Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Loxton01 on February 15, 2016, 02:14:59 PM
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So after yesterday walking back to my car I was simply stunned by what I saw on that pitch yesterday. The board have to play their part but the pitiful excuse of the starting 11 yesterday and the effort they put in was horrific.
As fans we have stuck by the team this season and what have we got back ----- we've got the bird - whether it be by Grealish getting pissed, Lescott and his twitter tricks, Guzan and his spitting gum contest. They don't care so why should we keep going in our thousands and simply accept it.
Liverpool led the way with the 77th minute protest and we need to make the same statement that we simply wont accept what we are being served. I can forgive a lack of quality but I cant forgive basic errors and a lack of effort.
By the last game we will be down and down for somewhile. So its the ideal game to mark Proud History Bright Future by not going to the game and at least making a stand. If people don't like that idea - then we need a specific minute to leave or all where black and have banners everywhere saying Proud History - Grim/Dark/Ruined Future. As fans we have to do something.
People who paid for season tickets like me - whats one half of football its bad enough as it is. At least then perhaps finally the board might realise we are going to wake up from the apathy and stop just taking it.
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You would need to organise an event to take place at the same time as the match, for people to attend instead. Otherwise it will just look like "rubbish attendance" rather than "boycott." A protest meeting or a mock funeral for the Club. Getting people to attend would be the rub.
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a mock funeral for the Club.
That's without doubt the most ridiculous suggestion I've ever read on this forum.
We are not Newcastle United.
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Your problem is human nature is against you.
People can be asked, told, cajoled into going to something, trying to get them not to go to something is far more difficult.
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a mock funeral for the Club.
That's without doubt the most ridiculous suggestion I've ever read on this forum.
Blimey! You can't have read this forum that much then! Have you seen some of the signing/managerial suggestions over the years?
It was meant more as a "for example" than a "this is a really brilliant idea."
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The idea of a boycott is a good one. All it would need is for Villa fans to stay away, and pictures of a (virtually) empty stadium will resonate. There's no need for any sort of "event".
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Its interesting , Liverpool supporters never let up on Hicks & Gillette and likewise made sure their ire was known about the ticket prices. Perhaps we don't care enough.
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a mock funeral for the Club.
That's without doubt the most ridiculous suggestion I've ever read on this forum.
We are not Newcastle United.
Got to agree. It's a horrible idea.
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By the last game we will be down and down for somewhile. So its the ideal game to mark Proud History Bright Future by not going to the game and at least making a stand. If people don't like that idea - then we need a specific minute to leave or all where black and have banners everywhere saying Proud History - Grim/Dark/Ruined Future. As fans we have to do something.
As the Communist Bloc was imploding, one of the memorable symbolic acts was how the people of Romania waved the country's flag but with the Party insignia cut out from the middle.
Maybe that's the protest: hold aloft the Proud History scarves, but with gaping holes where the Bright Future once was.
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If the AVST and other groups got together and got the message out I genuinely believe fans would listen. Ok not everyone but if circa only 5-10K went to the last game of the season that would get publicity.
AVST could put out press releases leading up to the game stating the request and the clear reasons why fans are boycotting. It would draw out the press and put more pressure on Fox and Hollis to answer questions such as:-
1. Will the Moneyball approach to transfers continue given the calamitous failings over the last couple of years.
2. Other than Tim Sherwood will any other members of the board/senior exec team lose their jobs as a result of relegation this season. Why is the Managing Director remaining in post despite the failings of the club on the pitch.
3. Please confirm the strategy behind giving 5 year contracts to players who have performed at best averagely over the seasons before.
4. Please confirm the strategy behind freezing out Alan Hutton then giving him a new 4 year deal only 3 games after his return to the team.
5. Confirm why Phillipe Senderos was not given a squad number this season so effectively leading him to being paid weekly but not even being able to represent the club.
6. Charles NZogbia earns a reported 63K a week why is he not being made to have a better attitude - why is he not fined for his reported bad attitude.
7. Why is Gary Gardner given a new contract on a regular basis but never given a chance in the first team - despite the poor performances by others.
ETC ETC
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I think a full boycott of the final game is doomed to failure.
I would suggest walking out before the "lap of appreciation" (I have done the last two seasons because, well, frankly I haven't appreciated the efforts of the team). For this to happen it would require such an event to happen - I doubt it would after relegation, and even if it did its impact would be minimal.
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Appreciation my arse
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It's meant for the players to show their appreciation for us. Which could be interesting this season.
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The last match being Newcastle at home will more than likely be our last home game in the premiership for how long we just do not know, by staying away will indeed just look like bad attendance , The AVFC police stewards will remove banners from us on the way in make no doubt , also remember there are thousands of fans who do not read any kind of forum so trying to organise anything only generates interest on each fan forum. We should turn up in our thousands, not to support the team, the board , management but to support Aston Villa. As the teams are about to enter we should all turn our backs and it could only take the upper Holte to start chanting ' Turn round if you love Villa ', to hopefully get the rest to follow. We should have a party atmosphere that day because they will not silence us and I would rather have commentators saying how amazing we are rather than belittling us. I know it is hard because we all feel beaten but when all these players and suits have climbed in their new Mercedes and fucked off we will still be here , praising,moaning,cheering and booing but most importantly supporting Aston Villa Football Club
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It's meant for the players to show their appreciation for us. Which could be interesting this season.
Well they can shove it up their collective, appreciative arse. Along with Joleon Lescott's new car.
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When Kevin Pietersen scored a century for England in South Africa, the fans simply stood up and faced away from the pitch. I suggest we do the same. Simple, cheap, effective. Stand up. Turn your back, encourage those around you to do the same?
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I personally think we need to turn up in our numbers. I would love to see every supporter stood up whilst chanting, and twirling scarfs as per the last 5 minutes of yesterdays match for the 90 minutes of every game.
This represents that our board may have given up, us supporters will never let our club die and remain proud.
I think that sends out a clearer message.
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The last match being Newcastle at home will more than likely be our last home game in the premiership for how long we just do not know, by staying away will indeed just look like bad attendance , The AVFC police stewards will remove banners from us on the way in make no doubt , also remember there are thousands of fans who do not read any kind of forum so trying to organise anything only generates interest on each fan forum. We should turn up in our thousands, not to support the team, the board , management but to support Aston Villa. As the teams are about to enter we should all turn our backs and it could only take the upper Holte to start chanting ' Turn round if you love Villa ', to hopefully get the rest to follow. We should have a party atmosphere that day because they will not silence us and I would rather have commentators saying how amazing we are rather than belittling us. I know it is hard because we all feel beaten but when all these players and suits have climbed in their new Mercedes and fucked off we will still be here , praising,moaning,cheering and booing but most importantly supporting Aston Villa Football Club
The 19th minute started on here and was spread using social media in less than a day. It can be done, the problem is making it effective. It may seem a success if say 5K boycott, but that would still be a high 20K at least attendance because of ST sales and away fans plus those that will turn up anyway on a match ticket, so it would just look like a shit attendance unless the majority stay away.
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I fully understand the depth of feeling of supporters as to the management of our club, especially after yesterday. I empathise; I really do but, as long as there's breath in my body I will get to Villa Park as often as I can come hell or highwater no matter what shit is being served up. Why? because I'm a Villa fan, always have been, always will be and because I've seen it all before.
I've just had a conversation with my daughter and she asked me how many times has the Villa been relegated? I replied that they have been demoted counting this coming time, six. I've seen five of them. This is my club, I won't turn my back on them now.
I know I'm open to critisism after saying this because of where I live but, I promise you this: If I were still to be at home, come 2:40pm on a Saturday I'd be there.
Those people who think that their absence will make a difference I say to them, follow your heart, I'll follow mine. Up the Villa!
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I fully understand the depth of feeling of supporters as to the management of our club, especially after yesterday. I empathise; I really do but, as long as there's breath in my body I will get to Villa Park as often as I can come hell or highwater no matter what shit is being served up. Why? because I'm a Villa fan, always have been, always will be and because I've seen it all before.
I've just had a conversation with my daughter and she asked me how many times has the Villa been relegated? I replied that they have been demoted counting this coming time, six. I've seen five of them. This is my club, I won't turn my back on them now.
I know I'm open to critisism after saying this because of where I live but, I promise you this: If I were still to be at home, come 2:40pm on a Saturday I'd be there.
Those people who think that their absence will make a difference I say to them, follow your heart, I'll follow mine. Up the Villa!
completely agree mate.
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I fully understand the depth of feeling of supporters as to the management of our club, especially after yesterday. I empathise; I really do but, as long as there's breath in my body I will get to Villa Park as often as I can come hell or highwater no matter what shit is being served up. Why? because I'm a Villa fan, always have been, always will be and because I've seen it all before.
I've just had a conversation with my daughter and she asked me how many times has the Villa been relegated? I replied that they have been demoted counting this coming time, six. I've seen five of them. This is my club, I won't turn my back on them now.
I know I'm open to critisism after saying this because of where I live but, I promise you this: If I were still to be at home, come 2:40pm on a Saturday I'd be there.
Those people who think that their absence will make a difference I say to them, follow your heart, I'll follow mine. Up the Villa!
I'm of the same mind dave, sadly I will not be at the final game due to my wife organising a much needed holiday for that week, but I would of been there and I will certainly make the remaining home games with the odd away games in there too....
Up the Villa
the Doc
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Why not walk out in the 82nd min(82 meaning the year we won the European cup not that you needed telling ) after a full match of silence in protest
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If we play like we did yesterday - against anyone - there'll be a walk out before the hour mark at every game.
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What is the purpose of any of this? They know we are pissed off; they know we are going to mistrust anything they say; they know until we see concrete action in the transfer market the only response will be "don't tell me, show me".
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Brilliant, Let's walk out on the minute which coresponds to the amount of points we have. So now we have 16 so if it stays this way walk out on the 16th etc
I wouldn't put it past the club to ban everyone though
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What is the purpose of any of this? They know we are pissed off; they know we are going to mistrust anything they say; they know until we see concrete action in the transfer market the only response will be "don't tell me, show me".
Exactly. What are you hoping to achieve? Lerner already wants to sell the club and I suspect everyone involved with the club understands the fans are a touch dissapointed that we're being relegated.
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I personally think we need to turn up in our numbers. I would love to see every supporter stood up whilst chanting, and twirling scarfs as per the last 5 minutes of yesterdays match for the 90 minutes of every game.
This represents that our board may have given up, us supporters will never let our club die and remain proud.
I think that sends out a clearer message.
what were they singing?
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The thing about protesting at any time on a match day is that ultimately it is a complete waste of time. The realism is that as supporters we are powerless and with all respect to those who have posted suggestions to expect any fundamental change is bordering on delusional. The owner and executive team are as detached from the supporters as the players are.
I will continue to support my club, as many of you have done,through good and bad times as ultimately my unwavering adoration of the greatest team in the world can only act as an embarrassment to those who involvement is,at best, transient.
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Average attendances in the mid 20's or lower will be a wake up call.
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I personally think we need to turn up in our numbers. I would love to see every supporter stood up whilst chanting, and twirling scarfs as per the last 5 minutes of yesterdays match for the 90 minutes of every game.
This represents that our board may have given up, us supporters will never let our club die and remain proud.
I think that sends out a clearer message.
what were they singing?
Mainly Villa boys making all the noise. Together with a lot of seat banging. It was great and made you proud of being a Villa fan. I for one believe that the last 12 games should be a carnival of noise and scarf waving. Lets go down with a bang and entice that multi-billionaire in waiting that Villa is the club to back...
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Average attendances in the mid 20's or lower will be a wake up call.
No it won't, it'll be further justification for downsizing, and used by the media to call Villa fans fickle.
A successful protest doesn't need a realistic and achievable aim, it just needs to show how pissed off you are with something. But there will be no successful protests because, as this thread demonstrates, there is no unity between Villa fans when the team isn't winning.
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I've said for a number of years that Villa fans will never do anything drastic to try to change things. If anybody on here thinks that we should just keeping turning up and cheer the team on, nothing will ever be achieved as any members of the hierarchy, who are at the ground, will know for sure that, no matter what shit they serve up for us, we will always keep going. To boycott just the last match of season is far too little too late. However, I'm sure someone will come up with an idea that suits the majority and, will put some sort of message across.
I've suggested in the past that, when the players come out, none of us should stand and clap, instead no noise from us at all would, in my opinion, give out some message. Even, say, don't cheer or say anything out loud for the first ten minutes, that would get the players and Directors wondering what the hell is going on.
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This is getting a bit monotonous , someone suggests a demonstration of some sort and then everybody else comes up with thier own idea. The result, nothing happens just more apathy.if you can not even get agreement on one thread on one forum you have absoloutely no chance of getting anything to happen across the wider fan base.
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I've said for a number of years that Villa fans will never do anything drastic to try to change things. If anybody on here thinks that we should just keeping turning up and cheer the team on, nothing will ever be achieved as any members of the hierarchy, who are at the ground, will know for sure that, no matter what shit they serve up for us, we will always keep going. To boycott just the last match of season is far too little too late. However, I'm sure someone will come up with an idea that suits the majority and, will put some sort of message across.
I've suggested in the past that, when the players come out, none of us should stand and clap, instead no noise from us at all would, in my opinion, give out some message. Even, say, don't cheer or say anything out loud for the first ten minutes, that would get the players and Directors wondering what the hell is going on.
What fucking message do you want to give? That they are shit? That we are dissapointed? They know that FFS.
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Needs to be made personal directly at Lerner. 30,000 people wearing lerner masks and dressed as buffoons would be more embarrassing. Need him to start hating us
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It doesn't matter what you do as the management obviously don't care. The supporters are an irrelevance.
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The fans that have successfully got rid of owners, targeted the owner personally and intentionally. Not turning up or protests rarely work as if doesn't affect them personally. Being thousands of miles away kind of rules out turning up on his doorstep and anyway, these people tend to thrive on conflict. Ridicule though, is something they rarely can deal with.
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Yes ChrisW,
I do want them to get the message. At least I'm not one that stands up, gives them a standing ovation and, after 10 minutes start booing them as, I would never do that. Each to their own I guess. So, if you wish to keep giving a standing ovation to players who don't give a shit for you, me and our club, please feel free. We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one.
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But the question is, what do you hope to achieve from a protest?
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Serious question.
When a Liverpool fan suggests a protest on an online forum, what reaction do you think they get?
What about a protest against £77 tickets?
Waste of time, mate.
No one will walk out.
If you support the club, you'll stay and support the team.
You'll walk alone on this one.
Etc.
What about a protest against Hicks and Gillette?
Waste of time, mate.
We're stuck with them.
I'll support the team whoever owns them.
Protesting won't shift 'em.
Etc.
I know it's a quarter of century on, but do you reckon if we keep on campaigning we'll finally get a new inquest into Hillsborough..?
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The 19th minute started on here and was spread using social media in less than a day. It can be done, the problem is making it effective. It may seem a success if say 5K boycott, but that would still be a high 20K at least attendance because of ST sales and away fans plus those that will turn up anyway on a match ticket, so it would just look like a shit attendance unless the majority stay away.
I genuinely didn't know that the 19th minute applause had started here. It shows what can be achieved, you just need a popular cause and an agreed action at a set time.
So how about something that doesn't need a boycott but can be joined in with? How about on the 20th minute of our remaining home games, everyone stands up and points at the Directors Box (I assume its in the middle of the second tier of the Trinity) while chanting "we want our Villa back" for two or three minutes?
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Serious question.
When a Liverpool fan suggests a protest on an online forum, what reaction do you think they get?
What about a protest against £77 tickets?
Waste of time, mate.
No one will walk out.
If you support the club, you'll stay and support the team.
You'll walk alone on this one.
Etc.
What about a protest against Hicks and Gillette?
Waste of time, mate.
We're stuck with them.
I'll support the team whoever owns them.
Protesting won't shift 'em.
Etc.
I know it's a quarter of century on, but do you reckon if we keep on campaigning we'll finally get a new inquest into Hillsborough..?
So, what do you want to achieve? Persuade Randy to sell up? He already wants to. Tell the team they are shit? I suspect they know.
Liverpool had a tangible aim with their protests. What is our aim?
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Serious question.
When a Liverpool fan suggests a protest on an online forum, what reaction do you think they get?
What about a protest against £77 tickets?
Waste of time, mate.
No one will walk out.
If you support the club, you'll stay and support the team.
You'll walk alone on this one.
Etc.
What about a protest against Hicks and Gillette?
Waste of time, mate.
We're stuck with them.
I'll support the team whoever owns them.
Protesting won't shift 'em.
Etc.
I know it's a quarter of century on, but do you reckon if we keep on campaigning we'll finally get a new inquest into Hillsborough..?
So, what do you want to achieve? Persuade Randy to sell up? He already wants to. Tell the team they are shit? I suspect they know.
Liverpool had a tangible aim with their protests. What is our aim?
I get a bit tired of this myopic view. Yes he wants to sell up but most likely on his terms. He has fanny'd around with this notion of 'unmotivated' seller before. The bloke is a grade A pillock who needs a little more 'incentivising'. Any concerted, prolonged, repetitive effort to show our contempt for his mismanagement is fine by me. The appointment of a new chairman was his last move to completely absolve himself of responsibility. He cares not a fuck but that doesn't mean we can't show that we do.
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I've said for a number of years that Villa fans will never do anything drastic to try to change things. If anybody on here thinks that we should just keeping turning up and cheer the team on, nothing will ever be achieved as any members of the hierarchy, who are at the ground, will know for sure that, no matter what shit they serve up for us, we will always keep going. To boycott just the last match of season is far too little too late. However, I'm sure someone will come up with an idea that suits the majority and, will put some sort of message across.
I've suggested in the past that, when the players come out, none of us should stand and clap, instead no noise from us at all would, in my opinion, give out some message. Even, say, don't cheer or say anything out loud for the first ten minutes, that would get the players and Directors wondering what the hell is going on.
What fucking message do you want to give? That they are shit? That we are dissapointed? They know that FFS.
I've said for a number of years that Villa fans will never do anything drastic to try to change things. If anybody on here thinks that we should just keeping turning up and cheer the team on, nothing will ever be achieved as any members of the hierarchy, who are at the ground, will know for sure that, no matter what shit they serve up for us, we will always keep going. To boycott just the last match of season is far too little too late. However, I'm sure someone will come up with an idea that suits the majority and, will put some sort of message across.
I've suggested in the past that, when the players come out, none of us should stand and clap, instead no noise from us at all would, in my opinion, give out some message. Even, say, don't cheer or say anything out loud for the first ten minutes, that would get the players and Directors wondering what the hell is going on.
What fucking message do you want to give? That they are shit? That we are dissapointed? They know that FFS.
The problem is that not all of them think themselves as shit...if they did they wouldn't be making stupid public statements about them wanting to leave and play Champions League football.
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Serious question.
When a Liverpool fan suggests a protest on an online forum, what reaction do you think they get?
What about a protest against £77 tickets?
Waste of time, mate.
No one will walk out.
If you support the club, you'll stay and support the team.
You'll walk alone on this one.
Etc.
What about a protest against Hicks and Gillette?
Waste of time, mate.
We're stuck with them.
I'll support the team whoever owns them.
Protesting won't shift 'em.
Etc.
I know it's a quarter of century on, but do you reckon if we keep on campaigning we'll finally get a new inquest into Hillsborough..?
This. 1000 times this.
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Serious question.
When a Liverpool fan suggests a protest on an online forum, what reaction do you think they get?
What about a protest against £77 tickets?
Waste of time, mate.
No one will walk out.
If you support the club, you'll stay and support the team.
You'll walk alone on this one.
Etc.
What about a protest against Hicks and Gillette?
Waste of time, mate.
We're stuck with them.
I'll support the team whoever owns them.
Protesting won't shift 'em.
Etc.
I know it's a quarter of century on, but do you reckon if we keep on campaigning we'll finally get a new inquest into Hillsborough..?
This. 1000 times this.
*Like*... A lot.
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A protest will have an impact. No protest then there's nothing to talk about. Protest and its all the management team will be talking about. Protest in such as way to get picked up by the media then its all the management team will talk about and journos will ask Lerner for his view.
Not going to the game is too negative but it needs to be simple, easy to do and not involve anything too complex. Everyone holding up an L Plate with a cross through it for example. No to Lerner but also implying he has failed to pass his football ownership test. Dead easy to do, symbolic and something everyone can fold up in their back pocket and take to the match. Then they can be turned into paper planes and thrown onto the pitch at half time by those close enough.
Counter intuitively we should turn up to the Newcastle game mob handed and out sing them all match otherwise we'll be going down to their banners, jeers and "we'll meet again" and much chuckling and derision from Shearer and all his mates on TV.
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Yeah, what fools those Liverpool fans are. What they should have done is nothing, except a shrug of the shoulders and a bit of arguing and sneering at other Liverpool fans. Their lack of apathy and refusal to accept shit is embarrassing.
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ChrisW,
Just to turn the question around, what's your suggestion please?
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A protest or boycott to force spending would have been better in December but tbf none of us really thought Lerner would starve the club of all transfers.
We just have to assume Lerner, Fox & Hollis do the same again over the summer unless something changes.
So yeah, the last game as a strong indicator of what is going to happen if there is no massive investment over the summer (empty stands) is a good idea.
Hate to say it but its time.
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ChrisW,
Just to turn the question around, what's your suggestion please?
Support the team and help them have a positive end to the season. A sign of unity would put us in a better position in the summer to attract / retain (I know, i know) players and possibly hold on to Garde.
Don't get me wrong, if we were in a situation where Randy did not want to sell, or the club were persisting with a poor manager I'd be right with you. But I honestly can't see what you expect to achieve save for making the place more toxic than it already is and possibly derailing any recovery before it has even started.
Fantastic support between now and the end of the season would give us the best possible change of a as dignified an end as possible and retaining any people we hope to keep - including Garde.
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Chris,
I really do respect your point of view even if it differs with mine 100% - that's exactly what forums are for, varying opinions.
I've been a supporter for well over 40 years and, with this current bunch of players, I just cannot get excited and get behind them as they give absolutely sod all in return. The only time they have shown some fight and passion was following them getting a tongue lashing after the Wycombe away match, when they were getting back on the coach.
I repeat, I'll never boo my team but, at least if I'm silent when they come out of the tunnel it gives me some satisfaction.
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Maybe we need a thread for protest suggestions and another for those to discuss why protesting is a bad idea.
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Ultimately, what do we hope to achieve? The players aren't going to get any better, it's outside of the window so squad improvements are a no go as well.The only thing that is left is to get Randy out of the club. I agree that we should make it personal. Ridicule and embarrass him, let the world know what a failure he is. Maybe he will be a little bit more active in trying to sell us for a competitive price
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The fans that have successfully got rid of owners, targeted the owner personally and intentionally. Not turning up or protests rarely work as if doesn't affect them personally. Being thousands of miles away kind of rules out turning up on his doorstep and anyway, these people tend to thrive on conflict. Ridicule though, is something they rarely can deal with.
Dressed as clowns wearing Lerner masks?
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Needs to be made personal directly at Lerner. 30,000 people wearing lerner masks and dressed as buffoons would be more embarrassing. Need him to start hating us
This is why throwing the bright future scalves onto the pitch as a game kicks off is a good idea. It's aimed directly at Lerner & the board .
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I'm in agreement with some form of protest, but not a boycott...my reason is simple, we are rubbish on the pitch, we are useless in the boardroom, but the last 5 minutes yesterday of constant singing was a defiant show, that we can be humiliated by the team and board, but on the terraces we are as solid as ever. Its all we can do publically to show our commitment even if the team show none. My 15 year old said that 5 minutes made it worth turning up yesterday, and my 7 year old enjoyed banging his seat as well.
I do think we should do something and the idea of scarves, hats, anything with claret and blue on it being thrown onto the pitch on the 82nd minute would be a symbol. I think most of us that attend have a spare scarf, old top or some merchandise that we could do away with. It would be shown on the coverage and probably involve the game being stopped for a few minutes without anybody entering the pitch area. I saw a steward run on yesterday to retrieve a couple of scarves thrown from the witton road.
But I want us to make as much noise and fill the ground out...Show them our commitment can not be questioned, especially by other supporters. We have laughed at the rags struggling to get 18K I don't want other clubs saying that about our wonderful support
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I dunno liam. I appreciate the sentiment but fans have shown support through thick and thin for years. Filling the ground may well send the message to the cost cutting board that in fact they will be fine to continue to starve the club of spending and fans will show up anyway.
An empty ground very obviously deliberate would shock them and send them into a full panic I think.
A very clear message.
"If Lerner refuses to spend money on Aston Villa, then so shall we."
See who blinks first. My guess is the guy who is already in for a few hundred million is going to be a lot more motivated to try and fill that ground again next season by spending on good players.
The alternative is seeing more cost cutting and buying far worse players and manager than we currently have to save a buck. I dont want to beleive that but the evidence is pretty overwheleming that is his current plan. It needs to be changed before the window starts.
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Ciggies, call me a cynic and I hope I'm wrong but no matter what we do I don't think you'll see Lerner spending any significant amounts of money on Aston Villa ever again.
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ChrisW,
Just to turn the question around, what's your suggestion please?
Support the team and help them have a positive end to the season. A sign of unity would put us in a better position in the summer to attract / retain (I know, i know) players and possibly hold on to Garde.
Don't get me wrong, if we were in a situation where Randy did not want to sell, or the club were persisting with a poor manager I'd be right with you. But I honestly can't see what you expect to achieve save for making the place more toxic than it already is and possibly derailing any recovery before it has even started.
Fantastic support between now and the end of the season would give us the best possible change of a as dignified an end as possible and retaining any people we hope to keep - including Garde.
Fantastic support between now and the end of the season just confirms to Lerner, Fox et al that football supporters really are a bunch of suckers. Indeed, let's hold back on the protests until this time next year when we are three points above the Championship drop zone. The time has come to give these people both barrels - everything about the current running of the Club is unacceptable. Hound them out, boycott merchandising, unsubscribe to AVTV do anything you can until they get the message that they have to go. Every gesture no matter how small will hopefully hasten Lerner's departure.
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Ciggies, call me a cynic and I hope I'm wrong but no matter what we do I don't think you'll see Lerner spending any significant amounts of money on Aston Villa ever again.
Nah you are a realist. But I genuinely think its the only thing fans can do that might, just might spark a change in his thinking. But yeah I do agree, the chances are slim. But better than the none we currently have. Maybe?
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Good luck to anyone who thinks they can organise a protest and that they think anyone will support it.
Even at the height of our total humiliation yesterday, a few chants of Randy Lerner, what a wanker, was about as angry as it got.
I sometimes feel that we, the fans, are partly responsible for the site state our club is in.
For years we have been served shite, followed by tripe, followed by more shite, and the general reaction amongst the crowd is a collective shrug of the shoulders, a collective sigh, and a mumble as we troop out of the ground after another hour and a half of watching shite.
The only time the team has responded to any REAL pressure or grief from the fans if following the Wycombe debacle, and even that only lasted a few games.
The club, the hierarchy and the team have hardly ever had to face any real pressure from the fans, and no real pressure from the media.
So, we might like to think the club and team are bothered, we might like to think that they care, but there has been nothing to show that's the case.
When 30k+ keep turning up to games, and when it 'appears' that are quite content with what is being served up, then why should the club think anything other that 'all is ok'?
A protest of some kind is a great idea, but is an absolute none starter.
Apathy rules ok!
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Balls to that....Newcastle is the only home fixture left I'm actually looking forward to.
I'll go anyway as that could well be our final premier league home fixture for quite some time.
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I'm a lot older than most of you and have seen it all before and I can tell you this we are great supporters but terrible at protesting, I don't think it's in our DNA. We are moaners and grizzlers but we are far too nice for a decent protest. That episode with the team bus was in some eyes unseemly but it did shake things up for a while and I think the players took it on board. The problem of course is Lerner and the only way to get to him is through ridicule but it would have to be good enough to make the news in the states to work.
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Think it was suggested before, but throwing those free scarves onto the pitch would be a good idea last home game.
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Did a well covered high profile protest at Mcleish being appointed stop Lerntwat ? No.
I've never left before the final whistle till yesterday but when the 5th went in I did and it occurred to me that the whole ground leaving to a man with just the 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' fans left would have made a statement .
The only vote we have is with our wallets and though it pains me to say it, use it , don't support him at all till he's gone.
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Borussia Dortmund's tennis ball protest was brilliant. It was against something as trifling as ticket prices, not the reckless destruction and humiliation of their football club, but they managed to coordinate something. It didn't hurt anyone, but it disrupted the game, got on the news and got the message across.
In England, tennis balls would be seen as an offensive weapon and confiscated at the turnstile, but scarves can't be confiscated, and you can chuck them on the pitch with relative ease. It might only take a few hundred too, so it wouldn't require mass participation.
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Yes I'm all for the scarves protest, got mind knocking around somewhere.
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Balls to that....Newcastle is the only home fixture left I'm actually looking forward to.
I'll go anyway as that could well be our final premier league home fixture for quite some time.
the Geordies will be unbearable if they manage to survive after we sent them down under MON. I wont be going again this season. Keeping my kids away from the place but will be back like a shot as soon as randy and the merceneries have fucked off
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Money is the only route here. Emotions and feelings don't matter one iota to these people...after all we are simply customers. A mass avoidance of any revenue source to the club by fans is possibly the route, but given that there'll be a huge drop following relegation means that any effect will be nullified.
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Another vote for the scarf throwing protest. I'm another one who thinks fuck it, the current circumstances mean mean that a 'protest' will fall on deaf ears, it won't change anything. We're waiting for Lerner to sell. Meanwhile let's represent Aston Villa loudly and proudly. It's a visual way of showing our utter disapproval. Not turning up is too run-of-the-mill, in that whenever we're beaten in a game people leave early. There's nothing different about that. Let's turn up, BE Aston Villa, and be the constant reminder of who and what we really are.
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Also will not turning up actually make any discernible difference to the club financially? I can't imagine match day revenue is more that 1% of what the club makes from TV and sponsorships?
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The Leeds protest is quite clever tonight - projecting massive images onto the side of the stand against the owner
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/35525494
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Those Liverpool protests etc are different to our situation though. I'd hope we'd do the same if faced with the Hillsborough lies, £77 tickets etc. The problem is our protest would be that we're shit. That we want a new owner. But everyone on the planet with the slightest interest in football knows we're shit. Us protesting isn't going to stop us being shit. I'd imagine the vast majority want Randy gone, problem is he wants to be gone. When we protested against Doug it was because we knew he had no interest in leaving, so there was a 'thing' to protest about. I genuinely don't know what, apart from something like the white hankie or scarf type thing we can do. And certainly not one that is reasonably easy to organise, will be effective, and that a large number of people will get behind and support.
And this really isn't meant to be 'better fan' or anything, but to me, it needs to be something that is mainly (or can be) done by the those that can go to games. Only because it would need to be a visible protest. Which is why things like not buying a pie, or boycotting wouldn't work. Who is going to know if the ground is half empty out of protest or just a crap attendance? All of that is just in my opinion of course.
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The 19th minute started on here and was spread using social media in less than a day. It can be done, the problem is making it effective. It may seem a success if say 5K boycott, but that would still be a high 20K at least attendance because of ST sales and away fans plus those that will turn up anyway on a match ticket, so it would just look like a shit attendance unless the majority stay away.
I genuinely didn't know that the 19th minute applause had started here. It shows what can be achieved, you just need a popular cause and an agreed action at a set time.
So how about something that doesn't need a boycott but can be joined in with? How about on the 20th minute of our remaining home games, everyone stands up and points at the Directors Box (I assume its in the middle of the second tier of the Trinity) while chanting "we want our Villa back" for two or three minutes?
Yep, it was started on here by someone devilishly handsome!
See my above post as i'm quite stumped on what would be effective.
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I'd just like to point out that I didn't actually mean to post my last post.
I had my phone in my pocket and when I took it out to check it I noticed that a random post has been submitted completely by accident.
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The Leeds protest is quite clever tonight - projecting massive images onto the side of the stand against the owner
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/35525494
Maybe we could project a huge penis on to one of the stands.
Then we could have a phone in vote as to which player deserved to be "Cock of the season".
All proceeds could go to Joleon Lescotts new car, or any other deserving charity.
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The Leeds protest is quite clever tonight - projecting massive images onto the side of the stand against the owner
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/35525494
Where do we get the equipment?
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CbRo7IlXIAA8hGa.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CbRo7JRW0AAaVS5.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CbRo7JnWAAMCn6w.jpg)
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Those Liverpool protests etc are different to our situation though. I'd hope we'd do the same if faced with the Hillsborough lies, £77 tickets etc. The problem is our protest would be that we're shit. That we want a new owner. But everyone on the planet with the slightest interest in football knows we're shit. Us protesting isn't going to stop us being shit. I'd imagine the vast majority want Randy gone, problem is he wants to be gone. When we protested against Doug it was because we knew he had no interest in leaving, so there was a 'thing' to protest about. I genuinely don't know what, apart from something like the white hankie or scarf type thing we can do. And certainly not one that is reasonably easy to organise, will be effective, and that a large number of people will get behind and support.
And this really isn't meant to be 'better fan' or anything, but to me, it needs to be something that is mainly (or can be) done by the those that can go to games. Only because it would need to be a visible protest. Which is why things like not buying a pie, or boycotting wouldn't work. Who is going to know if the ground is half empty out of protest or just a crap attendance? All of that is just in my opinion of course.
this is pretty much the point I was trying to make. What tangible result do we hope to achieve?
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We will be down by then, so a huge show of support 90 minutes of "stand up if you love Villa", "we'll keep the lions flag flying high" , "Villa 'til I die" "Remi Gardes claret and blue army" etc, will show the world this is our club, and however badly it is being run, or by who, you will never stop us from being Villa.
We will be at Villa Park longer than anybody on the team, board or management.
I will be there.
Let's show how good WE are.
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If you could mobilise people not to buy season tickets, this is the thing that would get thier attention as it does form part of the out of season cash flow.
It is also the thing that they will monitor very closely against budgeted sales.
If they start to get the message that people are not renewing because of a lack of investment in the team it might have some effect.
On the basis that Lerner can not be forced out all that can be achieved is to know that the squad is going to be the focus of the regime, if it isn't we all know where we will be a year from now.
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Newcastle fans think they're going to really hurt us so I think we take the wind out of their sails by getting our retaliation in first e.g. Have a 'Who's Our Next Messiah?' bedsheet up in the Holte with a punchline taking the piss out of ourselves.
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We will be down by then, so a huge show of support 90 minutes of "stand up if you love Villa", "we'll keep the lions flag flying high" , "Villa 'til I die" "Remi Gardes claret and blue army" etc, will show the world this is our club, and however badly it is being run, or by who, you will never stop us from being Villa.
We will be at Villa Park longer than anybody on the team, board or management.
I will be there.
Let's show how good WE are.
Add a few verses of
"Randy Lerner what a wanker" and "We want Lerner out!" and see how many of us the stewards can throw out!!
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As i said, its got to be aimed exclusively at Lerner and not give just a general dissatisfaction at the shit team/results. I don't think Garde is the man for the job, but there's no doubt, if its construed the wrong way, it will be Garde who will be dumped. It's what they always do when things get a bit too close to home
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On a purely selfish basis, I would never boycott Villa Park, as I wouldn't have a social life otherwise!.. I like to think football comes round in full circle, at the moment we are back in 1936 or 1967, hopefully our 1982 will return again.
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Us paying and turning up may not be such a lot of revenue for now but, wait until the board physically see what relegation means to the clubs finances.
Maybe, I'm just being thick but, just cannot comprehend all this, let's pack the place out and sing all the way through the match. We will be playing right into the hands of the board. I really, truly wish it was still like yesteryear when fans really did matter to the club. Alas, we are now just seen as paying customers and, the more the merrier as far as the board are concerned. In particular, Americans, who will put their own spin on it and, will be sending videos of a nearly packed Villa Park with the message to Lerner to keep starving the team of any real funds to get better players in as, obviously, whatever shit we sell to these people, they just keep on a coming!!
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Chrisw1, a protest won't make Randy "he really wants to sell but nobody is buying football clubs these days, except Everton" Lerner leave the club any quicker.
All it needs to do is allow fans to come together, to feel they're doing something, to send a message - we're fucking pissd off and we still have some power to disrupt your shitty product - and maybe, if it gets in the news, just maybe we won't look like a bunch of passive, malleable 'customers' that will swallow any old shit.
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I'd just like to point out that I didn't actually mean to post my last post.
I had my phone in my pocket and when I took it out to check it I noticed that a random post has been submitted completely by accident.
I might need to borrow that excuse, seeing as earlier in this thread I apparently made the most ridiculous comment in the entire history of H and V!
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I'd imagine the board are well aware of the impending financial shitstorm if the January transfer window is anything to go by. That's the problem with Lerner, he's spent so much money on doing such a bad job that its going to take something special to persuade him to cut his losses and walk away - maybe the forecast for next season's losses will do the trick
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Simple really, if you've had enough as I have after the last five years of my near 30 years as season ticket holder:
* Don't renew your season ticket
* Don't spend a penny more in the club shop
* Don't spend any more this season inside the ground.
Until these clowns have shipped out
Until we have a group of players with pride in the shirt
Apart from the odd game, that will be my lot.
Unfortunately *this* bunch only appreciate hard customers' cash, nothing else.
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I'd make the most of that last Premiership game if I were you, it may be a long time before the next one.
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I suffered it to the end with many others yesterday and looked on from the Trinity with pride as all those still on the Holte End spent the last 10 minutes singing non-stop and making a racket by banging the empty seats. It grabbed everyone's attention and drew applause from the Liverpool fans.
Rather than boycott, LET'S GO OUT WITH A BANG. 90 minutes of non-stop din, with accompanying protest chants. Drown out anything coming from any piss-taking oppo fans, voice our disapproval at the directors box, and let any prospective buyer out there know that these supporters are worth investing in.
Why wait until the last game - make it every game, starting at Stoke. Nobody sits on the seats at away games anyway.
Where were you when we were shit?
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a mock funeral for the Club.
That's without doubt the most ridiculous suggestion I've ever read on this forum.
We are not Newcastle United.
Got to agree. It's a horrible idea.
IIRC the Olbiyun had an over the top hissy fit at Shrewsbury some years back where they marched a coffin around the ground when they dropped to the 3rd div.
It looked typical Olbiyun and screamed, please notice as being great and loyal fans and instead of the sanctimonious pricks we really are. No thanks.
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We're far far bigger than this. It's heartbreaking what's happened but we (for those old enough) have got to take the good with the bad.....that's life, that's Aston Villa, that's us.
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Fair enough. It was more from the perspective that a boycott needs something more than not just turning up, like some alternative gathering, to get noticed than suggesting that particular event would be a great idea.
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I suffered it to the end with many others yesterday and looked on from the Trinity with pride as all those still on the Holte End spent the last 10 minutes singing non-stop and making a racket by banging the empty seats. It grabbed everyone's attention and drew applause from the Liverpool fans.
Rather than boycott, LET'S GO OUT WITH A BANG. 90 minutes of non-stop din, with accompanying protest chants. Drown out anything coming from any piss-taking oppo fans, voice our disapproval at the directors box, and let any prospective buyer out there know that these supporters are worth investing in.
Why wait until the last game - make it every game, starting at Stoke. Nobody sits on the seats at away games anyway.
Where were you when we were shit?
Same for me, I was stood on the Holte yesterday singing till the end, made me proud to be a Villa fan. I would rather we did that and let the board and that twat Lerner just what we think of them for 90 minutes.
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The best protest is to turn up, chant your support for our club but anger at Lerner and his cronies and get bed sheets, flags etc done up and literally fill the ground with them. That way it'll be both seen and heard. I understand the anger, the frustration, the feeling of total impotency but staying away solves nothing.
Refusing to spend money only harms the club and makes us less attractive to a future buyer. I say we put ourselves in the shop window, show what great, passionate support we have, show off our heritage, be proud to be a Villa fan despite the present team being shit.
I know all this is easy for me to say, safety tucked 12,000 miles away, but this is the time to be proud, loud and passionate in our support of the club and let these useless fuckers know what they've done to this great footballing institution that is Aston Villa.
If you can separate the club that is Aston Villa from the charlatans in the Boardroom you'll see that the club needs us now more than ever. This is not the time to go shopping instead.
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A protest needs to have a goal. So what's the goal? If it is to get Randy to sell, well he's already trying to do that. He just doesn't have a buyer. If it is show the board how you feel then how does a half or quarter empty stadium achieve that? Not everyone is going to avoid the game. And for those who attend are they not as passionate about the club as those who participate in the boycott?
There needs to be a tangible and defined aim and if the aim doesn't affect immediate change then is there desire to do it again and again until it does? Protests rarely work on the first attempt so will there be enough energy and following to keep this up?
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Staying away will not impact the financials as ST money has already been received, so all they would lose would be the impulse on-the-day purchase - which I would not expect to amount to anything significant.
Beyond that, there are two issues...firstly, the 'let's show the world we care' motivation, which despite being incredibly noble and loyal, misses the point that the world outside of B6 doesn't give a shit. You would be effectively protesting to yourselves, maybe you could fill a couple of column inches on a slow news day, but nothing of lasting note.
The second, and the crux of the matter for me, is how to target the board and Lerner whilst supporting the manager and (some) players. Lerner is so far removed I doubt he cares overly. Hollis and Fox seem entirely focused on financials (to the point where Fox quite narcissistically thinks he's doing great) so as I mentioned staying away this season will have no effect on them, but may damage the manager and team. I say 'this season' because one option is not to renew season tickets for next season, but for many attending matches is part of their routine and is a difficult habit to break - though they are apparently making it easier with each passing season. I suspect a campaign directed entirely at Lerner, Hollis and Fox will probably not impact strategy too much, but it may make things a little uncomfortable for them. Clearly the easiest thing to do is to sing about them. It's hard to police against that, unlike banners which can be collected up. I suggested white flags in the past and I also like the scarf protest, however the scarves can only be thrown once, when what is likely required is a sustained approach over numerous weeks.
The more I think about it, it seems like songs targeting the board is the easiest option and it could just be the most effective.
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Seeing as our last home game is the Geordies then I'm all for a boycott given the shit we are going to get dished out to us.
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Throw a bottle of piss at Fox and Hollis.
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I'd make the most of that last Premiership game if I were you, it may be a long time before the next one.
Probably. It's been nearly ten years since the last one.
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Throw a bottle of piss at Fox and Hollis.
Would you really do that?
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A protest needs to have a goal. So what's the goal? If it is to get Randy to sell, well he's already trying to do that. He just doesn't have a buyer. If it is show the board how you feel then how does a half or quarter empty stadium achieve that? Not everyone is going to avoid the game. And for those who attend are they not as passionate about the club as those who participate in the boycott?
There needs to be a tangible and defined aim and if the aim doesn't affect immediate change then is there desire to do it again and again until it does? Protests rarely work on the first attempt so will there be enough energy and following to keep this up?
The aim must be to get the powers that be to take care of and focus on creating a football team. That means backing the manager to radically change the squad.
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Seeing as our last home game is the Geordies then I'm all for a boycott given the shit we are going to get dished out to us.
Fuck 'em they can give all the stick out they like at least we won't cry like babies for years after.
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Seeing as our last home game is the Geordies then I'm all for a boycott given the shit we are going to get dished out to us.
Fuck 'em they can give all the stick out they like at least we won't cry like babies for years after.
In a more hilarious world we could drag them down with us.
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A protest needs to have a goal. So what's the goal? If it is to get Randy to sell, well he's already trying to do that. He just doesn't have a buyer. If it is show the board how you feel then how does a half or quarter empty stadium achieve that? Not everyone is going to avoid the game. And for those who attend are they not as passionate about the club as those who participate in the boycott?
There needs to be a tangible and defined aim and if the aim doesn't affect immediate change then is there desire to do it again and again until it does? Protests rarely work on the first attempt so will there be enough energy and following to keep this up?
The aim must be to get the powers that be to take care of and focus on creating a football team. That means backing the manager to radically change the squad.
Yes the long term goal I agree, but what does the short term protest hope to achieve? For your suggestion to take effect it will take many protests and I don't know if we have the energy to do that. We've now had 5 years of this and we still get good gates and fans showing up spending a lot of money for something they love. Do Villa fans have what it takes to see a protest and movement through to the desired end?
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Throw a bottle of piss at Fox and Hollis.
Would you really do that?
Depends how full it was.
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I suffered it to the end with many others yesterday and looked on from the Trinity with pride as all those still on the Holte End spent the last 10 minutes singing non-stop and making a racket by banging the empty seats. It grabbed everyone's attention and drew applause from the Liverpool fans.
Rather than boycott, LET'S GO OUT WITH A BANG. 90 minutes of non-stop din, with accompanying protest chants. Drown out anything coming from any piss-taking oppo fans, voice our disapproval at the directors box, and let any prospective buyer out there know that these supporters are worth investing in.
Why wait until the last game - make it every game, starting at Stoke. Nobody sits on the seats at away games anyway.
Where were you when we were shit?
Same for me, I was stood on the Holte yesterday singing till the end, made me proud to be a Villa fan. I would rather we did that and let the board and that twat Lerner just what we think of them for 90 minutes.
we can sing we're the villa boys making all the noise all we like mate ,,,it wont bother lerner or fox one little bit
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Throw a bottle of piss at Fox and Hollis.
Would you really do that?
Depends how full it was.
And you'd be happy to go to prison?
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Throw a bottle of piss at Fox and Hollis.
That's my favourite suggestion so far.
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Throw a bottle of piss at Fox and Hollis.
Would you really do that?
Depends how full it was.
And you'd be happy to go to prison?
I take it back, someone kidnap Lerners son instead.
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Throw a bottle of piss at Fox and Hollis.
Would you really do that?
Depends how full it was.
And you'd be happy to go to prison?
Quote fail. Dave, does anyone go to prison these days for the errant use of bottles of piss?
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Throw a bottle of piss at Fox and Hollis.
Would you really do that?
Depends how full it was.
Dave, does anyone go to prison these days for the errant use of bottles of piss?
And you'd be happy to go to prison?
Try throwing one inside a football ground and see.
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Throw a bottle of piss at Fox and Hollis.
Would you really do that?
Depends how full it was.
No, it doesn't matter and the truth is you wouldn't do it.
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Throw a bottle of piss at Fox and Hollis.
Would you really do that?
Depends how full it was.
Dave, does anyone go to prison these days for the errant use of bottles of piss?
And you'd be happy to go to prison?
Try throwing one inside a football ground and see.
I have zero intention in that regard.
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anyway it seems there is enough people pissed off enough to do some sort of protest
I am not really into boycotts but my opinion / suggestion for what it is worth is this
Last match or one of the remaining home matches turn up for the match at usual but congregate on aston park hill by L8
Bring cans and radios and banners and spend the next 2 hours singing and chanting
during the match the TV cameras would film and comment on the thousands of empty seats across the stadium
and then zoom in between the gap between the trinity and the the holte to see thousands of Villa fans on aston park hill
doesnt have to be the whole match , we could walk out on a pre specified minute to congregate on the hill
mind you , there is one slight flaw i have just realised , they have built that stupid 3 story corporate box in that corner
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Everyone should just turn up five minutes after kick off
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Seeing as our last home game is the Geordies then I'm all for a boycott given the shit we are going to get dished out to us.
And that would be scary would it? I've heard it all now.
We had a laugh at their expense a few years back, I'm sure most of the grown ups amongst us can cope with it coming the other way.
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Seeing as our last home game is the Geordies then I'm all for a boycott given the shit we are going to get dished out to us.
And that would be scary would it? I've heard it all now.
We had a laugh at their expense a few years back, I'm sure most of the grown ups amongst us can cope with it coming the other way.
The experience I had in Spain last summer when I got chatting to one of them suggests that some of them can't, even now.
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I can't see there being any support for boycotting what could be our last top flight game for some while.
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Throw a bottle of piss at Fox and Hollis.
Would you really do that?
Depends how full it was.
And you'd be happy to go to prison?
At least he'd be well versed in slopping out.
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Seeing as our last home game is the Geordies then I'm all for a boycott given the shit we are going to get dished out to us.
And that would be scary would it? I've heard it all now.
We had a laugh at their expense a few years back, I'm sure most of the grown ups amongst us can cope with it coming the other way.
The experience I had in Spain last summer when I got chatting to one of them suggests that some of them can't, even now.
I am sure they are going to love it. I have no problem with that. Their fans have embrassed themselves for years obsessing over how they relegated themselves at Villa park. If they can get some jollies gloating when we do the same then more power to them, I doubt many Villa fans give a damn what Mags think.
They still have to go home being Newcastle United fans. Thats punishment enough.
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How about we all go to the final game of the season and we fucking sing and chant and show the fuckers that this is our club?
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Whilst I applaud the OP with his desire/need -- to take some action - I fear that it is apost-match depression and not really thought out.
Sorry mate :(
Clubs publish their "Attendance figures" to include STs and any freebies (Schools etc)
-- so our last Home Game will show an Attendance of way above 32k, even if TV shows rows of empty seats.
The Stats will over-rule our perception and will make no impact nationally.
(Arsenal had a match last year in a half empty stadium, and published an 85% Attendance.
Our local warrior and Gooner even went on Twitter to question that Attendance figure--
-- it is "tickets sold or distributed" --not real bodies through the turnstiles.
So we can't raise media-copy on a that issue as someone suggested.
The Holte will not boycott. They will sing their hearts out for the club, not the players or the management...BUT...THE CLUB.
So, embarrassment to the club by a boycott in the last match, is really a non-starter.
I'm not an ST, but me dad is, and he hates our owner, but will not ever.........
......EVER miss a match.
He will hold a banner against Lerner but he won't abandon his love.
Neither would I ..neither would the Holte.
We all go down together.
And watch Lerner sack Fox and the recruitment bureau....as if...
;D
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Needs to be made personal directly at Lerner. 30,000 people wearing lerner masks and dressed as buffoons would be more embarrassing. Need him to start hating us
This is why throwing the bright future scalves onto the pitch as a game kicks off is a good idea. It's aimed directly at Lerner & the board .
this is the best idea I've seen for a form of protest. Simple, visible and a clear message back to the club- no ambiguity with that action. Requires a lot of people to sacrifice a personal villa momento, but under the circumstances it seems right to do it.
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Seeing as our last home game is the Geordies then I'm all for a boycott given the shit we are going to get dished out to us.
And that would be scary would it? I've heard it all now.
We had a laugh at their expense a few years back, I'm sure most of the grown ups amongst us can cope with it coming the other way.
The experience I had in Spain last summer when I got chatting to one of them suggests that some of them can't, even now.
I am sure they are going to love it. I have no problem with that. Their fans have embrassed themselves for years obsessing over how they relegated themselves at Villa park. If they can get some jollies gloating when we do the same then more power to them, I doubt many Villa fans give a damn what Mags think.
They still have to go home being Newcastle United fans. Thats punishment enough.
Has anyone lent a thought to the scenario that we could be down by then and they come to VP needing to get something? Hilarity would ensue if we beat them and relegated them again. I might even end my self imposed exile if the cards stack up that way
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Well I've just spent over 20 minutes wading through all these posts and can't help thinking that if Fox, Hollis et al did the same they would be sniggering by now.
We are so divided in our views that we can safely be ignored as irrelevant. Anything we attempt would be half hearted and doomed to failure. Impotent about describes us.
Personally I believe that a half empty stadium has some impact but only if it is 'organically' achieved rather than some form of contrived protest.
Other than that we've just got to suck it up. Let's face it were just not as passionate as 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' fans.
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I suppose the ideal scenario would be 90 mins of support / equal abuse for the board.
Drag the Geordies down with us and then all leave before the players come back out for what would be a totally meaningless "lap of appreciation".
Tend to agree with Levico just said though to be fair.
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A protest needs to have a goal. So what's the goal? If it is to get Randy to sell, well he's already trying to do that. He just doesn't have a buyer. If it is show the board how you feel then how does a half or quarter empty stadium achieve that? Not everyone is going to avoid the game. And for those who attend are they not as passionate about the club as those who participate in the boycott?
There needs to be a tangible and defined aim and if the aim doesn't affect immediate change then is there desire to do it again and again until it does? Protests rarely work on the first attempt so will there be enough energy and following to keep this up?
The aim must be to get the powers that be to take care of and focus on creating a football team. That means backing the manager to radically change the squad.
Yes the long term goal I agree, but what does the short term protest hope to achieve? For your suggestion to take effect it will take many protests and I don't know if we have the energy to do that. We've now had 5 years of this and we still get good gates and fans showing up spending a lot of money for something they love. Do Villa fans have what it takes to see a protest and movement through to the desired end?
Based on this thread ,I don't think so.On top of apathy and disagreement about what to do, we have the problem of articulating a message, Randy out won't work, save our club?
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Well I've just spent over 20 minutes wading through all these posts and can't help thinking that if Fox, Hollis et al did the same they would be sniggering by now.
We are so divided in our views that we can safely be ignored as irrelevant. Anything we attempt would be half hearted and doomed to failure. Impotent about describes us.
Personally I believe that a half empty stadium has some impact but only if it is 'organically' achieved rather than some form of contrived protest.
Other than that we've just got to suck it up. Let's face it were just not as passionate as 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' fans.
I'm sure your tongue is in your cheek when you say that. Villa fans are as passionate as any set of fans, what we are not - at the moment - is as organised as other clubs' fans when it comes to this kind of thing.
One of the things Randy has managed to do very well these past four/five years, both through staying away from Villa Park and through cleverly timing when to release statements or make appointments, is that he has kept the fans' ire under control. He has kept us simmering and - somehow, despite everything that has happened - he has kept us all from reaching a very justifiable collective boiling point. It's quite remarkable how he has achieved this. It's like a guy chatting up your wife and making off with her right under your nose and you feel you have no right or power to put up a fight for her. It's been a cynical and calculated process, indeed, the only thing Lerner has pulled off with any expertise since his association with the Club.
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In my humble option, we must do something to show our disgust with how the club's run, whilst showing we stand together as Villa fans. We should take inspiration from the Liverpool fans, they stood up and did something, good for them.
Throwing the Bright Future scarves onto the pitch is a good, semi-practical, safe and legal idea. Symbolism is key, false hopes and broken promises dashed on the rocks of an incompetent man child.
If timed properly the visual impact of scarves being thrown on the pitch and simultaneously falling from the upper tiers would be powerful. Especially if media are briefed beforehand, the key message is we don't reject the club, the club is, and always will be OURS. We categorically reject the false dreams of the man and seek positive change.
By the way, in my opinion we should all strain every sinew to show Remi Garde how much we appreciate his efforts and most especially his dignity and conduct since joining the club. He's a top man, and when he speaks everything he says chimes perfectly with me.
Questions:
How do the scarves make it from the upper tiers to the pitch?
What's the trigger to throw? Suggestion - When the ref blows his whistle for kick off.
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Questions:
How do the scarves make it from the upper tiers to the pitch?
Tie them round a brick.
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I don't think the players should come out for a lap of appreciation. It's just not a good idea.
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Well I've just spent over 20 minutes wading through all these posts and can't help thinking that if Fox, Hollis et al did the same they would be sniggering by now.
We are so divided in our views that we can safely be ignored as irrelevant. Anything we attempt would be half hearted and doomed to failure. Impotent about describes us.
Personally I believe that a half empty stadium has some impact but only if it is 'organically' achieved rather than some form of contrived protest.
Other than that we've just got to suck it up. Let's face it were just not as passionate as 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' fans.
I'm afraid I agree with a lot of this. "Any protest needs an achievable aim or there's no point." "Randy wants to sell but nobody wants to buy football clubs these days." "The board already knows we're unhappy so there's no need to tell them again." "Let's just sing for 90 minutes." Hollis and Fox will love all that.
You don't need a list of measurable and achievable goals and objectives to say "fuck you", you really don't.
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The only plausible, visible representation of discontent that's not already been mentioned (though I may have missed a similar suggestion) I can think of is where possible for pre Lerner era shirts to be worn for the Newcastle game.
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It doesn't have to be difficult. I'll not bother turning up if I knew that the vast majority of others did the same. An attendance of sub 10k would generate more attention than anything else I can imagine.
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Speaking of shirts, here is what disgruntled French people do to executives (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/05/air-france-workers-storm-meeting-protest-executives-job-losses-paris). I'm not saying it's big or clever.
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It needs to be simple to be effective. Large scale walk outs\boycotts are all excellent ideas but really hard to organise in large enough numbers.
I think something like on 10 mins we are all going to jeer\boo etc (something loud which signals your disapproval) advertise it on here make the local press aware will lead onto national.
To be really effective a sky game would be best might not get coverage on more etc...have wecany home sky games?
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It needs to be simple to be effective. Large scale walk outs\boycotts are all excellent ideas but really hard to organise in large enough numbers.
I think something like on 10 mins we are all going to jeer\boo etc (something loud which signals your disapproval) advertise it on here make the local press aware will lead onto national.
To be really effective a sky game would be best might not get coverage on more etc...have wecany home sky games?
Again, it needs thinking through. Booing on 10 minutes? What if we score on 10 minutes?
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The only plausible, visible representation of discontent that's not already been mentioned (though I may have missed a similar suggestion) I can think of is where possible for pre Lerner era shirts to be worn for the Newcastle game.
It's very niche, though. Lots of people wear retro shirts anyway, while lots of people won't wear replica shirts at all, and who outside the Villa community would know which kits were pre-Lerner? It doesn't seem like it would be very impactful.
I like the scarf idea. We'd only need to bung a few hundred on the pitch and they'd have to stop the game to pick them up again. Instant news story. Aston Villa fans stopped their match with Newcastle as a protest against the mismanagement of their club. The question is, will anybody want to part with their Villa keepsake? An can enough people be arsed to do it? It's doubtful.
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It needs to be simple to be effective. Large scale walk outs\boycotts are all excellent ideas but really hard to organise in large enough numbers.
I think something like on 10 mins we are all going to jeer\boo etc (something loud which signals your disapproval) advertise it on here make the local press aware will lead onto national.
To be really effective a sky game would be best might not get coverage on more etc...have wecany home sky games?
Again, it needs thinking through. Booing on 10 minutes? What if we score on 10 minutes?
even better will be more effective.......more coverage etc just an idea.
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What if we score?
I admire your optimism.
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The scarf thing is all well and good as long as the people in the front rows don't mind being pelted with scarves and then throw them onto the pitch
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What if we score?
I admire your optimism.
I don't think we ever scored during the 19th minute applause for Petrov.
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The scarf thing is all well and good as long as the people in the front rows don't mind being pelted with scarves and then throw them onto the pitch
If it could somehow be concentrated on the Holte/Trinity corner flag. I wonder how far one of those things can get thrown rolled up.
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The scarf thing is all well and good as long as the people in the front rows don't mind being pelted with scarves and then throw them onto the pitch
If it could somehow be concentrated on the Holte/Trinity corner flag. I wonder how far one of those things can get thrown rolled up.
Soak them in water in the bogs. Or soak them.and put them in freezer at home..
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I don't think the players should come out for a lap of appreciation. game of football. It's just not a good idea.
Fixed.
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Save our club t-shirts, with a pre Lerner authentic Aston Villa badge on them not the watered down, child like effort we currently have?
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I am not certain it is feasible or not but if enough money could be raised to hire a plane or helicopter to fly over Villa Park and drop hundreds of white handkerchiefs (or something similar) onto the pitch during play.
That would definitely make a statement and allow the Villa Park customers to continue to make excuses about not getting involved in protests personally!
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i think we should print these out on A0 posters
(http://i.imgur.com/ahsbngc.jpg)
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It needs to be simple to be effective. Large scale walk outs\boycotts are all excellent ideas but really hard to organise in large enough numbers.
I think something like on 10 mins we are all going to jeer\boo etc (something loud which signals your disapproval) advertise it on here make the local press aware will lead onto national.
To be really effective a sky game would be best might not get coverage on more etc...have wecany home sky games?
Again, it needs thinking through. Booing on 10 minutes? What if we score on 10 minutes?
Now that's what I call optimistic
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Bring the scarves ready to throw on pitch when we concede the first goal.
Would love to go 6 games with clean sheets!
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What is the world-record for scarf-throwing? 9.6 feet and 2⅛ inches or something?
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Could ask the people in the Trinity to tut very loudly
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What is the world-record for scarf-throwing? 9.6 feet and 2⅛ inches or something?
I knew it, people are already practising. I better shape up.
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What is the world-record for scarf-throwing? 9.6 feet and 2⅛ inches or something?
I knew it, people are already practising. I better shape up.
I can arrange for EDM (Electronic Distance measurement) and qualified technical officials to make it official.
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Questions:
How do the scarves make it from the upper tiers to the pitch?
Tie them round a brick.
Ya daft thug Throttlecock.
Tie them to helium balloons and shoot them out of the air with .22 air rifles is the way to go.
(http://www.gamousa.com/images/rifles/product_whisper_22.jpg)
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I would go for black - as opposed to claret and blue - balloons. In their dozens they would be all over the pitch at kick off and cause a delay. May need to do it before the last game though as the Geordies might claim them as their own.
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I would go for black - as opposed to claret and blue - balloons. In their dozens they would be all over the pitch at kick off and cause a delay. May need to do it before the last game though as the Geordies might claim them as their own.
Knowing the clubs "shirt sales are up" type of thinking, I fully expect to see black balloons up for sale in the club shop if they get wind of this...
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How about a big fuck off banner saying Jesus saves, but Ray Graydon scores on the rebound.
A banner so big, it can be seen from the stratosphere. Made from those lasers that grounded the Virgin Atlantic New York flight and the tears of every Villa fan.
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Everyone should just turn up five minutes after kick off
A bit like the starting XI?
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I quite like the black arm-band idea. Simple, understated and easy to do.
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So far I have got:
Not showing up, but before we do not show up we all DO show up to tie our scarves onto balloons then shoot them out of the air with the weapons we have brought. At the same time the Villa fan air force dive bomb the ground dropping white linens, providing a great backdrop as we roar the team on, for the finale we cover the entire ground in one single protest banner (words to come) at which point we drop the mic and stage a complete walk out.
I like it. Simple clear and effective.
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Black balloons are a fiver for a 100 on eBay. Forty people buying those would give a balloon to everyone going to Stoke
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Black balloon day, and white hankies on show for the next capitulation, sound a decent protest if you are minded to do so.
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How about 30 odd thousand turn up, grumble a bit, then shrug their shoulders and leave at the end. Which is exactly what will happen.
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So far I have got:
Not showing up, but before we do not show up we all DO show up to tie our scarves onto balloons then shoot them out of the air with the weapons we have brought. At the same time the Villa fan air force dive bomb the ground dropping white linens, providing a great backdrop as we roar the team on, for the finale we cover the entire ground in one single protest banner (words to come) at which point we drop the mic and stage a complete walk out.
I like it. Simple clear and effective.
You missed the bit about throwing bottles of piss at the directors box
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I still think kidnapping Lerners son and putting a ransom of £250m on his head would be the best way about this.
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What is the world-record for scarf-throwing? 9.6 feet and 2⅛ inches or something?
Held by Toxteth O'Grady. USA.
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So far I have got:
Not showing up, but before we do not show up we all DO show up to tie our scarves onto balloons then shoot them out of the air with the weapons we have brought. At the same time the Villa fan air force dive bomb the ground dropping white linens, providing a great backdrop as we roar the team on, for the finale we cover the entire ground in one single protest banner (words to come) at which point we drop the mic and stage a complete walk out.
I like it. Simple clear and effective.
You missed the bit about throwing bottles of piss at the directors box
Perhaps the bottles of piss could be somehow attached to the scarves. Two birds with one stone.
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So far I have got:
Not showing up, but before we do not show up we all DO show up to tie our scarves onto balloons then shoot them out of the air with the weapons we have brought. At the same time the Villa fan air force dive bomb the ground dropping white linens, providing a great backdrop as we roar the team on, for the finale we cover the entire ground in one single protest banner (words to come) at which point we drop the mic and stage a complete walk out.
I like it. Simple clear and effective.
You missed the bit about throwing bottles of piss at the directors box
Perhaps the bottles of piss could be somehow attached to the scarves. Two birds with one stone.
Good catch. Adding it to the list. We are making good progress. I will put down the colour of the piss bottles as TBD for now. I think the group will want to weigh in on that closer to D - Day.
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I am not certain it is feasible or not but if enough money could be raised to hire a plane or helicopter to fly over Villa Park and drop hundreds of white handkerchiefs (or something similar) onto the pitch during play.
Can't help thinking , the way things are going, it would probably miss.
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I know the intention with the scarf throwing was to emphatically spit back the false claim of the bright future, I'd suggest that if people don't have their free scarf - or don't want to part with it - just grab any old Villa scarf. It might be the case that it's more about the visual impact of the entire Holte End throwing scarves down.
I still think it's the best suggestion we've had and coupled with a raucous, electric atmosphere would make for an iconic show of disapproval.
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The scarf and/or black balloons followed by a non stop wall of noise from a packed ground as we show that know matter what, who the owner is etc, WE are Aston Villa. I'd go for that.
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The scarf and/or black balloons followed by a non stop wall of noise from a packed ground as we show that know matter what, who the owner is etc, WE are Aston Villa. I'd go for that.
Lets get the message spread on social media then.
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Count me out of the scarf protest...I'm shit at throwing..
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Anyone thinking of doing the scarf thing should watch the Borussia Dortmund tennis ball protest. They had to stop the game, and I think that's what should be aimed for in order to get maximum coverage. A clever person might be able to post the video link here.
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Count me out of the scarf protest...I'm shit at throwing..
Legion will have someone's eye out.
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I still think kidnapping Lerners son and putting a ransom of £250m on his head would be the best way about this.
I like this.
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I still think kidnapping Lerners son and putting a ransom of £250m on his head would be the best way about this.
I like this.
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The scarf and/or black balloons followed by a non stop wall of noise from a packed ground as we show that know matter what, who the owner is etc, WE are Aston Villa. I'd go for that.
Its all very well for most of you to go throwing scarves. However, from my seat, I could well end up hitting Remi on the noggin and getting arrested
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I still think kidnapping Lerners son and putting a ransom of £250m on his head would be the best way about this.
I like this.
'not a penny shall be paid!'
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I really like GOASTT. I believe that the lead singer's parents may also have been in the music business
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as slightly older ghosts?
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Remember the Blackburn Rovers Chicken on the pitch protest ?
We're Aston Villa, anybody know where we can get a Lion ?
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Bhandals ?
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Let's all wear Randy Lerner masks
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I gave up reading a couple of pages back but the scarves should be thrown on 82 minutes as they were given to commemorate our European Cup winning team.
My only doubt is that that might be too close to the end & people might already be on their way, but I would think most early leavers would be able to kind of 'give & go' at around that time so it'd combine with a bit of a walk out.
People can throw them from the back, & people further forward can throw them further forward until they reach the pitch.
There could maybe even be a bit of scarf twirling (as our instruction leaflet got us to do on the day they were given) as they travel forward which might create a bit of a wave effect as they head towards the pitch.
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Well if our players have thrown their dummies/ toys out of the pram because they haven't had a break in the sun perhaps that could be an idea for an end of season protest. All take a dummy or cheap toy and throw it onto the pitch.
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Anyone thinking of doing the scarf thing should watch the Borussia Dortmund tennis ball protest. They had to stop the game, and I think that's what should be aimed for in order to get maximum coverage. A clever person might be able to post the video link here.
The tone that they were going for was a bit like us saying in English that something is "just not cricket", so for it to work we'd need to launch cricket balls at the pitch.
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Somebody mentioned throwing towels on to the pitch on another head. I think thats a great idea as essentially that's what's happened. Easy to get a towel in and most people have an old one they could do without.
Shows the Board and players exactly what we think they've done. From bath towels to hand towels we've thrown it in. So lets throw it at them.
Throw the towel in day.
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Somebody mentioned throwing towels on to the pitch on another head. I think thats a great idea as essentially that's what's happened. Easy to get a towel in and most people have an old one they could do without.
Shows the Board and players exactly what we think they've done. From bath towels to hand towels we've thrown it in. So lets throw it at them.
Throw the towel in day.
The season will be over by the time that the next official Towel Day comes around
(http://d2rormqr1qwzpz.cloudfront.net/photos/2012/05/25/38076-towel.jpg)
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Sorry to be a party pooper but any item "thrown" at a football stadium is a criminal offence
Just saying like
I have always like the Real Madrid / Barcelona imagery of the white hanky swirling around, its an almost Roman / Coliseumesque way of showing mass disapproval - and its perfectly legal ;)
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Same as anything, if 4 or 5 people do it then they're going to get nicked but if 15000 people do it.......
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Sorry to be a party pooper but any item "thrown" at a football stadium is a criminal offence
Just saying like
I have always like the Real Madrid / Barcelona imagery of the white hanky swirling around, its an almost Roman / Coliseumesque way of showing mass disapproval - and its perfectly legal ;)
How many people have a white hanky nowadays - unless they've still got the Christmas present of their nan 20 years ago at the bottom of the sock draw.
And waving a tissue sounds a bit feeble to me.
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Sorry to be a party pooper but any item "thrown" at a football stadium is a criminal offence
Just saying like
I have always like the Real Madrid / Barcelona imagery of the white hanky swirling around, its an almost Roman / Coliseumesque way of showing mass disapproval - and its perfectly legal ;)
[/QUOTE
I take it then that rules out putting a set of stocks behind the Holte and pelting certain employees of our great club with rotten veg. Shame as not only would that we great fun and we could raise money for charity at the same time. £1 for a rotten tomato. £2 for a rotten cabbage. £3 for a large cauliflower. £10 for a large pumpkin.
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Sorry to be a party pooper but any item "thrown" at a football stadium is a criminal offence
We'll have to have a mass "politely placing them on the floor" then.
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Sorry to be a party pooper but any item "thrown" at a football stadium is a criminal offence
Just saying like
I have always like the Real Madrid / Barcelona imagery of the white hanky swirling around, its an almost Roman / Coliseumesque way of showing mass disapproval - and its perfectly legal ;)
Some of our throw-ins have been pretty criminal lately. The more I think about it, the more I like the mass towel chucking idea. Everybody's got an old towel they can get rid of, and it doesn't have to be a 'treasured' Villa one.
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If anyone thinks I am carting an old towel on the train and then standing holding it for an hour in the pub just so that I can subsequently chuck it away then they have another thing coming,
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That's okay Chris, i'll be selling half and half towels before the game.
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Let's all meet for a mass curry beforehand and take those hot towels that they give out with us to the game.
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Sorry to be a party pooper but any item "thrown" at a football stadium is a criminal offence
Just saying like
I have always like the Real Madrid / Barcelona imagery of the white hanky swirling around, its an almost Roman / Coliseumesque way of showing mass disapproval - and its perfectly legal ;)
IIRC in the late 70s a Blues fan was fined £400 for throwing a peanut at some Leeds fans
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Let's all meet for a mass curry beforehand and take those hot towels that they give out with us to the game.
Brilliant idea. Then use all the toilets and not flush. A dirty protest.
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If anyone thinks I am carting an old towel on the train and then standing holding it for an hour in the pub just so that I can subsequently chuck it away then they have another thing coming,
Just wear it as a toga. Practical and stylish.
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If anyone thinks I am carting an old towel on the train and then standing holding it for an hour in the pub just so that I can subsequently chuck it away then they have another thing coming,
Just wear it as a toga. Practical and stylish.
(http://sidoxia.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/toga.jpg?w=420&h=322)
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I think everyone attending should dress as Stewards then when people start throwing towels/black balloons/darts on to the pitch we can all arrest ourselves. I'm coming as a policeman complete with white horse so I can get easy access to the pitch.
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If anyone thinks I am carting an old towel on the train and then standing holding it for an hour in the pub just so that I can subsequently chuck it away then they have another thing coming,
You not got a man bag Chris?
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Media wont give a shit whatever we do on the last day. They will focus on the champions and the unfortunates who go down with us. At least there wont be clips of Villa fans crying in the stands, our tears will be done with by then.
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Could we all wear a clown mask to celebrate the utter circus we've become?
Would scare the kids too ;)
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Media wont give a shit whatever we do on the last day. They will focus on the champions and the unfortunates who go down with us. At least there wont be clips of Villa fans crying in the stands, our tears will be done with by then.
I won't be crying - I will be raging
I only cry when the Villa win!
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Media wont give a shit whatever we do on the last day. They will focus on the champions and the unfortunates who go down with us. At least there wont be clips of Villa fans crying in the stands, our tears will be done with by then.
I won't be crying - I will be raging
I only cry when the Villa win!
No tears. And no A4 signs with "we'll be back" on it. Would look silly 15 years later when it hasn't happened.
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If anyone thinks I am carting an old towel on the train and then standing holding it for an hour in the pub just so that I can subsequently chuck it away then they have another thing coming,
You not got a man bag Chris?
Is that a euphemism for a scrotum? If so, yes I have.
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If anyone thinks I am carting an old towel on the train and then standing holding it for an hour in the pub just so that I can subsequently chuck it away then they have another thing coming,
You not got a man bag Chris?
Is that a euphemism for a scrotum? If so, yes I have.
Well you could wrap a towel a round your scrotum I suppose.
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If anyone thinks I am carting an old towel on the train and then standing holding it for an hour in the pub just so that I can subsequently chuck it away then they have another thing coming,
You not got a man bag Chris?
Is that a euphemism for a scrotum? If so, yes I have.
Well you could wrap a towel a round your scrotum I suppose.
Hide it under your shirt, like that Stoke player with the long throws used to.
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I'm up for dumping "proud history bright future" scarf at game. An impotent and fruitless gesture it may be but it is some sort of gesture at least.
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I'm up for dumping "proud history bright future" scarf at game. An impotent and fruitless gesture it may be but it is some sort of gesture at least.
its a good idea but only the people in the front 8 rows would be able to manage it
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I'm up for dumping "proud history bright future" scarf at game. An impotent and fruitless gesture it may be but it is some sort of gesture at least.
its a good idea but only the people in the front 8 rows would be able to manage it
Wouldn't it work if you tied the scarf into two or three big knots? I'm no scientist so am prepared to be corrected!
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I'm up for dumping "proud history bright future" scarf at game. An impotent and fruitless gesture it may be but it is some sort of gesture at least.
its a good idea but only the people in the front 8 rows would be able to manage it
Wouldn't it work if you tied the scarf into two or three big knots? I'm no scientist so am prepared to be corrected!
good idea man
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Perhaps leaving them at William McGregor's feet may be an easier & more symbolic option?
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Without reigniting the "what Liverpool fans did" argument, how did they manage to get those huge black flags into the Kop before that Sunderland game. If we tried that wouldn't they be removed from our persons at the turnstiles? If not something similar with our own slant would be news worthy (or at least SSN worthy).
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Perhaps leaving them at William McGregor's feet may be an easier & more symbolic option?
Fans leaving memorabilia here would actually be an easy thing to do. I also think it would be very symbolic and something that could grow quickly. Doesn't just have to be a scarf could be anything. Think people would take photos in front of it and would get a lot of coverage.
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I may leave this.
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/1b/e5/a2/1be5a22ad334b815566da45d4ec15de9.jpg)
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Perhaps leaving them at William McGregor's feet may be an easier & more symbolic option?
Fans leaving memorabilia here would actually be an easy thing to do. I also think it would be very symbolic and something that could grow quickly. Doesn't just have to be a scarf could be anything. Think people would take photos in front of it and would get a lot of coverage.
Sounds like a goer doesn't it as we won't have to make too much effort...
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Plus after the game I could add items to my collection!
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Perhaps leaving them at William McGregor's feet may be an easier & more symbolic option?
Fans leaving memorabilia here would actually be an easy thing to do. I also think it would be very symbolic and something that could grow quickly. Doesn't just have to be a scarf could be anything. Think people would take photos in front of it and would get a lot of coverage.
I like this idea.
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So do I and you can buy it all back from me on ebay a few days later.
Seriously though it's a good idea, the problem is that it's not going to take long or be difficult for the club to just keep removing whatever is put there, especially as it's on their property. So within minutes it could be taken away and no one is the wiser. So no publicity etc. It's a good idea that needs those things thought about imo.
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So do I and you can buy it all back from me on ebay a few days later.
Seriously though it's a good idea, the problem is that it's not going to take long or be difficult for the club to just keep removing whatever is put there, especially as it's on their property. So within minutes it could be taken away and no one is the wiser. So no publicity etc. It's a good idea that needs those things thought about imo.
What about if it's co-ordinated to say, 15 mins before kick off?
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Ladies and gentlemen, I've solved the problem. Last game of the season we all turn up in red jackets, white jodpers and armed with a big fuck off horn. We can then hound the Fox out for 90 minutes.
Job done.
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Ladies and gentlemen, I've solved the problem. Last game of the season we all turn up in red jackets, white jodpers and armed with a big fuck off horn. We can then hound the Fox out for 90 minutes.
Job done.
Which is slightly more sensible than the mock funeral idea.
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Which is slightly more sensible than the mock funeral idea.
I've already repented of that very vague suggestion.
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I'm sticking to my black armband
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I'm sticking to my black armband
That's Velcro for you.
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Badum-Tish!
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So do I and you can buy it all back from me on ebay a few days later.
Seriously though it's a good idea, the problem is that it's not going to take long or be difficult for the club to just keep removing whatever is put there, especially as it's on their property. So within minutes it could be taken away and no one is the wiser. So no publicity etc. It's a good idea that needs those things thought about imo.
I agree but I'm not so sure they'd be able to just start scooping stuff up as its quite congested round there anyway without people coming to leave things.
The sensible thing would be to do it in agreement with the club - fans could make the protest and any shirts could be donated to a clothing charity afterwards.
Fans get the symbolic gesture, we get the coverage, everyone knows we're unhappy but no unseemly wrestling with club officials over Villa teddy bears and the like, a charity benefits and does the recycling for the club at the same time.
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The sensible thing would be to do it in agreement with the club
So we ask the club for permission to protest against them? this thread is turning into an episode of Dad's Army
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The fact it gets very congested there could be a reason used by the club to keep removing stuff, "health and safety innit guv". I'm also dubious that the club would 'support' something that is a protest against them.
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The sensible thing would be to do it in agreement with the club
So we ask the club for permission to protest against them? this thread is turning into an episode of Dad's Army
Yes, and then we give them teddy bears to show them we mean business.
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Yep, I agree, Boycott the Newcastle game but everyone turn up and watch me in the Lions match afterwards for free, that would be a slap in the face financially.
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The sensible thing would be to do it in agreement with the club
So we ask the club for permission to protest against them? this thread is turning into an episode of Dad's Army
Yes, and then we give them teddy bears to show them we mean business.
Its not asking the club for permission to protest. Its telling them there is going to be a protest where fans want to leave memorabilia and can they do it at the statue with the clubs agreement to avoid any "scenes". I was merely shooting the breeze to see if someones idea (not mine) could be workable.
The idea of leaving memorabilia at the statue I thought was a good one - its definitely at the more gentle end of "protesting" but one everyone could join in with easily.
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The sensible thing would be to do it in agreement with the club
So we ask the club for permission to protest against them? this thread is turning into an episode of Dad's Army
Yes, and then we give them teddy bears to show them we mean business.
Its not asking the club for permission to protest. Its telling them there is going to be a protest where fans want to leave memorabilia and can they do it at the statue with the clubs agreement to avoid any "scenes". I was merely shooting the breeze to see if someones idea (not mine) could be workable.
The idea of leaving memorabilia at the statue I thought was a good one - its definitely at the more gentle end of "protesting" but one everyone could join in with easily.
I'm going to throw a slipper at the statue and scream like a maniac.
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Black balloons for me
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Black balloons for me
Poor guy
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Ok throw a few pink spots on them then
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Black balloons for me
Poor guy
Yes, and sad to hear hear it.
In these troubled times we should always bear in mind that the other man's grass in always greener, another man's balls are always bluer and some unfortunate chap has black bollix the size of balloons.
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Ladies and gentlemen, I've solved the problem. Last game of the season we all turn up in red jackets, white jodpers and armed with a big fuck off horn. We can then hound the Fox out for 90 minutes.
Job done.
I'm not wearing red & white at Arsenal.
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The players have given in. The fans should too. Boycott the rest of the home games.
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The players have given in. The fans should too. Boycott the rest of the home games.
Spot on. I haven't been since Sunderland at home. Not wasting my cash on lerner and the useless players
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned but how about scarves and flowers to mourn the death of our club hanging from all the main gates at. Villa Park ?
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned but how about scarves and flowers to mourn the death of our club hanging from all the main gates at. Villa Park ?
and a march to or from witton cemetery before or after the match
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maybe everyone can just come dressed in black. Or we could have our very own Day of the Dead party.
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This thread is awful.
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maybe everyone can just come dressed in black. Or we could have our very own Day of the Dead party.
im going as a funeral director
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I'm going as Brad Pitt, same as every game.
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Preston North End fans actually do have a coffin that they bury every time they get relegated, and dig up every time they get promoted!
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I know it's not the last home game but I'm already looking forward to Arsenal away last game of the season, now that will be a party.
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We should all go to the Newcastle game dressed as the invisible man. Let's not bother, like the team.
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Don't really understand this thread.....surely many Villa fans will want to be at this game as an I was there type of thing. Don't want to be all domesday but that could well be the last top flight game at Villa Park for quite some time, Leeds have been gone for 12 seasons now let's not forget and Forest and Sheff Weds have been gone much longer.
That and Newcastle is the one remaining fixture I'm also looking forward to. We'll be long down by the time we play them and given the hate Newcastle fans have for us...it would be hilarious if we could play a big part in them getting relegated again.
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I know it's not the last home game but I'm already looking forward to Arsenal away last game of the season, now that will be a party.
what you gonna wear mate
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Why don't we all go, but dressed as Geoff Boycott. Everyone gets a long innings before they get out, but it probably won't be very entertaining and was all so much better in the 70s and early 80s.
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This thread is awful.
Isn't it just.
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I know it's not the last home game but I'm already looking forward to Arsenal away last game of the season, now that will be a party.
what you gonna wear mate
A USA flag hat, jacket and trousers, and carrying a banner saying 'I heart Randy'.
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Can we lose the caps in the title? It's not feng shui.
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maybe everyone can just come dressed in black. Or we could have our very own Day of the Dead party.
im going as a funeral director
Howard Hodgson?
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I'm going as Brad Pitt, same as every game.
More like Brad's pit.
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I hereby announce that I am boycotting tomorrow night's game, as I can't be bothered with the time & expense of travelling up from London the way things are at the moment.
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I'm going as Brad Pitt, same as every game.
With Leegilina Jolie ?