Lerner gives the foreign owners' club a lesson in love

From the Guardian "When the North American billionaire Randy Lerner bought Aston Villa in the summer of 2006, the Villa fans' reception made a startling, sunny contrast to the one meted out to the Glazer family, who had blazed the US takeover trail at Manchester United. While Old Trafford had seethed with protest marches, hostile chants and "not for sale" graffiti, the Holte End rocked with optimism, star-spangled banners and celebratory chants of "USA! USA!"" And boy are we glad to have him. The times of the Dark Ages have now past and it seem that we have our Knight in shining Armour ( or should I say Armor). Randy's attention to detail and his genuine attachment to Villa, means that perhaps we are lucky in the fact that a when the club was up for sale, we could have had a multitude of "cowboys" who could have come in and asset stripped the club. The Anglophile approach of Randy and his Team means that our club is in safe hands. His legacy may be one of the brightest turning points in our illustrious history. Doug Ellis was made a lot of decisions that were not popular. The sale of the Club to these bunch of Americans,  may turn out to be his best one yet. Posted by BCV on 5/3/08; 9:35:34 AM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Villa Away Support, are they the Scum Of The EPL?

"My first thought as I went home after the game on Saturday, was "If I ever need to visit our second city again before the next millenium, it will be too soon". I admit that it is extreme to label a complete city an utter write off, but after the Martin Taylor episode at St Andrews, to come home to the Emirates and witness the callous and obscene chanting of this pathetic excuse for Villa supporters was even worse. When the Villa originally began to chant Eduardo's name, I listened intently expecting to follow this with applause in recognition of decent supporters who understood our pain. Then to hear them go on to mock the suffering of Eduardo and suggest that he was similar to the famous amputee soon to be ex wife of Sir Paul McCartney made me feel sick." First of all EPL -  now I hate that term of endearment of English Footballs' Premier Division. I can understand some of these Glory Hunters form Hong Kong and Thailand using that term, but when used by someone that is based in England and supports an English Team, ie the Arse, then his article starts to fall down for me straight away. The Article is on Inside Arsenal Blog. Now I have no distaste for the Arse, they are one of the clubs in London that I always enjoyed going to, and have always thought that their fans were a balanced bunch. They have a proud history  and have been one of the main competitors  for Honours in our game over recent years. This has been largely down to Arsene Wenger, a man that who made the term "see no evil, hear no evil" his own, especially when it comes to one of his players commiting some rather large "faux pas". I don't like Wenger, but I respect what he has achieved there wholly. Since the chanting that came form the Villa end, regarding the injury that was sustained by Eduardo, there seems to have been some friction during and after the game. However, there has been the biggest overblown reaction to a football chant originating from the Emirates (what a shit name for a stadium), since God knows when. You would have thought that this injury was akin to the death of Diana. I can honestly envisage, the Arsenal Fans throwing flowers in front of his car, the next time that he turns up to watch his team mates. Now I wish Eduardo all the best. It was an horrific injury, and I do hope that he returns to playing, as know one would like to see any player have a career threatening injury. However, banter happens at football matches. The Arse have been known to bate the Spurs Fans with hissing noises. Not pleasant perhaps, but this happens on the terraces. By and large the Villa away following have been immense this year, but it seems that our new found "frontliner",  Fabregas the King, just doesn't seem to get it. There are quite a few Villa Fans that have responded to his Blog. Read for yourself. Posted by BCV on 4/3/08; 12:46:27 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Uefa spot fine for Villa - Taylor

From the BBC Uefa spot fine for Villa - Taylor Graham Taylor thinks Villa may be better off qualifying for the Uefa Cup (Getty) Former Aston Villa boss Graham Taylor thinks qualifying for the Champions League may not be in the best interests of his old club.Villa are currently sixth in the Premier League, but are just three points behind fourth-placed Everton. But Taylor told BBC WM: "If they were to do it then the disappointment and expectancy might work against them."It might be better for the long term to get in the Uefa Cup and build for the future," he added.Martin's doing a fine job but we shouldn't get too expectant over the top four. Under Taylor's guidance, Villa finished second in the old First Division in 1990. But he thinks they still have a bit of work to do to be genuine contenders to threaten the Premier League's elite."Martin O'Neill tends to be a builder." added Taylor. "He's doing a fine job but we shouldn't get too expectant over the top four. But it is going along very nicely at the moment." Well that would do for starters. With promises today that Lerner is now willing to spend cash, then this Summer may not be as frustrating as the other 2 transfer windows. Posted by BCV on 15/2/08; 11:05:20 AM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss     Trackback [0]

Villa boss on collision course

From the E&S "Martin O'Neill arguably placed himself on collision course with Villa fans for the first time last week, writes Tim Nash. At first glance, the sale of Gary Cahill for £5m at a time when Curtis Davies is at such a tender stage in his development brought O'Neill's decision under close scrutiny yesterday.Reformed "pub player" Davies admitted errors for both Fulham goals after probably the most disappointing Premier League display Villa have produced this season. But the defender's continued refreshingly honest appraisal of his performance won't stop fans' questioning the manager's lack of transfer market activity." I think that "collision course" is a little over exagerated and perhaps a little sensationalist, but there are some questions that need to be asked by MON regards his last 2 transfer windows. The Summer , was a little disappointing, with onlt 2 of the 5 players now currently in the first team -  admittedly Knight has played his part and so has Harewood, but all in all, Villa fans were looking for something a little more appetising. However, MON has done the deals and got us to a position that we are challenging for a Euro Spot. At this stage in proceedings, I and many others would be more than happy. So why the discontent. Well there are some people out there that think that MON is beyond criticism and this is part of the big picture. Well, I would say that this window has been mighty poor. The Team is in desperate need of some real quality. The absence of a specialist Right Back for what will now be the whole of the season, is worrying. The sale of one of the Academy's youngest and brightest starlets, smacks of days gone buy and the need to balance the books. We have in fact made a tidy profit this window. If Ellis had done this, then a few of the usual suspects, ie those that are obsessed with Ellis - then and now, would have hung drawn and quartered. This window would have been ideal for Villa to show that they mean business. The lack of players apart from Wayne Routledge, may in the end cost us a Euro spot. MON has promised that the "quality" that he tried for simply were not available. He has now set up this Summers expectations. Over to you Martin. Posted by BCV on 4/2/08; 1:25:18 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss (3 responses)  Comment [3]   Trackback [0]

"I'm leaving Villa on a high" - Olof Mellberg

"OLOF Mellberg insists he is leaving a club this summer who are on the up and up.The 30-year-old defender has agreed to join Juventus on a three-year contract in July, but leaves Villa Park with tinges of sadness after almost seven years when he was, at times, a rare shining light in a struggling team. "It is sad to leave in many ways but I felt it was time for a new challenge," he said."The club has a great future. That's why it's important to start by securing a European place this season. "There's plenty of talented young players and several experienced ones, too. "The club will always have a place in my heart. I have had my best football years here. I have enjoyed my football the most at Villa." Olof has given Villa great service in an age that often sees players come and go at the drop of a hat. I will be sad to see him go, but understand that at the point that he is at now in his career, the chances of playing for Juve, don't come along very often. I'm sure that the Villa faithful will give him a great send off and will thank him for all his efforts. All the best to the Big Viking. Posted by BCV on 30/1/08; 4:32:59 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Hanks reveals Villa support

"Tom Hanks attended the premiere of his new movie -- and declared himself an Aston Villa football fan.Hanks, aged 51, was on the red carpet last night wrapped up in the colours of the Birmingham club.He had earlier said he liked the "quaint" name of Aston Villa. So the club sent him the scarf -- and Hanks announced himself as its latest celebrity fan.Villa, which already boasts Prince William as a fan, is now likely to invite the Hollywood star to attend a match. Hanks stars alongside Julie Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman in Charlie Wilson's War, based on a true story of "the most successful covert operation in history".The Forrest Gump actor plays playboy congressman Wilson, who secretly assisted rebels in Afghanistan in their war with the soviets. The actor said of Villa: "I like the team. The club sent me this scarf and I decided to wear it tonight" Welcome Tom to a life of turmoil supporting THE world's most Historic Football club. Posted by BCV on 11/1/08; 6:05:37 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

SHA 1-2 Aston Villa

From the BBC "Gabriel Agbonlahor's late header gave Aston Villa a dramatic victory over city rivals Birmingham.Villa had taken the lead when Stilian Petrov's low cross hit Blues' defender Liam Ridgewell's knee and bounced in.Birmingham levelled when Daniel De Ridder crossed for Mikael Forssell to head home from close range. Agbonlahor cleared a Ridgewell header off the line before meeting Ashley Young's cross at the other end and nodding past Blues keeper Maik Taylor." Well would you believe it eh, a third victory amongst the "Great Unwashed" in the Premiership on the bounce. I personally, never used to be bothered about the Blues really. They hated us, I had just indifference to them, until they discovered that football started in the Premiership, once they had got promoted. Undefeated in 4, we finally set the record straight and assisted in their relegation, after "Zico" Cahills' effort. This went some way, along with Kevin Phillips' winner in their relegation season, in bringing balance back to life. However, that Ridgewell own goal (wish that I had put some money on that now!!) seems to have finally rested the "Ghost of Enckleman" past, and now normality has returned to the Force. Double Agent Ridgewell, thank you for your loyal efforts. You can now retire a happy man. Fantastic result boys, your passion and commitment were well rewarded and appreciated by the Villa Faithful. Posted by BCV on 15/11/07; 6:50:32 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss (2 responses)  Comment [2]   Trackback [0]

Small Heath Alliance vs Aston Villa

From the BBC Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill: "I am conscious of the derby, that this is not just an ordinary game. "I am hoping we can play well, keep a clear head and I am hoping we show a bit of discipline. "I don't want to end up as we did against Manchester United with nine players on the field after we had started that game so brightly." I'm well aware, and I hope that the players are too, of the need for bottle tomorrow. I'll manage to catch the first half, but will miss the second due to the fact that  Luke is playing in a cup match. The last time we played them, Super Kev finished quite superbly and the return was a great game, with the Young Lions tear them a new arsehole and contributing to their sad demise. Unfortunately, one of them now plays for them. Lets hope that Carew gives him a hard time and that he has one of his shit games that he was sometimes prone to whilst at Villa.Come on Ridge, leave that hand out again. So here's to a win in the only game that matters to them. Posted by BCV on 10/11/07; 2:38:16 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Where does the Villa in Aston Villa come from?

This question was asked by Bob Hobbs (who?) back in the Guardian in 2000. "Where does the Villa in Aston Villa come from? Does it have anything to do with the Aston-Martin motorcar?" asked Bob Hobbs in 2000. "Aston-Martin motorcar? Maybe it's because they play in Aston," ranted an incredulous Algy. "That's probably also why the Aston Expressway is called the Aston Expressway - because it's in Aston, and it's an Expressway!" To be fair, Algy did offer something rather more constructive: "Villa ... I'm guessing that it's Aston Hall, which overlooked the Aston Lower Grounds before Villa Park was placed there in 1897." For a while, we were convinced. Until Martin Blogg quoted us a line or two from Simon Inglis' historical tome Villa Park 100 Years, that is: "Aston Villa Football Club was founded by pupils of the Aston Villa Wesleyan Chapel Sunday school. The chapel was in an area of Aston known as Aston Villa, after an 18th-century house of the same name." I'm glad that Mr Inglis has put them straight. Posted by BCV on 23/10/07; 12:25:43 AM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Tottenham 4-4 Aston Villa

Following the Villa has never been easy, but last nights game, was just another chapter in a long story. From the BBC "Younes Kaboul completed an amazing comeback by Tottenham as they fought back from 4-1 down to hold Aston Villa.Dimitar Berbatov nodded Spurs in front but Martin Laursen levelled after Paul Robinson's error, then made it 2-1 when he deflected in Zat Knight's header. Gabriel Agbonlahor drilled home a third and Craig Gardner's low free-kick made it 4-1 before Pascal Chimbonda replied after Jermain Defoe had hit the post.Robbie Keane's penalty made it 4-3 before Kaboul's last-gasp leveller." I'm still reeling from that last night. I thought that a draw would have been a good result last night with the furore that followed the Spurs 125th celebrations. I feared the worst after their opening goal, but the Villa young guns hit back hard, with another fantastic performance form Martin Laursen. At 3-1 up and cruising, we had what seemed to be a good penalty shout denied. However, we still increased the lead through Gardner, with a clever free kick. At this point, you would have thought that the game was well and truely over.  They managed to get another goal back from a return off the post, but then Harewood, who was a surprising signing in the summer, made one of the rashest challenges you will ever see. I started to worry then. The 4th Official declared that there was 3 mins of added time. Where her got this from, as there were no issues at all as regards injuries in the 2nd half, and low and behold we crumble and allow an equaliser after poor clearances. I hope that Martin O'Neill takes learns something out of this. For a start, the squad is still too light and his reasons for plying the defence with Centre Backs, when he are crying out for a top class Forward, Right-back and Winger, should not be underestimated. Second, we have a lot of talented youngsters in the team, but to survive and compete, we need some top class players. Thirdly, buying so called squad players is no way to improve your squad. You buy better players and then your better players become the squad players. That's how Fergie has done this at Manure, and seems like sense to me. The days of penny pinching and value for money have gone now that Ellis is no longer holding the purse strings, but we need to invest further, if we have aspirations of Europe. Posted by BCV on 2/10/07; 12:20:20 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss (1 response)  Comment [1]   Trackback [0]

O'Neill rejects Megson's cup claims

From IC Brum "Martin O'Neill was quick to refute claims from Leicester manager Gary Megson that some of his Villa players had felt the Carling Cup and their opponents were "beneath them". Megson left the Northern Irishman quietly seething with his comments in a press conference after Villa's 1-0 defeat by the Foxes. The former Albion and Nottingham Forest manager suggested those Villa players who were playing "would look at it as being a little bit beneath them." But O'Neill insisted all of his players had taken the match very seriously indeed and assured the fans and his former club he had not selected a much-changed side because he had been taking the competition lightly. He said: "I am disappointed if he said that or thought about our team." I didn't get chance to get to the Leicester game on Wednesday, but it seems that the lads  didn't play  well at all.  Martin O'Neill has taken this on board and has said that the buck stops with him - he admitted that he had got it wrong. For some reason Megson has come out with the above comments. His side apparently had one attack and scored from it. Now, whilst there can be no excuses for the performance, all reports out of Villa Park are saying that this hurt some of the players, and so it should. What Megson has gained out of this is nothing, but shows that the bloke is nothing more than a bit of a tool. Villa Blogger, Gregg Williams says in the Express and Star: Overall theres no reason to be despondent, the Leicester game was a set back but we can all see whats needed to improve the team and I'm sure O' Neill can see it too. Posted by BCV on 28/9/07; 1:52:48 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Martin O'Neill re-invigorating soul of Villa

From the Telegraph Martin O'Neill was wandering through Aston Villa's Bodymoor Heath training centre yesterday when he encountered a distinguished visitor, Peter Withe. Meeting the legendary striker reminded O'Neill of Villa's "glory years'', of the title in 1981 and the European Cup in 1982. For O'Neill, here was the living embodiment of Villa's "soul''. Was browsing through H&V this morning and spotted this post. An excellent article from Martin O Neill's point of view regarding the attitude that he looks at  his job at the Villa. After  putting Chelski to the sword and building a squad of young , fit, talented  British based  talent, this seems to be the route that Martin wished to  begin building the  Villa Squad over the next few years. I'm sure that in time there will be some quality additions to enrich the Team, but it does seem like this is the way that this season will be addressed (apart from the fact that we don't have specialist Right Back). With Gareth Barry finally getting the recognition in the National Team, something that is long over due and what a lot of Villa Fans have been saying for a while, it all is looking remarkably good. Posted by BCV on 15/9/07; 1:53:43 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Delaney forced to quit

Today, there is s shed of sadness coming out of Villa Park. Mark Delaney has been forced to quit his playing career down to a troublesome knee injury. Mark was an all action player that was signed by John Gregory in 1999. He  became a firm crowd favourite with his energetic and committed performances. Mark has battled for a while to  save his career, but he has now taken the decision to call time. It's a shame as we are in dire need of a player like Mark at the minute, as Right Back is a troublesome position to fill. Delaney also played Centre Back for the Villa when required and never looked out of place. Considering the amount that we paid for him, he has given good value and service, despite his injury problems. From the E&S Villa defender Mark Delaney's career is over at the age of just 31.The Welsh international fullback today announced his retirement after a long running battle with injury the curse of his eight and a half year stay at Villa. "This is a very sad day for me and this is not a decision I have taken lightly" said Delaney."But, having taken everything into consideration, I feel this is the right decision for myself and my family" Delaney has seen renowned US knee surgeon Dr Richard Steadman in a bid to save a career restricted to less than 200 club appearances and 36 caps by a frequent injury interruptions. Some Background on Mark Born: 13/05/1976 in Fishguard, Wales  First professional match for Villa: Forest on 24/04/1999 Delaney was playing football for Carmarthen in the League of Wales when he was plucked from obscurity by Cardiff manager Frank Burrows in the summer of 1998. Impressive performances for this right-wing back at Cardiff resulted in a transfer to Villa in March '99. He spent most of his time playing for the Villa reserves, but did appear in Villa's first-team when they played Nottingham Forest later in the year. This was followed with a shock call-up to the Welsh squad to face Switzerland. Although a member of that squad he never actually played in the game. Since then, he has made numerous appearances for the Welsh National team, including his 16th cap in the famous win over Germany, which came a day after his 26th birthday. Delaney continued to impress in the Villa side in 2001/02, making 39 appearances and firmly establishing himself as an essential part of the first team. He was rewarded with a four-year contract and stated that he would love to see out the remainder of his career at Villa Park.He spent two months on the sidelines during the 2002/03 season after breaking his foot, although was fit enough throughout the rest of the season to make 17 appearances for Villa. It could be deemed one of the worst seasons of the Welsh international's career, thanks to all the injury problems that blighted the entire season. 2003/04 was little better for him, although it had seemed like his injury nightmare was over early on in the campaign. A horror tackle by Fulham's Carlos Bocanegra ruled him out for two months in February 2004, and when he returned to fitness he found himself unable to get back into the team, leaving him pondering his future at Villa Park. However, he stuck with the team into the 2004/05 campaign and played 32 games with only a knee injury which kept him out for February and much of March, hampering his season. His problems continued into the 2005/06 season as he played only 16 times and they got even worse in 06/07 as injury kept him out for the entire campaign. All the very best Mark in your future endeavours. I'm sure you will always be welcome at Villa Park. Posted by BCV on 15/8/07; 1:00:48 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss (1 response)  Comment [1]   Trackback [0]

Jimmy Sullivan - RIP

At 18:30 tonight, one of the famous "Brothers Grimm", Jimmy Sullivan passed away after a long battle against cancer. Jimmy's last game was the win at home against Sheff Utd, and being one of the old boys, he told me in the pub prior to the match that he was looking forward to a good win and seeing the '82 Team on the pitch during the Anniversary celebrations. An emotional day for us all that, but more so for him, as he knew that his days were numbered. Condolences to Spot and the Sullivan Family of Blackheath from all of us that knew him. Another Holte-ender in the Sky RIP Jimmy Posted by BCV on 19/7/07; 11:07:37 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

H&V: The Ceremony is now 10 Years old

It's amazing that I have created a career out of being in IT, pre internet boom days (Remember Windows 3.1 !!), but for as long as I have had a computer and have been able to connect to this Internet thingy, something that we take for granted now like getting up in the morning, the Villa presence has been there under the flag of Heroes and Villains. So it's a big thanks to Mac and Dave at H&V Towers, Steve at Blogfootball, and now the boys at Ardenley. This month chalks up 10 Years of  Villa discussion on the net, Here's to the next 10.   Posted by BCV on 31/3/07; 6:14:54 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss (1 response)  Comment [1]   Trackback [0]

Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool

Yesterdays game was a bit of a damp squid to say the least. Liverpool were poor, and if they have aspirations to win the Champions League, or even to finish in the gravy train that is now the "Top 4", then they will have to play much better than that. We gave them far to much respect and produced a dour perfomance to add to the first half that was dished out against the Arse. One of the bright points of the season so far is the signing and the perfomance of John Carew. He is big, bold, brash and also a skillfull player with a high work rate. The downside is that the team are trying to hit him with evvery "outball" at the moment. This is making the pattern of our play very one dimentional and along with the woeful and static midfield that we have at the moment is proving dull. We can play better and I trust that the Manager can see this and will work his dammed hardest to sort out. Another bonus is the emergence of Gary Cahill. This guy just gets better and better. Already he has passed into Vilal Folkloree with that superb volly against the Small Heath Alliance last season. His maturity is coming on leaps and bounds and we have a player I think that hopefully will become one of Villa's best Centre Backs of the last 25 Years. Congrats have to go to Gareth Barry also for being named in the England Squad. "Sven 2" insists on picking his faves at the moment and well done to Barry for still getting in the Squad for the Isreal and Andorra games. What's the betting that Sven2 doesn't pick him!! Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill on the BBC: "It was more of a chess game, I've seen the incident it, it looked a penalty, but the ref hasn't given it so we move on. We can play much better than that and the responsibility is on us at home to do just that. There might have been a bit of anxiety left over from the Arsenal game in midweek where we played well and got nothing." Posted by BCV on 19/3/07; 4:34:13 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Aston Villa 0-1 Arse

Not convincing from us was it. We were poor, very poor in the first half and only gave the Arse a game after the break. There was very strange decisions that bounded about by the referree, M Atkinson. This is still no excuse for how poor we performed. After a great start to the season, admittedly this was us actually playing well above ourselves,  we have at some times played only in patches. Games that we should have been taking control, we have let drop by the wayside. Martin O' Neil has the backing of the fans and the Board. It was/is a difficult job to do. His aspirations of breaking the top 4 are still there, but they seem a bit of a way off at the moment, but I'm in agreement with him that we are improving, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch also. Randy Lerner and his team seem to be in this for the long haul. Lets hope that the fans give them the time and the full support that they require. The stats don't lie of 2 wins in 18 games. It's not the whole picture and I'm sure that Martin is fully aware of this. Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill on the BBC: "I thought we put an awful lot into the game. In the second half we were excellent. Overall, I'm pleased with how we performed but we did not have an ounce of luck. It could have been a sending off when Johan Djourou fouled John Carew. Beside the fact there was a bit of cover it looked like John was about to shoot." Posted by BCV on 16/3/07; 12:34:28 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Fulham 1-1 Aston Villa

Well, hardly a suprising result was it. Again the match was the anti-climax for the day. Fulham is a good old traditional ground that holds itself up against the recent trends for Meccano set stadia. The Cottage in the corner of the adds a lot of character to the ground. Luke and me were in P3 of the neutral section that had a sprinkling of Fulham, asian day trippers, but mostly Villa. I hear that there were lots of Scandanavian Villa Fans that hd made the trip. Again, the Villa fans did themselves and the club proud again. Was good to catch up with me old mate CT, from bygone Banik Ostrava days. He doesn't look a day older, I'm more bulkier and certainly a bit greyer. A few ales were quaffed in the inappropiatley named "Zulu Bar". This was the first bar that we hit, and we never movesd from that point on. God knows what the rounds were costing, but my wallet feels a hell of a lot lighter this morning. Again, even after going one - nil up, poor defending cost us the points, and Luke is still yet to break his away duck. Next time I go, I'll leave him at home. Posted by BCV on 4/3/07; 10:20:16 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

The Invasion of Fulham

Belated New Year to one and all!! I'm hoping to break my duck this weekend, with a trip to Fulham. I've not seen the Villa win at all this season on our travels, most notably Charlton and Reading. Fulham proved on Saturday that they are a good team and will not make things that easy for us. However, we have had a 3 week gap due to the Arse being involved in the League Cup and a training camp on the Costa del Sol. The new signings should have settled in by now and we can step up out perfomances that have not been that good of late. The performanes of the new boys, Carew, Young and Maloney have been good in their few games that we have seen them and should benefit us not only in the short term, but the medium and inthe case of Maloney and Young, hopefully the long term. This will be Lukes second game of the season too. He hasn't seen the Villa win once, not even draw on the road, so he is a bit more of a curse than me! This includes what should have been an "easy" trip in the 3rd round of the League cup, a few seasons ago -  we all know how that turned out! So, its P3 in the Neutral Zone for us, and what superb service from Fulham when purchasing the tickets after the Villa allocation was sold out. It seems that this idea has not gone amiss, so the 6000 Villa Fans invasion of West London is about to begin Posted by BCV on 26/2/07; 9:55:43 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Charlton Away

Tomorrow marks the first sujourn of Luke and me to an Away game this year on the Marrakesh Express. The last visit to the Valley for us marked, an appearance from Alpay, who returned from the wilderness and had a stinker. Hopefully tomorrow shall prove a more fruitful day. The kick off is at a shite time and the Taxi will be picking us up at 0715 in the morning. So the nice steady beer on the way down has been messed up by Sky. At least there will be the chance to drown our sorrows, or celebrate a good closing to 2006, post match. Come on you Villa Boys. Posted by BCV on 29/12/06; 10:50:00 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Touched by the Hand of God

It ain't very often that you get the chance to meet a legend, and one of the most humble men to ever wear a Villa Shirt, but Luke and me just managed to get to Villa Park today to see the legendary Paul McGrath. We had to queue for a while, but got a few pressies for Xmas while we waited for our audience. All I said to him was "Hello Macca - Welcome Home" The last time that our paths crossed in  the flesh was on a far flung field that wasn't England. It was on a field in Paderborn Germany, during the BFR pre season tour when a group of pissed up Black Country Villans ended up on the pitch just prior to kick off, incidentally the only time I think that Ivo Stas actually played in a Villa Shirt. I have a cracking photo of us with God looking mean, but he was actually very nice after the photo. It may take a while for this to sink in for Luke, but he has seen divinity in the flesh. Not many can say that can they. Posted by BCV on 24/11/06; 10:13:34 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

The Wanderer has Returned

I'm still alive guys. A lot has happenned over the last few months, a few bad things, but a shit load of good ones too. I'll start to document stuff now I'm settled in my new gaff with my XBOX 360, oh and the kids of course, along with a bloody flea infestation that made my legs look like I had measles. Thankfully I have holocausted them. I've missed a lot. Sorry for the regulars for taking a long sabbatical. I have been around on H&V as you know, but it's time that the BCV blog rose again like a Phoenix (great track by The Cult, who incidentally I saw at the end of Sept at The Academy and they rocked!!) Posted by BCV on 24/11/06; 1:36:52 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss (2 responses)  Comment [2]   Trackback [0]

O'Neill named Aston Villa manager

Well it seems that there is actually some good news for a change. It seems that Doug and the fans have their man. Martin O'Neil is the man to take us forward. I said weeks ago after O'Leary was sacked that this was the job for him. The right sized club and the right challenge for him to take on after being out of the game due to his wifes illness. At the press conference yesterday, it seems that he is up for the job. Some people were saying that this is the most important signing on and off the pitch since Ron Saunders arrived. Well, only time will tell. What I do know is that there is a sense of pride again around the place and amongst the Villa Faithful. The amount of people in Villa tops that I have seen this weekend, is fantastic, and how it should be. Welcome Martin. the malaise that was under the previous incumbent has now gone. Phase one is now complete. The removal of the Chairman  is next and this seems to be a work progress. Here's to a brighter future. Posted by BCV on 6/8/06; 12:23:12 AM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss     Trackback [0]

The Ellis years - The End is Nigh

The reign of Doug Ellis seems to be coming to an end - I have heard a lot of snippets as to who is offering what and to whom wants to buy. This is a watershed for the future of our club and these are interesting times. I have still not renewed my Season Ticket - will consider a half year one for me and Luke in the Winter. The timing of O Learys departure was in the end unexpected. He should have gone at the end of the season, as he knew that he could take us no further under Ellis. It's open to question if anyine could, but I was convinced that we would have definitely been relegated if he had stayed in charge. So it's time for us to move forward. Board, Manager, Players and Fans. Providing there is inspiration from the top, the future could be great. I still see more Villa tops in the Black Country than nearly any other team - now is the time for the Lion to roar again. Posted by BCV on 29/7/06; 9:40:54 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

Game Over

Well that was a season to forget. Apart from the few away days and a few derby games of note, I have never been so disillusioned at being a Villa Fan. As a regular attendee, I was lucky enough to miss the Turner/McNeil years. I sufferred the Venglos period, and now have finally been able to say that I have possibly seen the most apathetic Villa side for a number of years. Season ticket prices are to stay the same so we are led to believe - I for one will not be renewing. It has been a struggle from a personal front to keep the Season Ticket going, not for the money as to be fair that is good value. It's time for a change. Time to move on for the near future away from things that are "Villa related". I'm sure that I will be back, it's just a matter of when. So thanks Doug and thanks to the man on the right for finally killing the hope. It's been coming for a while and for me you have now succeeded. The sooner you both leave, the better. On a positive note, maximum respect to the members of the Marrakesh Express - the club don't deserve your undying attention that it gets. Most of all to the Big lad, without  whom, most of our lads would have probably knocked it on the head a long while ago and someone that I personally will always be in debt to. Villa 'Til I Die - once a Villan, always a Villan. Posted by BCV on 9/5/06; 3:53:02 PM from the Aston Villa dept. #  Discuss  Comment [0]   Trackback [0]

The Loss to Citeh

Well - how crap was that. After the Derby Day Ball, there is nothing like the Villa to bring you back down to earth. 2 successive losses, one against a team that had lost it's previous games and we are now back to the level that we have found ourself this season. The only reason that we have escaped the drop, is down to the fact that there are 4 worse teams than us in the Premiership. David O Leary has been mentioning recently that he "wants to put things right". Well, I don't want him to, I want someone else as we are now on collision course to attain the worst amount of Premiership points since the inception of this money making enterprise. We have played Citeh 4 times this season and we have lost 3 and drew one  -  in 3 of the games, Darius Vassell has scored. Not the most prolific of strikers is our Darius, and it shows that it was a mistake to let go in the first place pwrhaps. But the second mistake, knowing him that well, that we couldn't prevent him scoring. Fair play to the Villans that clapped him off, after the tossers that booed him for no apparent reason, other than the fact that he used to play for us. It was also good, that he also acknowledged it too. The highlight of the game, was a paper airplane that came from the Holte and headed towards the pitch -  that raised the biggest cheer, in this awful display -  just shows how low we are going. It's going to be a long summer. Posted by BCV on 26/4/06; 3:35:58 PM