Yes, Mr President

[dave.woodhall]

Following on from the WM debate, I was talking to someone at Villa yesterday and we agreed that one of the problems with the club's communication with supporters and the media wasn't so much that Randy doesn't talk (after all, most chairmen don't, and the ones that do tend to be Whelanesque professional gobshites) but that there wasn't someone who commands universal respect and can in effect put an arm round our communal shoulders and say that everything's going to be alright. A presidential figure, if you like, who would be far enough removed from management not to be seen to interfere and who would also use his public profile to help boost ours.

We discussed a few names but none of them seemed suitable. Ron Saunders is too much of a recluse, BFR is still in his own mind a manager (I wouldn't be surprised if he thinks he'll get one last crack at a job somewhere), Sir Graham doesn't seem overly bothered by football anymore. Of former players, Dennis Mortimer is his own worst enemy in often coming across as bitter, Paul McGrath should never be brought into the limelight and Ian Taylor doesn't have the air of gravitas that the role demands. We do, of course, already have a President but at his age he's not exactly got the sort of image we want.   

Has anyone got any suggestions?

[Legion]

Peter McParland
Chris Nicholl
Charlie Aitken

[evalast1910]

Charlie Aitken. - We have a winner.

[Dave Javu]

Brian Little,  Sid Cowans.

[Villan For Life]

Sir Graham is the ideal candidate but isn't he involved at a similar level with Watford again?

I like Legion's list and from it I'd pick Charlie Aitken.

[gervilla]

How about Brian Little.
I think it's fair to say his crack at the management game is over.
He is held in the highest esteem by the supporters, is a Villa man through and through.

[Exeter 77]

If it was to be someone with a playing connection it could be one who has some kind of media profile (however small) - Brian Little perhaps or possibly Tony Morley (although his media involvement is through the club).

[Virgil Caine]

BFR would get my vote, I know that he comes with some baggage but I think he has learned lessons. Might be too controversial though.

[Billy Walker]

Brian Little or Peter Withe. 

Peter Withe, I'd imagine, is well known in Asia due to the work he has done in that part of the world, which could be an added bonus.

[spk]

Charlie Aitken,heard him interviewed on the radio years ago, the man has an aura of integeraty,in a Sean Connery sort of way.Peter Withe is ,Im afraid to say,just to scruffy for that role.

[Yossarian]

Brian Little is a man of integrity and holds the club in high esteem. He has knowledge of the management and playing side at Villa.

[Clampy]

I can't think of anyone past Sir Graham. I did very briefly think of Steve Stride but that might cause more problems than it would solve. Sir Brian would be an interesting choice. Fascinating question though.

[FranzBiberkopf]

Brian Little
David Platt

Southgate would have been good if he hadn't taken the U21 role

[PGW]

How about Stephen Ireland - the tw-t aint got nothing else to do!!!

Serious note any of Charlie or Brian i would be happy with....both in love with the club and it's past heritage and history.

[LeeS]

Big Ron