Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Legion on May 26, 2020, 11:48:19 AM

Title: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Legion on May 26, 2020, 11:48:19 AM
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Duncan Shaw on May 26, 2020, 12:37:14 PM
Aaaaahhhhhh…..

So fortunate to have lived through that period.  My lad will never see the like.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: simon ward 50 on May 26, 2020, 12:40:09 PM
Going all misty eyed!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on May 26, 2020, 03:33:48 PM
"Champions of Europe" day! UTV!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Damo70 on May 26, 2020, 03:40:14 PM
I am so grateful my old man (who is a nose) took me to Rotterdam as an eleven year old. I didn't know I was going until the morning we were leaving! I was in the front row of the top tier behind the goal we scored in. My main memory is of the heat. I also remember Nigel Spink warming up in goal before the game whereas I don't think Jimmy Rimmer did. I also remember our coachload managing to get the early editions of the following days papers detailing our win. I still have the commemorative pennant we were all given on the coach and it is one of my most treasured possessions. The match programme is somewhere at my parents house.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Exeter 77 on May 26, 2020, 04:05:48 PM
This one Damo?
(https://i.ibb.co/1dnSrMZ/20200526-160359.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1dnSrMZ)
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Villan For Life on May 26, 2020, 05:40:14 PM
What a wonderful day and treasured memories.

I had an email from the club earlier with a link to a name the squad and manager quiz. Those of us of a certain vintage can still reel off the names of all of them, every one of them a legend.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Holte L2 on May 26, 2020, 06:06:55 PM
What a wonderful day and treasured memories.

I had an email from the club earlier with a link to a name the squad and manager quiz. Those of us of a certain vintage can still real off the names of all of them, every one of them a legend.

I'm 35 mate. Was born 2 years after Rotterdam. I can real the name off easily.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: TonyD on May 26, 2020, 06:31:07 PM
This one Damo?
(https://i.ibb.co/1dnSrMZ/20200526-160359.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1dnSrMZ)

I have one those.    What a day. 
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on May 26, 2020, 07:17:54 PM
I have many happy memories of things I have done in my life - that whole experience is up there - as is the match against Anderlecht - my ability to speak Dutch and French enabled me and a few buddies to get home unscathed after that game
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on May 26, 2020, 07:32:59 PM
I suspect there's a few on here like me. When I watched this on TV aged 12 (regular match goer but the trouble in Anderlecht stopped my dad taking me to the final) I was obviously over the moon, but I didn't realise , as a kid, the enormity of what I wa witnessing. It was just Villa winning in Europe, it's what we did. I never had any doubt but we would win, unlike my dad ! That was the amazing thing about growing up with Villa at that time, and I feel so privileged to have done so.

I also remember when that feeling of Villa invincible was ripped out of me.....it was the following year, when Paolo Rossi put Juve ahead at VP after a few minutes. That wasn't how things were meant to be !

Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Steve67 on May 26, 2020, 07:41:45 PM
Come on you Villa boys. I was 14, watched it on the telly.  Does anyone remember who the co-commentator was? 
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on May 26, 2020, 07:54:25 PM
Brian Clough !
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Steve67 on May 26, 2020, 08:00:32 PM
Brian Clough !

Kerching!  Yup.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 26, 2020, 08:09:33 PM
I'll never forget how completely biased towards us Clough was.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on May 26, 2020, 08:12:38 PM
That struck me too, kept referring to Villa as "we"
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 26, 2020, 08:16:01 PM
At the final whistle "we've done it".
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Exeter 77 on May 26, 2020, 08:17:03 PM
A ritual I have every year is watching the game in real time. Second half has just kicked off.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: WarszaVillan on May 26, 2020, 08:30:15 PM
I suspect there's a few on here like me. When I watched this on TV aged 12 (regular match goer but the trouble in Anderlecht stopped my dad taking me to the final) I was obviously over the moon, but I didn't realise , as a kid, the enormity of what I wa witnessing. It was just Villa winning in Europe, it's what we did. I never had any doubt but we would win, unlike my dad ! That was the amazing thing about growing up with Villa at that time, and I feel so privileged to have done so.

I also remember when that feeling of Villa invincible was ripped out of me.....it was the following year, when Paolo Rossi put Juve ahead at VP after a few minutes. That wasn't how things were meant to be !



I had the same situation. I was twelve when we won the European Cup and had been to most home games for a couple of years, stood on the Clock End when we won the league and been to all the home games on the way to the final. But in the wake of the Anderlecht trouble my Mum put her foot down and wouldn't let me go with my Dad and brother (who's three years older than me). Still got great memories of the day though and Withe scoring, but as you say it seemed as though this was something not too out the ordinary, probably because English clubs were winning it every year then.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Exeter 77 on May 26, 2020, 08:34:26 PM
Gooooaaaaallllllll!!!!!!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Legion on May 26, 2020, 08:35:41 PM
Awaits VAR...
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Exeter 77 on May 26, 2020, 08:37:41 PM
Awaits VAR...
Kevin Friend rules it out for 'being Villa player in a penalty area'.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Border villan on May 26, 2020, 08:40:08 PM
This one Damo?
(https://i.ibb.co/1dnSrMZ/20200526-160359.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1dnSrMZ)

I have one those.    What a day.

Still got mine, plus my ticket and Aston Villa travellers club membership card. Priceless memories.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Exeter 77 on May 26, 2020, 08:59:42 PM
And Dutch TV have identified Roy McLaren as Tony Barton so we must have won!

Edit: And Legion's name has gone up on the Roll Of Honour on the DVD.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: WarszaVillan on May 26, 2020, 10:07:53 PM
It's a very underrated goal that we scored. We play our way right through Bayern, starting from Spink  with a great throw out to Williams. Eight players touch the ball, ten if you start from Evan's miscue. Shaw is magnificent in the move and Mortimer and Cowans class. Morley turned defenders like that every week, especially in Europe that year. And Withie just stuck it away. 
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: purpletrousers on May 26, 2020, 10:30:05 PM
A forever grateful 8yr old
(https://i.ibb.co/MhZWQTC/BB825-C8-F-3-B90-4-BA8-9306-A01-A2-B086596.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MhZWQTC)

(https://i.ibb.co/F6G74YX/FEA96393-1-DF5-47-AD-BFE9-E4-D7413-C23-A7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F6G74YX)
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Pete3206 on May 27, 2020, 12:04:54 AM
The day after at school, a couple of noses were bitterly complaining about how lucky we were. I guess we were lucky, to witness that night (albeit on TV for me) and to support the Villa. I can imagine those two noses are still bleating about it today.

Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: brentastonb6 on May 27, 2020, 12:35:47 AM
A forever grateful 8yr old
(https://i.ibb.co/MhZWQTC/BB825-C8-F-3-B90-4-BA8-9306-A01-A2-B086596.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MhZWQTC)

(https://i.ibb.co/F6G74YX/FEA96393-1-DF5-47-AD-BFE9-E4-D7413-C23-A7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F6G74YX)

Lucky lucky boy 👍
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: geolex on May 27, 2020, 06:42:19 AM
I'll never forget how completely biased towards us Clough was.

No he was an intelligent knowledgeable source of professional expertise and totally unbiased, just like the media are towards  Liverpool etc nowadays...
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 27, 2020, 09:11:14 PM
I'll never forget how completely biased towards us Clough was.
He made some comment like it’s great to have won, but even better to have beat the Germans,

Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Flamingo Lane on May 27, 2020, 09:21:51 PM
That £29 I paid for the match ticket and return travel to the ground from New Street Station was the best £29 I shall ever spend!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 27, 2020, 09:52:55 PM
That £29 I paid for the match ticket and return travel to the ground from New Street Station was the best £29 I shall ever spend!

Fuck off!  I had to pay £33!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Pat McMahon on May 27, 2020, 11:05:03 PM
That £29 I paid for the match ticket and return travel to the ground from New Street Station was the best £29 I shall ever spend!

Fuck off!  I had to pay £33!

I went by coach and have no idea of the price but as you say it was money very well spent:)

Sadly I moved abroad and my mom had to downsize over the years so my old photos, pennant, etc have long gone. Luckily I do have a photo of 19 year old me on that grassy area in town with my shirt, flag and a box of beers. And my memories.

Last year I was in Rotterdam for one night. The next day was gloriously hot and sunny, just like 1982 so I headed over to De Kuip to reminisce. It has been modernised but I remembered a lot of it, including the outside staircases. They have a cafe / restaurant above the main entrance so I ambled up there, looked like I owned the place and went along a few corridors and tried a couple of doors, ending up in a private box with outside seats on the halfway line. It’s all seater now, but recognisable from the version we knew. I took a load of photos and the memories came flooding back.

I went into town after that and headed towards the central esplanade and the Double Diamond- now a Chinese restaurant, but still visibly the same place Villa fans had been talking about as a rallying point in the week before the game. Aside from all this Rotterdam is excellent and highly recommended for an alternative Dutch weekend to Amsterdam.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Holte132 on May 26, 2021, 08:36:35 AM
Happy Rotterdam Day, everyone!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 26, 2021, 08:44:36 AM
Was looking for this thread and couldn't find it. Happy Rotterdam Day everyone!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 26, 2021, 08:47:18 AM
Blimey! Forty years, I'm so happy I can remember it. Happy Rotterdam day everyone.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on May 26, 2021, 09:00:31 AM
Winning the league title and then the European Cup the following season; the proper way of doing it! Enjoy the anniversary Villa fans.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Border villan on May 26, 2021, 09:11:42 AM
The greatest away day ever, still have my ticket framed on the wall.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dorsetvillian on May 26, 2021, 09:16:58 AM
Greatest away day(s) ever.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: algy on May 26, 2021, 09:25:02 AM
Said this before, but I stopped my dad from going.  He was offered a ticket, but I was due to be born that week so he turned it down.  I ended up coming prematurely by a fortnight.  My gran knitted me a top specially for the occasion (white with claret & blue trim), and my dad propped me up in front of the telly and made sure that I stayed awake, prodding me whenever he noticed that I might be starting to doze off.  I've got a photo of me propped up stored away for safe keeping.


Anyway - sorry for being a bugger and stopping you going, Dad, but thanks for making sure I saw it :)
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Holte132 on May 26, 2021, 09:34:44 AM
Blimey! Forty years, I'm so happy I can remember it. Happy Rotterdam day everyone.

39 years, but hey, who's counting?
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on May 26, 2021, 10:10:46 AM
Happy Anniversary to us all!
VTWD!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Villa Lew on May 26, 2021, 10:41:06 AM
Greatest day in our history, next year is the big anniversary, let's hope we can give the team a hero's welcome at VP, like we did for the 25th anniversary.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: darren woolley on May 26, 2021, 11:07:56 AM
Happy Rotterdam Day everyone.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Risso on May 26, 2021, 11:08:09 AM
Not so happy "Losing to Fulham in the Play Offs" Day!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Duncan Shaw on May 26, 2021, 12:04:45 PM
Greatest day in our history, next year is the big anniversary, let's hope we can give the team a hero's welcome at VP, like we did for the 25th anniversary.
You can bet your bottom dollar with the quality of ownership we now have in place something will be done!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: in exile on May 26, 2021, 12:37:42 PM
Happy Rotterdam day everyone.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Godfrey Brian on May 26, 2021, 02:19:17 PM
Leaving Villa Park with the Travellers club just before midnight the previous day.
Being cheered by French shoppers as we made our way along the coast the next day.
The intense heat.
Arriving at the ground in the early afternoon.
A mass game of football on the Feyenoord training pitches.
Bumping into loads of people from our division three travels outside the ground.
Absolute nerves before kick off.
Mayhem second half.
Looking across at the Villa seats in the corner to see a Villa fan who'd drunk a bit, fast asleep!
Tears and celebrations on the whistle and afterwards.
A long trip home
Being welcomed as heroes by people on the number eleven up Aston Lane who hadn't had the chance to go but knew people who had.
Back home, quick change and off to my mates stag do at the Parisienne pub.
Back to work Friday to tell everyone about it.
Outside the Council House Friday night to welcome the team back.
Not a bad few days over all! :)
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Mister E on May 26, 2021, 03:50:23 PM
I missed the trip ... a lifelong regret.
I was instead preparing for a job interview on the following day, which I arrived at in understandably-euphoric mood. When my prospective boss asked me how things were I shared my unalloyed delight with the previous evening's events, to which he said "Not a f***ing Villa fan!!".
Happily, I got the job.
My interviewer and subsequent boss was Lewis Albrighton, a Bitter and Marc's uncle.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: West Derby Villan on May 26, 2021, 04:21:17 PM
What a day. My father, (who was 50 on the day) my 2 brothers and myself went together to the greatest Villa party we could of ever imagined.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 26, 2021, 05:40:36 PM
Blimey! Forty years, I'm so happy I can remember it. Happy Rotterdam day everyone.

39 years, but hey, who's counting?

I'm goind barmy, in my defence maths is not my strongpoint as borne out by a discussion I had with Mrs S this morning.  I said we will have been married forty-seven years in July, she informed me it will be forty-six.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Border villan on May 26, 2021, 05:42:56 PM
Blimey! Forty years, I'm so happy I can remember it. Happy Rotterdam day everyone.

39 years, but hey, who's counting?

I'm goind barmy, in my defence maths is not my strongpoint as borne out by a discussion I had with Mrs S this morning.  I said we will have been married forty-seven years in July, she informed me it will be forty-six.

But it seems longer!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 26, 2021, 05:46:42 PM
Not so happy "Losing to Fulham in the Play Offs" Day!

It probably worked out better for us in the end.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 26, 2021, 05:48:02 PM
Blimey! Forty years, I'm so happy I can remember it. Happy Rotterdam day everyone.

39 years, but hey, who's counting?

I'm goind barmy, in my defence maths is not my strongpoint as borne out by a discussion I had with Mrs S this morning.  I said we will have been married forty-seven years in July, she informed me it will be forty-six.

But it seems longer!

So you know her as well then?    :(
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 26, 2021, 07:15:55 PM
Father in Law said all the Dutch people they met were wishing us luck
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 26, 2021, 07:23:05 PM
Father in Law said all the Dutch people they met were wishing us luck

Those that I had contact with certainly did. 
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Pat McMahon on May 26, 2021, 11:53:29 PM
Father in Law said all the Dutch people they met were wishing us luck

Those that I had contact with certainly did. 

Same here. I was stood next to a meaty Feyenoord fan and had countless people wishing us luck in the city centre during the afternoon.

I went to Rotterdam a couple of years ago after a work trip to Amsterdam and headed over to De Kuip. Brought back a load of memories. I managed to sneak into the ground and get into a box and then what is now the main stand, which is now on the opposite side to where the trophy was presented. Luckily the old main stand still has the Feyenoord stadium letters in white which I recalled so well, as well as the old external staircases.

I would love to have taken the train from Centraal to the stadium but the train only runs on match days.

Those who were there may remember the Double Diamond pub. It is now a Chinese restaurant so I couldn’t have a celebratory pint. :(
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 27, 2021, 12:11:03 AM
Father in Law said all the Dutch people they met were wishing us luck

Those that I had contact with certainly did. 

That's only half the story. Let's just say, no love lost.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Weedy on May 27, 2021, 01:03:40 AM
Happy days indeed, my pics from the day


(https://i.ibb.co/LR3xPvK/02-Stadium-fans.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LR3xPvK)(https://i.ibb.co/xzmmPfJ/03-Stadium.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xzmmPfJ)(https://i.ibb.co/MM1q0Fz/04-Bayern-coach.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MM1q0Fz)

(https://i.ibb.co/xDK51wq/08-Pre-Match.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xDK51wq)(https://i.ibb.co/9sxVfWS/09-View-From.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9sxVfWS)
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Axl Rose on May 27, 2021, 02:14:37 AM
Father in Law said all the Dutch people they met were wishing us luck

Those that I had contact with certainly did. 

Same here. I was stood next to a meaty Feyenoord fan and had countless people wishing us luck in the city centre during the afternoon.

I went to Rotterdam a couple of years ago after a work trip to Amsterdam and headed over to De Kuip. Brought back a load of memories. I managed to sneak into the ground and get into a box and then what is now the main stand, which is now on the opposite side to where the trophy was presented. Luckily the old main stand still has the Feyenoord stadium letters in white which I recalled so well, as well as the old external staircases.

I would love to have taken the train from Centraal to the stadium but the train only runs on match days.

Those who were there may remember the Double Diamond pub. It is now a Chinese restaurant so I couldn’t have a celebratory pint. :(


You could have had a celebratory Baijiu, mate!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: JD on May 27, 2021, 07:32:45 AM
Great photos Weedy.

Happy days indeed.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on May 27, 2021, 09:13:33 AM
Happy promotion day everyone!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: SaddVillan on May 27, 2021, 11:52:15 AM
Happy promotion day everyone!

2 years and we've come a long way already.

BUT


The journey continues.......
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on May 27, 2021, 12:06:09 PM
Playoff final Just popped up on my Facebook memories. A photo of me, Olaftab, Brazilian Villan and Pat McMahon ( with his lucky Rotterdam Union Jack) in the pub in Kilburn. I say Facebook “memories” - I can’t remember a thing, let alone that photo being taken
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: PGW on May 27, 2021, 12:11:13 PM
Had a great afternnon/evening yesterday myself and four mates met up to have a memorable session but the good thing about the day was the fact i hadn't
seen two of my mates for over 15 months because of Covid. So made the day extra special.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Duncan Shaw on May 27, 2021, 12:43:16 PM
Playoff final Just popped up on my Facebook memories. A photo of me, Olaftab, Brazilian Villan and Pat McMahon ( with his lucky Rotterdam Union Jack) in the pub in Kilburn. I say Facebook “memories” - I can’t remember a thing, let alone that photo being taken

Mine too.  Abiding memory of the day, after getting to Wembley early and trying to get a 2nd ticket for my 18 year old lad to no avail, was him staying with me right to turnstiles and then saying "Surely you're gonna let me have it? You saw us win the European Cup, please let me see us win something"  I gave him £30 and said go find a pub!  Met him back on the green after, beer soaked..."Best day ever" he said!  I do wish I could have got him in though!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Dick Edwards on May 27, 2021, 01:23:25 PM
I went with the Travellers Club on coach one that included an overnight stay. Memories include arriving in our Amsterdam hotel to discover it had vending machines that dispensed cans of beer. When we got back after the match (I recall it was a fair distance from Rotterdam to Amsterdam) everyone flooded into the hotel bar to top up as you'd expect, then well before closing time the hotel said they'd ran out of beer!
Anyone else on here remember that?
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: clash city rocker on May 27, 2021, 04:44:38 PM
Got a train from new st on the tuesday night. The drinking started on the ferry and didnt stop till the following sunday night. Not sure how I made work on the monday
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on May 27, 2021, 09:57:21 PM
Happy promotion day everyone!
And you too!
Seems much longer than 2 years ago after everything that's happened in the world. Does anyone else get flashbacks of those never ending 7 minutes at the end of full time?  :o
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Pat McMahon on May 28, 2021, 12:24:51 AM
Father in Law said all the Dutch people they met were wishing us luck

Those that I had contact with certainly did. 

Same here. I was stood next to a meaty Feyenoord fan and had countless people wishing us luck in the city centre during the afternoon.

I went to Rotterdam a couple of years ago after a work trip to Amsterdam and headed over to De Kuip. Brought back a load of memories. I managed to sneak into the ground and get into a box and then what is now the main stand, which is now on the opposite side to where the trophy was presented. Luckily the old main stand still has the Feyenoord stadium letters in white which I recalled so well, as well as the old external staircases.

I would love to have taken the train from Centraal to the stadium but the train only runs on match days.

Those who were there may remember the Double Diamond pub. It is now a Chinese restaurant so I couldn’t have a celebratory pint. :(


You could have had a celebratory Baijiu, mate!

Half a bottle of that stuff and no need for a Covid vaccine - kills all known living things, notably brain cells.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Pat McMahon on May 28, 2021, 12:27:19 AM
Playoff final Just popped up on my Facebook memories. A photo of me, Olaftab, Brazilian Villan and Pat McMahon ( with his lucky Rotterdam Union Jack) in the pub in Kilburn. I say Facebook “memories” - I can’t remember a thing, let alone that photo being taken

I have that photo too. We were fairly compos mentis in the pub after given the joy of the day. The Union Jack needs washing but it would fall apart if I did
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Godfrey Brian on May 28, 2021, 08:29:13 AM
Playoff final Just popped up on my Facebook memories. A photo of me, Olaftab, Brazilian Villan and Pat McMahon ( with his lucky Rotterdam Union Jack) in the pub in Kilburn. I say Facebook “memories” - I can’t remember a thing, let alone that photo being taken

I have that photo too. We were fairly compos mentis in the pub after given the joy of the day. The Union Jack needs washing but it would fall apart if I did
I've a Villa scarf like that Pat. College stripe, wool bought from Harry Parkes over 50 Years ago. It's been at so many Villa occasions good and bad, it's survived scrapes and theft attempts around the country.I reserve wearing it for big games now as it's held together by the patches I've sewn on over the years. Actually it's not even claret and blue any more as the colours have merged!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Border villan on May 25, 2022, 11:08:52 AM
Only one more sleep to the great day.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: purpletrousers on May 25, 2022, 03:41:36 PM
I was a bit surprised to shed so many tears having my little one waving a flag on my shoulders, as the 'old men' of 81/82 got their guard of honour & parade 10 days ago at Villa Park.
Something about having been deeply privileged as a little one myself back then to have been taken by my elders to some of our finest moments, and now bringing along the next generation.

Though usually singing it loud, I've perhaps had mixed feelings about the Ole Ole Ole chant -  does 'we *even* conquered Europe in 1982' sound a bit lacking in ambition - but hearing little AV amaze her grandparents by reciting it last week made it feel special.

I've probably shared these pictures before, but as ever eternal gratitude to my family still around and passed on, as well as to those that fulfilled our dreams.
(https://i.ibb.co/Q6KkkjR/img021.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Q6KkkjR)
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: CJ27 on May 25, 2022, 04:38:37 PM
Who would have thought it, 40 years tomorrow. I was lucky enough to to fly over, as my birthday is the 27th it was a present, however what an early birthday present it was beating probably the best team in Europe at the time. Still got my old scarf too, tattered and worse for wear now having travelled the country from when we were in the 3rd division to Highbury in ‘81, Rotterdam, VP in ‘83 against Barca. Then last week those legends walking round the sacred turf, not a dry eye in the house. What they wouldn’t have given to play on the pitches we have now.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Godfrey Brian on May 25, 2022, 07:21:46 PM
OK, let the anniversary begin! This time  this evening,  40 years ago we were gathering in my mate's front room comparing final 'get-up' before we headed off to Villa Park to catch Travellers Club coach 2 to fantasy land! :)
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 25, 2022, 07:50:16 PM
For a warm up the play off final is on now on Sky Sports Football. Villa v Derby.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: JD on May 25, 2022, 08:42:31 PM
Happy Rotterdam Day. Who can believe it was 40 years ago.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Legion on May 25, 2022, 08:43:21 PM
For a warm up the play off final is on now on Sky Sports Football. Villa v Derby.

Hope we win.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: ventnorVillain on May 25, 2022, 09:02:03 PM
40 years ago, and I still remember it as if it was yesterday. In fact, I still think about it every day. I still have my ticket, programme and travel ticket (David Dryer Travel). Train from New Street to Folkestone (train left at midnight), ferry then coach to Rotterdam. The two things that really stick out in my mind is the noise as the team made their way to the Villa end with the cup and a Dutch woman emptying a bucket of piss from an upstairs window on a group of Bayern fans and shouting abuse at them. I didn't understand up to that point how much the Dutch hated the Germans. All the locals wished us well and fervently hoped we would win. What a time. I was 20 and naively thought that those times would last forever. How wrong I was...
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: eamonn on May 25, 2022, 10:18:45 PM
a Dutch woman emptying a bucket of piss from an upstairs window on a group of Bayern fans and shouting abuse at them.

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Perthvillan on May 26, 2022, 03:24:46 AM
This date pops up on my diary every year and I always try to watch the match DVD on the date each year.
I was already here in Perth, West Aussie and was lucky that the SBS TV network (great for football always show the World Cup and do a great job with it) which we didn't get here in Perth at the time allowed a commercial TV station here to show the satellite feed.
I was so nervous I couldn't sleep prior to kick off which I think was about 3am here.
The problem with the commercial TV station showing the game was that they had ad breaks while the game was on.
I can still remember the first ad break after about ten minutes in and when the game came back on, Jimmy Rimmer was coming off the pitch shaking his head!
When Peter Withe scored that goal and at the final whistle I just went mental, lucky I was living on my own at the time but I can remember the neighbours dogs barking their heads off.
The period between the goal and the end was the most nerve wracking period of my life.
They were all over us but Nigel Spink had a blinder in his second first team game.
The biggest regret of my life was not being there.
Wonderful memories.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: OzVilla on May 26, 2022, 03:32:37 AM
Happy Rotterdam Day everyone.  Watched it round a mates house as the Villa supporting adults in the street watched it round ours - understandably they didn't want the kids around.

Recall the last 15 minutes feeling like 15 years but absolute euphoria afterwards. Went straight outside for a celebratory kick around, I can still see those images in my mind now.

A wonderful time to be alive.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Villan For Life on May 26, 2022, 05:58:53 AM
Happy Rotterdam 40 Day.

Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Dick Edwards on May 26, 2022, 06:12:37 AM
I still have all my memorabilia and memories from the day. My Villa travellers club card, coach ticket on coach number one, match ticket, official programme, unofficial programme, memories of enjoying vending machines in the Amsterdam hotel that sold cans of beer outside of bar opening hours which was something I'd never seen before, being draped in a huge union jack that I'd borrowed from my Civil Service office (it used to be flown from the building on special occasions), the hotel bar having to close early after we'd returned from Rotterdam as it had run out of beer, photographs taken over the days there, the glorious ferry ride home with fellow jubilant Villa fans, everything recalled like it happened yesterday.

To those of us who were there, we were privileged to witness an unforgettable occasion. Happy 40th anniversary to us all.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: big 1st serve on May 26, 2022, 06:57:17 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/VNTmPSV/IMG-4135.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VNTmPSV)
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on May 26, 2022, 07:02:33 AM
AV40! Happy Anniversary Villans!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: WarszaVillan on May 26, 2022, 07:16:12 AM
I was at all the home legs and had been at Highbury but never got to Rotterdam as my Mum wouldn't agree to me going after the violence in the semi-final. My Dad and older brother went and I watched it at home. The feeling when the goal went in was incredible. I still feel it's a very underrated goal, probably because of the scrappy finish. Winning the ball back, getting it back to Spink and then working it through from the back, great skill by Shaw and Morley before Withe stuck it away. A cracking goal.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 26, 2022, 08:55:45 AM
Is this what Legion posted?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UHQuo2T9cK4
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Villa Lew on May 26, 2022, 09:04:08 AM
Happy 40th anniversary Villa, the greatest day in our history.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Legion on May 26, 2022, 09:09:48 AM
Is this what Legion posted?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UHQuo2T9cK4

No. Mine was just the goal and the lifting of the cup. Got removed by YT a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 26, 2022, 09:11:04 AM
I'd forgotten all about that, thanks for reminding me Perce.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Legion on May 26, 2022, 09:11:07 AM
Happy 40th anniversary Villa, the greatest day in our history.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: tricky dicky on May 26, 2022, 09:15:45 AM
Happy Rotterdam day
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 26, 2022, 10:08:43 AM
Happy Rotterdam Day!

According to the Express & Star, Bob Mortimer believes Villa should name the North Stand after Ron Saunders.
https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2022/05/26/bob-mortimer-name-villa-park-north-stand-after-ron-saunders/
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Coop on May 26, 2022, 10:43:59 AM



(https://i.ibb.co/rbWPj5n/DSC-3978.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rbWPj5n)

(https://i.ibb.co/ckx0jdt/20220424-185232-Burst01.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ckx0jdt)
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 26, 2022, 10:45:01 AM
Actually an underrated goal. Obviously Withe couldn't miss, but the work by Shaw and Morley was brilliant.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: eamonn on May 26, 2022, 02:00:09 PM
Couldn't miss but nearly fcuking did!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: eamonn on May 26, 2022, 02:03:57 PM
For the auld ones on here...speaking honestly, was our victory given the coverage it merited on a national scale compared to Forest's wins or Liverpool the year after etc. ?

Did we suffer from "Well, any old English team could win that trophy" snobbery/jealousy, or with the '82 World Cup round the corner and little Villa participation, was it quickly relegated as a footnote?

I guess you could make the argument even now that the only people who really care about any success are the supporters of said club. And all the media channels that need to fill-out their coverage.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 26, 2022, 02:17:08 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p088z78l

Quote
The 1982 European Cup Final was played on 26th May. English champions Aston Villa defeated West German league winners Bayern Munich 1–0 at De Kuip in Rotterdam, Netherlands in-front of 46000 people to win the European Cup for the first, and so far, only time, and continue the streak of English teams winning the competition, being the sixth consecutive victory by an English side.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Flamingo Lane on May 26, 2022, 02:17:19 PM
What a day that was; the return fare from Birmingham New Street all the way to Rotterdam via train, ferry and coach, plus the match ticket, cost £29.   
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 26, 2022, 02:37:20 PM
For the auld ones on here...speaking honestly, was our victory given the coverage it merited on a national scale compared to Forest's wins or Liverpool the year after etc. ?

Did we suffer from "Well, any old English team could win that trophy" snobbery/jealousy, or with the '82 World Cup round the corner and little Villa participation, was it quickly relegated as a footnote?

I guess you could make the argument even now that the only people who really care about any success are the supporters of said club. And all the media channels that need to fill-out their coverage.

My mom recorded the game at home for us when we got back from Rotterdam, the coverage ended abruptly as far as I remember when Dennis Mortimer lifted the trophy and a brief chat ensued in the studio afterwards then that was it. Now that was on ITV probably Thames TV so coverage may have been different away from London. One thing that irks me to this day is the UEFA bloke who handed Dennis the cup lifted it aloft before he gave it to Dennis to do the same, like he stole Dennis's thunder, watch it back for yourself the bastard.
In terms of the printed press I bought up all the papers from the following day when we got home that newsagents hadn't returned to WHSmiths, again London papers, they're all in boxes in the old folks loft still. Pretty average coverage, can't say as I remember any centre spreads like the Argus and The Mail did.
The European Cup in those days really did bring English football supporters together behind the English team, I watched all 3 Liverpool wins at the time and Forest's 2 as if I was one of their fans, not a chance I or many would do that today, money changed all that.

One thing that does still stands out in my memory is Brian Clough saying 'We've done 'em' at the final whistle, Clough, saying we've done 'em, fantastic.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: VILLA MOLE on May 26, 2022, 03:00:07 PM
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2022/may/26/full-90--aston-villa-1-0-bayern-munich/
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 26, 2022, 03:00:23 PM
What a day that was; the return fare from Birmingham New Street all the way to Rotterdam via train, ferry and coach, plus the match ticket, cost £29.

DISGRACE.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: eamonn on May 26, 2022, 03:06:59 PM
I think I've said this a few times and in the grand scheme it doesn't matter, but the fact that most of our players swapped shirts with their Bayern counter-parts meaning there's a host of red shirts in our celebration photos really pisses me off. Thankfully Dennis Mortimer had the sense to wait/not bother.

I know it was common to swap jerseys with the guy marking you, but are pictures and video of other clubs' famous Cup triumphs marred by the photo-bombing of rival colours? Cos I ain't seen any. What we needed was a John Terry full-kit wanka ethos from all our boys.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 26, 2022, 03:10:12 PM
In one of those couldn't make it up scenarios, I've just bumped into Gary Shaw in town.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Border villan on May 26, 2022, 03:14:42 PM
In one of those couldn't make it up scenarios, I've just bumped into Gary Shaw in town.

Did you give him your autograph?
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: VILLA MOLE on May 26, 2022, 03:21:19 PM
On the commentary before hand they said there had only be 8 arrests

Fancy going all that way and missing the game
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Brend'Watkins on May 26, 2022, 03:26:22 PM
In one of those couldn't make it up scenarios, I've just bumped into Gary Shaw in town.

Did you inquire as to why Tony Morley was missing from the Half Time celebration V Palace?
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Rudy65 on May 26, 2022, 03:27:33 PM
What a day that was; the return fare from Birmingham New Street all the way to Rotterdam via train, ferry and coach, plus the match ticket, cost £29.

That was my journey as well having left on Tuesday evening and got home Thursday morning. These days I would be saying where am I going to sleep on those two nights, back then as a 17 year old, I couldn't care less and assume we just slept on ferry / coach etc
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: olaftab on May 26, 2022, 03:31:20 PM
Again I so regret not going to Rotterdam because I thought it was going to like that every season😥😩
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: eamonn on May 26, 2022, 03:40:04 PM
In one of those couldn't make it up scenarios, I've just bumped into Gary Shaw in town.

Did you inquire as to why Tony Morley was missing from the Half Time celebration V Palace?

He was on his holidays, I think it was reported?
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: London Villan on May 26, 2022, 04:05:47 PM
This Celebratory Dinner tonight? Where was it advertised? Not seen it mentioned other than on FB today.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Legion on May 26, 2022, 04:09:35 PM
In one of those couldn't make it up scenarios, I've just bumped into Gary Shaw in town.

Did you inquire as to why Tony Morley was missing from the Half Time celebration V Palace?

He was in Dubai. Call me eastie.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: olaftab on May 26, 2022, 04:29:57 PM
In one of those couldn't make it up scenarios, I've just bumped into Gary Shaw in town.

Did you inquire as to why Tony Morley was missing from the Half Time celebration V Palace?

He was in Dubai. Call me eastie.
Do you know if his girlfriend and her mum were there as well?
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: eamonn on May 26, 2022, 04:40:29 PM
I actually didn't mind Eastie. Harmless and enthusiastic. Nowt wrong with that.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Rotterdam on May 26, 2022, 04:46:11 PM
Our two boys went to primary school with Villa scarfs and flags today. I had some grit in my eye watching them walk to school...
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Legion on May 26, 2022, 04:48:20 PM
Neither did I. His heart was in the right place and to his credit he was very helpful when some on the short-lived TBAR were causing us no end of problems.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 26, 2022, 04:58:00 PM
What a day that was; the return fare from Birmingham New Street all the way to Rotterdam via train, ferry and coach, plus the match ticket, cost £29.   

I was robbed!  Mine cost £33 for the same package.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Godfrey Brian on May 26, 2022, 05:38:05 PM
On the commentary before hand they said there had only be 8 arrests

Fancy going all that way and missing the game

I remember a guy down from us who had been on the beer all day and slept through most of the game flat out in the walkway!!!! I suppose he can always say he was there though!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: nick harper on May 26, 2022, 05:39:33 PM
This Celebratory Dinner tonight? Where was it advertised? Not seen it mentioned other than on FB today.

It was here as part of the AV40 celebrations.

https://av40tribute.com/shop/ols/all?sortOption=descend_by_created_at
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: trinityoap on May 26, 2022, 06:03:28 PM
One of my abiding memories was talking to a party of Dutch OAP's in the first pub we went into  in Rotterdam. Their hatred of the Germans was visceral.
And I do mean hatred. Not surprising when you remember what they went through. When the final whistle went  I literally blacked out for a couple of seconds. I still have the scar on my nose where I made a rather undignified landing. I gave away my scarf to a Dutch lad. Mrs. TOAP would not let me take our son even though he was nearly eight weeks old and subsequently lost more brownie points when she lost my ticket. One of the truly great days of my life and I was bursting with pride at what we had achieved especially as much of the press had not forgiven us for having had the temerity to beat media darlings Ipswich in winning the league. Now forty years on I still think of how lucky I and the others were to have been there and still be here to go on about it.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: trinityoap on May 26, 2022, 06:18:55 PM
Off to watch the match.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Dazvillain on May 26, 2022, 06:20:35 PM
Did someone say that the super villans documentary was on BT again tonight ?
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Dazvillain on May 26, 2022, 07:13:06 PM
Did someone say that the super villans documentary was on BT again tonight ?

Yesterday apparently !! Can watch on bt app but need subscription ….. how much , any ideas ?
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: clash city rocker on May 26, 2022, 07:47:39 PM
Remember  the Dutch hating the Gerrans with a passion I never quite got.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 26, 2022, 07:51:29 PM
This Celebratory Dinner tonight? Where was it advertised? Not seen it mentioned other than on FB today.

It was here as part of the AV40 celebrations.

https://av40tribute.com/shop/ols/all?sortOption=descend_by_created_at

A friend of mine flew over for it after getting back from the Toronto Do on Monday. He has a very understanding wife.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: astonvilla82 on May 26, 2022, 08:47:21 PM
What a day that was; the return fare from Birmingham New Street all the way to Rotterdam via train, ferry and coach, plus the match ticket, cost £29.   

I was robbed!  Mine cost £33 for the same package.
I paid 28.50 just for train and ferry to Anderlecht
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on May 26, 2022, 09:01:52 PM
Happy Rotterdam Day all!  Remember watching the game on telly.

40 years ago tomorrow morning, I sang all the way to school...

Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Exeter 77 on May 26, 2022, 09:07:42 PM
Just watched the game back and the three things I picked up from this viewing.

The ref gave us nothing all game.
Gary Williams had a really good game.
How did Ken McNaught never win and International cap?
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Rudy65 on May 26, 2022, 09:35:55 PM
Playoff final Just popped up on my Facebook memories. A photo of me, Olaftab, Brazilian Villan and Pat McMahon ( with his lucky Rotterdam Union Jack) in the pub in Kilburn. I say Facebook “memories” - I can’t remember a thing, let alone that photo being taken

Mine too.  Abiding memory of the day, after getting to Wembley early and trying to get a 2nd ticket for my 18 year old lad to no avail, was him staying with me right to turnstiles and then saying "Surely you're gonna let me have it? You saw us win the European Cup, please let me see us win something"  I gave him £30 and said go find a pub!  Met him back on the green after, beer soaked..."Best day ever" he said!  I do wish I could have got him in though!
Don't tell your son but I did the opposite. I was able to get a ticket but my son couldn't. As all his mates were going  I gave him mine. For the Derby game the roles were reversed but he didnt return the favour!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Smirker on May 26, 2022, 10:48:21 PM
Talk of us now going for Gérard Moreno.

Great news with Diego Carlos.

Best Rotterdam Day ever other than the day itself.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: eamonn on May 26, 2022, 10:48:31 PM
Just watched the game back and the three things I picked up from this viewing.

The ref gave us nothing all game.
Gary Williams had a really good game.
How did Ken McNaught never win and International cap?

And Bremner only one for Scotland. I know they had Archie Gemmill and all those sexy players but still.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dorsetvillian on May 26, 2022, 11:16:48 PM
Can't believe it's been 40 years. So glad I was one of the lucky ones to have witnessed that great night. Being 19 I thought there would be other European glory. Sadly like the rest of us, I'm still waiting. However with our present owners I'm as optimistic as I have ever been that we just might have more European nights to remember.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 26, 2022, 11:27:37 PM
Just watched the game back and the three things I picked up from this viewing.

The ref gave us nothing all game.
Gary Williams had a really good game.
How did Ken McNaught never win and International cap?

And Bremner only one for Scotland. I know they had Archie Gemmill and all those sexy players but still.

Gemmill had gone by 1982. The midfielders chosen were Asa Hartford, Davie Provan, John Robertson, Graeme Sounness, Gordon Strachan and John Wark.

Was before my time so not sure if all of them deserved to be ahead but guess Wark and Sounness both played in Bremner's position, more or less, and were pretty good.

They had some pretty decent centre-halves keeping McNaught out, notably Hansen, McLeish and, of course, Evans.

Still got knocked out in the sodding Group Stage.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 26, 2022, 11:30:20 PM
Fair enough but the fact that Hansen only got 26 caps for Scotland suggests their selections sometimes left a little to be desired.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 26, 2022, 11:31:48 PM
It's hard to accumulate caps when you've been knocked out 🥺
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 26, 2022, 11:35:26 PM
Not helped by the fact they preferred to use the Aberdeen partnership of Willie Miller and TSM in that era.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Godfrey Brian on May 26, 2022, 11:52:12 PM
Ok, so at 11.52 all those years ago we were back on Travellers Club coach two and heading back along the Northern European Continent  sea coast. It may surprise you that, after the euphoria , the coach was really quiet. Tiredness played it's part but I think the magnitude of what we had just witnessed was sinking in.We were Champions of Europe and had a title to defend.Not bad for a club that we were following in Division Three just ten years before! We are so lucky to be part of this stage of the Villa journey - 40 years and counting!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: eamonn on May 27, 2022, 12:26:05 AM
A lot of very good internationals in those days ended-up with modest numbers of caps. I guess there were less friendlies and not as many qualifiers.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 27, 2022, 03:13:01 AM
Just watched the game back and the three things I picked up from this viewing.

The ref gave us nothing all game.
Gary Williams had a really good game.
How did Ken McNaught never win and International cap?

And Bremner only one for Scotland. I know they had Archie Gemmill and all those sexy players but still.

Gemmill had gone by 1982. The midfielders chosen were Asa Hartford, Davie Provan, John Robertson, Graeme Sounness, Gordon Strachan and John Wark.

Was before my time so not sure if all of them deserved to be ahead but guess Wark and Sounness both played in Bremner's position, more or less, and were pretty good.

They had some pretty decent centre-halves keeping McNaught out, notably Hansen, McLeish and, of course, Evans.

Still got knocked out in the sodding Group Stage.

Shoulda played three at the back.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 27, 2022, 08:49:31 AM
Just watched the game back and the three things I picked up from this viewing.

The ref gave us nothing all game.
Gary Williams had a really good game.
How did Ken McNaught never win and International cap?

And Bremner only one for Scotland. I know they had Archie Gemmill and all those sexy players but still.

Gemmill had gone by 1982. The midfielders chosen were Asa Hartford, Davie Provan, John Robertson, Graeme Sounness, Gordon Strachan and John Wark.

Was before my time so not sure if all of them deserved to be ahead but guess Wark and Sounness both played in Bremner's position, more or less, and were pretty good.

They had some pretty decent centre-halves keeping McNaught out, notably Hansen, McLeish and, of course, Evans.

Still got knocked out in the sodding Group Stage.

To be fair, those players you named were all very good.  I didn't know too much about David Proven and I never thought Robertson was as good as most people seemed to think he was but the rest of them were top class players so removing my claret and blue glasses I can see why Des was overlooked, deserved more than one cap though.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Coop on May 27, 2022, 10:54:18 PM
https://www.avfc.co.uk/video/0_uagg8n6h
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Legion on May 27, 2022, 10:55:39 PM
Great stuff. Thank you.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Pat McMahon on May 27, 2022, 11:58:30 PM
Just watched the game back and the three things I picked up from this viewing.

The ref gave us nothing all game.
Gary Williams had a really good game.
How did Ken McNaught never win and International cap?

And Bremner only one for Scotland. I know they had Archie Gemmill and all those sexy players but still.

Gemmill had gone by 1982. The midfielders chosen were Asa Hartford, Davie Provan, John Robertson, Graeme Sounness, Gordon Strachan and John Wark.

Was before my time so not sure if all of them deserved to be ahead but guess Wark and Sounness both played in Bremner's position, more or less, and were pretty good.

They had some pretty decent centre-halves keeping McNaught out, notably Hansen, McLeish and, of course, Evans.

Still got knocked out in the sodding Group Stage.

To be fair, those players you named were all very good.  I didn't know too much about David Proven and I never thought Robertson was as good as most people seemed to think he was but the rest of them were top class players so removing my claret and blue glasses I can see why Des was overlooked, deserved more than one cap though.

I disagree there Dave.

At Forest, everything but everything went through John Robertson. He was brilliantly balanced and able to wrong foot defenders to make a yard of space for a cross. Cloughie accused him of living out of a chip pan but Twinkletum became the pivot for that team’s success.

In my opinion he was the most underrated player of the 70s, and without him Forest would have been nowhere the team they became. He was also one of the few players who absolutely, utterly destroyed John Gidman, notably in a 4-0 trouncing at the City Ground around 1978.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: WarszaVillan on May 28, 2022, 08:22:14 AM

Just watched the game back and the three things I picked up from this viewing.

The ref gave us nothing all game.
Gary Williams had a really good game.
How did Ken McNaught never win and International cap?

And Bremner only one for Scotland. I know they had Archie Gemmill and all those sexy players but still.

Gemmill had gone by 1982. The midfielders chosen were Asa Hartford, Davie Provan, John Robertson, Graeme Sounness, Gordon Strachan and John Wark.

Was before my time so not sure if all of them deserved to be ahead but guess Wark and Sounness both played in Bremner's position, more or less, and were pretty good.

They had some pretty decent centre-halves keeping McNaught out, notably Hansen, McLeish and, of course, Evans.

Still got knocked out in the sodding Group Stage.

Evans never went back with the squad from Rotterdam and missed the open top bus parade, as he went straight to Hampden for the game against England. Can't remember if he played in that game, but he started alonside Hansen for the first WC match in the 5-2 win against New Zealand, but was dropped for the other two games. The 2 stupid goals given away in the 2nd half (one of which was at least partly Evans's fault) cost Scotland dearly, going out on goal difference again. 'Who were the 3 Scotland players in Villa's European Cup team' is a good quiz question. I follow Scotland as I have Scottish parents, and no non-Villa Scottish friend or relative ever gets it.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 28, 2022, 09:00:57 AM
Just watched the game back and the three things I picked up from this viewing.

The ref gave us nothing all game.
Gary Williams had a really good game.
How did Ken McNaught never win and International cap?

And Bremner only one for Scotland. I know they had Archie Gemmill and all those sexy players but still.

Gemmill had gone by 1982. The midfielders chosen were Asa Hartford, Davie Provan, John Robertson, Graeme Sounness, Gordon Strachan and John Wark.

Was before my time so not sure if all of them deserved to be ahead but guess Wark and Sounness both played in Bremner's position, more or less, and were pretty good.

They had some pretty decent centre-halves keeping McNaught out, notably Hansen, McLeish and, of course, Evans.

Still got knocked out in the sodding Group Stage.

To be fair, those players you named were all very good.  I didn't know too much about David Proven and I never thought Robertson was as good as most people seemed to think he was but the rest of them were top class players so removing my claret and blue glasses I can see why Des was overlooked, deserved more than one cap though.

I disagree there Dave.

At Forest, everything but everything went through John Robertson. He was brilliantly balanced and able to wrong foot defenders to make a yard of space for a cross. Cloughie accused him of living out of a chip pan but Twinkletum became the pivot for that team’s success.

In my opinion he was the most underrated player of the 70s, and without him Forest would have been nowhere the team they became. He was also one of the few players who absolutely, utterly destroyed John Gidman, notably in a 4-0 trouncing at the City Ground around 1978.

I just never got it with Robertson Pat, every time I watched him against us he just looked like your every day run of the mill winger.  I was at that drubbing and yes, you're right he did give Gidman a going over.  Maybe. I had a blind spot as far as he was concerned.  Different opinions, it what adds to the beauty of football.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: nick harper on May 28, 2022, 10:11:47 AM
Robertson was the best player in Europe for two seasons, absolutely unplayable at times. Completely two footed and amazing ability to drift past players. Set up the winner in one European Cup final, and got the winner the following year.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 28, 2022, 01:01:15 PM
Robertson was the best player in Europe for two seasons, absolutely unplayable at times. Completely two footed and amazing ability to drift past players. Set up the winner in one European Cup final, and got the winner the following year.

Perhaps that's why I didn't like him.  😋
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Pete3206 on May 28, 2022, 01:26:35 PM
Allan Evans only got 4 caps for Scotland. I thought he was a brilliant centre half.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 28, 2022, 01:37:55 PM
Allan Evans only got 4 caps for Scotland. I thought he was a brilliant centre half.

Yup, him and Sid were probably my favourite players from the '82 team.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 28, 2022, 01:42:37 PM
Robertson was the best player in Europe for two seasons, absolutely unplayable at times. Completely two footed and amazing ability to drift past players. Set up the winner in one European Cup final, and got the winner the following year.

Perhaps that's why I didn't like him.  😋

I quite liked that when Forest first signed Francis, the fabled first million pound transfer, Clough's first team talk to him, in front of all the others, was "now young Trevor. If you get the ball, don't be nervous. Just pass it to John Robertson. Because he's a better player than you".
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Pete3206 on May 28, 2022, 04:48:24 PM
Never gets old

(https://cdn.riddle.com/embeds/v2/images/q_80,c_fill,w_960,h_540/0bd/0bd9825fe4fc575e1dc745cd81a6183e.jpg)
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: jwarry on May 28, 2022, 05:22:07 PM
Allan Evans only got 4 caps for Scotland. I thought he was a brilliant centre half.

Yup, him and Sid were probably my favourite players from the '82 team.

I agree Sid was a class above but Gary Shaw had the world at his feet, cruelly ripped away by injury. 
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Pete3206 on May 28, 2022, 06:26:06 PM
Just watched the documentary on the official site. Really good interviews with the team. Gary Shaw made me laugh a few times,  but I was really taken with Kenny Swain. He retained a stiff upper lip, but was close to getting emotional a couple of times. Loved the pre match interview with Tony Barton and Brian Clough
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 28, 2022, 06:55:07 PM
The Villa part of 'When English Clubs Ruled Europe' is on ITV tonight if anyone needs a palate cleanser after the Liverpool game.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Coop on May 29, 2022, 12:54:03 AM
Having had the privilege (nay, honour!) to meet messrs Shaw, Morley, Swain and Blair recently. I realised, after 40 years, that it's no longer hero worship, as such, but a real affection that our generation holds for these blokes; they've been (and still are) such a huge part of our lives!
    A good old giggle was had with Mr Shaw about a certain Barca defender "colliding" with the elbow of Peter Withe in the Super Cup game, and I must add that Mr Swain really is a proper gent. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them, and they patiently posed for photos, and signed whatever the 150 or so punters asked for.
    They made us feel that we're all as important to them as they are to us. I'll always be indebted to them, and the rest of the squad, for giving us something we'll cherish forever.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 29, 2022, 09:20:31 AM
Nice post Coop.  If you haven't already done so, wait until you meet Des Bremner, a true and most obliging gent.  When I met a few of those players you mentioned at Eamonn Deacy's memorial match at the after-match function, he made sure I met them all and got as many photographs as I wanted.  He also told me that they all enjoyed meeting the fans and talking about those glory days.  As I said, a proper and extremely likeable gentleman.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Pete3206 on May 29, 2022, 10:56:42 AM
Is the BT sport documentary going to be repeated any time soon? I sat down to watch it yesterday and got the bloody post mortem on the Rangers game.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 29, 2022, 11:04:26 AM
Who is See Brenner?
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Villan82 on May 29, 2022, 12:20:31 PM
Is the BT sport documentary going to be repeated any time soon? I sat down to watch it yesterday and got the bloody post mortem on the Rangers game.

The club should push to get it on a streaming service. It would be great exposure if it ended up on netflix in the way that Forrest one did.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: dave shelley on May 29, 2022, 12:43:30 PM
Who is See Brenner?

Bloody autocorrect.  Should have read it properly before postsing.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Coop on May 29, 2022, 01:38:00 PM
Thanks Dave. Not had the pleasure yet, but hope to get the full set before I run out of time. ;)
    I'm sure you'll agree that it's been a fantastic month or so for us old 'uns. I've even managed (after years of trying to pick myself out on the final DVD footage) to find a single crowd shot with me in it. Sadly, it's one of those covered in Alamy watermarks, and I wouldn't want to risk a copyright issue.
    Whenever I find myself wishing that I wasn't quite so far along the road to decrepitude, I remind myself that I'm so lucky to be one of the golden generation that witnessed such wonderful events.  :)
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Flamingo Lane on May 29, 2022, 02:16:46 PM
Looking back and bearing in mind last night's events, I'm so pleased that the final was played in the unglamorous city of Rotterdam, relatively easy and cheap as it was to get to.  As a relative youngster and student at the time (21), had the game been played in a city such as Rome, Athens, Madrid, Munich or even Paris I very much doubt that I would have been able to go.  Hats off too to the efficient way in which the travel and ticketing arrangements were made.  To be honest, the get 'em to the game and get 'em away again asap approach suited me very well, and made it all about the match, and not the occasion (albeit that the occasion now lingers long in the memory, just as does the match).
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: clash city rocker on May 29, 2022, 02:26:09 PM
Thanks Dave. Not had the pleasure yet, but hope to get the full set before I run out of time. ;)
    I'm sure you'll agree that it's been a fantastic month or so for us old 'uns. I've even managed (after years of trying to pick myself out on the final DVD footage) to find a single crowd shot with me in it. Sadly, it's one of those covered in Alamy watermarks, and I wouldn't want to risk a copyright issue.
    Whenever I find myself wishing that I wasn't quite so far along the road to decrepitude, I remind myself that I'm so lucky to be one of the golden generation that witnessed such wonderful events.  :)

And I  think in those days it meant more.
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: Coop on May 29, 2022, 06:46:01 PM
Without a doubt!
Title: Re: Happy Rotterdam Day
Post by: robbo1874 on May 30, 2022, 03:03:30 AM
Nice post Coop.  If you haven't already done so, wait until you meet Des Bremner, a true and most obliging gent.  When I met a few of those players you mentioned at Eamonn Deacy's memorial match at the after-match function, he made sure I met them all and got as many photographs as I wanted.  He also told me that they all enjoyed meeting the fans and talking about those glory days.  As I said, a proper and extremely likeable gentleman.
I met them all at an autograph signing session in Nuneaton. It was mad, there must have been 10000 Villa fans in town that day
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