Latin Lions on tour 2011 - an unforgettable villan WE

[Archie]

We may not to be happy with the decision of the board to appoint Alex Mc Leish as a manager, but we can't doubt that Aston Villa FC is a unique,  gentlemen's club, and a great family to which all the fans feel to belong.

As usual, in occasion of the last game of the season,  the club gives the fans from all around the world the chance to spend an exciting WE, considering Villa Park as their own house.
The Italian contingent was present as usual.

The WE is always exciting but also very tiring, so it's advisable to begin with a day  of total relax in Cambridge.














Strange but true, we found out that if you are at least in number of four, in England taxis are cheaper that trains.
So we took a taxi from Cambridge to Villa Park to enjoy the empteenth  visit that traditionally the club offers to the members of the fansclubs in order to thank them for their loyal support.









In the evening we attended the annual fanclubs' dinner  where we had the opportunity to meet Villans from all over the world (and Leicester!).






We also had the chance to meet a true Villa legend like Ian Taylor.
 





Before the game is a must to go to take a pre-match couple of beers at the Barton's Arms.



This is an historical, beautiful pub, whose exterior is said to be inspired by the nearby Aston Hall, with strong connections with the history of Aston (http://www.oakhamales.com/bartonabout.asp) and an old variety theatre named Aston Hyppodrome: www.astonbrook-through-astonmanor.co.uk/astonhip




The best way to go from the Barton's Arms to Villa Park it is with  a brief, beautiful promenade through Aston Park and Aston Hall.






Courtesy of a true legend like Alan Perrins of AVFC, before the game we had the fantastic opportunity to present Stewart Downing with the Player of the Year and Super Mark Albrighton with the Young Player of the year's Award.




Then we entered the stadium through the old, stylish, turnstiles.






We were lucky enough to celebrate a win against  Liverpool and the relegation of our bitter rivals.






We had to say to say thank you to Spurs.



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(to be continued)

[SO Villa]

Great stuff Archie, a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.

[Dr Butler]

How did you find Cambrdige Archie ? my home town.  Taxi to Villa Park ? blimey !! mind you the trains are expensive and take about 3and a half hours.

glad you had a good time.

UTV
The Doc

[Archie]

Cambridge is beautiful, so relaxing, I go there every time I can, it is a true paradise, mate.

[richard moore]

Lovely photos Archie, Frank appears to have bought a new range of tops there specially for the occasion!

[Nelly]

I love these reports, Archie. We're lucky to follow this great, old club, but we're lucky also to have some top, top fans!

[hawkeye]

Forza Archie and chums UTV

[jembob]

This should be mandatory reading for all the people here who have been moaning about the club in recent weeks. Archie, I love your stories about visiting VP and next year I want to be in one of your photos!

[cdbearsfan]

Make sure you go to the Barton's after the game next time, I'm too lazy to get there beforehand!

[BC54 VFC]

This should be mandatory reading for all the people here who have been moaning about the club in recent weeks. Archie, I love your stories about visiting VP and next year I want to be in one of your photos!

I'll second that; a great read and photos, Archie.

[frank]

A first-class report, Stefano, and a  memento of an unforgettable trip. i look forward to seeing you on your next visit. Great that you also made it to the Barton's. I'm in Birmingham now for Aston Heritage Day, which includes the 3 places you visited: Aston Hall, the Barton's and, of course, Villa Park

[cdbearsfan]

Techinically, is the Barton's actually in Aston?

[frank]

Techinically, is the Barton's actually in Aston?

I'm not a local, Chris, but isn't it in High Street, Aston?

[cdbearsfan]

I'd say it's Newtown.

Hmmm....

Oh, it's got it's own Wiki page. Apparently it's in Newtown, but Newtown is part of Aston. So you were right, I was posting gibberish as usual!

[The Left Side]

great pics Archie