The Takeover Thread - Recon Group - NOW WITH NEW POLL

[Jarpie]

I don't think they would've announced the sale unless they were completely certain that PL or FL would not approve the sale.

[passport1]

A theme park in Aston?

To paraphrase Benny Hill. "Sirry Irriot"

[Godfrey Brian]

Anyone who can make a theme park in Aston work is a genius that's all I know.

I think we take it for granted, but when you walk up to Villa Park, with the church on the right, the Jacobean splendour of Aston Hall on the left, and The Holte pub straight ahead, there isn't another stadium in the world like it.

30 years ago, people would have thought the idea of tourism in Harlem or Brooklyn was crazy, but not now.

I'm still waiting for the players to repaint the Witton Station railway bridge!

Hee hee - That's my comment everytime I go under it Johnny Gidman is overdue with his paintbrush!

I have a large degree of confidence in Hollis- his future reputation in the business world depnds on this pretty high profile deal being a solid one so I expect that his team have put in the work they need to. That said it looks really complicated dealing across continents and cultures so the additional checking by the football league is important.Also, in my view, all the concerns being expressed by supporters now will actually be helpful in focusing the assessors' attention on the deal in the same way as supporter unrest ultimately forced some action this season.

Whatever it's another wild chapter in our collective Villa supporting experience!

[olaftab]

I can feel dragon rides and a replica Great Wall dominating the skyline of Nechells already. Roll on good times😀

[mr underhill]

we're going to create a Dr T dynasty.

[FrankyH]

The comments about the football museum and theme park, coupled with Randy's talk about redevelopment, are interesting.

When the first direct flights from Birmingham to China were launched, Midlands Today had a feature about Chinese tourists in the city. They were particularly interested in the old buildings, saying that they have plenty of new ones just like ours in China.

History is important, and few clubs can match Villa in that respect. But the area around Villa Park boasts Aston Hall and the church. It may seem a bit silly to us, but there is great potential in this area, which the addition of a football museum and some kind of themed attraction would bolster.

Of course, Villa need lifting out of the doldrums first, but if that can happen the club has a unique history and story for fans in China to attach themselves to.

Was that about the North Stand redevelopment ?

[Jimbo]

In one of the more lucid moments of Randy's insane farewell statement, he said:

"Tony has built his career around infrastructure. He is certainly a hugely successful businessman but importantly for me he is passionate about architecture, site design and planning. His commitment to invest in the squad, and leadership at Bodymoor Heath was expressed early on but as we visited together, and had some unrushed time to discuss his plans, Tony's excitement to develop Villa Park shone through. I remain convinced that this is a crucial part of the Club's future as it provides a critical, long-term second source of revenue and therefore sustainability for the Club from which squad-funding can potentially come."

[FrankyH]

Thanks Jimbo.

[Edvard Remberg]

Well if your not worried Risso, (money is your field isn't it?) I'm not worried and I'm still feeling positive about this.

I can't wait for a manager to be announced and the summer can be a process of squad cleansing and rebuilding.

Risso - Where do I invest?

Though - he is a pretty smart fella (not being sarcastic here - and i don't give praise easily)

[clash city rocker]

Many inner city areas throughout Britain have now become fashionable. .Perhaps it's now Aston's  turn..look what broad st was like 30 years ago and compare it to now. It has the road and rail links so who knows.

[andyh]

We can have a great big helter Skelter slide round the gas holders.
Aston, Nechells, Saltley, 'The Rock' .......if we start calling them 'Villages' they take on a whole new vibe.

[Percy McCarthy]

I haven't got a clue about Tony's specific plans for Aston, but there's certainly potential there. The university is undergoing massive remodelling and development, including a new medical school; there's a great King Edwards school. The Advanced Manufacturing Hub (farewell the Eddies and the Ads) has already attracted two big new factories. We have good infrastructure in the shape of Spaghetti Junction and two railway stations. Then there is the historic Aston Hall and Park, the church, and a number of fine buildings like the Bartons. Add a successful business in a sector with a high global profile and you're laughing.

[Jimbo]

I don't think anyone is saying Aston will become like Notting Hill or anything, but there is some potential there around the Villa Park area. The theme park might not be roller coasters and log-flumes, but perhaps something on a smaller scale with interactive attractions, Virtual Reality, kids training camps, hotel, restaurants, etc. It could be part of a museum and match-day package, with tours of Aston Hall, etc.

Of course, all of it would hinge on Villa being back in the Premier League, engaging with a large Chinese audience, which is the major challenge. And that depends on whether Dr X is the real deal or not. I guess we'll find out in due course.

[aj2k77]

I'm easy to please, I just want to see some good players and a decent team.

[SteveD]

More confident after reading the Mail On Sunday. Not said that in a while.