Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: The Laughing Policeman on October 08, 2012, 11:20:19 AM

Title: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on October 08, 2012, 11:20:19 AM
Not sure how this would work as it takes place during the PL season.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/19868520
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: danlanza on October 08, 2012, 11:30:55 AM
Dependingon the teams to play surely Sixways in Worcester has to be in the frame.
Not a large ground but big enough for some of the lesser teams to play at and, funnily enough, a rugby ground.
Bloody groundsman at Villa would have their work cut out to keep it a decent playing surface for football after 30 hairy arsed giants had trundled all over it for 80 mins.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 08, 2012, 01:09:45 PM
If it can survive 90+ minutes of Richard Dunne it can survive anything.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: bertlambshank on October 08, 2012, 02:21:56 PM
This.
49. flamingsombrero
8 MINUTES AGO
I don't want the RWC wrecking my teams pitch, take your minority sport back to the sheds it came from.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: tomd2103 on October 08, 2012, 02:38:29 PM
I'm pretty sure stadiums used in the Rugby World Cup have to have a capacity of over 25,000 so that rules Sixways (and a lot of other rugby specific stadiums in this country) out. 
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on October 08, 2012, 03:01:53 PM
Surely Bescot would be big enough?
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on October 08, 2012, 03:11:53 PM
Bloody egg chasers !
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on October 08, 2012, 03:23:50 PM
Just to add fuel to the 'media hate us' brigade, did anybody see them report it on Sky?

They were listed in alphabetical order (Aston Villa first) and the bird also read them out - starting with the second club on the list, then down, and us last.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: lovejoy on October 08, 2012, 03:25:41 PM
I'm pretty sure stadiums used in the Rugby World Cup have to have a capacity of over 25,000 so that rules Sixways (and a lot of other rugby specific stadiums in this country) out. 

I'd be surprised if they were shortlisting ground that didn't meet the criteria. Kingsholm has a capacity of c 16,500 and you could probably get near to 20,000 with some temporary stands but not 25,000 without some serious redevelopment. As a purely rugby ground (and one that has hosted more top flight matches than any other ground in the country) and one famed across the world for its atmosphere, you have to assume it will be on the list.

Also the grass is usually slightly longer for rugby so i'm not sure how that works for the PL fixtures.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on October 08, 2012, 03:34:36 PM
Quote
Also the grass is usually slightly longer for rugby so i'm not sure how that works for the PL fixtures

I'm really surprised that Ferguson puts up with having Rugby League played on his pitch each year. Wonder what state Old Trafford is in after last Saturdasy's final?
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: bertlambshank on October 08, 2012, 03:41:33 PM
Quote
Also the grass is usually slightly longer for rugby so i'm not sure how that works for the PL fixtures

I'm really surprised that Ferguson puts up with having Rugby League played on his pitch each year. Wonder what state Old Trafford is in after last Saturdasy's final?
They dropped a bollock there!
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on October 08, 2012, 03:43:18 PM
Quote
They dropped a bollock there!

They have the playoff finals every year at Old Trafford don't they?
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: DB on October 08, 2012, 03:52:19 PM
Quote
They dropped a bollock there!

They have the playoff finals every year at Old Trafford don't they?

I think it was an attempt at satire....;-)
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on October 08, 2012, 03:54:03 PM
Quote
I think it was an attempt at satire....;-)

Ahh, right over my head. It's an up and under!
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: bertlambshank on October 08, 2012, 03:56:47 PM
Quote
I think it was an attempt at satire....;-)

Ahh, right over my head. It's an up and under!
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/news/article/-/15059321/wood-loses-testicle-in-grand-final-plays-on/
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Steve R on October 08, 2012, 04:07:40 PM
They need to sell 2.9 million tickets from a 20 team tournament - 47 games?

That's an average of over 61,000 a game. Tough target.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Handsworth Wood Villa on October 08, 2012, 06:42:44 PM
The Olympics is bigger than the Rugby World Cup but you turned that down didn't you, Paul.  :-\
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 08, 2012, 06:46:27 PM
The Olympics is bigger than the Rugby World Cup but you turned that down didn't you, Paul.  :-\

What's your point caller?
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: bertlambshank on October 08, 2012, 06:55:47 PM
The Olympics is bigger than the Rugby World Cup but you turned that down didn't you, Paul.  :-\

What's your point caller?
Dave can I make a point Dave,more money to be made than the sodding Olympics Dave.Up the Baggies Dave.Ta-Ta Dave.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 08, 2012, 06:59:56 PM
The Olympics is bigger than the Rugby World Cup but you turned that down didn't you, Paul.  :-\

What's your point caller?
Dave can I make a point Dave,more money to be made than the sodding Olympics Dave.Up the Baggies Dave.Ta-Ta Dave.

Give us yer address and we'll send yer a Bronx hat.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on October 08, 2012, 07:05:16 PM
I don't know much about Rugby. I think they will be trying to kick the ball high in the air so its lands in the Holte or North stand.

Ashley Young ?
 
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Legion on October 08, 2012, 07:32:04 PM
He's broken my heart.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 08, 2012, 07:32:45 PM
I don't know much about Rugby. I think they will be trying to kick the ball high in the air so its lands in the Holte or North stand.

Ashley Young ?
 

James Collins.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: tomd2103 on October 09, 2012, 02:49:22 AM
The Olympics is bigger than the Rugby World Cup but you turned that down didn't you, Paul.  :-\

What's your point caller?
Dave can I make a point Dave,more money to be made than the sodding Olympics Dave.Up the Baggies Dave.Ta-Ta Dave.

Give us yer address and we'll send yer a Bronx hat.

It amazes me that he still gets people calling up requesting those things.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: usav on October 09, 2012, 05:38:40 AM
I don't know much about Rugby. I think they will be trying to kick the ball high in the air so its lands in the Holte or North stand.

Ashley Young ?
 

James Collins.

Tony Daley.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Dave Cooper please on October 09, 2012, 09:56:00 AM
Surely Bescot would be big enough?

It's rugby.
Lye Town would be big enough.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on October 09, 2012, 10:16:39 AM
As Farmer Palmer might say.........."Oi get orf our pitch."
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: fredm on October 09, 2012, 10:42:43 AM
The slight problem at the moment I understand is that the PL are saying that will not announce the fixtures for that season until the usual date.  That would mean that the RU would not know which of the football venues are available until 3 months before the competition starts, which is against the rules of the competition (I believe).  Also would make it very difficult for the teams to sort the logistics re hotels, training facilities etc.

However, knowing how much money the RU will throw at it I would not be surprised if the fixtures are sorted before the usual date even if they are not made known to the general public.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: paul_e on October 09, 2012, 11:13:44 AM
I can't quite work out why the tigers ground hasn't been chosen as the main venue for the midlands, unless the club refused.

As for our inclusion, I'm sure it's only with the backing of the club and I see more benefit to us from this than I did from the olympics (from a commercial point of view).

I agree with the scheduling being a big issue but I'd expect us to see 2-3 group games and maybe a quarter-final  so our 'involvement' would likely only be up to 3 weeks so it wouldn't be a major challenge for at most a couple of games to be moved, and there's a good chance there will be international football scheduled in amongst it as well.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: rjp on October 09, 2012, 11:18:26 AM
Leicester Tigers are a bit put out to say the least, Welford Rd is the biggest club ground with a capacity of 24,000.  I think they've shortlisted the "Walkers/King Power/whatever it's called these days" instead.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 09, 2012, 11:34:14 AM
The Olympics is bigger than the Rugby World Cup but you turned that down didn't you, Paul.  :-\

It's not bigger for Villa, though.

The only people who are allowed to make money at Olympic venues are the Olympic organisers and their sponsors.

Whatever the reason for us turning it down, I really doubt it would have earned us any money at all.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: paul_e on October 09, 2012, 11:40:34 AM
I think it's safe to say Welford road not being included wasn't due to the club deciding against it - club statement (http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/15063.php)

Looking into it more it's the length of the pitch that has cost them, there's something about off-field dacilities but that can be dealt with in time, moving a stand to extend the pitch is too big a job.

I've always though the pitch at Leicester looked a bit short
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: rjp on October 09, 2012, 12:00:17 PM
It's sandwiched between 2 major roads which will always hamper them.  I believe they're intending to build another huge stand to match the new one and then they're going to rotate the pitch 90 degrees.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: paul_e on October 09, 2012, 12:17:09 PM
It's sandwiched between 2 major roads which will always hamper them.  I believe they're intending to build another huge stand to match the new one and then they're going to rotate the pitch 90 degrees.

That's right, they were shortlisted on the basis of the Crumbie Stand being redeveloped but the club can't afford it and can't get any backers so it's not going to happen.  It means their pitch and corporate facilities aren't up to standard.  Kingsholm has a couple of issues but they have plans in place to resolve them so they will be at the standard for the start.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Stu on October 09, 2012, 12:24:05 PM
I wouldn't mind going to a Leicester Tigers game around Christmas time. Sounds like it's worth going, my mate is banging on at me about it - plus there's terracing.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 09, 2012, 12:24:58 PM
Rugby?

Meh. All those coppers and solicitors in their Barbour jackets and tweedy caps. No ta.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: rjp on October 09, 2012, 12:32:10 PM
I wouldn't mind going to a Leicester Tigers game around Christmas time. Sounds like it's worth going, my mate is banging on at me about it - plus there's terracing.

Brilliant, another car parking on my estate :)
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Stu on October 09, 2012, 12:35:30 PM
I wouldn't mind going to a Leicester Tigers game around Christmas time. Sounds like it's worth going, my mate is banging on at me about it - plus there's terracing.

Brilliant, another car parking on my estate :)

:P We'll be training it!
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: lovejoy on October 09, 2012, 12:48:47 PM
Rugby?

Meh. All those coppers and solicitors in their Barbour jackets and tweedy caps. No ta.

True of some teams (Bath, Harlequins, Wasps spring to mind) unfair for others (Leicester, Northampton) and faintly ridiculous for Gloucester where rugby is the game of the common man. Any barbours at Kingsholm are worn by foreigners (ie people from Cheltenham).

Plumbutt I am not sure i agree with re Lye Town. Average Aviva attendances are around 13,000 and England will generally sell out (80,000) the 6N - is their ground that big?!
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Dave Cooper please on October 09, 2012, 12:50:02 PM
I wouldn't mind going to a Leicester Tigers game around Christmas time. Sounds like it's worth going, my mate is banging on at me about it - plus there's terracing.

There's pros and cons.

Pros:
You can have a beer on the terraces
Friendly atmosphere
Fans of both clubs stand together
Plenty of good old-fashioned effort from the teams involved

Cons:
It's fucking rugby.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: DeKuip on October 09, 2012, 01:00:25 PM
Mid-September to end of October 2015?
Am I the only one concerned at having all those extra white lines going across the pitch during our Champions League home games?
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: danlanza on October 09, 2012, 01:02:22 PM
Didn'tthink it was just me who was worried about that.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: andyaston on October 09, 2012, 03:51:03 PM
I go to a couple of Bath games a season and I am going to my second match at Twickers in the Autumn against the Aussies. I like the atmosphere at a rugby game its a contrast to that of a football match, its more civilised between opposition fans and the performance is as important as the result in some cases. In football the atmosphere is more intense and the result is more important to the fans. I don't think you can beat walking out of Villa Park with a victory, even if its been pretty damn rare in the past 12 months.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: PeterWithe on October 09, 2012, 03:57:23 PM
Rugby?

Meh. All those coppers and solicitors in their Barbour jackets and tweedy caps. No ta.

As Stuart Marconie wrote, the only good thing about Rugby is it gives the opportunity to assault an off-duty copper with impunity.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on October 09, 2012, 04:00:15 PM
Quote
I wouldn't mind going to a Leicester Tigers game around Christmas time

A mate took me to see London Irish against someone a few Chistmasses ago. At Vicarage Road - is it Saracens who play there?.

Everyone in the crowd wore a fez and the half time entertainment consisted of a camel being marched around the perimeter of the pitch. I couldn't work out which team was which because they were all covered in shit. It was quite good to be able to chat to the posh people either side of me though, beer in hand. No scrapping either
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Ad@m on October 10, 2012, 12:53:48 AM
The big issue with the stadia is that as part of the bid the IRB has been guaranteed a certain level of income, which is underwritten by the Govt. Had they only used only rugby stadia they wouldn't have sold the tickets or, more importantly, the hospitality to hit their income target.

Sadly it's not just football where money talks.
Title: Re: Villa Park on Rugby World Cup shortlist.
Post by: Stu on October 10, 2012, 06:18:14 AM
Quote
I wouldn't mind going to a Leicester Tigers game around Christmas time

A mate took me to see London Irish against someone a few Chistmasses ago. At Vicarage Road - is it Saracens who play there?.

Everyone in the crowd wore a fez and the half time entertainment consisted of a camel being marched around the perimeter of the pitch. I couldn't work out which team was which because they were all covered in shit. It was quite good to be able to chat to the posh people either side of me though, beer in hand. No scrapping either

Did they find your Brummie drawl 'spiffing, what?'
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