Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: kieron on October 26, 2015, 06:32:48 PM
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I acknowledge there are bigger issues to discuss and talk about at the moment, but I’m wondering if any of you can assist me.
As it’s half term, my two young lads keep badgering me to take them to Bodymoor so they can “meet the players”, “get their autographs” and “see them train”.
Having never been, what can you tell me about the place? Is what they’re asking of me even allowed? What is the general protocol?
Any knowledge sharing appreciated.
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We did the tour of VP a while ago and the guy was saying Bodymoor is like Fort Knox now.
The days of watching them train are long gone. You can wait by the gates and players will generally stop for photos and autographs but I think that's your lot.
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They do an "open" training day at VP (Easter maybe) don't they?
Best check the tickets/events section of the official site.
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Perhaps due to spying / filming from mobile phones and social networking.
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hahahahahahahaha who'd want to spy on Villa training lol
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That made me laugh. HD videos of our set-piece training and corners on YouTube. Hahahahah!
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We did the tour of VP a while ago and the guy was saying Bodymoor is like Fort Knox now.
The days of watching them train are long gone. You can wait by the gates and players will generally stop for photos and autographs but I think that's your lot.
Cheers, CT.
Would anyone be aware of the days they do actually train, and what sort of time they arrive?
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I understand that they trained once under Gerard Houllier and didn't much like it.
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I understand that they trained once under Gerard Houllier and didn't much like it.
Very good SE very good
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I go there regularly on a Sunday to watch Cam play for the U14s. No chance of going anywhere else further than the lower/middle playing-fields. Fort Knox is an understatement.
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I understand that they trained once under Gerard Houllier and didn't much like it.
Ashley Westwood's corners don't just happen you know! Stuff like that takes years of careful nurturing at Bodymoor.
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I go there regularly on a Sunday to watch Cam play for the U14s. No chance of going anywhere else further than the lower/middle playing-fields. Fort Knox is an understatement.
Cheers.
Should I let my lads down gently, then? Sounds as though there's little point making the trip...
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You could still watch them train in the early days of MON but since it got redeveloped they now train on pitches far away from public view and you'll probably get the youth team instead.
Haven't been in years so no idea if the players still come out the main exit but most used to stop from around half 12.
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I took my kids last year as we were camping close by before a game. We got to the main building and I managed to get a photo of them outside before being chased off by a brainless security guard who treated us like terrorists despite my kids being in Villa kits. Don't bother.
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That made me laugh. HD videos of our set-piece training and corners on YouTube. Hahahahah!
featuring Ashley Westwood continually firing into the keepers arms over and over again. should make good viewing
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I've seen those videos...he actually practices against a wall so he's in position for when the ball inevitably cannons back off the first defender.
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This is probably another example of how initial good ideas and intentions have now been thrown out
I was lucky enough along with my 2 kids to be selected for the first organised tour of the training ground a few seasons back (when Houllier was in charge) February half term I think
memories from my 2 that they still talk about
Shame the club don't do things like this anymore
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Lambert initiated the lock-down.
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I concurr with all the other guys, Bodymoor Heath is a no-go area for supporters now.
I remember watching Saunders team train, even up to MON but you can't get near the players now, they train nowhere near the public so it'll be a wasted journey I'm afraid and you'll just be disappointed, just like everything with Villa at the moment!
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I went up last summer and the situation was same as always. You could go on the car park near the entrance and folks just wait there for the players to leave training between 12 and 2pm. Always ring the club first to make sure they're actually training though
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Carry straight on past and go to Drayton Manor - May see something of interest there!
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Thanks for everyone's help.
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Carry straight on past and go to Drayton Manor - May see something of interest there!
Absolutely. Can't beat having a go on the Troublesome Trucks or the Ben 10 ride :-)
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Carry straight on past and go to Drayton Manor - May see something of interest there!
Absolutely. Can't beat having a go on the Troublesome Trucks or the Ben 10 ride :-)
Even better, go to Kingsbury Water Park if the weather's not too bad. Lovely place, lots to do, and won't cost you an arm and a leg.
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I know a cracking owl sanctuary.