them.


Britpop was just getting started. 'Never Forget' by Take That was number one in the charts. Films that year included Heat, Seven, Usual Suspects and Twelve Monkeys.


Where were you and what you were doing?
Was 13 years old (now inexplicably 40), and annoyingly it was the only home match I didn't make that season. Don't even remember why - we weren't on holiday.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Rory on November 06, 2022, 05:36:03 PM
I was 5, so not up to much.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 06, 2022, 05:37:20 PM
I was 5, so not up to much.

Fuck right off. You're my age in my head. 😡
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Brazilian Villain on November 06, 2022, 05:37:44 PM
I was auditing an offshoot of Barings Bank in Dublin after its Leeson induced collapse. Had been there for 6 months so knew the staff well which included plenty of plastic Reds who scoffed as I mentioned I was heading over for the game. Needless to say I was feeling quite smug when I walked into the office on the Monday morning.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 06, 2022, 05:37:54 PM
I was 41. And I thought I was old then....
Youth is wasted on the young
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Beard82 on November 06, 2022, 05:37:59 PM
I was 5, so not up to much.

Fuck right off. You're my age in my head. 😡
Can we ban him?
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: curiousorange on November 06, 2022, 05:38:12 PM
I was fourteen, and we'd just arrived at Sandy Bay Holiday Park in Ashington for a fortnight's holiday. I listened to the match on Radio Five and then went straight out to play football in my Villa top. I remember there was a chippy on site and they had a Newcastle game on the radio as we went in; being utterly obsessed with football I asked the bloke behind the counter who was winning and he muttered, "one-nil, Ferdinand" like somebody was going to shoot his dog if Newcastle won the league.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: steamer on November 06, 2022, 05:41:12 PM
I was 41. And I thought I was old then....
we were
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Karlos96 on November 06, 2022, 05:42:30 PM
I was 22, had started the job I am still at now 2 years earlier.  This season was the year I got my season ticket still have that seat now.  I loved that season it's still my favourite season all rounded off with a cup win. 
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Risso on November 06, 2022, 05:43:22 PM
I was 23, and had moved up to Wigan to live with my girlfriend who I’d met at university the year before. She fucked off back to Cumbria after a year, but I stayed and met my now wife. Since then I’ve done 10 years in Greater Manchester, 12 on the IOM and 5 in the East Midlands.

For most of that time you lot have been magnificent bastards. Cheers all.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Rory on November 06, 2022, 05:44:58 PM
I was 5, so not up to much.

Fuck right off. You're my age in my head. 😡
Can we ban him?

Save your wrath for Monty. I believe in August 1995 he would've been... a sperm.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on November 06, 2022, 05:46:15 PM
Getting very pissed at my brothers wedding in the Dolphin Hotel, County Mayo.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: TonyD on November 06, 2022, 05:57:11 PM
Was 26 in Sydney listening to the game on Five Live on my short wave radio - jumping around my room at 3 in the morning. 
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Toronto Villa on November 06, 2022, 05:57:37 PM
I was 23 and just arriving in the US to start my life in this part of the world. Internet wasn’t up to much back then and getting highlights of games practically impossible so 95-98 for me is a bit murky Villa-wise. Turning 50 soon, so this has been an incredibly frustrating and depressing given the variety of ways we’ve lost to them. I hope we never have to go through this again against any team.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: pauliewalnuts on November 06, 2022, 06:06:22 PM
Two months into living into Italy, but we were back here, on holiday in the Highlands, on account of Italy closing down for August.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 06, 2022, 06:11:23 PM
I was 5, so not up to much.

Fuck right off. You're my age in my head. 😡
Can we ban him?

Just say the word and the little twerp is gone.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Goldenballs on November 06, 2022, 06:17:10 PM
I was 8, so probably playing with cars or building a den in the garden, great times.

Then you get older and have to pretend to be a grown up.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Rory on November 06, 2022, 06:24:05 PM
I was 5, so not up to much.

Fuck right off. You're my age in my head. 😡
Can we ban him?

Just say the word and the little twerp is gone.

This is exactly how Robespierre got started. The power has gone to your head!
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: dave shelley on November 06, 2022, 06:25:10 PM
I was forty-seven and in the middle of a so-called mid-life crisis not a nice time, and preparing to send our little girl off to university.  There was, as always the Villa, an enduring constant.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 06, 2022, 06:25:49 PM
Anyway, I was a babby of fifteen and spent the day watching Magnificent Aston Villa demolish Wanky Man United. Just as I have done today. 🙂
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: darren woolley on November 06, 2022, 06:27:00 PM
My daughter was born the month before so I was a first time Dad.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Tayls_7 on November 06, 2022, 06:34:01 PM
In the Witton Lane Upper dreaming we'd be experiencing the following May what the United fans did.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: eamonn on November 06, 2022, 06:40:01 PM
10 years old, sweeping the driveway that my parents had just tarmac'd after they'd built/bought a new house.

Listening to score updates on the car radio and couldn't believe the half-time score we had rattled-up.

I despised Man Utd and had taken great joy in them mucking-up the '94/'95 title on the last day of the season a few months prior.
Every other 10 year-old boy followed the herd and seemed to be fans of these wankers. Was just a bit gutted that it happened during the summer holidays and not a few weeks later when we were back in school.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Brazilian Villain on November 06, 2022, 06:44:02 PM
I was 5, so not up to much.

Fuck right off. You're my age in my head. 😡
Can we ban him?

Save your wrath for Monty. I believe in August 1995 he would've been... a sperm.

I believe they're implying that you're wise and mature beyond your years so I'd take it as a compliment. ;)
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: LeeB on November 06, 2022, 06:45:18 PM
I was a feckless, lazy, hedonistic 17-year-old. I'm now 44, and marginally less hedonistic.

I was 18, the rest fits.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Rory on November 06, 2022, 06:45:28 PM
I was 5, so not up to much.

Fuck right off. You're my age in my head. 😡
Can we ban him?

Save your wrath for Monty. I believe in August 1995 he would've been... a sperm.

I believe they're implying that you're wise and mature beyond your years so I'd take it as a compliment. ;)

Oh, yeah that must be it 😉
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: not3bad on November 06, 2022, 06:50:52 PM
I was 27. Exactly half the age I am now! Fuck that's a weird thought. Anyway I remember thinking our recruitment over the summer had been very good and we'd turn them over no bother. And even my Blues supporting mate agreed with me.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: FatSam on November 06, 2022, 06:51:20 PM
I want to basque in today, but i want this to become the norm.
Punathon incoming…
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: AV82EC on November 06, 2022, 06:54:57 PM
I was 27. Exactly half the age I am now! Fuck that's a weird thought. Anyway I remember thinking our recruitment over the summer had been very good and we'd turn them over no bother. And even my Blues supporting mate agreed with me.

Same for me, half of my adult life we hadn't beaten them, I feel oddly serene tonight as if a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. 
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: DeKuip on November 06, 2022, 06:55:28 PM
I was down the Villa, like today.
Some may see that as a waste of a life but I’m happy. I might even watch Match of the Day tonight just as I did back then. The telly and chair are different though.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Dave on November 06, 2022, 07:01:30 PM
I was 5, so not up to much.

Fuck right off. You're my age in my head. 😡

If it makes you feel any better, I always assumed you were about 3-4 years younger than me.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PeterWithe on November 06, 2022, 07:10:06 PM
I was at the game, we played well but not as well as today.

I think today is only the 3rd time Ive seen us beat ManUtd at VP.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PeterWithe on November 06, 2022, 07:11:19 PM
I want to basque in today, but i want this to become the norm.
Punathon incoming…


Yes hurry up, dont G string us along
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Dave on November 06, 2022, 07:16:32 PM
I want to basque in today, but i want this to become the norm.
Punathon incoming…


Yes hurry up, dont G string us along

Course it's going to take a long time.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 06, 2022, 07:17:02 PM
The Draper goal remains one of my favourite goals.

Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on November 06, 2022, 07:18:22 PM
Looking forwards  to  the next game, 1954 the last time we beat them twice in a  season. My Mom was in nappies and my dad was yet to appear.

Going  to happen aint it?
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Stu on November 06, 2022, 07:21:15 PM
Twelve Monkeys.

Where were you and what you were doing?

Still in the six weeks holiday before my last year at school. And I've still not seen Twelve Monkeys despite my mates raving about it at the time.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Taylor on November 06, 2022, 07:21:51 PM
I started dating my wife in 1995. When I told her today that we have beaten those bastards for the first time at Villa park in our 27 year relationship she said “time for a divorce then”!
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Bernie on November 06, 2022, 07:23:31 PM
Looking forwards  to  the next game, 1954 the last time we beat them twice in a  season. My Mom was in nappies and my dad was yet to appear.

Going  to happen aint it?
I was born in 1954. I hope with all my being we repeat the feat but if  (when) we do will be relieved to see the season out alive...!
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: RamboandBruno on November 06, 2022, 07:25:29 PM
Twelve Monkeys.

Where were you and what you were doing?

Still in the six weeks holiday before my last year at school. And I've still not seen Twelve Monkeys despite my mates raving about it at the time.

Its a great film. Was on the BBC iplayer recently, maybe still on their. Rissos mentioned some of the other movies but the Usual Suspects stands, brilliant, like Villa today.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Sexual Ealing on November 06, 2022, 07:25:45 PM
I started dating my wife in 1995. When I told her today that we have beaten those bastards for the first time at Villa park in our 27 year relationship she said “time for a divorce then”!

Ha! She's a keeper!
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: TopDeck113 on November 06, 2022, 07:30:53 PM
For the match, I sat with my brother in the Lower Trinity for reasons I can't now remember.  It was a hot day and I remember wearing shorts, sandals and the '57 Cup Final replica shirt.  I wasn't worried about burning the top of my head in the same way as I am now.

I wasn't a teacher and when not following the Villa to all points of the compass I was doing a lot of mountain biking.   

The not-quite-yet Mrs TD113 spent that summer with a university friend who was at the time living in Arkansas.  We moved into our house the following year and have paid off a mortgage in less time than it's taken the Villa to beat that lot at home. 
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PeterWithe on November 06, 2022, 07:33:05 PM
Was the previous victory the Boxing Day one when Gareth Williams looked like a world beater?

Memories in the pub were a little hazy
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 06, 2022, 07:35:45 PM
We beat them twice in just over a week in 1992, both at VP. 28th Oct 1-0 in the League Cup (Saunders) and 7th Nov 1-0 in the league (Dalian).
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: RamboandBruno on November 06, 2022, 07:37:49 PM
We beat them twice in just over a week in 1992, both at VP. 28th Oct 1-0 in the League Cup (Saunders) and 7th Nov 1-0 in the league (Dalian).

Im going Thursday with my 12 year old lad, would live a repeat of that week in 92
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PeterWithe on November 06, 2022, 07:41:38 PM
We beat them twice in just over a week in 1992, both at VP. 28th Oct 1-0 in the League Cup (Saunders) and 7th Nov 1-0 in the league (Dalian).

I would undoubtedly have been at both but have no recollection of the games at all
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: London Villan on November 06, 2022, 07:43:19 PM
19 years old and I just left a job to go to Aston University. I’d also met a gorgeous girl from Devon who was a Man United fan, so I sent her a programme from the game. I didn’t really hear from her again after that.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on November 06, 2022, 07:57:18 PM
I was 23, and had moved up to Wigan to live with my girlfriend who I’d met at university the year before. She fucked off back to Cumbria after a year, but I stayed and met my now wife. Since then I’ve done 10 years in Greater Manchester, 12 on the IOM and 5 in the East Midlands.

For most of that time you lot have been magnificent bastards. Cheers all.

I also moved to Wigan 6 months later to live with my girlfriend, but sadly I married her and what a disaster that was!
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 06, 2022, 07:58:17 PM
I was 23, and had moved up to Wigan to live with my girlfriend who I’d met at university the year before. She fucked off back to Cumbria after a year, but I stayed and met my now wife. Since then I’ve done 10 years in Greater Manchester, 12 on the IOM and 5 in the East Midlands.

For most of that time you lot have been magnificent bastards. Cheers all.

I also moved to Wigan 6 months later to live with my girlfriend, but sadly I married her and what a disaster that was!

Wigan? I’m sorry for your loss
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Nunkin1965 on November 06, 2022, 07:59:40 PM
I'd have been 30 and working at a photo Lab.
In those 27 years I'm still married and am self employed as a decorator, had 2 kids, 2 cats, 1 dog and a few guinea pigs.
Oh yes and I've probably spent easily well over 5 figures on this football club.
I don't want to be 84 before this joyous day happens again please.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PeterWithe on November 06, 2022, 08:08:28 PM
I was 22, I went to home games in those days with a mate who died young so always a bittersweet memory of victories and defeats in the 90s
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on November 06, 2022, 08:08:33 PM
I was 23, and had moved up to Wigan to live with my girlfriend who I’d met at university the year before. She fucked off back to Cumbria after a year, but I stayed and met my now wife. Since then I’ve done 10 years in Greater Manchester, 12 on the IOM and 5 in the East Midlands.

For most of that time you lot have been magnificent bastards. Cheers all.

I also moved to Wigan 6 months later to live with my girlfriend, but sadly I married her and what a disaster that was!

Wigan? I’m sorry for your loss

Compared  to Shard End Wigan was paradise.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: London Villan on November 06, 2022, 08:10:49 PM
We beat them twice in just over a week in 1992, both at VP. 28th Oct 1-0 in the League Cup (Saunders) and 7th Nov 1-0 in the league (Dalian).

We used to beat them every few years, 1984 (Six game) 1989 (fergie out) 1992 (two wins in a week).
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Exeter 77 on November 06, 2022, 08:12:20 PM
Was the previous victory the Boxing Day one when Gareth Williams looked like a world beater?

Memories in the pub were a little hazy
That was Boxing Day 1989. We beat them in 1992/93 when Dalian Atkinson scored.

In August 1995 I was 23 and watched the game from the old Trinity Road stand level with the North Stand penalty area. I definitely didn’t expect to wait more than double my lifetime up to then to see us beat them again. 
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: FrankyH on November 06, 2022, 08:15:23 PM
I was 30 , and my manager at the the time was a man u fan ( who guess what, never went but was smugness personified ) . I've mentioned this hatred before on another post .Cut a long story short the monday morning I went to see him. He had ditched man u and said he was now following Henesford. My hatred for them is total.

They sing "part time supporters " to all and sundry, but their ground is inhabited by tourist and day trippers.

Had a manager who was a cheat , but the press love to call him sir.

Most brummie reds (i know) used to inhabit the sty and changed allegiance when they realised if Villa became a non-league team we'd still be bigger than that feckin shower  .

Oh , and I forgot to say they are a bunch of wankers.

Edit - not that anyone is interested I was 27 not 30

Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Scovilla on November 06, 2022, 08:15:55 PM
I was 34 years old. My younger son Theo had just been born a couple of weeks before. He has become à huge Villa fan and saw that wonder victory today on FrenchTV. Elated he is.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: olaftab on November 06, 2022, 08:19:34 PM
I was auditing an offshoot of Barings Bank in Dublin after its Leeson induced collapse. Had been there for 6 months so knew the staff well which included plenty of plastic Reds who scoffed as I mentioned I was heading over for the game. Needless to say I was feeling quite smug when I walked into the office on the Monday morning.
And I thought you would recall that era by mentioning the colour of hair and eyes of some young lady you were comforting at the time? ;D
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: brian green on November 06, 2022, 08:22:02 PM
Grieving the death of my father for whom I had been a terrible disappoimtment.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: UK Redsox on November 06, 2022, 08:23:52 PM
So our first home win in the league against those c***s since 19 August 1995, coincidentally by the same 3-1 scoreline. Beckham's first league goal for them.


Britpop was just getting started. 'Never Forget' by Take That was number one in the charts. Films that year included Heat, Seven, Usual Suspects and Twelve Monkeys.


Where were you and what you were doing?

I had not even seen a professional football match in person.

I was two months away from attending my first Villa game (the 0-1 loss to Chelsea).
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: KevinGage on November 06, 2022, 08:25:17 PM
Was 15/16 and camping in Ireland with a friend. Three weeks of uninterrupted sunshine, which is a bit unusual for that corner of the world.

From memory, was looking forward to Savo's debut. But didn't expect much from the game.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Legion on November 06, 2022, 08:33:09 PM
I was 24. I have no idea what I was doing. Probably damaging something accidentally.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: RamboandBruno on November 06, 2022, 08:40:05 PM
Was 15/16 and camping in Ireland with a friend. Three weeks of uninterrupted sunshine, which is a bit unusual for that corner of the world.

From memory, was looking forward to Savo's debut. But didn't expect much from the game.
[/quote

Ive been going to Ireland nearly every year for all of my 48 years on this planet, i dispute there has ever been 3 weeks of uninterrupted sunshine!
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 06, 2022, 08:48:01 PM
I was 14 and attended the match. Bit similar to today, I was waiting for the comeback that never materialised. Tremendous season, my favourite ever.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Grande Pablo on November 06, 2022, 08:50:40 PM
I stuck £5 on a 3-1 win that day, so was secretly pleased when young Beckham stuck that late consolation goal in.  Maybe the 27 year hoodoo was squarely down to me.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: tommy smart on November 06, 2022, 08:52:43 PM
I was with my 12 year old son in the upper Trinity. Today I was with 2 (out of 6) of my grandkids, 7 and 15 years old respectively, in the middle Trinity. After the game they kept telling to stop saying “well,well,well”.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 06, 2022, 09:00:49 PM
for most of the people that have been to all those games throughout the 27 years, you know you was waiting for the comeback. I was never comfortable until the referee blew up.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: wince on November 06, 2022, 09:05:19 PM
for most of the people that have been to all those games throughout the 27 years, you know you was waiting for the comeback. I was never comfortable until the referee blew up.
I didn’t. The 3-1 that springs to mind was Coca Cola cup 94 when they were all over us. Today they seemed on ropes. I hope we trounce them on Thursday in the cup but don’t know if we are getting ahead of ourselves. This feels like the real deal
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 06, 2022, 09:09:20 PM
I was 11 years old.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: dave shelley on November 06, 2022, 09:18:45 PM
Was 15/16 and camping in Ireland with a friend. Three weeks of uninterrupted sunshine, which is a bit unusual for that corner of the world.

From memory, was looking forward to Savo's debut. But didn't expect much from the game.
[/quote

Ive been going to Ireland nearly every year for all of my 48 years on this planet, i dispute there has ever been 3 weeks of uninterrupted sunshine!

There has...once.  I was here for it, the early eighties, they even introduced a hosepipe ban.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: usav on November 06, 2022, 09:53:54 PM
I was at the game as a 21 year old, also donating to the Dave Woodhall retirement fund before the match.

It seems like yesterday, but it isn’t, it’s a bloody long time ago and a lot has happened both personally and otherwise in that time.    Quite ridiculous to think about it all, really.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: shipscat on November 06, 2022, 09:53:57 PM
 19 August 1995, I was, courtesy of the Royal Navy, onboard HMS Gloucester, transiting East towards the Straits of Hormuz to commence a five month deployment, in what is nominally called the Persian Gulf. We'd sailed from Portsmouth on the third.

I was relatively new to the ship, having joined Valentines Day...but I had already made a (subsequent) lifetime friend, Scott from Northfield (all his mates were noses but he was proud to be Villa in Nose central!). I had spent my earlier days onboard the Gloucester, and prior to my re-joining, Scott had been informed, "he's one of you horrible ferkers..Villa this/ Villa that".

Vividly remember the afternoon/evening, it was first day of the season. I'd been on watch in the Ops Room, and this presented the opportunity, via my constant begging to the communications office for a spot of satellite radio comms (at about £12 a minute-thank you UK Taxpayers) for the first half radio coverage. When the third went in I am sure I danced! Went off watch, time for tea, teatime in the Junior Rates Dining Hall and I recall it being steak,and the tables were full of our Manchester(and Norfolk as I remember) loving shipmates, and I took great delight in informing them of the ferkin pasting they were receiving in B6. None of them believed me..And to be fair I had a certain rep. Cue the second half, the dining hall radio burst to life, with the BBC World Service on VHF giving a second half commentary. I sat smug and informed all, we'd probably compete for the league and we nearly did.

Today, I was buzzing at half time in the Trinity concourse. Scott had just come though the turnstile, he'd missed the first half as his son had been playing. A quick discussion over potential Villa ferk ups and what we needed to see this through, we reminisced and remembered that day, half a lifetime away. Absolutely brilliant then..and brilliant today.

Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Stu on November 06, 2022, 09:59:47 PM
19 years old and I just left a job to go to Aston University. I’d also met a gorgeous girl from Devon who was a Man United fan, so I sent her a programme from the game. I didn’t really hear from her again after that.

Get in. Lucky escape.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on November 06, 2022, 10:01:53 PM
Great story shipscat!
UTV!
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: FrankyH on November 06, 2022, 10:16:25 PM
I'm not ashamed to say I've watched the sky highlights on loop for the last hour and a half and I'm still looking forward to match of the day.

I would have given Dendoncker or Bailey MOTM  at the game today , but watching the highlights on loop , I think Watkins , for assists and working his bollocks off might deserve it.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Ian. on November 06, 2022, 10:26:33 PM
Twenty years old and I remember getting out the shower after a preseason friendly and had heard from one of our players that we were 3-1 up but our record signing was stretchered off. I raced to the clubhouse to watch the scores come through. What a feeling that was when I saw it on TV, especially as over half my side supported them.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: LeonW on November 06, 2022, 10:30:19 PM
The 1995 game was my first game as a season ticket holder. Actually met Beckham on the Monday and made sure he was reminded of the result.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on November 06, 2022, 10:50:26 PM
I was 12 - so probably being a prick.

I was 2 weeks from being 12, do probably playing with Manta Force
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: amfy on November 06, 2022, 10:59:33 PM
I was 31, just completing my notice working at a bail hostel in Trinity Road before going to study Social Work at University of Central England. (It’s new name never goes on my CV).
At that time I hardly went to Villa Park because my shifts were so weird, but I used to watch everyone else going as I sat at work.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Brend'Watkins on November 06, 2022, 11:06:29 PM
I hate this thread. The fact it’s taken this long to beat them at home, my hair was plentiful, and darker back then. Even with 6 mins added time I thought something would contrive to screw us over. Maybe it’s our new manager.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Mouse Potato on November 06, 2022, 11:14:15 PM
I was 28 years old and a group of about 8 of us had a couple of quid each on a 3-1 Villa win at 26-1.  The strange looks we had after leaping around like loons when Beckham scored the consolation.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Pat McMahon on November 06, 2022, 11:18:38 PM
I was at my girlfriend’s that weekend and we split up that Sunday morning. I didn’t know the score until I picked up the Sunday Times at the station to see we had won and started the healing process
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: BC54 VFC on November 06, 2022, 11:30:58 PM
I'd been living and working in Shrewsbury for 5 years. Sat with my wife, and sons then aged 6 and 3, in the 2nd row of the Upper Holte, r/h/s, as we'd been temporarily moved from our ST's in the Lower Witton Lane, because of a seat revamp which had run into the new season.

Took two balloons to keep the 3 y/o amused - he was a fidget in those days - and pretty sure they were both in the Lower Holte well before HT! Three of us were there today, but the now 30 y/o woke up in London ill this morning so couldn't make it up on the train; he's suitably gutted, but obviously chuffed with the result.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Pat McMahon on November 06, 2022, 11:34:32 PM
I was at my girlfriend’s that weekend and we split up that Sunday morning. I didn’t know the score until I picked up the Sunday Times at the station to see we had won and started the healing process

Forgot to say I was living in Paris then and in those pre internet days finding out results was a real challenge
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Villan For Life on November 07, 2022, 12:39:36 AM
I was 29, recently married to my first wife & went to the game with my Brummie red ex brother in law. I remember the heat and his demeanour, my joy lasted about as long as the marriage! Wasn’t it the Hansen “you will never win anything with kids” game?
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: OzVilla on November 07, 2022, 01:22:27 AM
I was fit and handsome 22 year old playing a fairly decent standard of cricket at the time so didn't go.

I'm now nearly 50 and a grey haired, run down version that would barely make out who was bowling without thick glasses.

Yeah....it's been a while.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Axl Rose on November 07, 2022, 01:32:41 AM
It was my 13th birthday, my dad bought me the new home shirt, and there were two tickets for the match attached to the shirt.

I think that was the season he finally accepted that I was never ever going to be a Leicester fan, and he fell in love with the Villa as much as I had.

A great day. As was yesterday as a 40 year old man waking my wife and daughter up at 1:30am.

I'm suffering today. Hungover and have to teach two university classes. There are a couple of gobby little man Utd fans in there, so I'm going to take great joy in laughing at them as they enter the lecture hall.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Rory on November 07, 2022, 01:45:17 AM
There are a couple of gobby little man Utd fans in there, so I'm going to take great joy in laughing at them as they enter the lecture hall.

Are they from Manchester, by any chance? I'd be amazed if they weren't.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Jimsta on November 07, 2022, 05:21:20 AM
I was 20, I was there that day and remember Mark Draper turning Roy Keane inside out that day, Everyone was confused that day because Gareth Southgate was playing in defence and we all saying didn't he play in midfield for Palace, Yes it was 3-1 that day and Man U goal was also a deflected shot which was Beckhams first Prem goal.
since then season ticket up to 99/00 where i went to oz for a year, Then Thailand for a Year where i met my wife and divorced after 8 years, Met my new Thai lady and now live in Thailand with a regular trip back to the Uk to see family and try to get to see the Villa if ever possible.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: sid1964 on November 07, 2022, 06:23:49 AM
I was single 31 years of age, just finished with a girl who fell out with me during a holiday abroad, she told she had met someone else, that was a strange holiday.

I went with my Dad (who is now too ill to attend games, in fact he cant remember any of the games, dementia is an awful disease)

Met my wife in the summer of 1996, and pleased to say that she has stuck by me through good times and bad of supporting the VILLA!!

Fantastic day yesterday, lets hope it is not another 27 years until we beat them at home in the league.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Hillbilly on November 07, 2022, 06:30:37 AM
I was trying to work out what to do with my life beyond playing footy, drinking beer and eating curry. Then I met my partner, emigrated and made a family. Now I'm having thoughts like 'less than 10 years to retirement'.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: rob_bridge on November 07, 2022, 07:35:35 AM
I recall ringing up ticket office about 10 days before to be told it was sold out.

The company I worked for had a fledgling partnership with Villa and my mate (a Baggie) said I should ask for Ray who runs ticket office and take a punt. Duly obliged and had a front seat on the Upper Holte on a glorious English summer day.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Bad English on November 07, 2022, 07:39:30 AM
Now I'm having thoughts like 'less than 10 years to retirement'.

I'm having those; it's currently 8 years to go (although I could retire in 6 with a massive cut in my pension, so I will probably soldier on).
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: JD on November 07, 2022, 07:58:00 AM
I had been in New Zealand for close to two years. I was working in Wellington at the time.

Don't remember much of the game as we didn't get a great deal of coverage over here.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Allan C on November 07, 2022, 08:06:29 AM
I was 37, in the RAF living in deepest Cambridgeshire. I missed this game and the every game that season from January to April. What a season that was
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: rob_bridge on November 07, 2022, 08:08:45 AM
I was 37, in the RAF living in deepest Cambridgeshire. I missed this game and the every game that season from January to April. What a season that was

I was at the perfect age - 23. Best supporting in person season of my life. I was too young to properly appreciate the early 80s
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Axl Rose on November 07, 2022, 08:18:22 AM
There are a couple of gobby little man Utd fans in there, so I'm going to take great joy in laughing at them as they enter the lecture hall.

Are they from Manchester, by any chance? I'd be amazed if they weren't.

Two of them skived off! Bastards :D

Not a peep from two man Utd supporting colleagues either.

Lovely stuff
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Bad English on November 07, 2022, 08:26:10 AM
There was one in my first and second lessons this morning. They got the full treatment. It's 2022 and 13 year-old kids are wearing Manyoo tops here in SW France. FFS!
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Axl Rose on November 07, 2022, 08:29:48 AM
There was one in my first and second lessons this morning. They got the full treatment. It's 2022 and 13 year-old kidsare wearing Manyoo tops here in SW France. FFS!

Good work, mate!
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Mister E on November 07, 2022, 09:04:10 AM
Sad that we have to have this thread at all, although it's fascinating to read these personal stories.
I was 37, had moved up to Harrogate 6 years' earlier and had 2 kids. Tom, my Yorkshire-born, Villa-supporting, football-coaching son is now 30!
I didn't get to the game then but thoroughly enjoyed being there yesterday.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on November 07, 2022, 09:19:33 AM
I was 27 so it was literally half a lifetime ago. I was sitting in the Upper Holte for it then and was in Upper Holte yesterday.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Breezeblock on November 07, 2022, 09:48:04 AM
I was 29, my son was 1 and I was living in a rented house in Erdington. I couldn't go to the match 'cos I was skint and my (now thankfully ex) missus insisted on spending every spare penny on booze and fags. Funnily enough I couldn't go to yesterdays match cos I was visiting my current missus down in Wokingham.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Clark W Griswold on November 07, 2022, 10:25:30 AM
I was just turning 20, had a season ticket and had for a few years and hardly missed a match. I missed that one though as i was on holiday. Fucker. I don't go down too much these days but i did go yesterday. Fucking brilliant! In actual fact yesterday was one of my favourite home games in the 35 years i've been going. In fact for me it was certainly the best since the 5-1 blues demolition.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Richard on November 07, 2022, 12:28:42 PM
I was only 30 and living in Hall Green, my son hadn't been born but ironically he now lives in Manchester and we are going together on Thursday.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: eamonn on November 07, 2022, 06:33:06 PM
Just watching some of the full game back on AVTV, sounds like Brian Little doing co-comms with Jack Woodward. Seemed fitting! Not sure if he spoke much about the '95 game.
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: Whiney MacWhineface on November 07, 2022, 07:01:21 PM
42,going on 43. I was working for Social Services in Kent, and I’d just been given the poison chalice of delivering an IT system that supported Care Management for around 2,000 angry Care Workers that an in house team had failed to deliver, and ICL consultancies had failed too.

It was then I fully realised what a nightmare job for them it could be. Badly paid, always trying not to be the next Sun Exclusive.

Lovely people doing a thankless job for pennies, and I dropped the first management system for Care Management in the country on them. I left not long after, but I left a lot of those 2,000 an abiding love/hate for Aston Villa (one of my team was Jimmy Brown’s auntie).
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: wince on November 07, 2022, 07:10:13 PM
Risso where’s the tattoo?? Don’t make me shout your name like the punisher did to Russo! ;)
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 07, 2022, 07:11:58 PM
I was 12 - so probably being a prick.

I was 2 weeks from being 12, do probably playing with Manta Force
Manta Force was class
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: wince on November 07, 2022, 07:14:21 PM
I was 12 - so probably being a prick.

I was 2 weeks from being 12, do probably playing with Manta Force
Manta Force was class
Red Venom was better
Title: Re: 27 years
Post by: curiousorange on November 07, 2022, 07:42:04 PM
I was 12 - so probably being a prick.

I was 2 weeks from being 12, do probably playing with Manta Force
Manta Force was class
Red Venom was better

This might be subjective, but 1995 is pretty late for Manta Force. I had that for Christmas around 1989 I think.
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