My friend Jackie

[UK Redsox]

In the mid-90s, my friends Steve and Jackie started taking their young lads to Villa. He's a Charlton fan and she's a Bournemouth fan but when the kids wanted to see live football, they sensibly chose Villa

When one of the kids didn't want to go to a match in 95/96 I was invited along instead, despite me being Rugby Union through and through and never having been to a professional football game.

After a few games, I was hooked and bought a Season Ticket for 96/97. We all went for a few years until the kids had better things to do. Then Steve became a Head Teacher, so he and Jackie dropped out.
However, I kept on going.

Jackie died a couple of days ago. I'll be forever grateful that they took me to my first match and especially that, despite their own allegiances being to other teams, they decided that the best place to take their kids (and me) was Villa.

[Brazilian Villain]

Lovely story UKR, she certainly did the right thing by you.

[Risso]

Sorry to hear that Rog, all the best mate.

[Brend'Watkins]

It's strange how some of us transpired to be Villa supporters without any family intervention. You have a lot to be grateful to Jackie for.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Really sorry to hear that, Mr Sox. That said it's a wonderful story of how you joined the Chosen Few.

[Woofles The Wonder Dog]

Both a sad yet uplifting story.

[UK Redsox]

This was my first game

https://www.11v11.com/matches/aston-villa-v-chelsea-14-october-1995-22253/

[Woofles The Wonder Dog]

This was my first game

https://www.11v11.com/matches/aston-villa-v-chelsea-14-october-1995-22253/

I went too. Gullit was awesome, but noticeably would only pass to Hughes or Wise.

[cdbearsfan]

Sorry for you loss, mate. RIP, Jackie.

[dave shelley]

Condolences to you, her family and friends.

[JD]

Sorry for your loss mate. Great story.

[algy]

RIP Jackie. Lovely story

[SteveN]

That's a lovely story, condolences to her family and friends.

[Pat McMahon]

That’s a lovely story Redsox. Sorry for your loss mate