Time to change tradition?

[Des Little]

Now that we’ve switched the lion around, and got off to a flyer kicking towards the Holte first in the last two games, should we now look to do it more often (toss permitting obviously)? 

[Drummond]

Until it doesn't work then yes.

[Villan82]

Have noticed us do well kicking towards the holte in the first half quite a few times. We did it a couple of times in the Championship and it got us on the front foot. I recall a couple of occasions in the 90s too.

[SoccerHQ]

I think it's psychological more than anything, it's just something we do like all home teams prefer to kick towards their favourite end if they have one at the ground.

That said I'd be interested to see the actual stats as pretty sure in quite a few seasons we've scored more home goals at North stand than Holte.

We certainly should mix it up a bit more when we win the toss as it does get us on the front foot more. I'm also more confident when we're in the lead and away team are shooting towards the Holte as feels easier to keep them out without the away fans as much in their ear when they're attacking or have a corner.

High profile one in recent years was Leicester cup SF when Trez scored the winner infront of the North stand.

I think we'll do it more when the North Stand gets fully rebuilt as then we'll have another end where we have 12-15k Villa fans behind the goal.

[WarszaVillan]

Teams used to do this regularly against us to get a psychological advantage. I used to hate it when they did it. However, since the away fans have been moved to the sides it maybe doesn't make such a difference and could in fact help us to start games more positively. I think we decided to change ends yesterday, didn't they kick off?

[Bad English]

Doesn't the sun or wind direction come into the equation?

[hipkiss92]

I recall Bolton and Burnley both doing it under MON, only to both have 5 goals put past them.

[Chico Hamilton III]

I was disappointed that when we lost the toss and had to swap ends, de Gea had to walk towards the Holte and everyone booed him  immediately. Instead of applauding him, waiting for him to sportingly return the applause before giving him some merciless stick. It’s one thing I really miss at Villa games these days.

[LeeB]

I was disappointed that when we lost the toss and had to swap ends, de Gea had to walk towards the Holte and everyone booed him  immediately. Instead of applauding him, waiting for him to sportingly return the applause before giving him some merciless stick. It’s one thing I really miss at Villa games these days.

That was great, I don't remember any other club doing it. Dave Seaman always getting stick for his nose-ness but taking it with good humour. I suppose you can when you've escaped with your career still intact.