It's my son's 3rd birthday tomorrow (happy birthday Joe!). The relevance of this? Villa played on the day he was born, do you remember who against? I (obviously!) missed the game, my ticket remained sat above the fire place as I had more important priorities that day! Let's compare and contrast the difference between then and now...
We dispatched one of the most decorated clubs in the history of European football.. Ajax. The goals were scored by Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen. Wouldn't it be nice to have players of that quality now? The atmosphere appeared to be rocking (I could just about stay awake to watch on tv, having been up all the previous night).
If you were asked that night where you thought Villa would be in 3 years time what would you have said..? Champions league? A trophy on the shelf? Onwards and upwards under MON and Randy? The General regularly posting on here to all the happy campers..
Or, losing at home to Albion (yes, them) in front of thousands of empty seats, a board who it seems no longer cares, negative football, and complete and utter apathy from the fans (myself included, I admit I just couldn't get motivated for today's game, despite being a season ticket holder).
In the next few years I'll be taking Joe down the Villa. In a way I can't wait, it's what every father wants, going down the match with his son. But on the other hand I know I'll be committing him to a lifetime of frustration and disappointment! Oh well, if I have to suffer then he will too, bring it on!
Up the Villa!
