Probably not practical but a guest opponent made up of former Villa players still playing would be nostalgic for us fans at least. There's plenty of them - Grealish, Walker, Milner, Young, Targett, El Ghazi, Benteke, Nakamba, Bannon, Carson, Weimann, Davis, Heaton, Clark, Hogg, Wesley, Veretout, Gueye, Abraham, Snodgrass, Hourihane, Johnstone, Tuanzebe, Green and Bree come to mind - and have them managed by Dean Smith. Recent retired former favourites like Hutton too, maybe Barry and Petrovic. Plenty of substitutions would allow our fans to give them all a fond welcome back (maybe not McCormack, Gardner or Hogan).I was at the centenary game against Leeds. Jesus, I can't believe that was nearly 50 years ago! I'm getting old very quickly.
I wouldn't necessarily buy it, but I would go about bothering the sellers, trying to put some faces to names.
If there is to be a commemorative game, the obvious choice would be the first FA cup final that Villa played in 1887: the opponents were the Bitters. I think this would be both appropriate for reflecting the heritage of the club and also a good poke in the eye for the bluenoses.
Quote from: Mister E on September 09, 2023, 07:08:32 PMIf there is to be a commemorative game, the obvious choice would be the first FA cup final that Villa played in 1887: the opponents were the Bitters. I think this would be both appropriate for reflecting the heritage of the club and also a good poke in the eye for the bluenoses.However, our first League game was against Wolves.Who did we beat in the final of the Birmingham Senior Cup, when we won our first trophy?
Thought about this last summer, and my 'wishlist' included- An excellent manager, and competitive team on the pitch. (done)- A piece of silverware in 2023/24 or 2024/25, preferably the FA Cup. (looks possible)- A new and round badge. (was done)- New North Stand. (on its way)- A Lion Rampant, as was on the old Trinity, being re-introduced. (probably unlikely)- Really nice, traditional home and away kits, and a third that is modelled on one of our earliest shirts e.g. similar to what Hearts have done. (we'll see)- A couple of 'celebration' friendlies against top sides we've faced in Europe e.g. Inter Milan and/or Barcelona. (should be easier now with UE)And lastly, a bumper '150th Anniversary' paper edition of H&V so Dave W can add to his hefty bank balance. Seriously though, I'd likely buy a few copies.
Quote from: algy on August 21, 2023, 01:52:14 PMQuote from: dave.woodhall on August 04, 2023, 06:58:50 PMPlease, anything but Bayern Munich.Why?Can't think of that many fixtures that we could have, where it's something relatively meaningful to us and would be seen as a 'special occasion'. The club has had two, maybe three, really dominant periods in it's history. 1880s-1900s, late 70s/early 80s, and .. well, I'm not sure there are any others. So you're really looking at clubs like Preston/Albion/Sunderland/Everton for the earlier period ... although I'd not have thought any of those would be a big draw ... or Ipswich, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, maybe Everton again from the latter period.I don't see as we have much option. Bayern Munich and Barcelona are comfortably the biggest clubs (current size) we've beaten a proper final, and of those Bayern Munich was comfortably the bigger occasion.Because all we ever seem to talk about is 198bloody2 and because why would Bayern want to play us?
Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 04, 2023, 06:58:50 PMPlease, anything but Bayern Munich.Why?Can't think of that many fixtures that we could have, where it's something relatively meaningful to us and would be seen as a 'special occasion'. The club has had two, maybe three, really dominant periods in it's history. 1880s-1900s, late 70s/early 80s, and .. well, I'm not sure there are any others. So you're really looking at clubs like Preston/Albion/Sunderland/Everton for the earlier period ... although I'd not have thought any of those would be a big draw ... or Ipswich, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, maybe Everton again from the latter period.I don't see as we have much option. Bayern Munich and Barcelona are comfortably the biggest clubs (current size) we've beaten a proper final, and of those Bayern Munich was comfortably the bigger occasion.
Please, anything but Bayern Munich.
I don’t really get the idea of a commemorative game, it is just another friendly.What about bringing out a shirt made of cotton intheright colours to a traditional design with a lion rampant.
Quote from: Colin Al Gooch on September 10, 2023, 07:22:58 AMI don’t really get the idea of a commemorative game, it is just another friendly.What about bringing out a shirt made of cotton intheright colours to a traditional design with a lion rampant.I agree with Colin.
Shirt with 150 years & the honours list incorporated in the design would be good.
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Topic: Upcoming 150th anniversary (Read 6252 times)
