Der Hammer

[Ads]

I too remember he had a girl friend who didn't look like you're average erm, wag. He also had a dog called Mika.

And before you accuse me of hanging around Four Oaks, wanking in the bushes while I spy on players, this was in the Mail.

[paul_e]

It is a sport thing as much as just a football thing isn't it? I don't know if it is thought that because you are a top sporting figure as a man you have to be a macho guy, fulfilling a womanising stereo type or what it is, but I certainly hope we can reach a point where this is not news, and people are able to live their lives in the way they wish without it making news for something like this. As others have said, in the meantime well done to Tommy for hopefully helping that transition. People like Tommy and the Rugby guy I always forget the name of are at least tackling the issue which can only be a positive.

More importantly, if he fancies a game, we could do with an attacking mid that can shooooooooot!

I assume you mean Gareth Thomas who again felt he had to wait until he retired, it is a great shame that these guys feel the need to hide this from the public whilst they're playing, As above, clearly a number of players knew and didn't care and that was the case with Thomas as well, it's mostly about the fans, and when you see the treatment of someone like Upson based on a rumour it's not difficult to see why this is the case.

[supertom]

"As I see it, God created Adam and Eve. He didn’t create Adam and Steve. I’m kind of a homo-sceptic."

Good luck to him. Hope he has plenty of success in his post-footy career.

[Dave Cooper please]

I too remember he had a girl friend who didn't look like you're average erm, wag. He also had a dog called Mika.

And before you accuse me of hanging around Four Oaks, wanking in the bushes while I spy on players, this was in the Mail.

But coincidentally.....

[levico]

I always liked to hear him interviewed - fluent English with a Brummie accent. Legend.

[ChicagoLion]

Hope it all works out for him, very brave of him.

[Tuco Salamanca]

Used to be my favourite player when I was younger- wanted his name on the back of my shirt but it would have cost a fortune!

No doubt it's a weight off his shoulders, good luck to him.

It's going to take a very brave man to come out while still playing unfortunately.

[Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle]

What an abomination. I can't believe it and I must admit I'm really sickened by this news. We'll be the laughing stock of football once again. I thought he was one of the lads. A real man's man. Why did he hide this revolting news from us for all this time? I'm gutted this has come out and that all along was he covering it up and pretending he was something that he wasn't. It disgusts me. Bloody freak of nature.
Oh gay? I thought you said grey. That's alright then.

[Toronto Villa]

I too remember he had a girl friend who didn't look like you're average erm, wag. He also had a dog called Mika.

And before you accuse me of hanging around Four Oaks, wanking in the bushes while I spy on players, this was in the Mail.

Off course it was in the Mail eastie

[itbrvilla]

Can only echo what others have already said.

It's sad that a player and man as well respected as him still doesn't feel able to do this while still playing.   

Its also a shame that he has to 'come out' at all.

[villan1975]

For a horrible moment I thought he was coming out as blues fan!

I'm as liberal and as accepting as the next man but don't even say this kind of thing in jest.

[villan1975]

Aston Villa release a statement after Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger revealed he is gay.

"Everyone who knows Thomas from his time here at Villa has great respect for him, not only as the fine player he was but also as a man," said the statement.

"His statement today is a straightforward statement and, along with our support as a club, we hope that everyone involved in the game extend to him their support as well."

[Monty]

Aston Villa release a statement after Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger revealed he is gay.

"Everyone who knows Thomas from his time here at Villa has great respect for him, not only as the fine player he was but also as a man," said the statement.

"His statement today is a straightforward statement and, along with our support as a club, we hope that everyone involved in the game extend to him their support as well."

Dignified as ever from the Villa. It's been said before that, whatever we get wrong on the footballing side, we still ooze class off the pitch.

[villan1975]

Aston Villa release a statement after Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger revealed he is gay.

"Everyone who knows Thomas from his time here at Villa has great respect for him, not only as the fine player he was but also as a man," said the statement.

"His statement today is a straightforward statement and, along with our support as a club, we hope that everyone involved in the game extend to him their support as well."

Dignified as ever from the Villa. It's been said before that, whatever we get wrong on the footballing side, we still ooze class off the pitch.

My thoughts exactly when I read it.

[Ger Regan]

I'd echo what others have said and wonder why this should be newsworthy in 2014. One thing though, is it really *that* brave, considering he's now retired? Granted, I'd imagine coming out requires a degree of bravery under any circumstances (although would you really want to stay close to any relative / loved one who didn't accept your sexuality?), but for a footballer, coming out after you've retired is surely taking the big risk out of the equation?