Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: holtelowerL5 on February 03, 2015, 12:34:11 PM
-
I come in peace from another forum !!!
The runner of the forum I use, has personally contacted Randy Lerner to register his thoughts on our current situation and how the fans feel. I am helping with organising a way to unite all fans / forums and media to spread this message. Yesterday, I posted the following message
I have today written to Tom Fox
If you agree that what we are witnessing is not acceptable, please do the same, tell your friends to, and if you are on other boards, please get the message across.
EMAIL TO TOM FOX
---------------------
Mr Fox
Having reached the grand old age of 44, having been a Season Ticket holder of Aston Villa Football Club since the age of 13, having attended well over 300 away games (including a 10 year period where I attended every single game, home / away / abroad) and having seen the good times (league / european cup / domestic cup success) and the bad times (relegation / near relegation / crowd violence) this is the first time I have felt it necessary to approach a member of our club to vent my anger and frustration at our current predicament, and what appears to be an attitude of "we don't actually care".
I do not have to talk about the history of this great institution, it is there for all to see. You have came to this club from Arsenal, a club with similar values and history and I am sure I do not have to tell you the importance of this great club in both the sporting world, and local history.
In all of these years, I have never, and I mean NEVER felt so unattached from the club I love. I have used an expression many times, and will now say it again "Apathy is killing this club".
I have witnessed in my time the low points on the field, managed by David O'Leary, Billy McNeill and the more recent debacle that was the season managed by Alex McLeish (a man who did, and still does carry himself in great dignity and I have no ill feelings over).
However, the manager we are currently employing is disgracing our great club. There is no other way of putting it, and for a reason that no fan can understand, is not only being allowed to do it, but has actually been rewarded for his efforts !. The statistics are there for all to see, you can speak about narratives and directions as much as you can, but the truth of the matter is, and I am sure you can see it, because fans / players / ex-players / pundits / media can see it - the club is heading in one direction, and one direction only.
I am truly flabbergasted to be honest, that having placed the club up for sale last year, the board and owner cannot see what is happening. We WILL get relegated, there is absolutely no doubt about it , a club that is split from its fanbase, a club where the players are not playing for their manager, a club that has broken every poor record in history WILL be relegated.
Our only chance, and it will be a chance I admit, but our only chance of survival is CHANGE THE MANAGER NOW !!!!! - replacements will be ni-on impossible due to the situation and state we are in, however, we cannot buy anyone (as of 12am tonight) and therefore, our only hope is to employ people who will get everyone, and in that I mean players, directors, media and more importantly FANS 100% behind the team.
This will probably mean, in the short term, people with Aston Villa history - Brian Little, Ron Atkinson , Graham Taylor, Stan Petrov, Gordon Cowans, Martin Laursen - in short ANYONE but Lambert.
I will not go on and on as I am sure you know this, you do not get into the position you are in believing that "we will be OK" - it is sporting, and more important for you, financial suicide.
All I will say is this
Permier League Club - worth - between 150 - 250 million
Championship Club - worth - less than 50 million
Can you afford not to.
ACT NOW, IT IS FAR LATER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN, TWO WEEKS WILL BE TOO LATE !!!!
(I then gave my details for reply)
I ask you all, take 5 minutes out of your time, email now. Together with Fears email to Randy, we CAN make a difference, no matter what people say. All I ask is please be polite and respectful in any correspondence.
I have attempted to place his email address on here but it does not allow me, if needed please see same thread title on Vitalvilla site
Thanks
-
I think it's worth mentioning that this is a once-great club in there somewhere.
-
I agree with everything written. Sadly, they won't listen to a word of it.
Lambert is here to stay. The dour prick
-
I tried to say this about 3 weeks ago (not so eloquently, i must admit ) I agree with you totally, but i got plenty of abuse for my thoughts .I hope you get plenty of support ,most here seem to think this situation we are in is soley Lambert,s fault, the owners are not at fault.
-
most here seem to think this situation we are in is soley Lambert,s fault, the owners are not at fault.
No they don't. Absolute nonsense
-
Surely all that needs to be said is in the factual stats for this season
lack of goals
Worst results in our history
etc
etc
Everything else is opinion and opinion divides every argument - when you see the facts in print it makes me feel ashamed that we are a laughing stock
I do not want to make it personal about PL unlike it was with the egotist that was O'Leary and to an extent MON as I have never heard him be disparaging about the club, in fact the opposite is true. Its based on total incompetence and the more than genuine feeling that he cannot turn this around. I would love this to be his "Fergie" period and that he comes back to really show us all that it was part of a master plan.
I just cannot see beyond the eventual trap door if we keep burying the clubs head in the sand
The most damning indictment - defeats don't even hurt anymore - and that is the beginning of the end
-
I tried to say this about 3 weeks ago (not so eloquently, i must admit ) I agree with you totally, but i got plenty of abuse for my thoughts .
No you didn't.
You didn't get any abuse for "your thoughts", you got "abuse" for the fact the your thoughts were border line illegible due to the huge number of spelling and grammar mistakes in them.
And your reading skills are as poor as your writing ones, if you think this is even remotely truthful:
most here seem to think this situation we are in is soley Lambert,s fault, the owners are not at fault.
-
I have been mulling over the idea of a banner like the Geordies took to Swansea with Pardew's record.
Does anybody know anything about having one done up?
-
I have been mulling over the idea of a banner like the Geordies took to Swansea with Pardew's record.
Does anybody know anything about having one done up?
Speak to Leighton.
Actually, don't, his was just handwritten.
-
What's the email address?
-
I come in peace from another forum !!!
The runner of the forum I use, has personally contacted Randy Lerner to register his thoughts on our current situation and how the fans feel. I am helping with organising a way to unite all fans / forums and media to spread this message. Yesterday, I posted the following message
I have today written to Tom Fox
If you agree that what we are witnessing is not acceptable, please do the same, tell your friends to, and if you are on other boards, please get the message across.
EMAIL TO TOM FOX
---------------------
Mr Fox
Having reached the grand old age of 44, having been a Season Ticket holder of Aston Villa Football Club since the age of 13, having attended well over 300 away games (including a 10 year period where I attended every single game, home / away / abroad) and having seen the good times (league / european cup / domestic cup success) and the bad times (relegation / near relegation / crowd violence) this is the first time I have felt it necessary to approach a member of our club to vent my anger and frustration at our current predicament, and what appears to be an attitude of "we don't actually care".
I do not have to talk about the history of this great institution, it is there for all to see. You have came to this club from Arsenal, a club with similar values and history and I am sure I do not have to tell you the importance of this great club in both the sporting world, and local history.
In all of these years, I have never, and I mean NEVER felt so unattached from the club I love. I have used an expression many times, and will now say it again "Apathy is killing this club".
I have witnessed in my time the low points on the field, managed by David O'Leary, Billy McNeill and the more recent debacle that was the season managed by Alex McLeish (a man who did, and still does carry himself in great dignity and I have no ill feelings over).
However, the manager we are currently employing is disgracing our great club. There is no other way of putting it, and for a reason that no fan can understand, is not only being allowed to do it, but has actually been rewarded for his efforts !. The statistics are there for all to see, you can speak about narratives and directions as much as you can, but the truth of the matter is, and I am sure you can see it, because fans / players / ex-players / pundits / media can see it - the club is heading in one direction, and one direction only.
I am truly flabbergasted to be honest, that having placed the club up for sale last year, the board and owner cannot see what is happening. We WILL get relegated, there is absolutely no doubt about it , a club that is split from its fanbase, a club where the players are not playing for their manager, a club that has broken every poor record in history WILL be relegated.
Our only chance, and it will be a chance I admit, but our only chance of survival is CHANGE THE MANAGER NOW !!!!! - replacements will be ni-on impossible due to the situation and state we are in, however, we cannot buy anyone (as of 12am tonight) and therefore, our only hope is to employ people who will get everyone, and in that I mean players, directors, media and more importantly FANS 100% behind the team.
This will probably mean, in the short term, people with Aston Villa history - Brian Little, Ron Atkinson , Graham Taylor, Stan Petrov, Gordon Cowans, Martin Laursen - in short ANYONE but Lambert.
I will not go on and on as I am sure you know this, you do not get into the position you are in believing that "we will be OK" - it is sporting, and more important for you, financial suicide.
All I will say is this
Permier League Club - worth - between 150 - 250 million
Championship Club - worth - less than 50 million
Can you afford not to.
ACT NOW, IT IS FAR LATER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN, TWO WEEKS WILL BE TOO LATE !!!!
(I then gave my details for reply)
I ask you all, take 5 minutes out of your time, email now. Together with Fears email to Randy, we CAN make a difference, no matter what people say. All I ask is please be polite and respectful in any correspondence.
I have attempted to place his email address on here but it does not allow me, if needed please see same thread title on Vitalvilla site
Thanks
Well meaning but totally pointless I am afraid.
-
tom.fox@avfc.co.uk
-
What's the email address?
Good question.
-
tom.fox@avfc.co.uk
Not sure if this is a joke or not, but I ask as there's no contact email address on the club site and you have to email via enquiry form.
-
tom.fox@avfc.co.uk
Not sure if this is a joke or not, but I ask as there's no contact email address on the club site and you have to email via enquiry form.
Try it see if it bounces back and let us know.
-
tom.fox@avfc.co.uk
Not sure if this is a joke or not, but I ask as there's no contact email address on the club site and you have to email via enquiry form.
it isn't a joke.
http://www.ceoemail.com/s.php?id=10450
-
tom.fox@avfc.co.uk
Not sure if this is a joke or not, but I ask as there's no contact email address on the club site and you have to email via enquiry form.
it isn't a joke.
http://www.ceoemail.com/s.php?id=10450
Ah nice one. Will send something later on.
Cheers mate 8)
-
e-mailed him ( again ) last night, this time I just said ' flip that coin'
They won't.
-
Just in case you do write to Tom at that email address, I'd imagine his Spam filter is pretty tight, so any foul or abusive terms would immediately have your email sent straight to Karen Brady.
-
Can't do any harm even if all he sees his several hundred unread messages in his spam folder.
-
Just in case you do write to Tom at that email address, I'd imagine his Spam filter is pretty tight, so any foul or abusive terms would immediately have your email sent straight to Karen Brady.
If anyone was to send emails using that sort of language then they'd rightly be ignored. Yes, it's football, passionate yadda yadda yadda, but there's no easier way for opinions to be dismissed than if it's written a crazy-man-on-street-corner style.
-
For ST holders you just merely need to write quoting your ref and seat number and confirm you won't renew under these circumstances.
No rambling, just short and succinct.
-
the email address above was correct HOWEVER it is a captial T in Tom (Tom.fox@.....(the rest)
for some reason ,it wouldn't let me post the full address here
I ask, whether you think it is pointless or not, if you agree, please send a polite and respectful email giving your concerns.
Aston Villa is a company providing a service. I am unhappy with the service and have complained. That is all I can do, if others do likewise, as with any company, they may take action. It will take less than 5 minutes of your time, and is better than witting here just whinging but doing nothing.
If they don't, then no matter what occurs we have no control over.
I have done this as I did not take part in the 8 minute protest as I felt this was damaging to the team. This is a way I have voiced my opinion in a legal , respectful way with no damage being caused to the team, and with no worry of reprisals like crowd violence.
That is all I can do, as I will not probably be on here again, I will say thank you for your time.
I am off now back to my own forum !!!
UTV - Holtelower !
-
For ST holders you just merely need to write quoting your ref and seat number and confirm you won't renew under these circumstances.
No rambling, just short and succinct.
Good suggestion.
-
the email address above was correct HOWEVER it is a captial T in Tom (Tom.fox@.....(the rest)
It doesn't really matter mate, email addresses aren't case sensitive.
I am off now back to my own forum !!!
UTV - Holtelower !
Bye mate. Ta for posting.
-
tom.fox@avfc.co.uk
Not sure if this is a joke or not, but I ask as there's no contact email address on the club site and you have to email via enquiry form.
Try it see if it bounces back and let us know.
I sent him an email Sunday and it didn't bounce.
-
I've sent one just to add to the numbers. I doubt it will do any good, but at least we're trying.
-
Think I will keep my powder dry until after the Hull, Leicester, Stoke trilogy. If we somehow win those 3 things will look a lot rosier.
Chelsea I am just writing off.
-
Was talking to my former boss, who is not a Villa supporter but takes his children to games said it 'looks as though they want the club to fail'.
-
I've sent one too. As thejoker says, it probably won't do any good but it has made me feel better nonetheless.
-
Was talking to my former boss, who is not a Villa supporter but takes his children to games said it 'looks as though they want the club to fail'.
I have no idea if this is true but somebody told me that the land at Bodymoor Heath would be worth more than the club if sold to developers.
He thought Randy might sell the land and shut down the club.
-
For ST holders you just merely need to write quoting your ref and seat number and confirm you won't renew under these circumstances.
No rambling, just short and succinct.
Subject: Cancellation of Season Ticket.
Client Reference : 11783
Dear Mr Fox
In May 2014 I made the decision not to renew my season ticket after approximately 24 years. I had been in regular attendance since 1966.
I have so far this season attended one game, the League Cup defeat at home to Leyton Orient.
I shall however be travelling to the game at Hull City next Tuesday.
Up to this point I have seen no evidence that I should consider a regular return to supporting our team in person, in fact almost everything I see and read of events both on and off the pitch has confirmed what were my worst suspicions when I decided not to renew.
If you can think of anything that could encourage me to reverse my decision I would appreciate a reply. I understand you are a busy person and will not expect a response as my request for you to be able to give me or tens of thousands of others a glimmer of renewed hope in the future of our great club at this stage is probably unrealistic.
Yours Sincerely
-
I actually think letters are more effective than emails. You can delete an email. Letters cause much more hassle and show that you've taken a bit of effort. I'd send one to the Evening Mail, too. Be a nuisance.
-
I actually think letters are more effective than emails
Me too - have you ever tried wiping your arse on an email before sending it?
-
Was talking to my former boss, who is not a Villa supporter but takes his children to games said it 'looks as though they want the club to fail'.
I have no idea if this is true but somebody told me that the land at Bodymoor Heath would be worth more than the club if sold to developers.
He thought Randy might sell the land and shut down the club.
That is fantastic mentalism.
-
Was talking to my former boss, who is not a Villa supporter but takes his children to games said it 'looks as though they want the club to fail'.
I have no idea if this is true but somebody told me that the land at Bodymoor Heath would be worth more than the club if sold to developers.
He thought Randy might sell the land and shut down the club.
That is fantastic mentalism.
We all know which team's supporters specialise in fantastic mentalism.
-
Was talking to my former boss, who is not a Villa supporter but takes his children to games said it 'looks as though they want the club to fail'.
I have no idea if this is true but somebody told me that the land at Bodymoor Heath would be worth more than the club if sold to developers.
He thought Randy might sell the land and shut down the club.
Oooh scary!
-
Was talking to my former boss, who is not a Villa supporter but takes his children to games said it 'looks as though they want the club to fail'.
I have no idea if this is true but somebody told me that the land at Bodymoor Heath would be worth more than the club if sold to developers.
He thought Randy might sell the land and shut down the club.
Oooh scary!
ffs I'm not going to sleep tonight now
-
Expression of Interest - purchase of share capital of Reform Acquisitions Limited
Dear Mr Fox
I work for the corporate finance firm Barrington Jarvis, and we have been retained by a consortium of Middle East property developers who would like to instigate talks relating to the.......sacking of Paul Lambert, you set of gigantic imbeciles!
That should get his attention.
-
Does anyone think any one of us at all will get a single reply?
-
Does anyone think any one of us at all will get a single reply?
Deafened by the silence I think you'll find.
-
Does it matter?
-
I have been mulling over the idea of a banner like the Geordies took to Swansea with Pardew's record.
Does anybody know anything about having one done up?
Apologies for the mega quote. Working on a phone.....
Think it's time for a chorus of "Flip The Coin my Lord" on Saturday.
This. Was singing it myself last night.....
It's time for a big f*ck off banner. FLIP THE COIN FOX.
FOR FOX SAKE FLIP THE COIN!
...is the winning entry. Anyone got a spare (clean) bed sheet and a can of spray in the garage?
In all seriousness, if anyone can organise a whip round to get something through someone like these, I'll happily donate a a tenner or so to the costs.
A bit difficult to organise from this side of the North Sea, especially collection.
Made By Young People - Socially responsible printing (http://bannerprintingbirmingham.co.uk/index.php/printed-outdoor-banners)
More commercial alternative no. 1 (https://www.printed.com/products/22/banners)
More commercial alternative no. 2 (http://[url=https://www.printed.com/products/22/banners)
In old Ellis style, we could distribute "Flip the Coin" on A4 pieces of paper ready for when the teams come out.
-
Was talking to my former boss, who is not a Villa supporter but takes his children to games said it 'looks as though they want the club to fail'.
I have no idea if this is true but somebody told me that the land at Bodymoor Heath would be worth more than the club if sold to developers.
He thought Randy might sell the land and shut down the club.
That is fantastic mentalism.
He envisaged a gigantic hotel and leisure complex with links to the Belfry
-
Was talking to my former boss, who is not a Villa supporter but takes his children to games said it 'looks as though they want the club to fail'.
I have no idea if this is true but somebody told me that the land at Bodymoor Heath would be worth more than the club if sold to developers.
He thought Randy might sell the land and shut down the club.
Turning it into the worlds largest pub beer garden for The Dog and Doublet. No football team to follow but thousands of us could congregate getting thoroughly pissed 24/7 talking about the good old days.
-
I have no idea if it's true but a bloke who's mates with my colleague's witch-doctor just told me Lerner is a member of a Satanic cult and intends to turn Villa Park into a Beelzebub Theme Park.
-
I have no idea if it's true but a bloke who's mates with my colleague's witch-doctor just told me Lerner is a member of a Satanic cult and intends to turn Villa Park into a Beelzebub Theme Park.
with links to the Belfry.
-
I can confirm he has no links to the Tuttle Foundation.
-
I have no idea if it's true but a bloke who's mates with my colleague's witch-doctor just told me Lerner is a member of a Satanic cult and intends to turn Villa Park into a Beelzebub Theme Park.
Birmingham has the third highest number of Satanists in the country according to the most recent census figures.
Linky (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-31093186)
"Obviously I couldn't make it to the match today, Tom, as I was sacrificing a virgin to the Dark Lord."
-
I emailed Tom Fox recently:
Hi Tom,
Do you want to be remembered as the guy who oversaw Villa’s first relegation in 27 years? I hope not, and loyal supporters do not want to see it either. I have witnessed 3 relegations in my time as a fan (as well as experiencing the winning all of the major club trophies bar one) and – whereas previously the gap between the tiers was relatively slight – the drop now would be disastrous (not least for the Chairman, whose investment would look even less attractive to would-be buyers than it currently does).
Given that it is unlikely that you would sack Mr Lambert at this time (despite his appalling and worsening record), the solution appears to me to be the rapid acquisition of some decent coaches. It is obvious that whilst Mr Lambert does have some valuable qualities (scouting and selecting new recruits for example) the real need now is for better coaching and tactics; something which our current manager has regularly demonstrated he is deficient in. The team needs to be ‘re-chipped’ – and fast! – in all aspects of the game. What is being done to achieve this?
We need to act now: 11 goals in 23 Premiership games is unacceptable (unbelievable) and does not suggest any escape from relegation. Doing the same as we have been doing to date will lead to disaster.
I don't expect an answer but we have tovoice our opinion at every juncture.
-
I'd add that the AVST has its AGM on February 19th when Tom Fox will appear.
We should gather as many people as possible to be there to voice their concerns and challenge him for the solutions.
-
Sorry to piss on the bonfire lads, but does anyone think there's a chance he'll even see these emails? He'll have a PA deleting these faster than shit off a shovel.
-
Agreed. You need to be a paid up member first though. And whilst there is an opportunity to make Fox uncomfortable we can't have people screaming random obscenities at him either.
Pay your money, sign up, come along, see the cut of his gib. Just don't expect The Trust to cut all ties with the club in an anger fuelled arm wrestle. That isn't it's purpose.
It isn't there to be a patsy for the club either. Expect carefully crafted, difficult questions for Tom to start and we will see what happens after when he is sweating and it is opened to the floor...
As I am on my recruiting soapbox, it is Your Club and Your Voice!
-
Sorry to piss on the bonfire lads, but does anyone think there's a chance he'll even see these emails? He'll have a PA deleting these faster than shit off a shovel.
its the dripping tap effect
a lot of things have happened in this world as people have stood by and said there's no point
-
I've just had this reply:
Hi music lover,
Soz dude, but due to the size of my following, I am unable to personally respond to your query.
But hey, that's show biz for ya!
Here's a signed pic,
Foxy x x x
(http://thumbs4.picclick.com/d/l400/pict/291321433811_/CAPITAL-RADIO-Neil-DR-FOX-autographed-photo-X-Factor.jpg)
-
I emailed Tom Fox recently:
Hi Tom,
Do you want to be remembered as the guy who oversaw Villa’s first relegation in 27 years? I hope not, and loyal supporters do not want to see it either. I have witnessed 3 relegations in my time as a fan (as well as experiencing the winning all of the major club trophies bar one) and – whereas previously the gap between the tiers was relatively slight – the drop now would be disastrous (not least for the Chairman, whose investment would look even less attractive to would-be buyers than it currently does).
Given that it is unlikely that you would sack Mr Lambert at this time (despite his appalling and worsening record), the solution appears to me to be the rapid acquisition of some decent coaches. It is obvious that whilst Mr Lambert does have some valuable qualities (scouting and selecting new recruits for example) the real need now is for better coaching and tactics; something which our current manager has regularly demonstrated he is deficient in. The team needs to be ‘re-chipped’ – and fast! – in all aspects of the game. What is being done to achieve this?
We need to act now: 11 goals in 23 Premiership games is unacceptable (unbelievable) and does not suggest any escape from relegation. Doing the same as we have been doing to date will lead to disaster.
I don't expect an answer but we have tovoice our opinion at every juncture.
That is a most eloquent letter my friend. Well done.
-
I emailed Tom Fox recently:
Hi Tom,
Do you want to be remembered as the guy who oversaw Villa’s first relegation in 27 years? I hope not, and loyal supporters do not want to see it either. I have witnessed 3 relegations in my time as a fan (as well as experiencing the winning all of the major club trophies bar one) and – whereas previously the gap between the tiers was relatively slight – the drop now would be disastrous (not least for the Chairman, whose investment would look even less attractive to would-be buyers than it currently does).
Given that it is unlikely that you would sack Mr Lambert at this time (despite his appalling and worsening record), the solution appears to me to be the rapid acquisition of some decent coaches. It is obvious that whilst Mr Lambert does have some valuable qualities (scouting and selecting new recruits for example) the real need now is for better coaching and tactics; something which our current manager has regularly demonstrated he is deficient in. The team needs to be ‘re-chipped’ – and fast! – in all aspects of the game. What is being done to achieve this?
We need to act now: 11 goals in 23 Premiership games is unacceptable (unbelievable) and does not suggest any escape from relegation. Doing the same as we have been doing to date will lead to disaster.
I don't expect an answer but we have tovoice our opinion at every juncture.
That is a most eloquent letter my friend. Well done.
It is but the thought of coaches coming in to prop up the most inept manager in an effort to keep the status quo makes me feel sick.
It's beyond ridiculous that Lambert is still in a job. It's pathetic. There is no other football chairman/CEO in the country that would have allowed this situation to escalate to such a state, not even Carson Yeung and he's bloody locked up in a jail in China.
-
As if 11 goals in 23 games isn't bad enough, 12 points from the last 19 games is horrific - certain relegation form. Players seem confused and bereft of any confidence - they make so many bad passes in particular. The owner, CEO and Manager are in total denial of the situation. A disgrace!
-
Email sent, very respectful. I ask him to galvanise the club, fans and probably the players by changing the manager. Send as many emails and hope for the best I guess.
-
The only guaranteed way for businesses to take notice of their customers is when their customers stop becoming customers. Villa are fairly confident that their customers will continue to turn up so they are not going to change anything.
-
Sorry to piss on the bonfire lads, but does anyone think there's a chance he'll even see these emails? He'll have a PA deleting these faster than shit off a shovel.
its the dripping tap effect
a lot of things have happened in this world as people have stood by and said there's no point
I hope I'm wrong then. I'm sure the evidence will be posted here to suggest so.
-
What does the Fox say?
-
The only guaranteed way for businesses to take notice of their customers is when their customers stop becoming customers. Villa are fairly confident that their customers will continue to turn up so they are not going to change anything.
But the main "customer" is the TV deal.
Which will vanish with relegation.
-
My shout in the dark - tries to mix it up a bit...
Hello Mr Fox,
I am aware via fan sites that you will be getting a fair bit of email traffic regarding the current situation at the club. This email is to add my voice to that and express my sincere concern for the fate of the club.
I needn't labour on the specifics of my disappointment and concern, it mirrors that of all fans and I've no doubt the staff too.
I trust that you are both capable and empowered to do what is necessary - and I won't patronise you by telling you how to do the job you are clearly very qualified to do.
I will however share a brief glimpse into my own job. I work as a ScrumMaster and that role is all about making changes within teams and organisations to bring about positive results and incremental improvements.
One of the key mantras of my role, and a powerful statement of common-sense is that "if nothing changes - everything remains the same".
Food for thought.
Yours respectfully
Richard Birch
-
I have just popped back to see what people think
Listen, I cannot make anyone do or not do anything.
However, all I can say is, to those who say "whats the point" or similar, the answer is "whats the point of anything"
What was the point of about 150 people doing an 8 minute protest - I tell you what the point was - that protest was over every TV, Radio and Newspaper for about 7 days before - it highlighted our issue !!.
Now that didn;t work because fans (inc. myself) did not want to miss the game or hurt the team.
This is getting your point across in a way, as long as it is polite, that is non-threatening and in a correct way.
He may not read them, however, Jonathon Fear is in contact with Randy Lerner and has emailed him personally yesterday regarding the issues, and Mr Lerner will know that this is taking place.
Now, if I emploed a CEO who, having received 1000's of complaints about my company, and had just hit the delete button without even getting someone to look at them - I would want to know what I was paying my CEO and the customer complaints team for.
As I said, I can't make anyone do anything, but if your attitude is "whats the point" then you really have to look at yourself.
Before my time, people marched on Digbeth in order to save our club - I imagine people then said "whats the point !"
If you care about the club, you would take 5 minutes out of your time to do it.
Then, if they don't read them, if they delete them - that is THEIR issue, you have done your bit
Up the Villa
A Vitalvillan in peace !
-
I think it is a good idea and will make a difference. No one will get a reply for sure - what business is going to reply to an e-mail asking to sack the bloke in charge? However, I do think the number of e-mails will be noted and it will be discussed. I work in Marketing *cough* and have worked for some pretty big companies and even the "nasty" ones (e.g. banking) note all the incoming "complaint" traffic (phone calls, social media, e-mails, letters etc).
Its also cathartic for us - a protest that doesn't undermine the team on the pitch.
Come on lets get the campaign going - lets all "Inbox Fox" (see what I did there?)
-
Sorry to piss on the bonfire lads, but does anyone think there's a chance he'll even see these emails? He'll have a PA deleting these faster than shit off a shovel.
Shouldn't stop you doing something, though. Do something!!
-
My shout in the dark - tries to mix it up a bit...
Hello Mr Fox,
I am aware via fan sites that you will be getting a fair bit of email traffic regarding the current situation at the club. This email is to add my voice to that and express my sincere concern for the fate of the club.
I needn't labour on the specifics of my disappointment and concern, it mirrors that of all fans and I've no doubt the staff too.
I trust that you are both capable and empowered to do what is necessary - and I won't patronise you by telling you how to do the job you are clearly very qualified to do.
I will however share a brief glimpse into my own job. I work as a ScrumMaster and that role is all about making changes within teams and organisations to bring about positive results and incremental improvements.
One of the key mantras of my role, and a powerful statement of common-sense is that "if nothing changes - everything remains the same".
Food for thought.
Yours respectfully
Richard Birch
Nice one, Richard.
-
I emailed Tom Fox recently:
Hi Tom,
Do you want to be remembered as the guy who oversaw Villa’s first relegation in 27 years? I hope not, and loyal supporters do not want to see it either. I have witnessed 3 relegations in my time as a fan (as well as experiencing the winning all of the major club trophies bar one) and – whereas previously the gap between the tiers was relatively slight – the drop now would be disastrous (not least for the Chairman, whose investment would look even less attractive to would-be buyers than it currently does).
Given that it is unlikely that you would sack Mr Lambert at this time (despite his appalling and worsening record), the solution appears to me to be the rapid acquisition of some decent coaches. It is obvious that whilst Mr Lambert does have some valuable qualities (scouting and selecting new recruits for example) the real need now is for better coaching and tactics; something which our current manager has regularly demonstrated he is deficient in. The team needs to be ‘re-chipped’ – and fast! – in all aspects of the game. What is being done to achieve this?
We need to act now: 11 goals in 23 Premiership games is unacceptable (unbelievable) and does not suggest any escape from relegation. Doing the same as we have been doing to date will lead to disaster.
I don't expect an answer but we have tovoice our opinion at every juncture.
That is a most eloquent letter my friend. Well done.
It is but the thought of coaches coming in to prop up the most inept manager in an effort to keep the status quo makes me feel sick.
It's beyond ridiculous that Lambert is still in a job. It's pathetic. There is no other football chairman/CEO in the country that would have allowed this situation to escalate to such a state, not even Carson Yeung and he's bloody locked up in a jail in China.
Philly: I agree, but we have to be sanguine right now - let's do what needs to be done to stay up and have the post-mortem in May.
Ron: thanks.
-
I e-mailed just after the run of "easy" games around Christmas - a welcome to our club, a little history of why I support the club, why I had not renewed and then a list of Lambert's "achievements" followed by a request that they consider an alternative.
No reply obviously but I shall continue to send a running commentary of this fans journey through a miserable season...
-
Fox claimed in the BBC interview the other day that he reads all the emails he gets. I'm not sure I believe him on that count, but I bet you he has a flunky weeding out the sweary emails and ones written all in caps, and passing some on. Even if he doesn't read them the increase in traffic certainly will be noted.
Of course this email campaign will be useless if it isnt followed up by further action from the supporters. There are a lot of ways we can make our displeasure felt, and if we want to see anything done we need to keep up the pressure. Personally I think it's too late for this season, and Lambert will stay in charge, but we can damn well try and make sure that he wont stay past the summer.
-
I have just popped back to see what people think
Listen, I cannot make anyone do or not do anything.
However, all I can say is, to those who say "whats the point" or similar, the answer is "whats the point of anything"
What was the point of about 150 people doing an 8 minute protest - I tell you what the point was - that protest was over every TV, Radio and Newspaper for about 7 days before - it highlighted our issue !!.
Now that didn;t work because fans (inc. myself) did not want to miss the game or hurt the team.
This is getting your point across in a way, as long as it is polite, that is non-threatening and in a correct way.
He may not read them, however, Jonathon Fear is in contact with Randy Lerner and has emailed him personally yesterday regarding the issues, and Mr Lerner will know that this is taking place.
Now, if I emploed a CEO who, having received 1000's of complaints about my company, and had just hit the delete button without even getting someone to look at them - I would want to know what I was paying my CEO and the customer complaints team for.
As I said, I can't make anyone do anything, but if your attitude is "whats the point" then you really have to look at yourself.
Before my time, people marched on Digbeth in order to save our club - I imagine people then said "whats the point !"
If you care about the club, you would take 5 minutes out of your time to do it.
Then, if they don't read them, if they delete them - that is THEIR issue, you have done your bit
Up the Villa
A Vitalvillan in peace !
Fair play to you for trying to generate some momentum.
For the record, I have already emailed.
Maybe, just maybe, someone will listen if there are enough voices (emails) saying the same thing.
-
He'll be sat there deleting each one in turn, muttering "false narrative", "false narrative", "narrative, false", "well that narrative is just plain wrong", "false narrative", "untrue narrative".......
-
Keeping a steady flow of e-mails may be better than a sudden influx followed by silence?
I am going to bore Tom to death with detailed reports of my days out at Villa Park from a fan perspective including the funniest chants and general witicisms of the Holte End.
-
The pen is mightier than the sword.
-
I have just popped back to see what people think
Listen, I cannot make anyone do or not do anything.
However, all I can say is, to those who say "whats the point" or similar, the answer is "whats the point of anything"
What was the point of about 150 people doing an 8 minute protest - I tell you what the point was - that protest was over every TV, Radio and Newspaper for about 7 days before - it highlighted our issue !!.
Now that didn;t work because fans (inc. myself) did not want to miss the game or hurt the team.
This is getting your point across in a way, as long as it is polite, that is non-threatening and in a correct way.
He may not read them, however, Jonathon Fear is in contact with Randy Lerner and has emailed him personally yesterday regarding the issues, and Mr Lerner will know that this is taking place.
Now, if I emploed a CEO who, having received 1000's of complaints about my company, and had just hit the delete button without even getting someone to look at them - I would want to know what I was paying my CEO and the customer complaints team for.
As I said, I can't make anyone do anything, but if your attitude is "whats the point" then you really have to look at yourself.
Before my time, people marched on Digbeth in order to save our club - I imagine people then said "whats the point !"
If you care about the club, you would take 5 minutes out of your time to do it.
Then, if they don't read them, if they delete them - that is THEIR issue, you have done your bit
Up the Villa
A Vitalvillan in peace !
We did not march on Digbeth as you luridly suggest. We convened at Digbeth Civic Hall listened to people who knew what they were talking
about and hoped for the best. In time Pat and Doug provided us with it!
-
Forget emails, if you're going to do it put pen to paper and post, or do both.
-
My offering, for what it's worth...
Dear Mr Fox,
This is only the second time in my 45 years of supporting Aston Villa that I have been compelled to write to a senior executive at the club. On the previous occasion - over a quarter of a century ago - the then Chairman, Mr Ellis, extended the courtesy of replying to my letter. I trust that you will do likewise.
If I may begin with an observation. A football club is an entity like very little else. Yes, it is a business, but it is also a historic institution embedded in the social infrastructure of the community whose name it bears and with an obligation to those who support it to offer something almost intangible: a peculiar mix of pride in the past and hope for the future. It is this mix that was distilled into the "Proud History, Bright Future" strap-line that précised the early years of Mr Lerner's ownership.
The pride I have in my club's history will never diminish. Our position as one of the architects of global professional football is secure for all time. I am also pleased that the club now pays far more respect to its illustrious history than was done in the more recent past. However, history can only count for so much. Whilst still imbuing the pride element of the mix I detailed above, there is now a whole generation of supporters whose celebration of great triumphs is something that they can only do vicariously. But to make matters worse, the other ingredient, the hope, has been poisoned and debased to the point that I rarely speak with a fellow fan who expresses anything but disillusionment or genuine fear for the club's immediate future.
Amongst us supporters there are many theories and hypotheses as to how the club has come to find itself in this situation, seemingly sleep-walking into certain relegation. I have my own. However, now is not the time for a post-mortem on the last five seasons or so. Not least because the patient, whilst critical, is not yet dead. Now is the time for decisive action from those of you with the power to do something to revive him.
It is obvious to me, as with anyone with a lifetime of watching football, that the current managerial and coaching set-up around the first team is simply not working. That is the aspect that needs to be addressed and changed. Now.
Your recent interview with Pat Murphy on BBC Radio Five Live gave the impression that you are reluctant to make that change as there is no guarantee that it would improve the current situation. That may indeed transpire to be true. But a change now would do something else. It would give us supporters back that intangible: hope. And it will be that hope that AVFC the business will need to extract every penny from if relegation is the outcome in May.
Yours sincerely,
-
Forget emails, if you're going to do it put pen to paper and post, or do both.
Will do.
-
My offering, for what it's worth...
Dear Mr Fox,
This is only the second time in my 45 years of supporting Aston Villa that I have been compelled to write to a senior executive at the club. On the previous occasion - over a quarter of a century ago - the then Chairman, Mr Ellis, extended the courtesy of replying to my letter. I trust that you will do likewise.
If I may begin with an observation. A football club is an entity like very little else. Yes, it is a business, but it is also a historic institution embedded in the social infrastructure of the community whose name it bears and with an obligation to those who support it to offer something almost intangible: a peculiar mix of pride in the past and hope for the future. It is this mix that was distilled into the "Proud History, Bright Future" strap-line that précised the early years of Mr Lerner's ownership.
The pride I have in my club's history will never diminish. Our position as one of the architects of global professional football is secure for all time. I am also pleased that the club now pays far more respect to its illustrious history than was done in the more recent past. However, history can only count for so much. Whilst still imbuing the pride element of the mix I detailed above, there is now a whole generation of supporters whose celebration of great triumphs is something that they can only do vicariously. But to make matters worse, the other ingredient, the hope, has been poisoned and debased to the point that I rarely speak with a fellow fan who expresses anything but disillusionment or genuine fear for the club's immediate future.
Amongst us supporters there are many theories and hypotheses as to how the club has come to find itself in this situation, seemingly sleep-walking into certain relegation. I have my own. However, now is not the time for a post-mortem on the last five seasons or so. Not least because the patient, whilst critical, is not yet dead. Now is the time for decisive action from those of you with the power to do something to revive him.
It is obvious to me, as with anyone with a lifetime of watching football, that the current managerial and coaching set-up around the first team is simply not working. That is the aspect that needs to be addressed and changed. Now.
Your recent interview with Pat Murphy on BBC Radio Five Live gave the impression that you are reluctant to make that change as there is no guarantee that it would improve the current situation. That may indeed transpire to be true. But a change now would do something else. It would give us supporters back that intangible: hope. And it will be that hope that AVFC the business will need to extract every penny from if relegation is the outcome in May.
Yours sincerely,
Applauds.
-
I have just popped back to see what people think
Listen, I cannot make anyone do or not do anything.
However, all I can say is, to those who say "whats the point" or similar, the answer is "whats the point of anything"
What was the point of about 150 people doing an 8 minute protest - I tell you what the point was - that protest was over every TV, Radio and Newspaper for about 7 days before - it highlighted our issue !!.
Now that didn;t work because fans (inc. myself) did not want to miss the game or hurt the team.
This is getting your point across in a way, as long as it is polite, that is non-threatening and in a correct way.
He may not read them, however, Jonathon Fear is in contact with Randy Lerner and has emailed him personally yesterday regarding the issues, and Mr Lerner will know that this is taking place.
Now, if I emploed a CEO who, having received 1000's of complaints about my company, and had just hit the delete button without even getting someone to look at them - I would want to know what I was paying my CEO and the customer complaints team for.
As I said, I can't make anyone do anything, but if your attitude is "whats the point" then you really have to look at yourself.
Before my time, people marched on Digbeth in order to save our club - I imagine people then said "whats the point !"
If you care about the club, you would take 5 minutes out of your time to do it.
Then, if they don't read them, if they delete them - that is THEIR issue, you have done your bit
Up the Villa
A Vitalvillan in peace !
We did not march on Digbeth as you luridly suggest. We convened at Digbeth Civic Hall listened to people who knew what they were talking
about and hoped for the best. In time Pat and Doug provided us with it!
What's lurid about suggesting fans "marched" to Digbeth to help save the club back in the '60s?
-
I sent this last night under the below subject heading which in itself has probably got an automatic junk mail filter on it. It is worth noting I wrote to Doug twice in 2006 and he replied almost straight away.
Time to flip the coin
Dear Mr Fox,
We have a decent first team - first 11 at least so what is the problem here?
Players yes, but the motivator In chief is the manager and he's paid to get the best out of the team. By any measure he is failing in this goal and has done for the last 2.5 years. To prove this point, under his watch the following has happened.
Worst start to a Premier League season.
First side to ever exit a major cup competition to a fourth tier side over two legs.
Highest number of home defeats in a season - 9. Surpassed last season with 10.
Worst ever away defeat 0-8.
Highest number of goals conceded consecutively without reply - 16
Highest number of games without scoring - 6
Worst goals record in the first 9 divisions in England with one exception a non league side.
This list is also punctured by inglorious exits from major cup competitions at the hands of Millwall, Sheffield United and Leyton Orient.
There are more that I haven't got time to name.
Please we implore you act now before it's too late. If the club has any ambitions left for the long suffering supporters it must change something that simply isn't working.
Kind Regards,
Rob
-
Touch sensationalist perhaps?
(In reply to SH)
-
My offering, for what it's worth...
Dear Mr Fox,
This is only the second time in my 45 years of supporting Aston Villa that I have been compelled to write to a senior executive at the club. On the previous occasion - over a quarter of a century ago - the then Chairman, Mr Ellis, extended the courtesy of replying to my letter. I trust that you will do likewise.
If I may begin with an observation. A football club is an entity like very little else. Yes, it is a business, but it is also a historic institution embedded in the social infrastructure of the community whose name it bears and with an obligation to those who support it to offer something almost intangible: a peculiar mix of pride in the past and hope for the future. It is this mix that was distilled into the "Proud History, Bright Future" strap-line that précised the early years of Mr Lerner's ownership.
The pride I have in my club's history will never diminish. Our position as one of the architects of global professional football is secure for all time. I am also pleased that the club now pays far more respect to its illustrious history than was done in the more recent past. However, history can only count for so much. Whilst still imbuing the pride element of the mix I detailed above, there is now a whole generation of supporters whose celebration of great triumphs is something that they can only do vicariously. But to make matters worse, the other ingredient, the hope, has been poisoned and debased to the point that I rarely speak with a fellow fan who expresses anything but disillusionment or genuine fear for the club's immediate future.
Amongst us supporters there are many theories and hypotheses as to how the club has come to find itself in this situation, seemingly sleep-walking into certain relegation. I have my own. However, now is not the time for a post-mortem on the last five seasons or so. Not least because the patient, whilst critical, is not yet dead. Now is the time for decisive action from those of you with the power to do something to revive him.
It is obvious to me, as with anyone with a lifetime of watching football, that the current managerial and coaching set-up around the first team is simply not working. That is the aspect that needs to be addressed and changed. Now.
Your recent interview with Pat Murphy on BBC Radio Five Live gave the impression that you are reluctant to make that change as there is no guarantee that it would improve the current situation. That may indeed transpire to be true. But a change now would do something else. It would give us supporters back that intangible: hope. And it will be that hope that AVFC the business will need to extract every penny from if relegation is the outcome in May.
Yours sincerely,
Get you with your fancy correct spelling and grammar! There are not nearly enough cases of "my beloved Aston Villa" or "it hurts deeply to see my club in this state". Must do better, see me. C- ;)
-
Edited
-
Mine was written on email in double quick time hence paragraph shiteness
-
Edited
Yeah, my post wasn't aimed at your email. Edited it when I saw you'd posted just before.
-
Edited
Yeah, my post wasn't aimed at your email. Edited it when I saw you'd posted just before.
No problem
-
Topdeck.....that is brilliant.
-
Have just sent mine.
Obviously people know I'm not a fan of the CEO, but I've been respectful and fair in what I've said, and I hope others will do the same.
He may not read this anyway, but he certainly wont if its just mindless slagging off of Lambert and abuse, and he'd be quite right not to.
-
I've written to him twice. The first time, a few months ago, he replied to but the most recent, he ignored.
I think a bunker mentality has set in. Not sure how we get past that unless we can stir up the media even more.
-
Dear Mr Fox,
Cool name dude.
We need to sort the playing side of this club out, quickly.
If the truth is the Lambert is doing a good job under the circumstances, then that just means the circumstances are very shoddy indeed.
Therefore please will you have a chat with Mr Lerner, and either sort out the circumstances or get shot of the manager. Ideally both.
Yours,
Drummond
-
Reckon old Tom wishes he never left his cushy number at Arse?
-
Dear Mr Fox
Do you like the film Fantastic Mr Fox?
I do, I thought it was very good, and my name isn't even Fox.
Kind regards
Me.
-
He may not read them, however, Jonathon Fear is in contact with Randy Lerner and has emailed him personally yesterday regarding the issues, and Mr Lerner will know that this is taking place.
Crikey.
With Fear AND Howard Hodgson on the case, I think we could really see something happening.
Has anyone got Admin's email address?
Is it admin@heaven.org?
-
Dear Foxy,
You know you're a cute little heartbreaker
(Foxy)
And you know you're a sweet little lovemaker
(Foxy)
I wanna take you home
I won't do you no harm
You've got to be all mine, all mine
Ooh, foxy lady
Yours
Monty
PS Here I come Foxy. I'm comin to getcha.
PPS Sack the manager.
-
Dear
Mr Dr Mr Dr Mr Dr Mr Dr Mr Fox
Can't remember what I was going to say now.
Regards
-
Dear Mr. Fox,
Dog goes woof, cat goes meow.
Bird goes tweet, and mouse goes squeak.
Cow goes moo. Frog goes croak, and the elephant goes toot.
Ducks say quack and fish go blub, and the seal goes OW OW OW.
But there's one sound that no one knows...
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
Sincerely etc.
-
Dear Mr. Fox,
Dog goes woof, cat goes meow.
Bird goes tweet, and mouse goes squeak.
Cow goes moo. Frog goes croak, and the elephant goes toot.
Ducks say quack and fish go blub, and the seal goes OW OW OW.
But there's one sound that no one knows...
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
(http://media.fbxcdn.com/pic/p4779_column_grid_12.jpg)
-
Dear Mr fox,
Please will you leave us girls alone,
Yours,
Henny penny
PS the sky is falling
-
Breaks me 'art Tom.
Can I have a Bronx hat?
-
Dear Mr Fox
Do you like the film Fantastic Mr Fox?
I do, I thought it was very good, and my name isn't even Fox.
Kind regards
Me.
Fixed that for you.
-
Dear Mr Fox
Do you like the film Fantastic Mr Fox?
I do, I thought it was very good, and my name isn't even Fox.
Kind regards
Me.
Fixed that for you.
Improved it again
-
Dear Mr Fox
Do you like the film Fantastic Mr Fox? :) :) :) :) :) :)
I do, I thought it was very good, and my name isn't even Fox.
Kind regards
Me.
Fixed that for you.
Improved it again
Back atcha!
-
Dear Mr Fox
Do you like the film Fantastic Mr Fox? :) :) :) :) :) :)
I do, I thought it was very good, and my name isn't even Fox.
Kind regards
Me.
Fixed that for you.
Improved it again
Back atcha!
PS I LOVE AMERICA!
(http://www.545thmpassn.com/ani-US-Flying.gif)
-
Dear Mr Fox,
You're wasted in your current position.
We need you in the box.
Don't forget your boots on Saturday.
Your servant as ever,
Dave.
-
Hi Foxy!
We're dancing into 1939.
Tally Ho!
(http://www.tageswoche.ch/images/cache/2000x995/fit/images|cms-image-000157128.jpg)
-
My offering, for what it's worth...
Dear Mr Fox,
This is only the second time in my 45 years of supporting Aston Villa that I have been compelled to write to a senior executive at the club. On the previous occasion - over a quarter of a century ago - the then Chairman, Mr Ellis, extended the courtesy of replying to my letter. I trust that you will do likewise.
If I may begin with an observation. A football club is an entity like very little else. Yes, it is a business, but it is also a historic institution embedded in the social infrastructure of the community whose name it bears and with an obligation to those who support it to offer something almost intangible: a peculiar mix of pride in the past and hope for the future. It is this mix that was distilled into the "Proud History, Bright Future" strap-line that précised the early years of Mr Lerner's ownership.
The pride I have in my club's history will never diminish. Our position as one of the architects of global professional football is secure for all time. I am also pleased that the club now pays far more respect to its illustrious history than was done in the more recent past. However, history can only count for so much. Whilst still imbuing the pride element of the mix I detailed above, there is now a whole generation of supporters whose celebration of great triumphs is something that they can only do vicariously. But to make matters worse, the other ingredient, the hope, has been poisoned and debased to the point that I rarely speak with a fellow fan who expresses anything but disillusionment or genuine fear for the club's immediate future.
Amongst us supporters there are many theories and hypotheses as to how the club has come to find itself in this situation, seemingly sleep-walking into certain relegation. I have my own. However, now is not the time for a post-mortem on the last five seasons or so. Not least because the patient, whilst critical, is not yet dead. Now is the time for decisive action from those of you with the power to do something to revive him.
It is obvious to me, as with anyone with a lifetime of watching football, that the current managerial and coaching set-up around the first team is simply not working. That is the aspect that needs to be addressed and changed. Now.
Your recent interview with Pat Murphy on BBC Radio Five Live gave the impression that you are reluctant to make that change as there is no guarantee that it would improve the current situation. That may indeed transpire to be true. But a change now would do something else. It would give us supporters back that intangible: hope. And it will be that hope that AVFC the business will need to extract every penny from if relegation is the outcome in May.
Yours sincerely,
Does imbue really drop the e when you go all gerund-ial on us? I should think about that carefully.
-
Breaks me 'art Tom.
Can I have a Bronx hat?
Aghhh goo on then. Leave us yer name and number.
-
Stop living in the 20th Century, Fox.
-
Might of already been posted somewhere but this guy has written a letter to Randy....
I've never done this before I don't think. I communicated with Randy after the QPR saying it looked like a replica of the 86/87 team. He answered and asked for more thoughts so I passed on the feedback of the many (and of the few as well)
I didn't mention that I'd done it but this time, as so many keep emailing, texting, facebooking, ringing or asking me at games, 'do something' or 'what can we do' I'll publish this communication sent today to Randy. I will not pass on answers, that isn't fair, or as some ask, his email details. I've got access because I got to slightly know him at the time of the takeover.
Hi Randy
I come in peace, without arrogance and pretty much without hope. I`ve actually been asked by so many 'DO SOMETHING FEAR` and although I don`t think I can do anything, I also feel a slight duty of care having been so vocal with regards to the previous owner and so supportive of your era up to but not including the last four woeful years. I can say as a fan of some time, I`ve never felt so bored or distanced. My first game was 1978. The lady behind me the other day said she had always promised to stop coming when it stopped being fun and said that is now. I`ve heard many say the 3rd division days were better than this because at least 'we` had some fight then. There is also an article on my site at the moment of a fan of 35 years saying that`s it, he`s done. He`s a top guy, raised a lot for Acorns etc etc. Many feel like mugs right now and then have to listen to Lambert`s post match musings on the way home from games.
I don`t, as you know, purport to represent everyone. I do however have the finger on the pulse of one the largest sites and for my sins have a presence within AVFC fan wise and the ability to contact you. I get it from both ends with fans these days, poor me boo hoo but that is the fact of it. Even my dad after Sunday said to me 'for goodness sake contact Randy and do something`. He also said a straight no to going to the FA Cup which despite being on tv and us season ticket holders having paid enough already for what we`ve seen, has gone up in price! Thing is, I`m there, I see it, I`m an easy one for people to spill their worries out to, some do it in a great way, some do it with a fury that misses the fact I make no decisions and I own nothing but a strong opinion and a website to express it!
There are some fans who support Lambert and blame you squarely for not backing him. I don`t buy the not backing, not to this level of inadequacy but it would be grossly unfair for me not to mention them. You`ll know in our interactions (they won`t!) that I try to be balanced and our former CEO will certain attest to the fact, as will some press, that when I give views, I often say this isn`t my personal view, this is the view of the majority. The view of the majority at the moment appears to be boredom, resignation, bewilderment and the suspicion that this manager is taking us down. Some say the fans need to just turn up and be the 12th man. Would you argue against me saying that`s exactly what we`ve done? The away fans are second to none, the home fans are quiet and bored but give them something to get behind and they are there straight away. And the chants have been v the manager, not against the team.
The view of the statistics is this manager is taking us down.
We were tenth after 23 games last year, -6 You will know this year we are 16th -19 which is the lowest in the league.
8 games no win. 6 with no goals (a new club record) Lowest scorers in all top leagues across Europe and yet we have your record signing striker booted out. Was he perfect? No. Could he score more than our top scorers who have 3? I`ll let you answer that. Is it all down to the players? Or is it down to the players not being managed? And just look at how many of the buys you`ve funded (albeit lower fees than we were used to seeing sign) are now out on their ears already. We changed to ineffective possession football, it is being laughed at by the press, some of the commentaries have been amazing 'the fans are booing, I wish I could join in to be honest` 'I can`t for the life of me see what Villa are trying to do with the ball` 'they aren`t moving forward` etc Possession is no good if you don`t get it forward and shoot. He used to play counter attacking football, v a team like Arsenal that would make perfect sense and got us a result last season. So why go from the one to the other, why on earth like other managers can`t he think to mix up and use different tactics? But then, when a manager can`t even manage his assistants I guess it is too much to ask for him to manage his team. We were a shambles yesterday and instead of taking any of the blame, he went straight for the defence. We lost the ball in midfield actually, Sanchez being the worst culprit, the defence were under massive pressure and if not for interventions from Clark and Richardson (a midfielder as full back with a full back on the bench and how many on loan? + Baker on the bench who plays fullback?) it would have been worse, not to mention them hitting the post.
The view of our capitulation and lack of direction this year despite the expectations from - I think at the time - the majority that we`d see major improvements this year is we are going down.
We are told by the manager our expectations don`t match the reality. That means not his fault, it is your and our fault. I can tell you for a 100% fact that the expectations of the great majority have NEVER been so low Mr Lerner. Please re-read that line. Not EVER have I thought 'we might be better being knocked out the FA Cup so we can concentrate on survival` but that is what I think now. It makes me feel sick.
At the most positive the view is that it will have to be three teams worse than us that keep us up. Again. 3 seasons in a row with him. One under Alex (if the narrative of what he did, to use Tom`s language, led to a sacking, why is as bad/worse not seen as the same narrative?)
A former Villa player, Keown is interesting (if this shows in the USA: www.bbc.co.uk/sport ) They all know we have the players, they all know we don`t have the right direction because of the manager. So many of the press, former players etc are saying it. As are long term Villa fans. I could give you hundreds of examples, I won`t, you`ll no doubt take my word for it.
Tom`s quotes last week, implying 'we know best` and saying fans are baying for blood but it`s a false narrative were arrogant, misguided and rude towards people who know far more about a) football b) Aston Villa c) the fans than him. I know you nudged him to meet me, he fixed a date in October (I hadn`t asked to meet but still managed to juggle my day, it would be at my expense and I`d have to come back and catch up on work), cancelled, kept it open and never came back for another appointment despite 'really really` wanting to meet me (his pa called the Friday before the Monday meeting, he didn`t). It`s a lack of respect and also mad not to meet fans who have the finger on the pulse. Didn`t have to be me there are others just as able, but as the General used to say, I`m honest, polite but don`t hold back on the views. 'You keep us on our toes` ... For clarity though, I wouldn`t go and meet him now, I have more self respect than that. He also totally mixed the messages you tried to give about the sale, you said we are up for sale and you`ll make no further comment, he said 'I don't think he's a motivated seller right now." For the love of God, at the very least we deserve some clarity. No comment was the right stance once it was put up for sale, it hasn`t been taken off the market so what is he saying here?!
Randy, I`ll stop there. I`m here if I`m needed, if not this will be my last communication this season, I`m not stalking you, I`m not dictating to you, but I am imploring you. If you and Tom really think you know better than all the football experts, the fans who are there week in week out and from the information that the results over the 3 years of Lambert then so be it.
Tom says it is a gamble to change mid season. How could the results possibly get worse? Seriously, we don`t win, we hardly draw, we don`t shoot, we hardly score. Yes, a new man might come in and find it too late, but more often than not in any job, a new manager comes in and you sit up straighter, you straighten your tie and you try to impress him. I realise with you being up for sale, unless that has changed and certainly Tom confused that picture which again is unfair to the fans, you perhaps don`t want to be or can`t be looking long term. However, there are people who could do better short term. Just look how impressive Gary McAllister was getting us out of trouble when Houllier became ill. He could do worse, that is just one name.
Rightly or wrongly, things are stale, the star striker Benteke looks like he needs managing (a boot somewhere to get him moving perhaps) etc etc etc.... This is a distressed, demotivated team. It could also be argued despite his bravado and the inability to ever take any blame at all in post match interviews that this is too much for Lambert who I know you consider a good man. Sometimes no matter how much you want to do well in a job, you simply can`t. If he hasn`t got the dignity to leave (or to be fair, if you want to look at it another way, if he is too dignified to quit!) maybe he should be put out of his misery.
I`m not saying, nor are many who are 'anti` the manager it is all down to him, however you can`t do much else other than what you have, made the Club available for sale. The manager could have done a hell of a lot more.
I realise this will be listened to by your good self and I thank you again for your time. I also sadly would certainly imagine with all due respect, it will be ignored. However, I can at least say to those telling / imploring / nagging me to do something, that I have done all I can and to the man who owns the Club and says he has the best interests of it at heart.
I`m going to publish this as a 'discharge` to those saying to do something. As always, and I don`t need to say this you know, I don`t and won`t ever publish responses other than 'yes, he read it`.
I hope all is good with you and yours. As you can tell from this message, I`m as shy and short on words as usual! I yearn for the days I used to email praise or when we met under far far more pleasant circumstances. The only thing I am looking forward to right now is corporate for Stoke, I've asked them to turn my seat around to face away from the pitch though!
Regards
Jonathan Fear
-
Don't worry guys The Fear is here if needed.
We are saved.
-
Remember, Tom, there is nothing to Fear except Fear itself.
HTH.
-
Never heard of him.
-
I am glad to hear
That The Fear is here
"If he is needed"
So much is clear
-
That's an awful lot of words to deliver the simple message 'I've met you, and I'm great'.
-
The late and very great Kurt Vonnegut once said of the late and very great Gore Vidal that the the latter "wanted an awful lot of credit for wearing a three piece suit". I think they later made up and became good friends.
What you may well ask, does this have to do with the price of sausages? Well, in this forum JF said of one Mac (Daddy Mac) McColgan that he was "a piece of work", and I do not think they have ever made up.
Be that as it may, I think that the majority of this forum would agree with the substantive points made by JF.
-
Be that as it may, I think that the majority of this forum would agree with the substantive points made by JF.
I'm not sure, I got bored after the first paragraph and dropped off.
-
I think Fear's discharge stinks.
-
He does seem to subscribe to the inexplicable Darren Bent messianism which, I have to say, baffles me completely.
-
"Randy, I`ll stop there."
7 paragraphs later he is still going on. Jesus.
-
Yes, OK, but he is here "if needed".
Imagine if he was there and not here when he is needed? What then?
-
Mr Fox,
Since your last interview we have been beaten 5 nil by Arsenal, do you consider that a false narrative or perhaps a damn good whipping?
Yours,
Mr Scared
-
Lets face it we are beaten before we play Chelsea why not offer them the three points, we can save the emarrassment, supporters can enjoy the day, and Chelsea can avoid injuries, that's if any of our players accidently get near them. We could follow through and offer the same deal to any top half team and save ourselves for the bottom five or six that really count. I forget they will turn up against the top sides and show a bit of fight.
-
I've just read this thread in its entirety and am now exhausted.
Top deck's letter is perfect for me so I will be plagiarising it and sending off a version today to Tom Fox. I don't know if this will make an iota of difference but hopefully if enough do it, maybe?
That long winded dirge to 'my great mate Randy' is quite frankly too long and toe curlingly embarrassing. Awful. Would look much better in green ink and capitals.
I
-
I bet this guy does nothing all day but look at emails from fans. I bet he reads them all and considers each one with equal merit. In no way does it go to his Junk mail where everything is deleted in one go.
-
I have e-mailed Tom Fox twice,but I have the distinct feeling we're all wasting our time with any type of protest unless the national media make a big thing about it.
A high profile visible protest is the only way, how about a sit down protest on the pitch sufragette style?
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
-
I've e-mailed London Midland trains this morning regarding shoddy service
Can I ask does this still count ?
-
"Randy, I`ll stop there."
7 paragraphs later he is still going on. Jesus.
I glanced rather than read it all, the 'I'll stop there' comment and subsequent continuation made me smile. The rest that. Bothered to read made me cringe.
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
I agree with you on the whole, but don't see any reason to stop the tomfoolery on here. My messages will certainly not be sent on to Tom Fox (I've sent a more considered one)
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
This. All of it. Especially this bit.
-
Could someone also ask him to tell Lambert that the least he can do instead of sulking off down the tunnel is to tell the players to go over to the away fans to thank them for their support. They are soon over when we occasionally win.
There is real disconnect between the club and fans.
-
Hi Foxy!
We're dancing into 1939.
Tally Ho!
(http://www.tageswoche.ch/images/cache/2000x995/fit/images|cms-image-000157128.jpg)
... And you'll be pleased to know that Supper's Ready!
A football team
Played on this grass filled soil
Now their time has been and gone
Were they starved of investment
Or was it the manager that f*cked up???
They never had anyone on the wing
Nobody whoooo
Could put in a decent cross
Now the lizard's shedding its tail
And like him
We need to shed the boss!
-
I don't know if it's people mocking or just a sense of realism. The owner of our club whether we like it or not has employed Paul Lambert for the long term. He has also employed a Chief Executive for the long term with, by what they are saying, a 3, 4 or 5 year plan to, maybe occasionally challenge for Europe. We are also told that the owner can't give the club money anymore because that would be against the rules.
This, in my view, won't change until we have a new owner. Tom Fox effectively saying that he knows better than the fan base isn't helpful given our current position. In fairness to him he has now held down top jobs at two of the nations leading sports institutions, as a foreigner, so would probably feel qualified to say so.
-
I think its a bit of a Brummie thing that pomposity must be mocked and showing off deserves a clip round the ear.
-
Is there a Fearphone?
-
I think its a bit of a Brummie thing that pomposity must be mocked and showing off deserves a clip round the ear.
Yep
-
All that letter from Jonathan Fear says to me was 'I know Randy Lerner'. It was just a load of self indulgent waffle.
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
Well said. It winds me up when people at least try to do something and then get mocked by others who don't do anything. It may not work but at least they're trying.
-
Was talking to my former boss, who is not a Villa supporter but takes his children to games said it 'looks as though they want the club to fail'.
I have no idea if this is true but somebody told me that the land at Bodymoor Heath would be worth more than the club if sold to developers.
He thought Randy might sell the land and shut down the club.
Turning it into the worlds largest pub beer garden for The Dog and Doublet. No football team to follow but thousands of us could congregate getting thoroughly pissed 24/7 talking about the good old days.
I won't be getting pissed at the Dog & Doublet any time soon - he charges a feckin' fortune for a pint in there!
-
Was talking to my former boss, who is not a Villa supporter but takes his children to games said it 'looks as though they want the club to fail'.
I have no idea if this is true but somebody told me that the land at Bodymoor Heath would be worth more than the club if sold to developers.
He thought Randy might sell the land and shut down the club.
I'm glad somebody brought this up. I can definitely see it happening. 100%.
-
Jonathon Fear has a massive ego and his letter does go on to long. Its the sort of trap Counsel fall into with their sekelton's, but anyway, if Lerner does read it then it won't do any harm.
We need to build pressure, so I, as others have suggested, these e-mail should be printed and posted to B6. Poor Nicola Key will probably get a hundred paper cuts, but we have to do something, even if it does look a forlorn hope.
The Forlorn Hope breached the walls, more often than not.
-
I just saw I've got my 10,000th post coming up and I've used kippaxvilla2's stats from the thread "Worst Evers Under Paul Lambert" to write an emotionally charged email. Which is handy.
-
The pen is mightier than the sword.
So, do we stab him with a biro?
-
Was talking to my former boss, who is not a Villa supporter but takes his children to games said it 'looks as though they want the club to fail'.
I have no idea if this is true but somebody told me that the land at Bodymoor Heath would be worth more than the club if sold to developers.
He thought Randy might sell the land and shut down the club.
I'm glad somebody brought this up. I can definitely see it happening. 100%.
You might want to remind this person that we play our home games at Villa Park not at Bodymoor Heath!
-
I do like in the Fear letter when he says 'Randy, I'll stop there' then goes on to write another seven paragraphs.
-
I went down the more threatening route and let Fox know that I know where he lives.
-
Jonathon Fear has a massive ego and his letter does go on to long. Its the sort of trap Counsel fall into with their sekelton's, but anyway, if Lerner does read it then it won't do any harm.
We need to build pressure, so I, as others have suggested, these e-mail should be printed and posted to B6. Poor Nicola Key will probably get a hundred paper cuts, but we have to do something, even if it does look a forlorn hope.
The Forlorn Hope breached the walls, more often than not.
I like the idea of a letter campaign. Even if people can't be arsed to write one, maybe we could draw up a template letter detailing Lambert's many failures as reasons for his removal. All people would need to do is print it, sign it and send it - but not just to the club. Send a copy to the Mail, or even pick a national paper and deluge them with letters. It would be a civilised and organised act of protest, and nobody could accuse us of not supporting the team.
If only a few internet saddoes did it, then it'd go unnoticed by the public at large, saving the fans some embarrassment. But if a lot of Villa fans did it, then the recipients would have to at least acknowledge that large numbers of fans are sufficiently pissed off to register their dissatisfaction in a coherent way.
-
I wrote an email last night, i don't know what good it will do. But it's better than nothing, I guess.
-
I'm getting the uncomfortable feeling that the obstinate bunker mentality that seems to afflicting all within the club will be ultimately the most damaging aspect of the current situation.
In the face of huge clamour (see also 'false narrative') they have their hands over their ears and are loudly 'la la la - ing' to themselves.
In May, probably much sooner, we will all be able to say we told you so, but then it will be too late, the damage will have been done irreparably.
I think we may be on the verge of something disastrously cataclysmic in the history of our great club. Laughing stock doesn't begin to describe it. I think even those Bluesnoses who are capable of rational thought will feel sorry for us.
-
In May, probably much sooner, we will all be able to say we told you so, but then it will be too late, the damage will have been done irreparably.
I think we may be on the verge of something disastrously cataclysmic
Nothing like a spot of hyperbole is there?
Anything that happens in May is but a blip in along and illustrious history.
In a perverse way, I actually admire Fox/Lerner for sticking this out. Jan/Feb is no time to be changing a manager. If they thought he was 'good' enough in September(rightly or wrongly), they should back him in Feb too.
He needs to be gone come mid-May though. Whichever division we are in.
-
In a perverse way, I actually admire Fox/Lerner for sticking this out. Jan/Feb is no time to be changing a manager. If they thought he was 'good' enough in September(rightly or wrongly), they should back him in Feb too.
He needs to be gone come mid-May though. Whichever division we are in.
Since September at Anfield, we have played 19 games, scored 7 goals, won just two and drawn six.
Simple maths to extrapolate that over a season puts us on 24 points, with just 14 goals. That isn't just relegation form, its bottom of the league, Sunderland/Derby County relegation form.
I think it is indefensible and the manager should be sacked.
-
In a perverse way, I actually admire Fox/Lerner for sticking this out. Jan/Feb is no time to be changing a manager. If they thought he was 'good' enough in September(rightly or wrongly), they should back him in Feb too.
That might work out in a feel-good movie where the underdog comes on to hit the winning home touchdown in the seventh down and quarter (probably starring Robin Williams), but, even if you take the fans' passion out of the equation, the club is not just declining but in freefall and, as Ads says, that is indefensible. From a business point of view, if nothing else.
-
In May, probably much sooner, we will all be able to say we told you so, but then it will be too late, the damage will have been done irreparably.
I think we may be on the verge of something disastrously cataclysmic
Nothing like a spot of hyperbole is there?
Anything that happens in May is but a blip in along and illustrious history.
In a perverse way, I actually admire Fox/Lerner for sticking this out. Jan/Feb is no time to be changing a manager. If they thought he was 'good' enough in September(rightly or wrongly), they should back him in Feb too.
He needs to be gone come mid-May though. Whichever division we are in.
'Kin hell.
Are you a wind up merchant?
If not, you are part of the problem matey.
-
Yes, let the disaster happen first, then remove the cause of it. Great thinking.
-
Yes, let the disaster happen first, then remove the cause of it. Great thinking.
The cause of it isn't Lambert. Its above him. All but the most exceptional manager would fail with the current setup/constraints.
I'm all for changing in the summer.
I simply couldn't see a Redknapp,a Curbishley, a Pulis doing any better/worse than Lambert if they were appointed tomorrow.
We need to get the right man in, rather than knee jerk because we're in a battle like 6 other teams down there.
-
I emailed him after the Leicester disgrace, I was very polite, No capital shouting but I never got a reply, he's either A) working through 50,000+ emails or B) Deleting them..
I'd go with B myself, he's sitting there in blissful ignorance
-
In a perverse way, I actually admire Fox/Lerner for sticking this out. Jan/Feb is no time to be changing a manager. If they thought he was 'good' enough in September(rightly or wrongly), they should back him in Feb too.
He needs to be gone come mid-May though. Whichever division we are in.
Since September at Anfield, we have played 19 games, scored 7 goals, won just two and drawn six.
Simple maths to extrapolate that over a season puts us on 24 points, with just 14 goals. That isn't just relegation form, its bottom of the league, Sunderland/Derby County relegation form.
I think it is indefensible and the manager should be sacked.
You are spot on, problem is apart from us no-on can see it.
-
ahhh, the old 'constraints' bollocks
What exactly are they ?
By the deluded ones own words, he has the strongest squad he has ever had.
By the deluded ones own words, he doesn't need an assistant.
From what we know, he had money available in the tansfer window (Gill, Sinclair and possibly Lambert R.)
Tossers like Charlie Nicolas keep going on about 'constraints' but no one explains what they are.
The only constraints I see are the ones related to match day tactics, performaces and results.
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
No,claiming the that fans have been telling him to do something.I will call out a prick every single time.People like him you only hear from when things are shit
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
No,claiming the that fans have been telling him to do something.I will call out a prick every single time.People like him you only hear from when things are shit
Thats the things though, he is well known as a well placed fan with links to the club, IMO. There is absolutely no doubt he will be being asked to do something on a regular basis by many people as regardless of differing beliefs we are all supporters. He has done something, whether you agree with what he has put or not, its commendable and not self serving (bar maybe some personal ego boosting).
I dislike the occasional whiff of superiority complex that eminates around this forum sometimes
-
He thinks he is well placed,thats the point to all of this the inner circle of the club has been in place since TSM protest took place.
The fans could send a billion emails and it won't make a blond bit of difference.
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
No,claiming the that fans have been telling him to do something.I will call out a prick every single time.People like him you only hear from when things are shit
Thats the things though, he is well known as a well placed fan with links to the club, IMO. There is absolutely no doubt he will be being asked to do something on a regular basis by many people as regardless of differing beliefs we are all supporters. He has done something, whether you agree with what he has put or not, its commendable and not self serving (bar maybe some personal ego boosting).
I dislike the occasional whiff of superiority complex that eminates around this forum sometimes
That's because we are superior.
-
The superiority comes from people like The Fear and HH with his sodding report.
-
In a perverse way, I actually admire Fox/Lerner for sticking this out. Jan/Feb is no time to be changing a manager. If they thought he was 'good' enough in September(rightly or wrongly), they should back him in Feb too.
There is nothing admirable in the club blindly sticking to a stance they've taken despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary suggesting they're wrong.
It's arrogant and also irresponsible.
There's more at stake than their honour and friendships and building a support system around the feeble Lambert will prove to be another monumental waste of time and money.
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
No,claiming the that fans have been telling him to do something.I will call out a prick every single time.People like him you only hear from when things are shit
Thats the things though, he is well known as a well placed fan with links to the club, IMO. There is absolutely no doubt he will be being asked to do something on a regular basis by many people as regardless of differing beliefs we are all supporters. He has done something, whether you agree with what he has put or not, its commendable and not self serving (bar maybe some personal ego boosting).
I dislike the occasional whiff of superiority complex that eminates around this forum sometimes
That's because we are superior.
Without knowing, I assume we are the biggest Villa fan site community? has there been any evidence (since the General left) that the club reads or monitors these boards? If not, its an awful waste of what could be a powerful collective voice. rather than mocking and sneering maybe encouraging support from H&V's would be more productive?
I dont frequent any other fan boards but off the top of my head The recent 8minute protest, The HH report, anything at all from VitalVilla (?) Twitter or TBAR is generally met with contempt and dismissal on here which is a shame, as several posters over the prev 11 pages of this thread have demonstrated an ability to convey a point or opinion far more succinctly than Jonathon Fear can (or myself for that matter!)
-
If Randy reads Fear's letter, then maybe some good may come of it. That doesn't stop Fear, or HH, or anyone else coming across as pompous and self-involved.
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
No,claiming the that fans have been telling him to do something.I will call out a prick every single time.People like him you only hear from when things are shit
Thats the things though, he is well known as a well placed fan with links to the club, IMO. There is absolutely no doubt he will be being asked to do something on a regular basis by many people as regardless of differing beliefs we are all supporters. He has done something, whether you agree with what he has put or not, its commendable and not self serving (bar maybe some personal ego boosting).
I dislike the occasional whiff of superiority complex that eminates around this forum sometimes
I disagree entirely. He's no different to you or I. All this 'people have asked me to do something' and 'Randy, I'm here if you need me' crap is the reason he get's abuse. Howard Hodgson is the same. He can't sit in the director's lounge for five miniutes without tweeting a photo of the menu or of someone well known sitting nearby.
Their intentions are good. Their ego's just get in the way of liking them.
-
Sent.
-
If Randy reads Fear's letter, then maybe some good may come of it. That doesn't stop Fear, or HH, or anyone else coming across as pompous and self-involved.
Perhaps Randy could recommend the services of a decent copy editor?
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
No,claiming the that fans have been telling him to do something.I will call out a prick every single time.People like him you only hear from when things are shit
Thats the things though, he is well known as a well placed fan with links to the club, IMO. There is absolutely no doubt he will be being asked to do something on a regular basis by many people as regardless of differing beliefs we are all supporters. He has done something, whether you agree with what he has put or not, its commendable and not self serving (bar maybe some personal ego boosting).
I dislike the occasional whiff of superiority complex that eminates around this forum sometimes
I disagree entirely. He's no different to you or I. All this 'people have asked me to do something' and 'Randy, I'm here if you need me' crap is the reason he get's abuse. Howard Hodgson is the same. He can't sit in the director's lounge for five miniutes without tweeting a photo of the menu or of someone well known sitting nearby.
Their intentions are good. Their ego's just get in the way of liking them.
His email seemed pretty pedestrian to me. I liked the informal approach and sly digs at Randy, it depicts a relationship that very few people seem able to achieve with this owner. I commend Fear for his concern, and even sent him a thank you message. If I had Randy's email address I would be much less honorable and probably proof-read my piece over a hundred times in fear of credibility issues. Not Fear, he went for it, told it like it is, and put it together in a way that makes me feel connected to it.
We're all dissatisfied.
-
Dear Tom
8 league goals since 1 Sept 2014. (5 months and counting).
Discuss
-
What the Fox
What the Fox
What the Fox is going on?
Kind regards
Des x
-
He'l live to regret using that 'false narrative' comment,
Apart from being incorrect it's an executive bullshit term that just lends itself to pisstakers of which there are plenty, he'l not hear the last of it
I get the feeling his stock has dropped a bit since he made that statement
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
No,claiming the that fans have been telling him to do something.I will call out a prick every single time.People like him you only hear from when things are shit
Thats the things though, he is well known as a well placed fan with links to the club, IMO. There is absolutely no doubt he will be being asked to do something on a regular basis by many people as regardless of differing beliefs we are all supporters. He has done something, whether you agree with what he has put or not, its commendable and not self serving (bar maybe some personal ego boosting).
I dislike the occasional whiff of superiority complex that eminates around this forum sometimes
Isn't the flip side of making something public, in any area of day to day life, that people have a right to dislike, disagree with, or criticise what you say, in public?
One thing I don't like is the growing "OMG how can you support Lambert? You ARE the problem" thing on here.
Lambert or Lerner supporters have every right to hold those views. Personally, I think they're profoundly misguided, but jumping down peoples' necks because they have them, or accusing them of not being Villa fans, strikes me as highly undesirable. Yes, disagree with these people, but don't tell them they have no right to believe what they believe.
Same with Fear or Howard Hodgson. People take the piss out of both of them because they're somewhat self-righteous ("reports" and what not), but they are entirely entitled to do what they want.
If they want to write Lerner a letter, they can. If they want to publish it, they can. They can do all this, but if that's the route they take, they are going to have to accept that people can disagree with them in public.
-
Dear Tom
8 league goals since 1 Sept 2014. (5 months and counting).
Discuss
Jeez, when it is put as starkly as that it really is depressing, isn't it?
-
I respect Fear for trying something, however it won't stop me calling 90% of that email self indulgent nonsense. If that 10% gets through to Randy then I'll happily cup his balls.
I very much doubt Mr Fear cares about what we all think of his email. I wouldn't. Fuck y'all. :-D
-
The sad thing about this thread is that, no matter how bad things get, whenever some Villa fans try to do something to arrest our slide - however futile - other Villa fans will always mock them. I don't know whether that's just a Villa thing or whether it happens at other clubs too, but we always turn on our own at times like this. I've never known unity among Villa fans.
I've never met Jon Fear, and I couldn't care less if he's got a messiah complex or not. I don't care about his letter being too long, boring, self-important and full of mistakes. At least he's doing something. I thought the 8-minute protest was ill-conceived, but at least they tried something. And I'd rather see that than a load of other fans standing on the sidelines doing nothing but taking the piss while the club we all support spirals out of control.
The club is in denial. The local press are too meek to get involved. The national press don't give a shit. So it's down to the fans to act. Let's cut the ones that do act a bit of slack.
No,claiming the that fans have been telling him to do something.I will call out a prick every single time.People like him you only hear from when things are shit
Thats the things though, he is well known as a well placed fan with links to the club, IMO. There is absolutely no doubt he will be being asked to do something on a regular basis by many people as regardless of differing beliefs we are all supporters. He has done something, whether you agree with what he has put or not, its commendable and not self serving (bar maybe some personal ego boosting).
I dislike the occasional whiff of superiority complex that eminates around this forum sometimes
Isn't the flip side of making something public, in any area of day to day life, that people have a right to dislike, disagree with, or criticise what you say, in public?
One thing I don't like is the growing "OMG how can you support Lambert? You ARE the problem" thing on here.
Lambert or Lerner supporters have every right to hold those views. Personally, I think they're profoundly misguided, but jumping down peoples' necks because they have them, or accusing them of not being Villa fans, strikes me as highly undesirable. Yes, disagree with these people, but don't tell them they have no right to believe what they believe.
Same with Fear or Howard Hodgson. People take the piss out of both of them because they're somewhat self-righteous ("reports" and what not), but they are entirely entitled to do what they want.
If they want to write Lerner a letter, they can. If they want to publish it, they can. They can do all this, but if that's the route they take, they are going to have to accept that people can disagree with them in public.
True, but as far as I could see, nobody actually disagreed with him. They just ripped the piss out of him. I get the impression the general consensus on here is that Fear is a self propagating (?) tool (ive only read the above letter and heard him on a couple of phone ins so havent got too much of an opinion) regardless of this, all im saying is that the message most people are trying to get over to Fox is "do nothing and nothing will change". Surely that applies to us fans as well?
Fear, Hodgeson, Avillafan.com are all adding to the momentum and if we share the opinion that a change is needed we should do what we can as well regardless of whether we like them or their personal motives.
-
Fear, Hodgeson, Avillafan.com are all adding to the momentum and if we share the opinion that a change is needed we should do what we can as well regardless of whether we like them or their personal motives.
You're saying that on a thread full of people saying they've emailed the club. It's not as if the intervention of Fear and Hodgson is something incredible.
They, too, are supporters. But that's all they are. The thing people are taking the piss about is the fact that they clearly think they're much more than that.
If Fear, for example, felt he was in a position to influence things, why not just send the email and be done with it? Why the need to make it public?
That's exactly the problem people had with Hodgson. It wasn't what he said. There was pretty much nobody disagreeing with that. it was the fact that he said it all so publically, from a position of "I run businesses, I know what I'm talking about" (the implication being he's possessed of some sort of extra special skillset others don't have) and called it a "report", which is totally the wrong word.
A report is factual account of events. What Hodgson released was an opinion piece and nothing more.
Hodgson spent most of last year complaining he'd been kicked out of "the directors" for talking on the internet about things that had gone on, or been said, in there. The club saw it as a breach of trust.
Maybe he'd be more effective, if he really is in a special position, by talking to people behind closed doors and being a little more subtle about it than he actually is - which just makes it look like a personal publicity vehicle.
-
The more egotists putting their pennyworth in the better for me, if we can gain more and more publicity looking at what's going on and challenging the bullshitting and corporate nonsense talk it will hopefully come to a head sooner.
-
I think we should focus on the message and the actions that we can take rather than the messengers. The narrative around HH and JF has been rehearsed endless times on here.
-
I think we should focus on the message and the actions that we can take rather than the messengers. The narrative around HH and JF has been rehearsed endless times on here.
Exactly, and if more Villa fans take whatever action they can - be it letters or emails or whatever - then that could be a step in the right direction. It's the only hope we have. I couldn't give a shit about other people's egos, none of it affects my relationship with the club. I'm more interested in the absolute mess the club is in right now, and it seems most Villa fans feel the same way. If somebody gets their ego stroked through all this, so be it. I want the club to wake up, and there's more chance of that happening if the fans are united.
-
Excellent post Jimbo, with which I completely agree
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
Wrong.
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do. I'll have some of what you're on !
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
so wrong in so many ways
-
How can you defend the indefensible ?
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
I'm sorry but you're wrong. His players are good enough, but he isn't. He is tactically incapable and his man management is shocking. He won't admit he's lost the plot and he's taking us down. Everyone can see it except him. And you by the look of it.
Oh, and I accept that Arsenal will be better than us - they have much better players, but we gave in at 2-0, and that is simply unacceptable.
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
I find this view incredible to reconcile in my head. If you look at our net spend under Lambert, we are not in the bottom of that league. He has international players to pick in every position on the field, a couple that were stars at the world cup, a 20-30 million pound centre forward and plenty of options around him. The quality of those after 6 or 7 windows at the club is solely down to him, he has spent upwards of 45 million. Not top 6-8 money, but not bottom 4-5, and the inexplicable way some players have been dealt with will never make sense. His tactics have been rigid in games, while he seems to have found a system that works for a couple of games then change it to get favourites back in regardless. There is then the bizarre lack of urgency to appoint an assistant to replace Culverhouse and Karsa, (the Keane experiment aside) and it seems that he has a genuine issue with being questioned by people on his managerial team. An easy way to improve us overnight would be to get a tactically astute assistant that is good in training situations, but that seems lost on us, but it is in Lambert's sphere of control. 3 left backs have been bought, 2 right backs then reverting to the one that was completely ostracised in the first place.
And then we have not even started on the negative results records, the lack of goals, the worst goal difference in the league, the runs of games without winning or the general quality of play.
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
Wrong.
Right
(if that's how we're doing it!)
-
The fact that you've got half of the manager's name as your user name indicates that you may be somewhat swayed to back the buffoon regardless
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
I find this view incredible to reconcile in my head. If you look at our net spend under Lambert, we are not in the bottom of that league. He has international players to pick in every position on the field, a couple that were stars at the world cup, a 20-30 million pound centre forward and plenty of options around him. The quality of those after 6 or 7 windows at the club is solely down to him, he has spent upwards of 45 million. Not top 6-8 money, but not bottom 4-5, and the inexplicable way some players have been dealt with will never make sense. His tactics have been rigid in games, while he seems to have found a system that works for a couple of games then change it to get favourites back in regardless. There is then the bizarre lack of urgency to appoint an assistant to replace Culverhouse and Karsa, (the Keane experiment aside) and it seems that he has a genuine issue with being questioned by people on his managerial team. An easy way to improve us overnight would be to get a tactically astute assistant that is good in training situations, but that seems lost on us, but it is in Lambert's sphere of control. 3 left backs have been bought, 2 right backs then reverting to the one that was completely ostracised in the first place.
And then we have not even started on the negative results records, the lack of goals, the worst goal difference in the league, the runs of games without winning or the general quality of play.
(cont'd) The fact that he has never once admitted to err or taken blame on ANY of our previous performance issues. He blindly regurgitates the idea that we were excellent and the effort was there. Oh, and that we were well in it for X amount of minutes. At this point any manager that truly believes "hard work" is going to turn this around is deluded. Hard work taking the same week in week out approach every match just doesn't make any sense. Keep doing what your doing even if said actions are proven to be ineffective? It's ludicrous.
Even Paul has to be genuinely shocked at how long he has been protected.
-
Dear Tom
What do you do all day?
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
I find this view incredible to reconcile in my head. If you look at our net spend under Lambert, we are not in the bottom of that league. He has international players to pick in every position on the field, a couple that were stars at the world cup, a 20-30 million pound centre forward and plenty of options around him. The quality of those after 6 or 7 windows at the club is solely down to him, he has spent upwards of 45 million. Not top 6-8 money, but not bottom 4-5, and the inexplicable way some players have been dealt with will never make sense. His tactics have been rigid in games, while he seems to have found a system that works for a couple of games then change it to get favourites back in regardless. There is then the bizarre lack of urgency to appoint an assistant to replace Culverhouse and Karsa, (the Keane experiment aside) and it seems that he has a genuine issue with being questioned by people on his managerial team. An easy way to improve us overnight would be to get a tactically astute assistant that is good in training situations, but that seems lost on us, but it is in Lambert's sphere of control. 3 left backs have been bought, 2 right backs then reverting to the one that was completely ostracised in the first place.
And then we have not even started on the negative results records, the lack of goals, the worst goal difference in the league, the runs of games without winning or the general quality of play.
Dont get me wrong I'm not saying in any sense that I'm happy with how things are going. It's just the inevitable result of under investment. I knew from the first pre season game I saw in the summer that there was a danger we would go down unless we invested properly in what was left of the summer window. We didn't and haven't done in Jan. If he keeps this squad up he will have justified his contract and equally tight wadded Chairmen will be busting a gut to employ him.
-
And of the people I see at the game this is a widely held view
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
I find this view incredible to reconcile in my head. If you look at our net spend under Lambert, we are not in the bottom of that league. He has international players to pick in every position on the field, a couple that were stars at the world cup, a 20-30 million pound centre forward and plenty of options around him. The quality of those after 6 or 7 windows at the club is solely down to him, he has spent upwards of 45 million. Not top 6-8 money, but not bottom 4-5, and the inexplicable way some players have been dealt with will never make sense. His tactics have been rigid in games, while he seems to have found a system that works for a couple of games then change it to get favourites back in regardless. There is then the bizarre lack of urgency to appoint an assistant to replace Culverhouse and Karsa, (the Keane experiment aside) and it seems that he has a genuine issue with being questioned by people on his managerial team. An easy way to improve us overnight would be to get a tactically astute assistant that is good in training situations, but that seems lost on us, but it is in Lambert's sphere of control. 3 left backs have been bought, 2 right backs then reverting to the one that was completely ostracised in the first place.
And then we have not even started on the negative results records, the lack of goals, the worst goal difference in the league, the runs of games without winning or the general quality of play.
Dont get me wrong I'm not saying in any sense that I'm happy with how things are going. It's just the inevitable result of under investment. I knew from the first pre season game I saw in the summer that there was a danger we would go down unless we invested properly in what was left of the summer window. We didn't and haven't done in Jan. If he keeps this squad up he will have justified his contract and equally tight wadded Chairmen will be busting a gut to employ him.
Can you please try and create a reasonable scenario in which the last few months could have gone any worse?
-
Dont get me wrong I'm not saying in any sense that I'm happy with how things are going. It's just the inevitable result of under investment. I knew from the first pre season game I saw in the summer that there was a danger we would go down unless we invested properly in what was left of the summer window. We didn't and haven't done in Jan. If he keeps this squad up he will have justified his contract and equally tight wadded Chairmen will be busting a gut to employ him.
Well, I don't see Fox offloading Lambert now (December would have been the time to do it), so the challenge is this: how can Lambert be helped to get this team over the line in May?
For me, the options are: get in a DoF to provide some more footballing input; and / or, get in a credible coach to motivate and coach the squad that we have.
-
And of the people I see at the game this is a widely held view
Where do you sit? On the bench?
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
11 Goals all season, head out of sand time.
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
I find this view incredible to reconcile in my head. If you look at our net spend under Lambert, we are not in the bottom of that league. He has international players to pick in every position on the field, a couple that were stars at the world cup, a 20-30 million pound centre forward and plenty of options around him. The quality of those after 6 or 7 windows at the club is solely down to him, he has spent upwards of 45 million. Not top 6-8 money, but not bottom 4-5, and the inexplicable way some players have been dealt with will never make sense. His tactics have been rigid in games, while he seems to have found a system that works for a couple of games then change it to get favourites back in regardless. There is then the bizarre lack of urgency to appoint an assistant to replace Culverhouse and Karsa, (the Keane experiment aside) and it seems that he has a genuine issue with being questioned by people on his managerial team. An easy way to improve us overnight would be to get a tactically astute assistant that is good in training situations, but that seems lost on us, but it is in Lambert's sphere of control. 3 left backs have been bought, 2 right backs then reverting to the one that was completely ostracised in the first place.
And then we have not even started on the negative results records, the lack of goals, the worst goal difference in the league, the runs of games without winning or the general quality of play.
"International" players dont really count for much these days lets be honest
To be fair Lambert, with that net spend he had to replace the entire spine of the team he inherited. The only player he has sold to generate cash of over a million was James Collins. The spine of the team he inherited (Given, Dunne, Petrov, Bent) he had to replace in same cases due to injury/illness but we have got nothing back in return. The two charlatans Makoun and Ireland similarly left for nothing. In the case of Given and Bent they were replaced with better younger players for far less money but its disappointing that we got a big fat zero for letting go these six high earners.
As others have said, player recruitment is actually one of Lambert's strengths. But management is more than being a scout and unfortunately player motivation, tactics, strategy, game management are where he continues to struggle without any sign of improvement. The game at home to Newcastle in his first season where he brought Gabby and Weimann on at half time, stumbled on a decent formation for us and we played great football for the rest of the season. For some reason he decides that summer to spend the bones of 10m bringing in two beanpole immobile strikers and go long ball. He doesnt like wingers he tells us but this transfer window he brings in two and we adopt Spain like tactics out of nowhere.
Rather than a Roy Keane, Lambert should have been instructed last summer to bring in a very experienced number two sound with tactics and coaching just to guide him
-
Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
That's true, but what about all the shit sides full of cheap players who we also look awful against? Those we've looked awful against for the last three years now?
-
And of the people I see at the game this is a widely held view
Where do you sit? On the bench?
**snigger**
Maybe they need to turn their seats to face the pitch but I certainly wouldn't blame them if they refused to.
-
The fact that you've got half of the manager's name as your user name indicates that you may be somewhat swayed to back the buffoon regardless
Well we all did that a few years back tbf to me. No loyalty you lot!
-
And of the people I see at the game this is a widely held view
Where do you sit? On the bench?
Nope... In the Upper Holte every game and wherever they put us every away game.
Where do you sit?
-
And of the people I see at the game this is a widely held view
Where do you sit? On the bench?
Nope... In the Upper Holte every game and wherever they put us every away game.
Where do you sit?
Trinity Road. Not in the dugout. And like you, wherever I get at away games. I can honestly say that not one of the people I sit with, travel away with or drink with before the games believes Lambert should keep his job. Not one.
-
And of the people I see at the game this is a widely held view
Where do you sit? On the bench?
Nope... In the Upper Holte every game and wherever they put us every away game.
Where do you sit?
Trinity Road. Not in the dugout. And like you, wherever I get at away games. I can honestly say that not one of the people I sit with, travel away with or drink with before the games believes Lambert should keep his job. Not one.
Who's their alternative then? A genuine question, as this is one of the reasons I think we should stick with him for now. Who is available ?
-
And of the people I see at the game this is a widely held view
Fairplay to you. I respect you and the other fans who are still believing Lambert can keep us up.
Honestly Arsenal did me in. I expected to lose but not another humiliation and I firmly put the blame on Lambert for the tactics and then not changing them when it was obvious how badly it was going.
The accumulated results have just got to breaking point. I don't dislike Lambert, there is no reason to get personal. He has bought pretty well given his budget. However I just cannot ignore the results anymore. I am sure he will stay for a few more games (post a Hull loss I think Randy would act) but something is not working, truth be told even on our mini good runs he has never got the team firing properly. I don't have any hope from him any more. If by a miracle he manages to turn things around then great, but my expectations are now so low its a long road back for him in my eyes.
-
And of the people I see at the game this is a widely held view
Where do you sit? On the bench?
Nope... In the Upper Holte every game and wherever they put us every away game.
Where do you sit?
Trinity Road. Not in the dugout. And like you, wherever I get at away games. I can honestly say that not one of the people I sit with, travel away with or drink with before the games believes Lambert should keep his job. Not one.
Who's their alternative then? A genuine question, as this is one of the reasons I think we should stick with him for now. Who is available ?
Cesare Prandelli for a start.
Andrew, there are plenty of better managers out there, we just need to find one worthy of our support. The biggest decision facing the club right now is not sacking Lambert, it's who we bring in. I'm hoping Tom Fox is a man that will do his research and make that hugely important decision - approved by Randy, obviously.
-
And of the people I see at the game this is a widely held view
Where do you sit? On the bench?
Nope... In the Upper Holte every game and wherever they put us every away game.
Where do you sit?
Trinity Road. Not in the dugout. And like you, wherever I get at away games. I can honestly say that not one of the people I sit with, travel away with or drink with before the games believes Lambert should keep his job. Not one.
Who's their alternative then? A genuine question, as this is one of the reasons I think we should stick with him for now. Who is available ?
Cesare Prandelli for a start.
Andrew, there are plenty of better managers out there, we just need to find one worthy of our support. The biggest decision facing the club right now is not sacking Lambert, it's who we bring in. I'm hoping Tom Fox is a man that will do his research and make that hugely important decision - approved by Randy, obviously.
That's the point, is sacking Lambert a bigger risk? A caretaker from within the club ( who I dont know, Sid's results get worse by the game) would I imagine give us a short term lift, but after that it becomes a gamble. I'd prefer a limp over the line of safety, again, and think again in the summer.
-
Weren't we 19th in the spending league table? You could argue that he's over performing!
Regards
Paul L
-
Those last two posts makes me sick.
-
If Lambert was sacked I wouldn't want Cowans anywhere near the first team. As much as I love him he looks lost in sitting on that bench.
-
And of the people I see at the game this is a widely held view
Fairplay to you. I respect you and the other fans who are still believing Lambert can keep us up.
Honestly Arsenal did me in. I expected to lose but not another humiliation and I firmly put the blame on Lambert for the tactics and then not changing them when it was obvious how badly it was going.
The accumulated results have just got to breaking point. I don't dislike Lambert, there is no reason to get personal. He has bought pretty well given his budget. However I just cannot ignore the results anymore. I am sure he will stay for a few more games (post a Hull loss I think Randy would act) but something is not working, truth be told even on our mini good runs he has never got the team firing properly. I don't have any hope from him any more. If by a miracle he manages to turn things around then great, but my expectations are now so low its a long road back for him in my eyes.
I'm with you, I just got there a bit sooner (October).
If nothing else it eventually gets to the point where the 'feel' of the club is just so negative that something has to give. As stupid as it may sound the root cause becomes an irrelevance at that point and the sole concern has to be simplest, quickest and cheapest way to give the entire place a lift. The cheapest is to hold out for a massive result where everything ticks, but that's not necessarily quick or simple when things are as bad as they've become. If we dismiss that the answer that tops all 3 is to replace the manager with someone that the fans can really get behind. That means either you go in big with the head and get a Prandelli or you go in big with the heart and get a fans favourite, someone like Laursen. I'm all for the former but I can totally understand calls for the latter.
-
Apart from the poor sap who worked for the chicken fuhrers at Blackburn I cannot think of another manager who has survived such a God-awful run of results over two and a half seasons? I am prepared to be enlightened...
-
Pardew was nearly as bad but at least his bad run came on the back of a very good season so he had some record at the club that he could point to.
-
The cheapest is to hold out for a massive result where everything ticks, but that's not necessarily quick or simple when things are as bad as they've become.
That's it for me. We could put on the best performance of the Lambert reign at the weekend and stuff Chelsea, but after the initial euphoria, I'd simply have the attitude that one swallow doesn't make a summer - and I'd guess I wouldn't be in a minority with that view. Things have been bad for so long and the manager now has virtually nil credibility, there really is no other viable alternative than a change.
-
And of the people I see at the game this is a widely held view
Where do you sit? On the bench?
Nope... In the Upper Holte every game and wherever they put us every away game.
Where do you sit?
Trinity Road. Not in the dugout. And like you, wherever I get at away games. I can honestly say that not one of the people I sit with, travel away with or drink with before the games believes Lambert should keep his job. Not one.
Who's their alternative then? A genuine question, as this is one of the reasons I think we should stick with him for now. Who is available ?
Cesare Prandelli for a start.
Andrew, there are plenty of better managers out there, we just need to find one worthy of our support. The biggest decision facing the club right now is not sacking Lambert, it's who we bring in. I'm hoping Tom Fox is a man that will do his research and make that hugely important decision - approved by Randy, obviously.
That's the point, is sacking Lambert a bigger risk? A caretaker from within the club ( who I dont know, Sid's results get worse by the game) would I imagine give us a short term lift, but after that it becomes a gamble. I'd prefer a limp over the line of safety, again, and think again in the summer.
Sacking Lambert is a no brainer and should have been done last summer. If we finally get to have a proper football manager and we really haven't had one these last 15 years, not only will it give the team a massive lift, the fans, infact the whole club could finally get round somebody that finally knows his arse from his elbow.
I don't want to see us limp over the line, assuming we can cross it. We're much bigger and better than that and I certainly don't want to see our best players looking for a move knowing that we're a club going no where. I'm sure the club don't want to see another drop in season ticket sales, discounting ticket prices, fans forever negative about the manager, owner and general state of the club.
We need leadership and the most important leader at Aston Villa, despite what Doug Ellis may have thought, is the manager. Right now our leader has lost the majority of fans, by recent performances the players and he's about to lose any respect he may have had in the game.
Nothing else matters. I would hope Tom Fox realises that too.
-
Weren't we 19th in the spending league table? You could argue that he's over performing!
Regards
Paul L
No not over the last 3 seasons we are not at all. Pretty sure we're somewhere between 9th-12th on net spending. Another bullshit excuse busted.
-
The cheapest is to hold out for a massive result where everything ticks, but that's not necessarily quick or simple when things are as bad as they've become.
That's it for me. We could put on the best performance of the Lambert reign at the weekend and stuff Chelsea, but after the initial euphoria, I'd simply have the attitude that one swallow doesn't make a summer - and I'd guess I wouldn't be in a minority with that view. Things have been bad for so long and the manager now has virtually nil credibility, there really is no other viable alternative than a change.
Agreed, we're beyond the tipping point in terms of Lambert's credibility.
I'm not sure, though, that Lambert will get the bullet before the season-end, which really is the nightmare scenario.
-
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2939487/Cristiano-Ronaldo-Lionel-Messi-Diego-Costa-14-players-Europe-s-five-league-scored-goals-Aston-Villa-season.html
More piss taking.
I think Mr.Fox should write to the 'paper' and tell them to stop printing all of these false narratives.
-
I don't think he's had a fair crack of the whip when it comes to transfer funds.
-
I've emailed Tom Fox and I've also posted a letter containing the same. I'm hoping that regardless of the content of these missives we've all been creating, that someone in some small way will pay attention.
And if nothing happens I'll go back to posting a turd in a box.
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
On paper the squad should be comfortably mid table. Are we worse than Stoke. No. Are we worse than Newcastle. No. The one factor is Lambert. He should have gone in the summer. The bucks stops with him. I dont know one Villa fan who wants him to stay
-
I'm not convinced that all the fan base wants Lambert out. The season ticket holders I know and speak to are to a man/women absolutely pissed off with the teams performance but not all of them blame Lambert. Every player Arsenal put on the pitch on Sunday I would imagine cost them at least £10 million,if they purchased them, we're paying £2-4 million a player or playing loans or home grown. Albion have out spent us!!
lambert is doing ok in my opinion with what he's got. I'm not saying we won't get relegated, and may well do, but it won't be all his fault if we do.
On paper the squad should be comfortably mid table. Are we worse than Stoke. No. Are we worse than Newcastle. No. The one factor is Lambert. He should have gone in the summer. The bucks stops with him. I dont know one Villa fan who wants him to stay
I know one, he's called lambdrew08.
Stoke and Newcastle points you make aren't really possible to argue against. Also what paulie said about how we look shit against shit teams. Does my noggin in people saying 'well it was Arsenal'. That is all Lambert. No one else.
-
The only thing that worries me is that Alan Curbishley might be his replacement.
-
He sounds like a combination of Saunders/Ferguson and pep bloody Guardiola compared to Lambert
-
I dread to think who they'll magic up. Dave Basset would be my hunch.
Wonder if things would have been different if we hadn't had a hissy fit about Steve MacLaren?
-
I dread to think who they'll magic up. Dave Basset would be my hunch.
Wonder if things would have been different if we hadn't had a hissy fit about Steve MacLaren?
Can we please, please mail this myth now.
-
I was about to step in but knew you'd see it.
-
I dread to think who they'll magic up. Dave Basset would be my hunch.
Wonder if things would have been different if we hadn't had a hissy fit about Steve MacLaren?
Can we please, please mail this myth now.
There will be all sorts of rumours floating around.
-
My email. I still have hope and aspirations that we'll go on a 10 match unbeaten run and end up at Wembley in may!
Tom,
To introduce myself, father of 3 boys 10,8,6 who live in Leyland, Lancashire, myself an exiled brummie who has subjected my clan to the joys of Aston Villa.
Most weekends we travel 200+ miles to watch our team usually 5+ hours in the car, missing footy training, gym classes and being with our family and friends.
It, for the most part has been worth it, my boys are injected with claret and blue, bedrooms, clothes they wear, FIFA teams on xbox are all Villa related, in the
Hope and expectation that the future is bright.
Now said boys, 10, 8 & 6 would rather not go, I have paid for the season, so if they don’t, another friend will, but for goodness sake, whether it’s through change
Of manager, a coach that can teach the basics of football, please do something! I will never not support AV, but I may not come again from May for a long time.
Regards
Martin
-
My email. I still have hope and aspirations that we'll go on a 10 match unbeaten run and end up at Wembley in may!
Tom,
To introduce myself, father of 3 boys 10,8,6 who live in Leyland, Lancashire, myself an exiled brummie who has subjected my clan to the joys of Aston Villa.
Most weekends we travel 200+ miles to watch our team usually 5+ hours in the car, missing footy training, gym classes and being with our family and friends.
It, for the most part has been worth it, my boys are injected with claret and blue, bedrooms, clothes they wear, FIFA teams on xbox are all Villa related, in the
Hope and expectation that the future is bright.
Now said boys, 10, 8 & 6 would rather not go, I have paid for the season, so if they don’t, another friend will, but for goodness sake, whether it’s through change
Of manager, a coach that can teach the basics of football, please do something! I will never not support AV, but I may not come again from May for a long time.
Regards
Martin
Could not be more succinct and relevant than that.
The future of our support is being threatened by this relentless inertia. I have been through much worse as a Villa fan, but the alienation of feeling of impotence has never lasted as long.
I am getting my nephew a "Grizzlies" membership at Edgbaston this season - it costs £25. I didn't really need to, because every time I turn up for a match with him in tow, they give him a complimentary ticket, realising that that these kids are the future of the club. Players recovering from injury walking back from the indoor cricket facility often stop to have a chat and sign autographs. This includes players such as Bell, Trott and Woakes.
He is another one does not jump at the chance of a visit to VP any more. In his defence, he has graduated from preferring to go against the glamour teams to going against teams where he might witness an actual match.
I don't even demand a winning team any more, just some hope and excitement and a modicum of direction.
-
Are we getting a Director of Football or an Assistant Manager? For the love of gOD just move Paul upstairs if you like him so much and bring in a manager.
-
My email. I still have hope and aspirations that we'll go on a 10 match unbeaten run and end up at Wembley in may!
Tom,
To introduce myself, father of 3 boys 10,8,6 who live in Leyland, Lancashire, myself an exiled brummie who has subjected my clan to the joys of Aston Villa.
Most weekends we travel 200+ miles to watch our team usually 5+ hours in the car, missing footy training, gym classes and being with our family and friends.
It, for the most part has been worth it, my boys are injected with claret and blue, bedrooms, clothes they wear, FIFA teams on xbox are all Villa related, in the
Hope and expectation that the future is bright.
Now said boys, 10, 8 & 6 would rather not go, I have paid for the season, so if they don’t, another friend will, but for goodness sake, whether it’s through change
Of manager, a coach that can teach the basics of football, please do something! I will never not support AV, but I may not come again from May for a long time.
Regards
Martin
Could not be more succinct and relevant than that.
The future of our support is being threatened by this relentless inertia. I have been through much worse as a Villa fan, but the alienation of feeling of impotence has never lasted as long.
I am getting my nephew a "Grizzlies" membership at Edgbaston this season - it costs £25. I didn't really need to, because every time I turn up for a match with him in tow, they give him a complimentary ticket, realising that that these kids are the future of the club. Players recovering from injury walking back from the indoor cricket facility often stop to have a chat and sign autographs. This includes players such as Bell, Trott and Woakes.
He is another one does not jump at the chance of a visit to VP any more. In his defence, he has graduated from preferring to go against the glamour teams to going against teams where he might witness an actual match.
I don't even demand a winning team any more, just some hope and excitement and a modicum of direction.
The impact this is having on future generations of fans is a concern to me as well.
-
My email. I still have hope and aspirations that we'll go on a 10 match unbeaten run and end up at Wembley in may!
Tom,
To introduce myself, father of 3 boys 10,8,6 who live in Leyland, Lancashire, myself an exiled brummie who has subjected my clan to the joys of Aston Villa.
Most weekends we travel 200+ miles to watch our team usually 5+ hours in the car, missing footy training, gym classes and being with our family and friends.
It, for the most part has been worth it, my boys are injected with claret and blue, bedrooms, clothes they wear, FIFA teams on xbox are all Villa related, in the
Hope and expectation that the future is bright.
Now said boys, 10, 8 & 6 would rather not go, I have paid for the season, so if they don’t, another friend will, but for goodness sake, whether it’s through change
Of manager, a coach that can teach the basics of football, please do something! I will never not support AV, but I may not come again from May for a long time.
Regards
Martin
Could not be more succinct and relevant than that.
The future of our support is being threatened by this relentless inertia. I have been through much worse as a Villa fan, but the alienation of feeling of impotence has never lasted as long.
I am getting my nephew a "Grizzlies" membership at Edgbaston this season - it costs £25. I didn't really need to, because every time I turn up for a match with him in tow, they give him a complimentary ticket, realising that that these kids are the future of the club. Players recovering from injury walking back from the indoor cricket facility often stop to have a chat and sign autographs. This includes players such as Bell, Trott and Woakes.
He is another one does not jump at the chance of a visit to VP any more. In his defence, he has graduated from preferring to go against the glamour teams to going against teams where he might witness an actual match.
I don't even demand a winning team any more, just some hope and excitement and a modicum of direction.
The impact this is having on future generations of fans is a concern to me as well.
yes that was the tenor of my email to him as well. Very hard to enthuse a 10 year old when he sits through two 0-0 draws over Christmas with, i think, three shots on target over 180 minutes plus of football. As an "entertainment business" it's lacking a certain something.... oh yes the "entertainment" part. The beef baps in the Holte suite were ok thou.
-
Are we getting a Director of Football or an Assistant Manager? For the love of gOD just move Paul upstairs if you like him so much and bring in a manager.
By move him upstairs do you mean as Director of the Attic? That's the only role I'd give this clown, he shouldn't have any contact with footballers. Paul Lambert the footballing black hole since 2012.
-
I dread to think who they'll magic up. Dave Basset would be my hunch.
Wonder if things would have been different if we hadn't had a hissy fit about Steve MacLaren?
I'd be more likely to expect Mike Bassett with Randy conducting the search
-
If Lambert was sacked I wouldn't want Cowans anywhere near the first team. As much as I love him he looks lost in sitting on that bench.
Definitely. Trouble is there is a widespread assumption that a former legend will make it all better. If we had a point for every suggestion that we should give Paul McGrath a coaching job of some description we'd be Champions before Christmas.
-
If Lambert was sacked I wouldn't want Cowans anywhere near the first team. As much as I love him he looks lost in sitting on that bench.
Definitely. Trouble is there is a widespread assumption that a former legend will make it all better. If we had a point for every suggestion that we should give Paul McGrath a coaching job of some description we'd be Champions before Christmas.
Every time someone makes a "legend" suggestion, in my mind I see Alan Shearer's sad face as he walked across our pitch and acknowledged the supporters of the team he'd just ushered into the Championship.
-
No point, nothing will happen to the summer at the earlist, and we are getting close to the point where it would be late for a new manager to make much impact anyway, besides which there are not many good options out there right now. So as Betty Davis would say, "Buckle up, its going to be a bumpy ride!" :'(
-
You know, we can often wrap ourselves up in a bubble on H&V and think that all Villa fans share the consensus here; in my mind it takes a lambdrew08 to provide a true reality check of the viewpoint of Villa fans. I remember reading a few weeks ago as well, another poster saying how his old drinking buddies in the Yenton also laid the blame squarely at Lerner’s feet; he even went so far as to say his old friends said that Lambert was going an incredible job. Now I don’t share these opinions, as most don’t on here, but it does make me realize that the pro-Lambert camp are not crackpots and that there is clearly a groundswell of opinion out there who believe he is doing the best under the circumstances.
Given all this, it’s not inconceivable that Fox also falls into the category of thinking that he’s doing a very good job given the brief and if indeed this is the case, then the chances of Fox being swayed one iota by a few emails arriving, that will instantly get filtered into junk are remote to say the least.
-
You know, we can often wrap ourselves up in a bubble on H&V and think that all Villa fans share the consensus here; in my mind it takes a lambdrew08 to provide a true reality check of the viewpoint of Villa fans. I remember reading a few weeks ago as well, another poster saying how his old drinking buddies in the Yenton also laid the blame squarely at Lerner’s feet; he even went so far as to say his old friends said that Lambert was going an incredible job. Now I don’t share these opinions, as most don’t on here, but it does make me realize that the pro-Lambert camp are not crackpots and that there is clearly a groundswell of opinion out there who believe he is doing the best under the circumstances.
Given all this, it’s not inconceivable that Fox also falls into the category of thinking that he’s doing a very good job given the brief and if indeed this is the case, then the chances of Fox being swayed one iota by a few emails arriving, that will instantly get filtered into junk are remote to say the least.
There is much more to be had from this squad then what is currently being produced. While I'll concede Lerner has severely stunted the growth of this club, there is absolutely no doubt that Lambert's inability to construct a semi-capable premier league side is also is major contributing factor. Our recent (and season long) run of form is flat out atrocious. We need to be getting much better performances out of the players, with the right tactics and appropriate preparation. Unfortunately, the club is failing at all levels with the exception of hospitality.
Personally, I would take a risk on any manager. The current approach yields no results, no goals and has the fans choosing to stay home. Everyone in a leadership role possesses some of the blame, but I feel that our match prep and performance just are not at a premier league standard.. and that job is in the hands of one man.
The fact that we're now looking for a Director of Football and an Assistant Manager (after Fox said there wasn't much of a rush and it could wait until summer) is such a knee jerk reaction it's alarming. Restructuring the hierarchy of the football side of the club at this point is going to fail. Just get another manager in there, put some pressure on the players to impress him and let him bring in his preferred back room staff. We're in rough shape, and a Director of Football coming in with 15-odd games left isn't going to change the play on match days. Lambert doesn't conduct training, gave far too much power to his assistants throughout the week, can't decide who he wants in the team or out on loan, can't put together astute tactics and deflects blame from himself by praising our excellence and effort. It's sad, and it's also taking the club in the wrong direction.
Do we have no expectations?
-
Personally I don't think there will be any changes at all especially if we put on a good show against Chelsea. However I would suggest that if we lose by over three goals Mr Fox will be on the dog and bone fairly rapidly to our esteemed owner.
What I suggest is they contact Sir Alex who is sitting at home bored out of his skull ,probably watching Bargain Hunt,and tell him to get that black coat on (and the black zip up sweater) fire the car up and get his arris down to Villa Park pronto.. While he is at it he can pick up Duncan Ferguson from Everton to take the training. Pay them both a kings ransom to the end of the season then we will take it from there.
and make sure he brings his magic watch down!
-
I guess some have fallen for the spin" he is doing well on limited resources" it may be a lot more than we think.
When you consider how bad it has been it still astonishes me that he has got such an easy ride, he would not have done at a lot of clubs with even lower expectations.
Sadly this is part of the problem, I just hope that if we capitulate on Saturday like we did at Arse that Villa Park vents its spleen.
-
My email. I still have hope and aspirations that we'll go on a 10 match unbeaten run and end up at Wembley in may!
Tom,
To introduce myself, father of 3 boys 10,8,6 who live in Leyland, Lancashire, myself an exiled brummie who has subjected my clan to the joys of Aston Villa.
Most weekends we travel 200+ miles to watch our team usually 5+ hours in the car, missing footy training, gym classes and being with our family and friends.
It, for the most part has been worth it, my boys are injected with claret and blue, bedrooms, clothes they wear, FIFA teams on xbox are all Villa related, in the
Hope and expectation that the future is bright.
Now said boys, 10, 8 & 6 would rather not go, I have paid for the season, so if they don’t, another friend will, but for goodness sake, whether it’s through change
Of manager, a coach that can teach the basics of football, please do something! I will never not support AV, but I may not come again from May for a long time.
Regards
Martin
Well said that man. The thought of putting off future generations should create some action!
-
My email. I still have hope and aspirations that we'll go on a 10 match unbeaten run and end up at Wembley in may!
Tom,
To introduce myself, father of 3 boys 10,8,6 who live in Leyland, Lancashire, myself an exiled brummie who has subjected my clan to the joys of Aston Villa.
Most weekends we travel 200+ miles to watch our team usually 5+ hours in the car, missing footy training, gym classes and being with our family and friends.
It, for the most part has been worth it, my boys are injected with claret and blue, bedrooms, clothes they wear, FIFA teams on xbox are all Villa related, in the
Hope and expectation that the future is bright.
Now said boys, 10, 8 & 6 would rather not go, I have paid for the season, so if they don’t, another friend will, but for goodness sake, whether it’s through change
Of manager, a coach that can teach the basics of football, please do something! I will never not support AV, but I may not come again from May for a long time.
Regards
Martin
Well said that man. The thought of putting off future generations should create some action!
This is happening all the time. My own lad couldn't wait to attend matches from the age of 14 but by the end of Lambert's first season his interest was waning and last year he gave it up entirely. T13EOBH sometimes frequents here and his lad is the same. Can't blame them can you?
-
My email. I still have hope and aspirations that we'll go on a 10 match unbeaten run and end up at Wembley in may!
Tom,
To introduce myself, father of 3 boys 10,8,6 who live in Leyland, Lancashire, myself an exiled brummie who has subjected my clan to the joys of Aston Villa.
Most weekends we travel 200+ miles to watch our team usually 5+ hours in the car, missing footy training, gym classes and being with our family and friends.
It, for the most part has been worth it, my boys are injected with claret and blue, bedrooms, clothes they wear, FIFA teams on xbox are all Villa related, in the
Hope and expectation that the future is bright.
Now said boys, 10, 8 & 6 would rather not go, I have paid for the season, so if they don’t, another friend will, but for goodness sake, whether it’s through change
Of manager, a coach that can teach the basics of football, please do something! I will never not support AV, but I may not come again from May for a long time.
Regards
Martin
Well said that man. The thought of putting off future generations should create some action!
This is happening all the time. My own lad couldn't wait to attend matches from the age of 14 but by the end of Lambert's first season his interest was waning and last year he gave it up entirely. T13EOBH sometimes frequents here and his lad is the same. Can't blame them can you?
Ditto my son. Villa daft until 2 years ago.
-
My son (16) , ST holder has been to 2 games this season I think. He's had enough of the dross too.
-
The young 'uns should pull themselves together, I had to start watching them when we were crap so I don't see why they shouldn't have to as well.
-
In fairness to my son, I have things other than the game, it's a boozy social thing as well. Not so good for a 12 year old who is only there for the footy.
Dad took me as a 5 year old in the last of the 3rd Division days. 10 years later we were Champions of Europe. Easier for me to stick at it I think.
-
If Lambert was sacked I wouldn't want Cowans anywhere near the first team. As much as I love him he looks lost in sitting on that bench.
Definitely. Trouble is there is a widespread assumption that a former legend will make it all better. If we had a point for every suggestion that we should give Paul McGrath a coaching job of some description we'd be Champions before Christmas.
Every time someone makes a "legend" suggestion, in my mind I see Alan Shearer's sad face as he walked across our pitch and acknowledged the supporters of the team he'd just ushered into the Championship.
Serenaded by "Your just a fat geordie bastard with a shit football team" in the background. No wonder the bloke still winces when talking about us :)
-
Yep, my youngest lost the faith last season and is lost to not just Villa but football entirely. I blame Lambert and Lerner for that.
-
No point, nothing will happen to the summer at the earlist, and we are getting close to the point where it would be late for a new manager to make much impact anyway, besides which there are not many good options out there right now. So as Betty Davis would say, "Buckle up, its going to be a bumpy ride!" :'(
Our Absentee Landlord might want to park this until the summer, but if we fail to beat either Hull or QPR there can be no justification in continuing with Lambert.
-
The situation with the youngsters is so relevant.
Mine is 9 and a half and I've managed to get the Villa engrained into him from an early age. Even with everyone else he knows supporting the Sky favourites, he's come to accept we're not that good and was happy enough with it. He quite happly calls the others Glory Hunters.
At kids football the other week we were going through who everyone supported - the usual answers were belted out and when it came to him he shyed away and said "Aston Villa" very quietly.
Cue a little speech from me about being proud of our club, no matter what. But for his 9 yr old brain, all he sees is boredom, defeats, a manager we can't stand and everyone else laughing at us.
I take him to a game every couple of months and to be honest, he looks forward to the Family Fun Day part and that's about it. He's coming up to the Leicester game with a friend and seems reasonably pleased he's going, but it's getting difficult.
These years of shitness will cost us a lot of young fans.
-
Similar to my 6-yearold grandson Freddy. He is avidly C&B, but I found out the other day just how upset he was when he came back from school and his forlorn words were something to the effect of, "There's only me and my Grandad who like the Villa. Everyone else thinks we're rubbish."
-
My son (16) , ST holder has been to 2 games this season I think. He's had enough of the dross too.
For the first time ever my 19 year old 'refused' to attend the Liverpool game. He was orgainsing a trip to Amsterdam and just happneded to 'pick' that day to get it all booked up. In reality he just didnt want to go but needed an excuse so as not to offend me.
He has had enough of the total dross. Ive only been to three games myself this season but my lad could easily be one of the lost ones who wont ever return. In his time has has probably attended 200 games from a very young age.
I dont blame him. I will return but Im not sure he will
-
They're in the business of making people proud, so Fox tells us.
-
Similar story to others.
My daughter (16) had a season ticket with me for 5 years.
At the start if this season I could see she really didn't want to renew, but didn't want to upset me by saying she did want to come anymore.
Eventually we sat down and talked about it and she said, "dad,I can't stand it. I'm absolutely bored stiff each time we go".
That was it.
Another one lost.
(Unfortunately, I kept mine)
-
I still enjoy meeting my mates on match day the banter & pre match drink being the highlight.
In fact so much so, I now stay behind in the pub rather than go to the game.
-
My son (16) , ST holder has been to 2 games this season I think. He's had enough of the dross too.
For the first time ever my 19 year old 'refused' to attend the Liverpool game. He was orgainsing a trip to Amsterdam and just happneded to 'pick' that day to get it all booked up. In reality he just didnt want to go but needed an excuse so as not to offend me.
He has had enough of the total dross. Ive only been to three games myself this season but my lad could easily be one of the lost ones who wont ever return. In his time has has probably attended 200 games from a very young age.
I dont blame him. I will return but Im not sure he will
Same here. I think I'm too far gone but my son can see the wood from the trees and appears to have bailed on Lerner .
-
Has Fox responded to anyone yet?
-
Has Fox responded to anyone yet?
I'm not holding my breath.
I bet he thinks all those emails in his inbox are about PPI
-
Might have more success using: puppet@avfc.co.uk
-
If you look at our net spend under Lambert, we are not in the bottom of that league.
Is that true? Can anybody supply me with the info.
I'm certainly not saying that you're wrong, just surprised that's all.
-
If you look at our net spend under Lambert, we are not in the bottom of that league.
Is that true? Can anybody supply me with the info.
I'm certainly not saying that you're wrong, just surprised that's all.
that's what I'd like to know. Just what is his net spend?
-
There's a few posts on here stating that the problems are all Lerner's fault and Lambert is doing a decent job, to put it simply that really doesn't matter right now.
Lerner has announced we're for sale, no amount of protests about him are going to speed along the arrival of a buyer, so those protests serve to have little purpose, regardless of the comments from Fox I still feel that if a buyer with the money and plan to do something with the club we'll be sold, that's surely pretty clear. Therefore all that can possibly come from that protest is that the price goes down and the need for a feasible plan for the new owner disappears, does anyone really want that?
So lets look at what the manager is doing and ignore anything above his head. Then you see someone who has, even accounting for finance issues, done some seriously dumb shit and hasn't really learned from it, any manager that makes mistakes and doesn't learn from them is doomed to float around the wrong end of the league, it's what happens with the likes of Bruce, McLeish, McCarthy, etc. For his own sake Lambert needs to go and see if he can redefine himself and avoid following that same path.
On top of that, the club seriously needs a jolt in the arm and there's nothing else that can give us that except a big win that leads to 3-4 wins on the bounce. Given we haven't won 3 in a row in 2 1/2 years under Lambert gambling our season on it now seems scarily risky.
-
Similar to my 6-yearold grandson Freddy. He is avidly C&B, but I found out the other day just how upset he was when he came back from school and his forlorn words were something to the effect of, "There's only me and my Grandad who like the Villa. Everyone else thinks we're rubbish."
Leeg, no way are you a granddad!
You are so youthful and energetic!!!
Let's meet in The Bartons and you can buy me a pint, then I'll tell you how so much younger than other grandparents you look!
Same though, with my 9 year old Godson, who gets all my programmes, tickets and paraphernalia and is C&B through and through.
"Everybody thinks I'm stupid!"
Should I tell him to get used to it?
-
Similar to my 6-yearold grandson Freddy. He is avidly C&B, but I found out the other day just how upset he was when he came back from school and his forlorn words were something to the effect of, "There's only me and my Grandad who like the Villa. Everyone else thinks we're rubbish."
Leeg, no way are you a granddad!
You are so youthful and energetic!!!
Let's meet in The Bartons and you can buy me a pint, then I'll tell you how so much younger than other grandparents you look!
Same though, with my 9 year old Godson, who gets all my programmes, tickets and paraphernalia and is C&B through and through.
"Everybody thinks I'm stupid!"
Should I tell him to get used to it?
Yes.
For the first time in twenty five years I'm starting to think about making cut backs about attending away games.
I usually do 15 aways on average each season. I'm not going to Hull on Tuesday, and can't bare to part with anymore money to watch us get thrashed at Newcastle, Man Utd, Man City, Spurs. I'll renew my season ticket next season but there needs to be a drastic improvement for me to consider aways next season.
-
Similar to my 6-yearold grandson Freddy. He is avidly C&B, but I found out the other day just how upset he was when he came back from school and his forlorn words were something to the effect of, "There's only me and my Grandad who like the Villa. Everyone else thinks we're rubbish."
It is so hard. Zach loves his Villa shirt, happily tells all he is a Villa fan, but gets bored stiff if we are on TV, and although he wants to go to a game, I know without there being any tangible excitement of his team doing well I could end up turning him off for life. My daughter decided she didn't want a season ticket again after McLeish. It seems even harder to convince now.
-
We're in danger of losing a whole generation of young fans. For a child living in West Mids, just what choice have they got? No wonder they choose the likes of Man City, Chelsea etc.
-
Similar to my 6-yearold grandson Freddy. He is avidly C&B, but I found out the other day just how upset he was when he came back from school and his forlorn words were something to the effect of, "There's only me and my Grandad who like the Villa. Everyone else thinks we're rubbish."
It is so hard. Zach loves his Villa shirt, happily tells all he is a Villa fan, but gets bored stiff if we are on TV, and although he wants to go to a game, I know without there being any tangible excitement of his team doing well I could end up turning him off for life. My daughter decided she didn't want a season ticket again after McLeish. It seems even harder to convince now.
Glad this debate is happening! Up until 2 years ago my youngest would look forward to attending Villa matches with me, I bought him the kit, his Grandadn bought him the quilt cover etc etc. Then we lost to Bradford and given where we live it was always a toss up between them and the Villa. Can you guess where this is going?
I'm used to being a laughing stock over most things in my house including football, but 2 trips to Wembley in one season, a promotion and some FA cup heroics currently means I have lost the battle.
At least all my sons hate manu!
-
If you look at our net spend under Lambert, we are not in the bottom of that league.
Is that true? Can anybody supply me with the info.
I'm certainly not saying that you're wrong, just surprised that's all.
that's what I'd like to know. Just what is his net spend?
http://transferleague.co.uk
Since Lambore took over according to that site this is the spending,
Man Utd £222.0m
Man City £163.8m
Chelsea £132.4m
Arsenal £106.5m
Liverpool £100m
West Ham £69.0m
Hull £54.1m
Aston Villa £49.2m
Sunderland £45.7m
Qpr £43.8m
Southampton £43.7m
Crystal P £34.6m
Leicester £23.2m
Stoke £23.0m
West Brom £20.2m
Everton £18.2m
Newcastle £14.4m
Swansea £2.5m
Burnley £0.7m
Spurs -£11.5m
So we are 8th on the spending list, you can argue about the accuracy of them but I think it proves we are nowhere near the bottom of the net spending table. We've spent money and we've got nothing to show for it because the manager is shit. We've certainly spend enough to score a goal or two every now and again.
-
Are these the net or gross figures?
-
My son (16) , ST holder has been to 2 games this season I think. He's had enough of the dross too.
For the first time ever my 19 year old 'refused' to attend the Liverpool game. He was orgainsing a trip to Amsterdam and just happneded to 'pick' that day to get it all booked up. In reality he just didnt want to go but needed an excuse so as not to offend me.
He has had enough of the total dross. Ive only been to three games myself this season but my lad could easily be one of the lost ones who wont ever return. In his time has has probably attended 200 games from a very young age.
I dont blame him. I will return but Im not sure he will
Hmmm. If I was a 19 year-old booking a trip to Amsterdam with my mates I'd be telling my dad that it was because I wanted to avoid going to the Villa...I'll bet he loved the Anne Frank museum too...
-
Are these the net or gross figures?
Given that Spurzzzzzz are -£11.5M they must be net. That must be skewed drastically by the Bale sale.
-
If you look at our net spend under Lambert, we are not in the bottom of that league.
Is that true? Can anybody supply me with the info.
I'm certainly not saying that you're wrong, just surprised that's all.
that's what I'd like to know. Just what is his net spend?
http://transferleague.co.uk
Since Lambore took over according to that site this is the spending,
Man Utd £222.0m
Man City £163.8m
Chelsea £132.4m
Arsenal £106.5m
Liverpool £100m
West Ham £69.0m
Hull £54.1m
Aston Villa £49.2m
Sunderland £45.7m
Qpr £43.8m
Southampton £43.7m
Crystal P £34.6m
Leicester £23.2m
Stoke £23.0m
West Brom £20.2m
Everton £18.2m
Newcastle £14.4m
Swansea £2.5m
Burnley £0.7m
Spurs -£11.5m
So we are 8th on the spending list, you can argue about the accuracy of them but I think it proves we are nowhere near the bottom of the net spending table. We've spent money and we've got nothing to show for it because the manager is shit. We've certainly spend enough to score a goal or two every now and again.
The figures there are interesting (assuming they are accurate).
Not the disparity between Southampton's spending and their performance. And also Newcastle not spending much at all. I guess that figure is swelled by Andy Carroll, but even so, Ashley obviously doesn't like to spend.
-
It doesn't surprise me that we're 8th in the spenders mainly because we have made no money on any player sales over the last few years.
-
If you look at our net spend under Lambert, we are not in the bottom of that league.
Is that true? Can anybody supply me with the info.
I'm certainly not saying that you're wrong, just surprised that's all.
that's what I'd like to know. Just what is his net spend?
http://transferleague.co.uk
Since Lambore took over according to that site this is the spending,
Man Utd £222.0m
Man City £163.8m
Chelsea £132.4m
Arsenal £106.5m
Liverpool £100m
West Ham £69.0m
Hull £54.1m
Aston Villa £49.2m
Sunderland £45.7m
Qpr £43.8m
Southampton £43.7m
Crystal P £34.6m
Leicester £23.2m
Stoke £23.0m
West Brom £20.2m
Everton £18.2m
Newcastle £14.4m
Swansea £2.5m
Burnley £0.7m
Spurs -£11.5m
So we are 8th on the spending list, you can argue about the accuracy of them but I think it proves we are nowhere near the bottom of the net spending table. We've spent money and we've got nothing to show for it because the manager is shit. We've certainly spend enough to score a goal or two every now and again.
The figures there are interesting (assuming they are accurate).
Not the disparity between Southampton's spending and their performance. And also Newcastle not spending much at all. I guess that figure is swelled by Andy Carroll, but even so, Ashley obviously doesn't like to spend.
Cabaye and Debauchery account for £32m between them too.
-
Of all the damning statistics around the place, that one might be the damniest of them all. It gives a lie to the excuse offered by the Randy Fox, that he's working under straitened circs (by the way, if it's not his fault, doesn't that mean they admit it's their fault and that they're doing nothing about it?). The club is quite the omnishambles atm.
-
We need the gross figures really for just money spent.
-
Regardless of figures - gross or net - we all agree on one thing. This team is way short of what it should be, and the manager is clueless. We don't need numbers to tell us that.
-
We're in danger of losing a whole generation of young fans. For a child living in West Mids, just what choice have they got? No wonder they choose the likes of Man City, Chelsea etc.
'Twas always thus.
We had more Liverpool fans in our year at school than Albion,probably on a par with Blues, us slightly ahead.
-
We need the gross figures really for just money spent.
It's gross for us so Lambert has not only spent £50m in the last two and a half years, he has failed to generate any revenue from the assets, whether it is buying them then loaning them out because they're not good enough, putting them in bomb squads or failing to develop them sufficiently to make them attractive to other clubs. Just a woeful record.
-
We need the gross figures really for just money spent.
Not really because the argument is always that Lerner has tightenedf the purse strings to the point where's it's suffocated the managers attempts to get us out of trouble but that shows nearly 50m over 3 years has been invested into the squad which is a decent level of investment from someone who has 'clearly lost all interest and is just operating us on a shoestring', that's why I find the funds argument so annoying. What he got wrong was that he spread the money too thin in the 2nd summer. We could see what we needed, a central defender, a midfielder to offer something in attack and upgraded fullbacks, that's 4 players. We spent £18.5m that summer according to that site on 7 players, so instead of averaging £4-5m per signing we averaged £2-3m. 4 of those players have spent this season out on loan because they're not good enough and only 1 has been a regular. That's just wasted money.
-
Email update: no acknowledgement or reply.
-
Has anyone had a reply?
-
Has anyone had a reply?
Don't be silly
-
They are probably reading them and chuckling between themselves. We all know how much fun Randy is having...
-
Has anyone had a reply?
No reply as yet. Damn my false narrative!!
-
No ones getting a reply. Let's be real. It'll be like your first day back from holiday. Hold shift and delete the lot. What email?
-
I take it everyone has requested read receipts, yes?
-
No ones getting a reply. Let's be real. It'll be like your first day back from holiday. Hold shift and delete the lot. What email?
Gmail filter ...
if (message CONTAINS "beloved" OR message CONTAINS "sleepwalking" OR message CONTAINS "want our Villa back" OR sender = "Mark West")
{
DELETE message
}
if (sender = "WestleyAV")
{
PRINT message
FRAME message
}
-
Why would they bother, honestly? Sending a grovelling email reply isn't going to really make any difference whether people buy tickets to the next match or a season ticket next season. I get that it's about registering your displeasure, but isn't that best done by booing after the end of the match after another loss? Despite what some might say, we're not customers, we're supporters.
-
Whether Fox knows it or not or understands it or not he, Lambert and Lerner have passed a tipping point. I consider my sons and I to be pretty typical diehard Villa supporters. We have begun to stay away from games despite being season ticket holders. We will be at Dulwich Hamlet this afternoon. The choice is starkly simple, he stays we go.
-
I honestly believe they are not interested in the fans views in any way whatsoever. The same applies to most other clubs. We are not even a minor irritant. Which makes me surprised that Mr Fox has agreed to attend the AVST meeting at the end of this month. He has probably been ordered to do so by the club owner. When Steve Morgan decided to 'interact' with the fans at the Molineux he came very close to being attacked a couple of years ago, so to a point I don't blame them.
Mr Fox may or may not have read a selection of sent mails but the only answer he can give if he replies is something like "We are totally committed to achieving success for this great club blah blah" What he is not going to do is suggest they may replace the manager.
Nothing will change I'm afraid. Unless the club owner starts to panic that is and it appears he is not that type of person.
-
The club will never be too concerned about a fractured, squabbling, apathetic fan base. A united and determined fan base would be something entirely different.
-
Whether Fox knows it or not or understands it or not he, Lambert and Lerner have passed a tipping point. I consider my sons and I to be pretty typical diehard Villa supporters. We have begun to stay away from games despite being season ticket holders. We will be at Dulwich Hamlet this afternoon. The choice is starkly simple, he stays we go.
I made the same decission at the start of the season after having a ST for over 20 years. He goes I return.
-
Whether Fox knows it or not or understands it or not he, Lambert and Lerner have passed a tipping point. I consider my sons and I to be pretty typical diehard Villa supporters. We have begun to stay away from games despite being season ticket holders. We will be at Dulwich Hamlet this afternoon. The choice is starkly simple, he stays we go.
I made the same decission at the start of the season after having a ST for over 20 years. He goes I return.
Are you talking about Fox here?
-
I'm contemplating not going today. First time I've ever had such thoughts.
-
Lerner doesn't respect the fans one bit.
-
No ones getting a reply. Let's be real. It'll be like your first day back from holiday. Hold shift and delete the lot. What email?
Gmail filter ...
if (message CONTAINS "beloved" OR message CONTAINS "sleepwalking" OR message CONTAINS "want our Villa back" OR sender = "Mark West")
{
DELETE message
}
if (sender = "WestleyAV")
{
PRINT message
FRAME message
}
That made me laugh....a lot.
-
No ones getting a reply. Let's be real. It'll be like your first day back from holiday. Hold shift and delete the lot. What email?
Gmail filter ...
if (message CONTAINS "beloved" OR message CONTAINS "sleepwalking" OR message CONTAINS "want our Villa back" OR sender = "Mark West")
{
DELETE message
}
if (sender = "WestleyAV")
{
PRINT message
FRAME message
}
I was thinking that this morning, someone should send one saying that they understand what they're trying to do and are fully behind Mr Fox and Mr Lambert and see if they get a reply.
-
Lerner doesn't respect the fans one bit.
I think he does. He's just doing what he think's is right, even if it's wrong. (not sacking Lambert that is).
-
Lerner doesn't respect the fans one bit.
I think he does. He's just doing what he think's is right, even if it's wrong. (not sacking Lambert that is).
5 years of decline suggests otherwise.
-
Lerner doesn't respect the fans one bit.
I think he does. He's just doing what he think's is right, even if it's wrong. (not sacking Lambert that is).
5 years of decline suggests otherwise.
Not really.
I mean, 5 years of decline could suggest pure incompetence, and it probably does, but it doesn't necessarily have to be down to lack of respect (which is an absurdly over the top way of putting it, to be frank).
-
Lerner doesn't respect the fans one bit.
I think he does. He's just doing what he think's is right, even if it's wrong. (not sacking Lambert that is).
5 years of decline suggests otherwise.
Not really.
I mean, 5 years of decline could suggest pure incompetence, and it probably does, but it doesn't necessarily have to be down to lack of respect (which is an absurdly over the top way of putting it, to be frank).
Of course it's open to interpretation. You think it's down to incompetence, I think it's down to that plus downright spitefulness and a lack of respect. He talks about being a custodian of the club yet through his lack of interest in the club (how many games has he been to in the last few seasons compared to the early days) we have found ourselves down with the deadbeats for the 5th consecutive season. Something I've never seen in my lifetime, so how does that sit with his idea of being a "custodian"?
He pulled the plug on Villa 5 seasons ago and since then we've sold most of our best players and replaced them with cheap inferior ones. That is the crux of the problem at Villa and the blame lies 100% with Randy Lerner. And then we're expected to believe he "respects" us?
If he he really respects us he'd have built a squad worthy of Aston Villa, but that takes money. Something he's not willing to put into the club anymore, and hasn't done for a very long time.
-
Individually I don't think the players are that bad. We have the nucleus of a good team- Okore, Clark, Delph, Sanchez, Gil, Benteke and Guzan - all pretty decent players. The problem is Lambert. I supported him up until that really shit run of games we had earlier in the season after our good start. I like him as a bloke and really would love to see him turn it around, but I just don't think he has what it takes to manage at anything other than our current level. It's a shame for him and us, but he won't resign or be sacked. A few good wins might see us turn the corner admittedly, but I've stopped believing it can or will happen in all honesty. Only an FA cup win and a significant improvement in results and entertainment would make me not want lambert replaced at the end of this season.
-
The lack of interest and taking his role seriously and not every so often updating the fans on what the plan is , perhaps the odd apology, the Mcleish appointment just underlines the lack of respect and contempt he holds for the average fan.
-
The McLeish appointment was just misguided madness of the highest order, but I don't think it necessarily demonstrated contempt or a lack of respect for the fans- just clueless stupidity. It was never going to end in anything other than failure and disappointment.
-
I genuinely don't think Lerner cares one way or the other about the fans, but I wouldn't say he was spiteful. He's certainly incompetent - at both Villa and the Browns - and he's very probably quite mad, but I doubt very much he's doing all this to spite us.
-
You know what Jimbo, I think that's it. He's just a little bit out of his mind.
-
Well, it does seem that way.
-
It would appear Randy is not out of his mind as he most certainly isn't involved with the club, he leaves that responsibility 100% to Tom Fox.
In Randy's own words a few days ago (to FEAR):
"I've centralized the business around Tom Fox and his growing staff/group based on his experience and that he lives Villa every day in a way that I've not been able to do- personally or professionally- for some time. Not a day (hour) goes by that every angle is thought through- that I can assure you."
I would hope that "every angle" includes sacking the manager and finding the best replacement.
E-mailing Tom Fox would seem to be the best and most direct way of contacting the decision maker. There's only one person keeping Lambert in his job and it's Tom Fox.
-
"Not a day (hour) goes by that every angle is thought through- that I can assure you."
Erm...
-
"Not a day (hour) goes by that every angle is thought through- that I can assure you."
Erm...
*Sarcastic face coupled with chin stroke*
-
"Not a day (hour) goes by that every angle is thought through- that I can assure you."
Erm...
You said you want honesty, Jimbo.
-
[pseudscorner] My analysis from the most pretentious and part of my brain is that Randy Lerner has a) Read Atlas Shrugged and b) Actually taken it seriously. He's deliberately running the club into the ground like Francisco d'Anconia and his copper mines for some ill conceived greater good. [/pseudscorner]
-
[pseudscorner] My analysis from the most pretentious and part of my brain is that Randy Lerner has a) Read Atlas Shrugged and b) Actually taken it seriously. He's deliberately running the club into the ground like Francisco d'Anconia and his copper mines for some ill conceived greater good. [/pseudscorner]
Randroid Lerner.
-
[pseudscorner] My analysis from the most pretentious and part of my brain is that Randy Lerner has a) Read Atlas Shrugged and b) Actually taken it seriously. He's deliberately running the club into the ground like Francisco d'Anconia and his copper mines for some ill conceived greater good. [/pseudscorner]
Randroid Lerner.
Randy is Atlas in this particular case. Whatever he does, more weight comes to bear.
Randy Shrugged.
-
Ay up the cavalry is back in town......
Tom,
I am sorry to say that we need urgent, decisive action now.. We have 12 points since Sept 1st (21 league games) and will go down without the manager being changed..
Already by leaving it till now, you are making it hard for a new man but we are only in the bottom 3 on GD (worst in Division) and there are still 39 points to play for so still time.
Imperative it's done now though as the games in April look very tough indeed.
Without this action we simply won't get the wins now necessary. We have to face the reality of that as the facts present themselves under Lambert:
1. 25 wins in 101
2. 33 points from last 40 games
3. 2 wins in 21 games (12 points)
4. 0 wins in 10 games (3 points)
5. 12 goals scored in 25 league games
6. Recent games in this 10 game winless run includes versus direct relegation rivals, WBA, Sunderland, Palace, Leicester and Hull.. Just 2 points gained and zero goals scored.
What is abundantly clear is that this a consistently very poor reign but most disturbingly it is getting worse not better, the longer it is allowed to continue which will only lead to relegation..
We probably need at least 15 points from remaining 13 games which the squad is more than capable of but not with this manager in charge..
We all saw the new TV deal monetary figures yesterday.. Relegation would be a disaster on so many levels and we'd be far from guaranteed of bouncing back..
I am sure you don't want to be associated with such abject failure and be the CEO that took Villa out of the Premier league when the club has been ever present since its inception in 1992? However that's exactly what will happen unless you accept that the manager in situ simply can't deliver on his job description IE win football matches. Your relationship with supporters is now in serious danger of disintegration before it's even really started if you continue to ignore what is happening in front of you.
I know you have made the 'false narrative to blame the manager' and 'changing managers would be like flipping a coin' statements in recent weeks but you have to forget that now.. This is a full blown crisis that will blow any long term plans you have out of the water. At least 'flipping a coin' will give us a fighting chance of staying up.. We won't without doing it.
To emphasise how important the manager is at a football club you only have to look at the country's biggest club.. Manchester United are filled with top people.. Coaches, analysts, huge support network but look at how even they have struggled since Ferguson left.. The manager is the undoubted key position and for far too long we have had the wrong man in that position.
There is a good squad there.. There are managers out there that can get the results needed.. Laudrup, Garcia, Sherwood, Hoddle, Rosler, Garde, Schuster, Rangnick, Kluviert, De Boer, Southgate, Billic, Klinsmann
Some may say some are more realistic than others on that list but you are aiming high off the pitch as we see with the excellent COO appointment so surely it's time to aim high on the pitch and that has to start with the football manager. I am sure there are others that haven't even been mentioned.
The alternative is we appoint a short term motivator like Redknapp to keep us up and then look at appointing Howe, Karanka or Tuchel or one of the others on the above list in the Summer..
The squad is now so down, so demotivated, so demoralised that without this outlined action relegation will be upon us before we know it. Simply adding a number two won't be enough. The presence of Culverhouse and Keane certainly didn't make much difference.
We are in yours and Randy Lerner's hands.. You are the only two that can attempt to save us.. You both owe the fans and this famous old club at least a fighting chance of staying up so please don't ignore this and do what is needed today as literally there is no time left to waste.
We can then at least be unified and fight this huge battle together rather than fighting each other..
Sincerely,
Howard JP Hodgson
Read more: http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7518182#ixzz3RRZXXUFq
-
It would appear Randy is not out of his mind as he most certainly isn't involved with the club, he leaves that responsibility 100% to Tom Fox.
In Randy's own words a few days ago (to FEAR):
"he lives Villa every day in a way that I've not been able to do- personally or professionally- for some time."
Cheers Mr custodian. We figured that out for ourselves.
-
It shouldn't require a squeak of protest from a Villa fan -
the points tally speaks for itself;
the performances speak for themselves;
the league position speaks for itself;
the goal difference speaks for itself;
the potential loss of TV money speaks for itself;
This isn't an emotional or subjective decision to make, it's a logical, business decision.
The only possible reasons for keeping Lambert are if we really couldn't get anyone better; and/or if Fox/Lerner have some reasonable expectation that results are going to substantially improve. Either of which is hard to believe in the current circumstances.
-
Dear Tom,
Next season, how much will you charge for a category AA game? (Nottinghamshire Forest etc)
-
I have been down Villa Park today. I was expecting to see a few people in the car park anxiously discussing this awful situation we find ourselves in, perhaps even a small TV crew hoping for an exclusive. This is what I saw. Nothing. Not a single person in the club shop. Nobody in the ticket office and apart from a couple of Asian ladies who had been to Tesco's nobody around the surrounds of the ground.
I know its freezing cold but,I don't know, perhaps people are not that interested any more.
-
I have been down Villa Park today. I was expecting to see a few people in the car park anxiously discussing this awful situation we find ourselves in, perhaps even a small TV crew hoping for an exclusive. This is what I saw. Nothing. Not a single person in the club shop. Nobody in the ticket office and apart from a couple of Asian ladies who had been to Tesco's nobody around the surrounds of the ground.
I know its freezing cold but,I don't know, perhaps people are not that interested any more.
There never is anyone around, unless there's a conference or a property auction.
-
Ay up the cavalry is back in town......
Tom,
I am sorry to say that we need urgent, decisive action now.. We have 12 points since Sept 1st (21 league games) and will go down without the manager being changed..
Already by leaving it till now, you are making it hard for a new man but we are only in the bottom 3 on GD (worst in Division) and there are still 39 points to play for so still time.
Imperative it's done now though as the games in April look very tough indeed.
Without this action we simply won't get the wins now necessary. We have to face the reality of that as the facts present themselves under Lambert:
1. 25 wins in 101
2. 33 points from last 40 games
3. 2 wins in 21 games (12 points)
4. 0 wins in 10 games (3 points)
5. 12 goals scored in 25 league games
6. Recent games in this 10 game winless run includes versus direct relegation rivals, WBA, Sunderland, Palace, Leicester and Hull.. Just 2 points gained and zero goals scored.
What is abundantly clear is that this a consistently very poor reign but most disturbingly it is getting worse not better, the longer it is allowed to continue which will only lead to relegation..
We probably need at least 15 points from remaining 13 games which the squad is more than capable of but not with this manager in charge..
We all saw the new TV deal monetary figures yesterday.. Relegation would be a disaster on so many levels and we'd be far from guaranteed of bouncing back..
I am sure you don't want to be associated with such abject failure and be the CEO that took Villa out of the Premier league when the club has been ever present since its inception in 1992? However that's exactly what will happen unless you accept that the manager in situ simply can't deliver on his job description IE win football matches. Your relationship with supporters is now in serious danger of disintegration before it's even really started if you continue to ignore what is happening in front of you.
I know you have made the 'false narrative to blame the manager' and 'changing managers would be like flipping a coin' statements in recent weeks but you have to forget that now.. This is a full blown crisis that will blow any long term plans you have out of the water. At least 'flipping a coin' will give us a fighting chance of staying up.. We won't without doing it.
To emphasise how important the manager is at a football club you only have to look at the country's biggest club.. Manchester United are filled with top people.. Coaches, analysts, huge support network but look at how even they have struggled since Ferguson left.. The manager is the undoubted key position and for far too long we have had the wrong man in that position.
There is a good squad there.. There are managers out there that can get the results needed.. Laudrup, Garcia, Sherwood, Hoddle, Rosler, Garde, Schuster, Rangnick, Kluviert, De Boer, Southgate, Billic, Klinsmann
Some may say some are more realistic than others on that list but you are aiming high off the pitch as we see with the excellent COO appointment so surely it's time to aim high on the pitch and that has to start with the football manager. I am sure there are others that haven't even been mentioned.
The alternative is we appoint a short term motivator like Redknapp to keep us up and then look at appointing Howe, Karanka or Tuchel or one of the others on the above list in the Summer..
The squad is now so down, so demotivated, so demoralised that without this outlined action relegation will be upon us before we know it. Simply adding a number two won't be enough. The presence of Culverhouse and Keane certainly didn't make much difference.
We are in yours and Randy Lerner's hands.. You are the only two that can attempt to save us.. You both owe the fans and this famous old club at least a fighting chance of staying up so please don't ignore this and do what is needed today as literally there is no time left to waste.
We can then at least be unified and fight this huge battle together rather than fighting each other..
Sincerely,
Howard JP Hodgson
Read more: http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7518182#ixzz3RRZXXUFq
I'd love it if Foxy just replied with "tl;dr".
-
Do the intended recipients of open letters ever read them I wonder?
Dear Important Person,
You have no idea who I am but I know a thing or two about a thing or two.
*continues in the same vein for at least 14 paragraphs*
-
I have been down Villa Park today. I was expecting to see a few people in the car park anxiously discussing this awful situation we find ourselves in, perhaps even a small TV crew hoping for an exclusive. This is what I saw. Nothing. Not a single person in the club shop. Nobody in the ticket office and apart from a couple of Asian ladies who had been to Tesco's nobody around the surrounds of the ground.
I know its freezing cold but,I don't know, perhaps people are not that interested any more.
There never is anyone around, unless there's a conference or a property auction.
Villa Park is a place you go to not a place you pass through (unless you are David Unsworth). It ain't city centre like St James Park
-
I have been down Villa Park today. I was expecting to see a few people in the car park anxiously discussing this awful situation we find ourselves in, perhaps even a small TV crew hoping for an exclusive. This is what I saw. Nothing. Not a single person in the club shop. Nobody in the ticket office and apart from a couple of Asian ladies who had been to Tesco's nobody around the surrounds of the ground.
I know its freezing cold but,I don't know, perhaps people are not that interested any more.
There never is anyone around, unless there's a conference or a property auction.
Villa Park is a place you go to not a place you pass through (unless you are David Unsworth). It ain't city centre like St James Park
As one contributor pithily remarked to an SSN news reporter outside WestHam once who was wondering why no one was at the doors of the club demanding answers " we're all at work mate"
-
I write about the situation to Tom after every match - I am polite but sometimes ironic, never sarcastic or rude - it makes me strangely calm and takes away the dark thoughts.
Unfortunately I am on holiday for the AVST AGM otherwise would be there - I did comment to my wife that I could get back to the cottage by about 11:30 but she just looked at me - in "that" way...
-
Well done and big respect to all that sent young Tom an email.
-
Is it safe to say this worked then?
I sent one, but mine was fucking shit. Nowhere near as well written as some of the ones posted in the thread. Just basically said it's not good enough, Lambert is dragging our name and reputation through the gutter.
-
Well done and big respect to all that sent young Tom an email.
You are welcome. Not sure how me sending him offers for discount Viagra really helped but I am happy to take some credit. He never responded btw and I really need to shift this gear to some punters. Bastard.
-
Well done and big respect to all that sent young Tom an email.
Yes because the growing pile of unread e-mails in his junk folder will definitely be what swung it, not the abysmal league form and total lack of goals and creativity.
-
Well done and big respect to all that sent young Tom an email.
Yes because the growing pile of unread e-mails in his junk folder will definitely be what swung it, not the abysmal league form and total lack of goals and creativity.
"Now that's dealt with, I'd better check my emails. Not had a chance to look for a few days."
-
Well done and big respect to all that sent young Tom an email.
Yes because the growing pile of unread e-mails in his junk folder will definitely be what swung it, not the abysmal league form and total lack of goals and creativity.
"Now that's dealt with, I'd better check my emails. Not had a chance to look for a few days."
Ha! You may well be right, Joe but right now I'm just delighted we're free of the Clueless One. We'll soon find out if Fox hasn't been reading his emails as he's been too busy doing his homework on potential new managers. Everything crossed.
-
His spam box must be welling over
-
Dear Tom
Not Tim
Thank you
-
Dear Tom
Not Tim
Thank you
What have I done to you?
-
Dear Tom
Not Tim
Thank you
What have I done to you?
That you still have bert in your name I believe might be part of the problem
-
Dear Tom
Not Tim
Thank you
What have I done to you?
That you still have bert in your name I believe might be part of the problem
And an out, goshdarnit.
-
Dear Tom
Not Tim
Thank you
[/
What have I done to you?
It's not you Tim, it's me. I've changed.