Kendrick Says It's Time To Ask Questions

[VinnieChase84]

I will share with you the email that I sent to the club yesterday lunchtime. I received a telephone call earlier this evening from Nicky Keys, acknowledging that the email had been received and read by Paul Faulkner.

**********************

 
 
To Aston Villa,

Mr Randy Lerner, Mr Paul Faulkner, Mr Paul Lambert. Head of ticket sales;

I have been going down Villa Park since the mid 1980's, all but a few of those seasons I have been a season ticket holder. I have a season ticket now- I sit in the North Upper, along with my brother and a friend. Around us, we have made many friends. We are all very passionate and loyal Villa fans- and sometimes we disagree about a few Villa related things, as is the norm. One thing though that we are all in an agreement with, is that the present state of the first team is nothing short of woeful.
 
The blame falls firmly at the feet of our manager. If Mr Lerner and Mr Faulkner feel that Paul Lambert is worthy of a new contract, then I will not be renewing my season ticket. The football he has provided at Villa Park is terrible- a rare few exceptions such as Sunderland last season, a lucky win against Man City and WBA just papers over the cracks.
 
We are in real danger of relegation, and that is a result of the manager’s inability. I fear that even if we do stay up this season, we will be forced to endure more of the same next year and the year after that if he is given a new contract. Flirting with relegation should not be what our club should be about. With Paul Lambert in charge, that is the best we can hope for.
 
If we stay up, then we will be very lucky to do so. If we get relegated, then the board (not the fans) deserve exactly that for not addressing the decline of the first team sooner.
 
On the pitch, we have made NO progress under Lambert. Just look at the results. Barr a few quality additions, most of the players he has signed are not of premiership class, nor never will be. I believe he’s been given the tools to do the job; he just can’t do the job very well. He has to go.
 
I would just like to make it clear that when it comes to matters off the field, I am extremely impressed with the club. I have had the pleasure to meet with Mr Faulkner on a few occasions, most recently at the Villa Supporters Trust meeting held last November. I do feel that since Mr Lerner took charge, the dialogue between the club and the fans has been enhanced. I especially appreciate the clubs stance on the safe standing debate.
 
But, the bottom line is this: Paul Lambert’s football is dross. His results are below acceptable. His squad are the worst since the relegation season of 1986. He does not deserve to still be in a job. He needs to be sacked.
 
I hope that somebody at the club will pass on my frustrations and concerns to the board, especially Mr Faulkner.
 
Regards and as always, Up the Villa!
 
Leighton.

*****************************

I agree with a lot of this but a few things I cannot agree on.
The board are equally to blame in regards this current mess. Asset stripping and no attempt to move the club forward on the pitch. Communication would be improved even more if Lerner actually attended a game or released the occasional statement. The media and everyone regard him as an absentee owner and that's exactly what he is.
In times of adversity it would be nice to see that the captains still on the ship and not left it sinking

[Jimbo]

Nice to see Kendrick actually speaking out for a change. Better still why doesn't he go on the attack and question the club rather than the fans?

Somebody had to do it, and somebody has to do that too.

[tomd2103]

I will share with you the email that I sent to the club yesterday lunchtime. I received a telephone call earlier this evening from Nicky Keys, acknowledging that the email had been received and read by Paul Faulkner.

**********************

 
 
To Aston Villa,

Mr Randy Lerner, Mr Paul Faulkner, Mr Paul Lambert. Head of ticket sales;

I have been going down Villa Park since the mid 1980's, all but a few of those seasons I have been a season ticket holder. I have a season ticket now- I sit in the North Upper, along with my brother and a friend. Around us, we have made many friends. We are all very passionate and loyal Villa fans- and sometimes we disagree about a few Villa related things, as is the norm. One thing though that we are all in an agreement with, is that the present state of the first team is nothing short of woeful.
 
The blame falls firmly at the feet of our manager. If Mr Lerner and Mr Faulkner feel that Paul Lambert is worthy of a new contract, then I will not be renewing my season ticket. The football he has provided at Villa Park is terrible- a rare few exceptions such as Sunderland last season, a lucky win against Man City and WBA just papers over the cracks.
 
We are in real danger of relegation, and that is a result of the manager’s inability. I fear that even if we do stay up this season, we will be forced to endure more of the same next year and the year after that if he is given a new contract. Flirting with relegation should not be what our club should be about. With Paul Lambert in charge, that is the best we can hope for.
 
If we stay up, then we will be very lucky to do so. If we get relegated, then the board (not the fans) deserve exactly that for not addressing the decline of the first team sooner.
 
On the pitch, we have made NO progress under Lambert. Just look at the results. Barr a few quality additions, most of the players he has signed are not of premiership class, nor never will be. I believe he’s been given the tools to do the job; he just can’t do the job very well. He has to go.
 
I would just like to make it clear that when it comes to matters off the field, I am extremely impressed with the club. I have had the pleasure to meet with Mr Faulkner on a few occasions, most recently at the Villa Supporters Trust meeting held last November. I do feel that since Mr Lerner took charge, the dialogue between the club and the fans has been enhanced. I especially appreciate the clubs stance on the safe standing debate.
 
But, the bottom line is this: Paul Lambert’s football is dross. His results are below acceptable. His squad are the worst since the relegation season of 1986. He does not deserve to still be in a job. He needs to be sacked.
 
I hope that somebody at the club will pass on my frustrations and concerns to the board, especially Mr Faulkner.
 
Regards and as always, Up the Villa!
 
Leighton.

*****************************

I agree with a lot of this but a few things I cannot agree on.
The board are equally to blame in regards this current mess. Asset stripping and no attempt to move the club forward on the pitch. Communication would be improved even more if Lerner actually attended a game or released the occasional statement. The media and everyone regard him as an absentee owner and that's exactly what he is.
In times of adversity it would be nice to see that the captains still on the ship and not left it sinking

I'm not even that interested in whether Randy Lerner actually attends games, but it would be nice to hear from him or Paul Faulkner what exactly the vision for the club is.  Is Lambert under instruction to buy young and cheap or is that a path he has chosen for himself? 

[Tiny Arsetrumpet]

I'd like to know David Woodhall's thoughts. He tends to have his finger on the pulse of Villa fans everywhere. Personally, I'll be guided by him. If he thinks we should all band together to put a little bit of pressure on the board, then I think that's what we should do. If he believes it's best for the club to give Paul Lambert more time, then I'll fully support that stance, too.

Come on admit that you are Dave Woodhall?

I was wondering what happened to him.

Hahaha. I can see why you found that amusing. But please allow me to explain.

For all my life I've been a deeply religious man who has sought the guidance of our good book and from those that have dedicated their lives to understanding it fully. As a result, I find my life to be very fulfilling and very simple knowing that I had walked the righteous path set out before me.

Similarly, I seek guidance as to how best to set right our grand club. Whereas a congregation won't enter into debate amongst itself (although I have heard the odd blasphemous comment outside of mass that can be humorous if tempered with the knowledge that we will be forgiven), it tends to be led by one man. And I believe the same should be true of our support base. In my years as an Aston Villa supporter, it's become clear that Mr.Woodhall has a balanced perspective that isn't easy to come by. He seems to know when to calm his congregation and when to administer a sterner hand.

And I respect that.

I do apologise for taking up so much space on these pages since joining.

PS...I also offer my humblest apologies for my internet name. My son (who isn't as guided by the light as I) set all this up for me and, clearly, has a different sense of humour to what I would have expected of him.

[Leighton]

Tiny Arsetrumpet, whoever you are, I do hope that you continue to post. Wonderfully amusing.

[Tiny Arsetrumpet]

I'm not sure I follow but offer thanks anyway.

I would also like to reflect your kind gesture back upon you with your open letter to the board of Aston Villa. Personally, I would perhaps have used the word "unenlightened" in place of "dross" but I'm sure there was an element of lucifer's anger in your message which we've all been guilty of on occasion.

[ciggiesnbeer]

I have a lot of time for Kendrick, a real fan.

But honestly I have no idea what his article means.

He wants us to have a voice heard?

I am pretty sure mine is. Lambert wants to win more games and so does Faulkner & Lerner.

I would like the club to spend more money on transfers now the wage bill is down. Pretty sure the club knows that opinion is widespread as well.

I do not want lambert sacked. Fairly sure the club has heard both sides of that as well.

Shrug, so what is the point of the article?

[steamer]

I hate writing long posts.
As some one who constantly railed against Doug, I would take Lerner any day. Seperate debate.
Stride far more nous than Faulkner.
My issue with Lerner is that, good intentions aside, a leader needs to be seen leading.
He avoids the limelight (no problem) but his surragate Faulkner also abdicates leadership.
It is left to the mumblings of Lambert to keep us informed.

I wanted Lambert to succeed as do ( I guess) most on this site.
Most of us were happy with his appointment.

Where do we go from here ?
First Priority is to stay up.
We then need some declaration of intent, where do we want to go ?
What is the plan and who can take us there ?
If the club are flying a kyte through Kendrick, I hope they have a plan B.

It has been mentioned here many times but a respected Villa/Football man in the Management team is clearly needed.
Can Lambert make it, I do not know. On current evidence no.
With some Mentorship, Maybe.
Why are we not shouting for his head, to me it is clear, we wanted Odreary Out, We wanted Oneil, but changed our minds. we were unsure about Houllier, nobody in their right mind wanted The Scottish one, and not because he was from Small Heath.
We are too embarressed to be seen hounding out a guy we mainly wanted 18 months ago.
Way forward,
1st a declaration of intent from the Board and a road map.
Then some open constructive debate, through what ever forum.
I notice, no comment from some of the Moderators on the site who may have to, "keep their powder dry"

[Dave Clark Five]

If it helps at all the Supporter's Trust replied to my tweet and said they agreed with Mr Kendrick's article, and further:

"We are relaunching to be your voice!"

Gordon Bennett!

Are they not good, Dave? As previously stated, I do think Mr.Woodhall is a great voice for Villa fans but I do like the sound of "Supporters Trust". I think it's the word "Trust" that has sold me. But I'd hate to be a splitter.

Don't know whether they are good or not but 'We are relaunching to be your voice!' Sounds like something from some odd sort of religious cult.

[amfy]

Don't know whether they are good or not but 'We are relaunching to be your voice!' Sounds like something from some odd sort of religious cult.

From what I have seen it is just some Villa fans. They asked me to be in it because I'd done the safe standing thing so I said I'd give it a go. We don't even all share the same view on the way Villa is at present, just the same as other Villa fans,  debating where the blame lies, & whether to stick or twist. However, we are agreed that the platform of The Trust is there to represent what concerns the wider fan base, not what we think.

If you want to do more about the current state of Villa than boo the team off & rant on here & twitter - The Trust may not be perfect, but it's probably the best you've got, and it is there for you to shape.

Tbh - I could go through this thread (more than many others) and pick out some key points to take forward already. It's a start.

It's also really weird as I am still just a H&V poster, & a Villa fan - I'm definitely not the voice of The Trust! I do just feel the need to respond when the name is called!

[Witton Warrior]

It's also really weird as I am still just a H&V poster, & a Villa fan - I'm definitely not the voice of The Trust! I do just feel the need to respond when the name is called!

When the call comes there are those who answer - ;-)

[Mazrim]

John Farnham called me and told me I am the voice. I'll do my best. He said it would be best to get comfortable and stay quiet and for convenience, move in with that bloke from VitalVilla but I'm not not gonna sit in silence, I'm not gonna live with Fear.

[rob_bridge]

Nice letter, Leighton, but we've had 4 seasons of relegation battles and utter shite football, so it can't be all Lambert's fault. Some criticism of Lerner in your letter wouldn't have been out of place.

This for me. 4 seasons. Who hired the the managers for the other 2?

[Dave Clark Five]

Don't know whether they are good or not but 'We are relaunching to be your voice!' Sounds like something from some odd sort of religious cult.

From what I have seen it is just some Villa fans. They asked me to be in it because I'd done the safe standing thing so I said I'd give it a go. We don't even all share the same view on the way Villa is at present, just the same as other Villa fans,  debating where the blame lies, & whether to stick or twist. However, we are agreed that the platform of The Trust is there to represent what concerns the wider fan base, not what we think.

If you want to do more about the current state of Villa than boo the team off & rant on here & twitter - The Trust may not be perfect, but it's probably the best you've got, and it is there for you to shape.

Tbh - I could go through this thread (more than many others) and pick out some key points to take forward already. It's a start.

It's also really weird as I am still just a H&V poster, & a Villa fan - I'm definitely not the voice of The Trust! I do just feel the need to respond when the name is called!

The safe standing initiative was a great example of supporters researching, demonstrating and promoting something that might make others take notice and it appears to have been successful so far.
Telling the club about playing matters has never been something that they would take any notice of. Even when we had shareholders, the chairman did not want to debate that subject at AGMs.

[Fergal]

I'd like to know David Woodhall's thoughts. He tends to have his finger on the pulse of Villa fans everywhere. Personally, I'll be guided by him. If he thinks we should all band together to put a little bit of pressure on the board, then I think that's what we should do. If he believes it's best for the club to give Paul Lambert more time, then I'll fully support that stance, too.

Come on admit that you are Dave Woodhall?

I was wondering what happened to him.

Hahaha. I can see why you found that amusing. But please allow me to explain.

For all my life I've been a deeply religious man who has sought the guidance of our good book and from those that have dedicated their lives to understanding it fully. As a result, I find my life to be very fulfilling and very simple knowing that I had walked the righteous path set out before me.

Similarly, I seek guidance as to how best to set right our grand club. Whereas a congregation won't enter into debate amongst itself (although I have heard the odd blasphemous comment outside of mass that can be humorous if tempered with the knowledge that we will be forgiven), it tends to be led by one man. And I believe the same should be true of our support base. In my years as an Aston Villa supporter, it's become clear that Mr.Woodhall has a balanced perspective that isn't easy to come by. He seems to know when to calm his congregation and when to administer a sterner hand.

And I respect that.

I do apologise for taking up so much space on these pages since joining.

PS...I also offer my humblest apologies for my internet name. My son (who isn't as guided by the light as I) set all this up for me and, clearly, has a different sense of humour to what I would have expected of him.

With all due respect to your religious beliefs, IMHO anyone who believes in God will believe anything an authority figure tells them....