Waiting for Doctor Xia as the king-elect of Villa Park (er, Lotus Park) to be crowned is a little stressful, as is the appointment of a new team manager, but surely the stress of the last 6 years has been greater!

Perhaps, therefore, it may relieve some of that stress by recalling and comparing better times within the memories of most supporters with former times, asking the question whether the years before Randy were that bad.

I would agree that if we were to think back and remember the six years of the 2000 to 2006 period, you could see then that the club was on a downward trend, but it was perhaps a better time than endured in the last six years! However, after recently looking at a video of the proceedings of the 2000-01 season, the inevitable question is “Did it all start to go wrong at that specific point?”; and particularly did it all really start to go pear-shaped when Luc Nilis incurred that horrifying injury.

At the start of that season we acquired Nilis to join the likes of Merson, Joachim and Hendrie in a formation that looked as though it had the ability to produce the unexpected, and Nilis’s performance against Chelsea (and a superb goal), combined with Merson’s resurgence, seemed to confirm that promise. To add to that, Alpay had joined in the summer of 2000. He came across as a lovely man in that video I saw and he soon had the fans behind him. His combination with Southgate, added to the midfield talent and work-rate of Ian Taylor and George Boeteng, lively backs in the form of Stone and Wright, and a growing Gareth Barry, meant it seemed that Gregory was re-building nicely after losing players like Ehiogu.

But then, having lost Nilis in such a dreadful way, we also lost Southgate and Boeteng (both wanting to better themselves at Middlesbrough of all places, with Ehiogu) and we moved into the era of Bosco Balaban and the settling-in problems of Juan Pablo Angel. And Alpay’s newly-developed ego after the 2002 World Cup. Those were the issues that stood out for me at that time, added to a chairman who was ailing and probably becoming more disfunctional. He was at his weakest through severely bad health issues, and when that happens the hyenas sense their opportunity and pounce.

But that was the 2000-2006 period. In contrast, the opening eight seasons of the Premier League period had not been at all bad, with Messrs. Atkinson, Atkinson and Saunders achieving a runner-up finish in the PL’s first season after giving Man U a run for their money. And then a wonderful display at Wembley against that same lot in the 1994 League Cup Final – a final to be replayed over and over. Then came Brian Little who organised successive finishes of fourth and fifth and the 1996 League Cup win. Some suspect his success was a lot due to his assistant John Gregory who had departed, but he returned in 1998 and raised the fans’ expectations with a 12-match unbeaten start to the 1998-99 season that saw Villa at the top of the league for quite some time. But Coventry (and George Boeteng) came down and put continued hopes of a Champions League place completely on its backside.

But Gregory was tenacious. Getting to Wembley ended as a bit of a huff-and-puff affair, but in 2001-02 he got Villa back to the top of the PL for a spell … and then left, clearly disenchanted with the lack of ambition from the chairman.

But, to put the 1992-2006 14-year period in perspective, it largely replicated the 14-year era of Billy Walker and 1919-33. Statistically the two periods are remarkably similar, and even ended in a similar way. 1933-time saw the demise of the senior and valuable members of the Villa board (the legends Devey and Spencer) through age and infirmity and the club recruited a football manager for the first time (in 1934). And so, in 2006, the ageing and unwell Villa chairman (only legendary for his bicycle-kick!) also had to stand down.

So – I submit – we should possibly be a tad more grateful for what we received in the 1990s. Oh, and Doug will accept your apologies if you had any bad thoughts about him!

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John Lerwill
I'm a Villan of more than 60 years standing and an occasional writer on Villa history. For me there is only one football club worth supporting, but I am now wondering whether I will again see anything like the pageant that was paraded under Ron Saunders or even that by Big Ron and Brian Little. My glass, however, is always half-full! Click here for my Villa website.

Comments 296

  1. runtings

    thanks JL

    i remember the Nilis goal and it was world class — was so gutted when off injured never to play again

    are team was going somewhere up until that point — we have had some bad luck along the way followed by years of mis- management
    for many years before the mis management period we were only a couple of players away from being serious contenders only to pass up on the opportunity to kick on by not buying that bit of required quality at the time

    As for the debate that i am sure will continue for a little while longer — i think there are more pro’s than con’s re the takeover

    dr x clearly is involved in big business in China which is expanding to other counties

    the main con is we don’t know what figures he is sitting on

    I certainly can overstand villans will not take anything as read until thing actually happen , but i must say based on what i read into all the info on dr x , i am delighted that he chose villa and am pretty confident Hollis as acted in the best interests of Aston Villa is seeking a buyer that is worthy of this great club

  3. Mark King

    Just heard Pearson has signed for Derby, RDM it is then.

    Luc Nillis could of been that 30 a season man for us, he was awesome. If I could bring back four players from the modern era for us it would be God, little, Laursen and Nillis they would win the champs on their own 🙂

  4. Heroes-and-Villans

    Well we can hope and speculate about xia wealth and plans for us. But the facts are he has choosen rdm over pearson which is a huge huge call and choosen some less than desirables on our board.

    Very good write up john and shows how long we have gone withoout a decent team!!

  5. runtings

    I agree it feels like we missed a good opportunity by not getting Pearson

    not sure what impressed the new owners team about RDM — could it be Pearson’s past misdemeanors went against him ?

    RDM wanted by Lazio too – at least he has won promotion

    critical few days ahead – hopefully we can start enjoying being villans again very soon

  6. Trinity

    John
    Thanks for writing for us again.
    I still remember Luc Nilis’ terrible injury.
    From the 90s, I admired Steve Staunton and Alan Wright. Steve Staunton was consistently reliable and AW was a pint sized defender who knew how to cross a ball. I also liked Savo Milosevich, who took a bit of stick and went on to greater things. It was a pretty good team.

  7. James Gill

    Birch display v inter Milan , Nielsen goal in same game under last doctor in charge venglos
    Super Dalian goal beautiful,gods performances at the back under big fat Ron
    Savo goal at Wembley best day of my life remember walking around streets of London,my mate used to be a courier seen all the sights,super Tommy Jonson and Taylor from Brian Little’s time
    Collymore goal in Europe,cant remember Spanish side,merson goal v Everton and carbone hattrick in cup under Gregory
    Some wonderful days ,Lerner sucks nothing but misery

  9. runtings

    may i add the villa faithful to the list

    from the amazing atmosphere for nights like when pele came to town to the people including some on here that have traveled supporting the club even through the darkest times maintaining great humor and pride

  10. John Lerwill

    Runtings: “may i add the villa faithful to the list”

    Yes, Pele. And who can forget amazing atmospheres and scenes such as Johnny Dixon’s last game (1961) and the last home match against Sunderland in the promotion year 1974-75 after 8 years away from the top-flight. And the 1971 FL cup final, even though we lost: the neutrals couldn’t work out who had won and who had lost!

    And, yes, that match against Inter that James recalled and the 94 and 96 finals.

  11. steamer

    Great read John,bought back a good few memories. Still waiting for Herbert to apologise to US.
    I think TX has dropped a goolie by not appointing Pearson, he’ll get Derby into shape.
    Has Saggy signed for Brighton yet ?

  12. steamer

    This situation with F&P could be troublesome, i can’t see Samuelson or his pal passing the test and that leaves TX and Wyness to run the club, Wyness by the way was not only unpopular at Everton he was loathed at Aberdeen.
    If the deal goes through it wouldn’t surprise me to see Villa move into a new stadium in a few years, Wyness has history with attempting moves at AFC and EFC and TX seems obsessed with futuristic buildings. We just seem to create problems for ourselves, no board, no football board, no manager yet and one that is unsuitable is probably on his way, also TX seems to surround himself with undesireables and that is why he’s got so many doubters, has the curse of Randy Lerner struck again ?

  14. Clive Evans

    You have to admit Villa supporters are now concerned about the outcome of this take-over in the light of the suspect CV announced by TX and the resignations from the Board that immediately followed the takeover.

    Having said that I suppose we just have to wait and see wherever this leads – I personally don’t see Villa getting back up from the Championship for 2 to 3 seasons, if at all.

  15. John Lerwill

    Steamer: “… has the curse of Randy Lerner struck again ?”

    Oh, please don’t do this to me! I was just getting myself into a better frame of mind and also dwelling on my friend’s concoction of “Tonics” evolved out of Tony X, and then you come and hit me with statements like that.

    The trouble is that what you wrote before that is correct. There is every sign that we seem to attract owners who have shady and doubtful people around them. Both Lerner and Tonics have showed high aspirations (and the latter’s ostensibly a lot higher), but the practice? Oh, boy.

    di Mattro *might* do the job as a manager, but for me Pearson had the better ‘feel’. If we’d put more effort in that direction he’d have come, I’m sure.

    As for moving into a new stadium… Well, that would be a sad day but I’ve been in discussions before on this matter and the reality is that since Aston is no longer contains a hot-bed of support, access to the ground from those living a distance away should probably be the priority. However, if the ‘theme park’ that has been mooted comes to fruition near VP (LP?) then that plan would seem to scupper a VP move.

  21. steamers75

    Steamer been ringing you . Your steely dan cd is behind the bar at tge old royal .someone handed it in . And what happened to my change out of that 20 i gave you last night when l went the bogs .

  25. Trinity

    I can certainly vouch for the translation difficulties. For example, when a Korean supervisor or co-worker tells you in English you should do something, they actually mean you have to do it. They are telling you to do it, not just giving you advice.
    Also I read somewhere a week ago that Xia was involved in the building of the Olympic Village, not the stadium.

  28. Clive Evans

    Agree Steamer – Pedro should have been carded – at least once if not twice. Pity for Athletico that the Real goal was offside and they missed a penalty in normal time and after extra time

  29. Godfrey

    @Clive,

    I assume you meant Pepe?

    @steamer,

    I do not think Clattenburg’s performance was pathetic by any stretch of the imagination.

    As Clive mentioned, he could easily have sent off Pepe with a second yellow but referees are very reluctant to do this in such a high-profile match.

    The assistant referee/linesman should have spotted that Real’s goal was offside. Nothing to do with the ref who was not in line with the incident.

    Had Griezmann scored that penalty, Atletico would probably have gone on to win.

  30. B62 Villa

    I see some random who has links to Talksport, has sent Twitter into a frenzy by stating the takeover is on the rocks, and Dr T is struggling to raise funds

  31. B62 Villa

    He als writes a financial column for inside sport, whilst it’s one tweet and has little substance, it certainly wouldn’t suprise me if it was true. The whole TO saga has dragged on, we still have no manager, with Moyes dropping out and Pearson going to Derby, Bruce getting Hull promoted it only really leaves RDM in the frame , but what happens if the TO does go bump. My optimism for next season is already diminishing, looking at our rivals I honestly think we will struggle next season. Newcastle have a very strong squad and a very good manager, and still have cash to spend, they IMO will romp the league finishing top. Derby look very strong also and have appointed a decent manager of their own, they have nearly made it back for a few years now and will be there or there abouts, after that you have a glut of decent teams like Brighton, Sheff Weds, Norwich etc. Promotion will be very difficult especially as the league starts in 9 weeks, we have no new owner, no manager, no money, a squad that needs a total revamp all in a summer that football business pretty much stops for the Euros, giving us 4 weeks or so to get up and running. I know the transfer window doesn’t close until 1 sept , however in that league you need to start well and maintain it, we can’t afford the likes of newcastle etc getting away from us.
    To add salt to the wounds, in a poll of who fans thought were the biggest club outside the top flight, we came third behind Newcastle and Leeds( Newcastle were comfortable winners), now whilst this is subjective and a bit of bollox, it shows how we are perceived outside our own bubble.

  32. B62 Villa

    Pat Murphy, stating further documentation submitted by AVFC to PL and FL , but a decision on whether the TO passes the test, could be 2 weeks or more!!!! This is fucking ridiculous and looks to drag on all summer, nothing is ever simple, each passing week our rebuild becomes more difficult and our chances of promotion diminish.

  33. steamer

    Godfrey,
    Rules are rules, Villa suffered through fat Phil not sending Vidic off at Wembley, Red Howard ignored an assault in the WC final, i repeat rules are rules, perhaps i can explain it better by using Ferguson as an example of browbeating the officials into giving United a few titles including one when the game was allowed to carry on until Bruce scored two goals versus Sheff Wed which broke our challenge. By the way, for the penalty Torres actually fouled Pepe, another error.

  34. steamer

    B62,
    Wouldn’t surprise me in the least, beyond a joke now. Lerner & Hollis turned down a company with proven foundations and they won’t be back if this goes belly up. This squad will be relegated.

  36. B62 Villa

    Steamer
    If seen that, I’m in two minds regarding a sequal, the first film was an iconic classic, that genererations have been able identify with. I’m not sure messing with it is such a great idea, I hope I’m wrong though.

  43. steamer

    Seems like he’s saying “If Villa come in for me i’m off but if no-one else does then i’ll stay.” Crepe, unprincipled second tier manager who wouldn’t even be second tier without spending fortunes. He’d stand a decent chance of getting promotion with TX’s 40m but then next season we’d be back in dire straits. Avoid at all costs and get a manager who can build a club, i suggest Remi Garde.

  44. steamer

    Can hear it now “I know i have the Blues connection and Alex McCleish didn’t overcome it, but i’m determined to get this club back where it belongs.”
    Translated – Stroll on, these really are dummies, paying fortunes for two crepe managers from the sty and i can move back to my pad in Dorridge, one born every day.”

  48. steamers75

    Remebering former times !!
    Steamer actually bought me a pint vs Bradford away very early 70s. Abd lv been buying them since.
    JD . How you mate . Have you seen on some of the blogs and fb pages . how some villa fans now worried Jack may be on his way . Some l recognise who were saying he done nothing and we should get rid . Short fucking memories mate. You up for the telford friendly meet.
    Runtins ask your relatives if they heard anything about that game .
    Jenny . Xxxxxx

  50. runtings

    hi st75 — my bro’s are all coming to the game – the bro that lives 2 mins away from the ground is having a barbi / gathering at his on the day so the will be loads to drink and i am sure the jerk chicken will be on the go

  51. OldVilla

    steamers75 – was that the Bradford trip where we took a bit of a beating off the pitch? Those days we always had hope for our team and there always seemed to be a plan that was being followed as we rebuilt from the depths of the old 3rd division. The best days ever for following the Villa imo!
    Now we just seem to lurch from one crisis to another ……. and how quiet has it all gone again over the last few days? What is happening – we need to be carrying out so much in order to be in some sort of readiness for the new season………

  52. southwestvillan

    Just seen on Betfair there is a new favourite for the managers job – Brian Rix.

    So the AVFC farce continues into a third series, no owner, still gaps on the board, no manager, players have no idea when to return for pre-season which in my opinion is the only positive because those wankers never turned up last season so good riddance and stay away forever.

    I still have major doubts about the credentials of Dr.Tony and his abilities to takeover this club, again we are stuck in limbo it beggars belief how we could get ourselves into such a massive mess. Our preparation to go into the championship could not be worse, not being able to move players in or out will be our downfall yet again, Pearson was the right man for the job but I cannot say the same about RDM.

    When will the nightmare end it looks like the answer is never.

    SWV

  53. southwestvillan

    Oldvilla,

    Yes it was and Bradford was always a dodgy place to go, in fact most places we went to every man and his dog would turn up and have a pop at the Villa because they knew we always turned up in numbers.
    Went to Leeds in the League cup on a night game and it felt like all of Leeds came out to play pretty hairy walk back to the station along the main road , hundreds of Leeds fans in white dungarees looked like a painter and decorators convention.

    SWV

  54. runtings

    I don’t expect too much to happen until the fa rubber stamp the deal on the table

    it would be hard to start splashing money about on something you don’t officially own i guess

  56. steamers75

    Runtins
    Stuff the game lm stopping at your brothers
    Oldvilla
    Yes it was mate. I got bounced over a mini but boots had to upstage me . He got bounced over a Jag fun n games though. We was in the old royal friday afternoon and met an old doogle mate .seems a few go there most fridays . You’ll have to arrange a friday to come up . Had a good laff remeniscing. “What if l never met steamer’ i’d be fucking richer ……thats what
    I havent even gave this takeover a second thought . All the best all

  57. Heroes-and-Villans

    We need it all done asap but no idea what the fl & pl are doing re checks…how long does it take? Hollis has the power to appoint rdm though who is Tonys choice which is a massive massive call. The most important decision he has to make. So why have we not appointed rdm yet?

  58. steamer

    Got to laugh, Watford and Stork want Grealish, why would he want to sign for those crappy little clubs ? OK EPL but they’ll always be nothing, one League Cup between them. Everton are usually mid table and Spuds won nothing as usual.

  59. runtings

    Andrew i read that it takes 4 or 5 weeks for the lge to complete checks

    All our decent kids will be linked with clubs now i reckon — the press won’t stop printing stuff about them leaving until villa start putting there money were there mouth is and show everyone that we mean business

    steamer are you coming to telford – hope some of you can make it

  61. steamer

    Runtingz,
    Always enjoyed going to Telford, they had some fantastic players, Eddie Hogan & Colin Williams etc, probably the best non-lge team i saw on their day. Anyway St75 owes me a half and it a chance to get back that 20 quid you owe me.

  62. runtings

    steamer my claim to fame is going to watch Telford vs England team of 1966 when Gordon Bank was Telford manager

    all us kids ran onto the pitch at the end of the game and i ran up to bobby and jackie charlton
    Jackie looks at me and says get off the bleedin pitch and clips me around the ear hole 🙂
    i haven’t washed my ear since 🙂

    be great to mean you steamer – i am sure it will be a good day

  64. southwestvillan

    Runtings,

    I hope meeting Steamer is not a highlight in your life because you may well end up slightly disappointed and probably a few quid poorer for the experience.

    SWV

  66. steamer

    True to form Hodgson selects Sky six over achievers, and true to form selects injured players, it never works out, Jack Wheelchair isn’t good enough when he’s occasionally fit never mind injured.
    Get Fabio back and boot this dummy.

  68. OldVilla

    southwestvillan – yep everyone turned out for us in those days and it wasn’t only the locals turning out, lots of other teams turned up ……. wasn’t it around the early 70’s when we were down at Fulham and Chelsea turned up to say hello and then Millwall met us on the tube going back to Euston? And Tranmere on a Friday night when Liverpoo and Everton turned up …

    steamers75 – I move to Switzerland this week so no chance to meet up…….. except if I get a ticket for the noses games and maybe we can grab a swift half lol…..

  70. OldVilla

    Thanks steamer, still frantically trying to pack everything and failing miserably ……. and the removal people turn up tomorrow morning at 09.30……

  71. runtings

    hope you have some great experiences OV

    fear not mark the old white rum will be flowing at my bro’s barbi – that should save me a few quid 🙂

  72. villa@herts

    Ringing the Telford v England (1966 team) in fact took place in 1976 when Geoff Hurst was the manager Banks became Telford manger a couple of years later! Good luck with the move!

  73. steamer

    And both were rubbish, always fighting relegation until Storton took over and immediately got them challenging at the top. Apart from Jack Charlton they were all crepe managers.

  74. Paul Pears

    di Matteo announced as manager in the Sun, on £35000 per week, should be at his desk within the next 48 hours.

    Renewed my season ticket now on the fixed price deal for 2 seasons, 44 minutes left to do it….!!!!

  76. Clive Evans

    Well he has fond memories of the Villa, having scored the only goal in the 2000 FA Cup Final with a tap in after David James fumbled Zola’s cross against Southgate’s chest. He owes us a Cup Final win!!

  77. steamer

    Indifferent about RdM, would have preferred Pearson but its not my money he’s spending.
    According to Wilkins and Danny Kelly the deal to buy AVFC is off anyway.

  80. southwestvillan

    Not sure about RDM he seems to be the Italian version of Garde although he has got a Champions League medal in his top drawer just thought we needed someone tougher to take on the job a bit of steel was needed.

    OldVilla,

    Good luck with the move and stay off the chocolate you don”t want to be a fat so and so taking on the noses, and if there is a war there is nothing like a bit of neutrality to appease the do gooders.

    SWV

  81. Heroes-and-Villans

    Think we all agree Pearson obv choice over rdm but im ok with him. seeing as were in the champ and have had timmy, mcleish, lambo as past managers its a bit of a coup! Just have to pray he gets to re build the team with his own players. We could have pep in charge and this lot would get im the boot.

    Apparently a spokesman for xia has said on cnn takeover collapse nonsence

  82. runtings

    herts thanks for the correction –

    i couldnt actually support telford – as i remember being about 8yrs old watching them play and having to stop myself jumping the barrier to show them how to play the game properly

    RDM not a popular choice on avl but the poll from brum mail gives him a massive thumbs up

    not my choice either but at least he won promotion and brought tesco’s into mid table safety in the prem with a budget of £50.00

  83. Clive Evans

    Runtings – not my choice either but at least he won promotion and brought tesco’s into mid table safety in the prem with a budget of £50.00

    Don’t forget he had a half-decent squad to start with – he starts from back field with Villa

  84. Frem

    So will Xia happen or not ? I hope he proves everyone wrong

    RDM. Meh. Monk in talks with Leeds, I think he’d be a better appointment.

    England squad. Lol. We will lose our first two games

  85. steamers75

    Runtin
    Telford 12pm kick off sat 16th july . So we either are all stopping at your bros friday night.or having a bbq breakfast sat morn . Or party party after the game . .

  88. runtings

    SSN report we are 48hrs away from both new owner and manager

    sounds like RDM sold his plans to both hollis and dr x’s reps with his plans

    hope hollis has a role at the club after the deal has done – looks like he really has earned his money

  89. Mark King

    Looks like the toboggan is on its way to the run Thank fook for that. RDM? must talk a good rebuild lets hope he has the know-how as every idiot is dissing our chances especially that fool Wilkins

  90. Trinity

    They need to prove people like Wilkins wrong, though he was right about Villa getting relegated, and we are behind NUFC and Norwich and most clubs preparation wise.
    Xia should sue The Daily Mail for spreading false rumours-make them reveal their so-called sources (more likely sauces). Very poor reporting. Shame on the Daily Mail. It must be run by bluenose sympathisers.
    UTV!

  91. B62 Villa

    All I’ve heard today is that the takeover is in serious doubt or even off. Talksport this morning seemed to have well placed sources, later they interviewed the financial reporter for inside sport, if what he stated is true we are in the shit, and of course the daily mail also reported the deal was off.
    This of course is at odds to the report that RDM will be in post by the weekend( who is appointing him???)
    We are only 60 odd days from the kick off, and the club is in a state of chaos and turmoil. Swansea have announced a takeover by a U.S. investment firm ( better not be Oracle and big Larry).
    And let’s hope we will finally see justice for the 21, now the coroner has re opened the Pub bombings investigation, Murdering IRA scum

  94. Trinity

    No worries. Dr.X will be on the case shortly. Can’t wait to see who comes into the squad.
    I see RDM has a 2 million quid incentive to get Villa back up first go.

  96. Clive Evans

    Too true Andrew – but the main requirement is a strong back line and until this fiasco regarding the suitability of our ‘owner’ and his proposed directors is completed we cannot get started

  98. Heroes-and-Villans

    Clive…it’s close and plans must be in place. Thinking about it having clarke as number 2 is a very very shrewd appointment, been there at chelsea, toon and pool and knows the championship inside out. Just what roberto needs alongside him.

    And where would we be without a mumbling jock at vp 🙂

  99. Heroes-and-Villans

    Good luck RDM. Feeling positive. New manager whos name wont hurt getting players in. Hopefully a settled prof back room staff and most importantly a new owner…who is clever and minted. COME ON VILLA

    Well up for the champtionship too. Villa geordies, sheff wed, forest, leeds, qpr, fulham, norwich, blue noses..some great fixtures….most of the teams who were in the prem 10 year ago!

  100. steamer

    Agree with Andrew about Clarke, good cop, bad cop, should be a massive help to RdM.
    Right, now we just need at least seven or eight new players, IMO 1 GK, 2 FB, 2 CD, 3 MF, 1 W, 2 ST.
    just for starters.

  101. southwestvillan

    Yes totally agree Clarke knows this division and could be a great help to RDM time to start the clear out get rid of all those useless twats who sent us down if we get money for them then that’s a bonus but get the stench out of the club.

    SWV

  102. Heroes-and-Villans

    defo chaps, will be upset if we dont have at least 7 new faces in the stsarting 11, minium.

    Bit in the mail does say his first task is to pay off the contracts of the deadwood 🙂

    I do think with these 2 accepting the job dr tony is the real deal

  103. Mark King

    Not a bad pairing RDM and Clarke or Yin and yang as they are known in China 😉

    We have the Inter Fitness coach the Sheikh of Muscle?! had a look at his web site looks progressive, Cannot see Gabby liking it. Now we can get started with some proper speculation, Can’t wait for the press to suddenly decide we are a shoe in to come up.

  107. villa@herts

    Really interesting film John.
    His final ideas are similar to those of Rob Hopkins & the Transitions movement! Which are working to make communities more resilient. It started in Forbes Devon but there are now groups all over the world. http://www.transitionnetwork.org. Not sure if you have seen the youtube film “enough is enough” if not also worth looking at: http://steadystate.org/discover/enough-is-enough/ I love the level of discussion on this blog I’m never disappointed!!

  109. John Lerwill

    Herts,

    Many thanks for publishing those links – very useful.

    I was a great fan of Ernst Schumacher (of Small is Beautiful fame) who rather planted a few seeds back in the 70s. Another one has spawned a lot of work into this area is Neale Donald Walsch (of Conversations with God fame) and his Humanity’s Team http://www.humanitysteam.org/

    I’ve more elinks on my website … got to http://www.lerwill-life.org.uk/ and hover over “Helpful Links” near the top of the page.

  110. steamers75

    Herts
    yes we do have some varied bloggers on here , our very own Historian JL , our very own wickileaks in MK and the bloggers who have kept the site going , and l think you have been very kind in not mentioning the shite SWV comes out with , and l would be wary of the posts Steamer puts on if they are before 9am as at that time he would not of had his catch up nap , best after 3pm ,
    well have a great weekend all . lm off to see Bruce at the Ricoh tonight ,
    all the best

    Jenny xxxxxxxxx

  111. Frem

    Not convinced on RDM one bit. I still don’t see him a manager. I don’t see him as someone who will come in with authority. By the sounds of it Chelsea and Schalke players did most the managing. Will he come him and sack Gabby, Micah, Lescott etc ? Or will they walk over him?

    Steve Clarke would be a great assistant though

  114. steamers75

    Watched a great show but the news about the best sportsman lv ever seen is in hospital brings you back to Earth with a thud. Not looking good for the king of the ring .

  115. John Lerwill

    S75,

    Well “the best sportsman” has gone to the great ring in the sky.

    Yes, Ali was quite a man. “Floats like a butterfly; stings like a bee” will be remembered as a much as a piece of Shakespeare I reckon.

  116. Trinity

    Frem
    You might have a point regards RDM’s possible lack of authority, but as you say, Clarke is there. Also, believe me when I say, the new owner will not put up with any nonsense from the likes of Gabby or Richards. In his eyes, they have a lot to prove. Gabby isn’t a good enough striker. And Richards isn’t a CD.

  118. steamer

    Villa@herts,
    Gurgled Bob Hoskins in Transformers and found a cartoon film, hardly educational and Bob Hoskins wasn’t even in it. In the process of leaving.
    Can’t believe that folk on other blogs are suggesting that the slate should be wiped clean for the toerags that have dragged our name through the dshite over the last few years, not only didn’t they put any effort into their club they actually worked against both their employers and the thousands of loyal customers who paid their over inflated wages, cleanse the club of these parasites.

  119. steamer

    I think that Rubbertoe will be active in the continental markets, he knows the Italian and German leagues as well as the EPL and Clarke knows the EPL, Championship and any useful London players if there are any.

  120. Mark King

    Steamer- incredible isn’t it steamer, most of them were predicting a drop to the conference now lets give them a chance makes my shit itch.

    Ali gone, end of an era, very sad.

  121. steamer

    Funny that the boxing ‘experts’ are bulling up Ali’s KO of Sonny Liston as proof of his greatness when it was the most obvious dive since Trevor Francis was at his peak, ‘Blinky” Palermo & Frankie Carbo controlled Liston and the underworld later had him killed. Great fighter but not the greatest IMO, Duran, Robinson, Monzon, Dempsey. Lets not forget even Cooper would have beaten him if it wasn’t for Angelo Dundee flimping.

  125. steamer

    Well according to – World Transfers ‏@WorIdTransfers Brighton are going to have to get a made to measure number 9 shirt for next season.

  127. steamer

    JD resurfaces on MOMS eloquently giving his opinion on Wastewood –

    Jun 5, 2016 at 1:02 am
    west wood is complete shyte like 8 others that need f****** off

  128. runtings

    Ali
    A great man imo
    Not only did he lift the commercial appeal of boxing in a big way , but he did a lot of good for the less fortunate
    the work he did in civil rights as of great value to me personally and many others
    he had faults of course but a shinning light non the less

  132. steamer

    Hope we don’t hear the words “everybody starts with a clean slate.” How about “Taxi for Saggy, Lescott, Richards, Bacuna etc”
    Now Danny Alves has left Barca there’s a vacancy for Bacuna.

  134. VillaMD

    B62Villa – you might want to keep your political comments to yourself – just look at the murdering history of the British Army including in Northern Ireland. As an FYI, the IRA was born as a result of injustice in NI. Two wrongs don’t make a right, but we didn’t commit the 1st wrong.

  136. Mark King

    Runtings- to many mystery’s unsolved or to put it another way ignored, our past is nothing like what we are told IMO to much evidence and to much nervousness around that evidence. thanks again Jl for the nudge.

  137. runtings

    JL do try to youtube a lecture from dr ben yosef jochannan , he stick purely to factual history but he sure has dug deep

    the principal of a society as suggested by Michael Tellinger is best best mankind could have for the greater good but will the powers that be ever allow that to happen …. no chance i guess

  139. runtings

    yes mark as dr ben explains in his lecture the systems the worked well more the first great dynasty’s for the greater good of all were dismantled by the many African raiders , ever since then money has been more valuable the people

  141. John Lerwill

    Thanks, Runtings, I have already U-tubed Dr. Ben – when we had the previous chat on that topic. Trouble was I had some difficulty in deciphering his accent, but that may well be because my hearing is not as good as it was. I would not try to argue a lot with what he’s said (from what I did hear) but it’s like all science, it changes and moves on and I would expect various modifications to the history at some time.

    Mark: “our past is nothing like what we are told IMO “

    Oh, yes, totally agreed. Actually I thought that when I was in junior school as a result of a teacher trying to put me down, but I didn’t then have the confidence to think there might be truth in what I felt.

    In fact, I have been doing a study into the origins involving Mu/Lemuria, Atlantis, Sumer, India and Egypt for years, and with the aid of Michael Tellinger’s evidence (and others) I hope to produce my own hypothesis on knowledge transfer over the next year or two. If He/She allows me to. 😉

  142. John Lerwill

    VillaMD,

    Sadly, your view is pretty correct as I see it. The poor people of Ireland suffered hugely in the 19th c. as a result of the potato famine and landlords evicting their tenants. That sort of experience is bound to create hatred in the hearts of many.

    I used to hear, too, of how the Black & Tans used to behave in Ireland.

    The Irish have had a very rough ride, but after WW2 there should have been a brake on the IRA’s activities. Devalera seems not to have thought wisdom was a good tool to use, i.m.o.

  143. Mark King

    JL- I look forward to reading it mate, I do sometimes wonder about my thinking but when something rings true and your pretty sure your not loopy there must be some truth there 🙂

    off for a pint good night all

  145. VillaMD

    John Lerwill,

    There’s a bit more to it than that. In reality any Irish person couldn’t get a high paying job in NI in the ’70s. British gave the jobs to anyone that was non catholic. It has nothing to do with religion, just turned out the Irish are catholic

    Can you imagine the British Army breaking into your house, your dad losing his job and all because he said he was protestant on the applicantion, lying to better his family. What reaction do you expect?

  146. Mark King

    VillaMD- wish we could change it all mate but history is full of stories of oppression. Rome conquered Britain, the Spanish Catholics killed millions in South America its endless. Mankind has a pretty brutal streak, Wasn’t that long ago they would press gang people onto a ship, or the massacre of Red Indians or having segregated buses for African Americans, I’m surprised the human race is still here.

  147. Trinity

    Mark
    In 2013 while on the way to Rome via Dubai, I met a man, who claimed the Annunaki, a race of god- like super beings, are on their way back to Earth to save us from self annihilation. He said they had just entered the Milky Way. He bought me a cuppa in Dubai, pretty decent chap, so I listened to what he had to say. He seemed really serious about the existence of the Annunaki.
    I see Ken Ham has just about completed his Ark. Judging by the amount of work involved, perhaps Noah was Annunaki cause he lived for hundreds of years and it would have takens hundreds of skilled humans to build the ark…Makes for interesting conversation, anyway.

  149. John Lerwill

    VillaMD,

    What you say only you might know about, but I’d suggest that the reason for the IRA violence was more based on the events up to the 1920s.

  150. John Lerwill

    Trinity,

    Yes, the return of the Annunaki has been expected in certain circles. But there’s a lot more – also – that’s in the process of gathering momentum. And it’s to do with spiritual teachings. But as people on here don’t seem to want to know about that but only the Annunaki, I shan’t say more! 😉

  151. John Lerwill

    Trinity,

    It’s extraordinary in my view that people spend so much energy on such white elephants. The story of Noah is most likely based on some earlier and world-wide event, not a localised Flood for starters.

  152. John Lerwill

    But on the subject of white elephants, the HS2 project for me is about the biggest example of wastage being planned. We already have 3 London-Birmingham rail services (running on two railway lines) and yet they want to build a third line – for the sake of ultimately creating a through link to Manchester – for businessmen. Crazy in my view – there are other ways.

  153. Trinity

    John
    Coincidentally, I happened to watch most of the Michael Tellinger video about a week before you pasted the link on AVL. I agree there’s got to be a better way than money, the practical difficulties of establishing the system he is advancing make it unlikely to happen without changes to human nature. It was the word Annunaki in the title that caught my eye. I think Tellinger is a brave man.

  154. Mark King

    Trinity- thats some project. From what I have heard on the Annunaki I’m not entirely sure its for our benefit 🙂

    They were reported to be very tall 9ft-15ft and in proportion so big lads you wouldn’t mind at CB 🙂 .
    Little clues are littered everywhere in the Bible, They were also said to have breed with human females creating slightly lesser stature giants. Goliath and his brothers being one set in the Bible. Reports of giant skeletons being found world wide and hurriedly whisked away once discovered abound., some of the skulls had double rows of teeth.

    the book “there were giants upon the earth” by Zecharia Sitchin is worth a read

    At the end of the day what culture does not have creatures not of earth, giants and flooding in there creation stories.

    My favourite is an ancient map showing the South pole as two islands with trees and a river, many other maps were created from it and handed down but obviously now covered in Ice. Not bad for cave men 🙂

  157. Trinity

    Mark
    Yeah, I have heard about the giants. Genesis refers to them as the Nephalim. It talks about how they took human wives.
    I’ve heard of Sitchin. I read Von Danniken back in the 70s. I didn’t agree with a lot of what he claimed. Sitchin sounds more scientific.

  158. Trinity

    I remember reading about Bamford as a possible target about 18 months ago. I’d welcome him to Villa, hope he makes it to Villa and scores lots of goals.
    It’s starting to sound like Gabby is staying.

  159. Mark King

    Trinity- With all these things people get attached to there own theorys, sitchin was reading stone tablets and the translation as always causes problems just as the King James version of the bible causes some to question events because of the dialects the original scripts were written in. For me it just tells me there is more to us than we are told.

    Michael Tellinger mentions an earth splitting device, sounds like someone had had a fall out or they chose to cover there tracks, the earth has massive store of water below the crust and and some point vast areas got submerged. All around the world there are submerged ruins way out in the Ocean even of the coast of Miami.

  160. southwestvillan

    Lads and Lasses,

    All a bit too political for me considering we are a footy blog if I want to read politics I will go on the huffington post, leave politics to the politicians to fuck up they haven’t made a bad job so far.

    Back to footy I just cannot believe Brighton are after fatty all I can think is his agent is doing some sterling work trying to find him another club.
    Unfortunately £10m does not buy you a lot these days but if it guarantees you goals then Bamford could be the man, the one thing you need in the championship is a proven goal scorer see Gray at Burnley as an example.
    I still think McCormack is the one we should be after a real quality player at this level but lets face it we need players all over the pitch, the season will be here before you know it with a heavy schedule of regular two games a week.

    SWV

  162. Trinity

    Mark
    Have to agree there’s a lot we don’t know about our origins.
    I see Callum O’ Dowda has played winger at U21 and senior for RI. And Daniel Bently has a reputation for saving penalties.

  163. Trinity

    southwestvillan
    I hear some of the leading politicians are really reptiles and they use alien masking technology to hide their true appearence:)

  166. B62 Villa

    The reality of being a championship club, hits when you see the level of player we are now linked with. We are cutting our cloth accordingly, let’s just hope we get the recruitment right for once, this is a massive season for us, getting promotion should be our only aim.
    And as for politics, we are never going to agree, you can cite atrocities the globe over from centuries and decades ago. But for some of us the pub bombings in 74 are our Hillsborough( if you like)imagine going for a pint with friends and getting blown up for a fight that has nothing to do with you.
    And I’m going to leave it at that, because we are always going to disagree and as SWV says this is a football blog.

  167. proxopera

    John ,
    The reality that nationalists of any kind refuse to accept is that the British establishment did not treat the Irish people considerably different than how they treated their own people . Its just that Ireland had a tendency to revolt more and therefore had to be ‘controlled’ more . It was’nt the british people or goverment that was to blame for the potato famine it was the wealthy landlords who were in the main English or anglo-irish . They were rich people exploiting poor people which was happening wholescale up and down industrial britain at the time .
    The black and tans were a name for the irregular units sent to ireland during the war of independence because of the various different uniforms they had. The British who did the most ill in Ireland at the time were the Auxillary Officer Corps , or the ‘auxies ‘ , who were middle and upper class thugs sent to ‘out -terrorize’ the terrorists. The same people were used to break trade unions in britian afterwards.
    When the british army were sent to NI in the sixties they were sent to protect the catholic population from the loyalist pogroms and arson attacks . The official IRA saw this as an opportunity to re-ignite nationalist feelings in a country that was slowly evolving from anglophobia and engaged in a few ‘battles’ with the oppressor. The establishment sent the same kind of people who were originally in the ‘auxies’ to sort out the troublesome paddies and played right into nationalist hands . Bloody sunday and internment was the handiwork of these upperclass psychopaths and the nationalists created an equally vicious bunch to match their outrages in the form of the provisional ira.
    The ira mindset in the 70’s and 80’s was to re-create the terror of NI in mainland britain to keep the NI question at the forefront of news coverage and political debate . This was done at the cost of many innocent ,non-combatant lives.
    I hope the alleged last living birmingham bombs perpretators , apparently living in Dublin, are brought to justice .

  172. southwestvillan

    Trin,

    Yep agree whole heartedly Bond and Clarke will not suffer fools that’s for sure don”t know much about the two Italians but it does look a very strong and experienced backroom, a good start by Tony.
    Can someone correct me but is it June 8th when we stop being classed as a premier club, if so surely the investigation into Dr.Tony by the PL / FL should be concluded by Wednesday.

    SWV

  173. steamer

    Margaret Thatcher forgot to use the alien masking technology when i saw her on TV, she looked what she was, an evil harpie. At least she’s rotting in hell now.

  175. steamer

    Prox,
    The English in the 1970’s were far more imperialistic than now, the government regarded Ireland as a colony. We’ll always cause problems while we have that attitude personified by the Royal family, it makes me sick to see the fawning that the nation bestows on them, Churchill was a mad imperialist warmonger who would have caused armaegeddon if he’d had the bomb, wipe out the establishment and travel down the TRUE Socialist path if you want a better society.

  176. southwestvillan

    Mark,

    Very impressive CV I think some of our lot are in for a shock, as for RDM I am not sure the Westwoods and the like will be allowed to play like they did last season, it looks like Amavi could be on his way and to be fair I think he is a top class left back who deserves better, lets make sure when we move these players on we at least recoup our money back, but let the likes of Hutton,Lescott go for free just to get rid.

    Let the clear out begin.

    SWV

  177. southwestvillan

    Steamer,

    You can”t even spell Armageddon let alone wish it on anyone, desist with the political babble or I will get ST75 to come round and give you a clump.

    SWV

  180. southwestvillan

    Mark,

    Yes again very interesting reading it makes you wonder why the good doctor would need these very shady characters to push through the deal when he could have dealt with a very reputable company of lawyers, lets hope we are not being shafted and if there is something awry the PL/FL will find it, it would cause them massive embarrassment if they spend all these weeks looking into it and miss some important issues.

    SWV

  181. Mark King

    SWV- the sheik looks the dogs, not only is he up on the latest fitness tech he has a very positive vibe about him and does not work with lazy shirking barstools. On the wall of the Inter gym was some qoutes from famous sportsman, one was clough no less.

    “Because I won’t settle for second best for my team. It is not in my nature . I am after excellence in all things and that includes every game we play.”

  183. Heroes-and-Villans

    Very happy with that backroom team. for 5 years now we have had random inexperienced people doing all sorts of jobs unfit for a club as ours. Massive sigh of relief these people are in place. Takeover needs completing and a massive squad overhaul next hen i will be bang up for next season.

    Lescott, guzan, cisskho, richards, hutton, gabby, bacuna, need going asap.

    A very stupid part of my brain however thinks gabby may do a job in the championship. Im off to the quacks

  187. John Lerwill

    Mark: “sitchin was reading stone tablets and the translation as always causes problems”

    And not only that but some guy or other (must look up his name) reckoned that they used the Villa Park Media Department to pump up their achievements for the world to praise them. 😉

    In other words, the tablets contain overblown PR!

  188. Heroes-and-Villans

    dont pay alot of attention to the behind the scenes takeover business. Is there going to be dodgy people involved in a multi million pound deal? yep. I just want it finalised and lets see what he does. I dont even mind if he aint the richest owner in the world…i just want us to be smart and create a good team to watch. Imagine if we had a team who didnt crumble every week and managed to score goals!!

  189. John Lerwill

    Prox,

    Thank you for expanding my knowledge a tad on the circumstances in Ireland. I was aware of most of what you state but you’ve added bits, like the auxiliaries used. But I have categorical assurance from an Irish connection I had from those times that certain soldiers were also a sinister lot. Was it the Black Watch and not the Black and Tans?

    However, all I was saying was that the roots of the latter-day IRA campaigns lie in the pre-1920s goings-on. Anything that has happened since just added more fire to the situation.

  190. runtings

    Don’t believe these random reports about dr x being dodgy or poor – it seems like lazy journalism to me anyway

    the actions of dr x thus far give me more hope than the actions of the two previous owners

    i echo that the back room staff look a great combination and is rammed with guys that wouldn’t join us if they smelt a rat or were not totally convinced that they are joining a worthy project

    mark the king james version is were interpretations of the original meanings were changed beyond recognition —- as one example the term immaculate conception (in the original African meaning) means a woman has conceived a child with a man and neither of them had slept with anyone else from the women’s last cycle to the point of conception
    which is a little different to what king james’s commissioned boys came up with eh

  191. John Lerwill

    Andrew (on Gabby):

    To me it’s a question of getting his head back to the state it should be in.

    If they happen to have a sports psychologist (Jenny?) to motivate him who has got more patience than anyone else in football history, Gabby might still have a future at VP!

    He reminds me of a certain Stan C…

  193. Mark King

    Runtings- yes mate but don’t tell the flock 😉

    JL- For me the tablets and all the other writings involving what seems like visitation must have truth in there or our ancestors had a better imagination than Spielberg 🙂

  194. Heroes-and-Villans

    Runtings

    Exactly, judge xia on what he does, rdm and his backroom staff is a great start.

    John

    Gabby…i think all bridges are burnt for gabby, too much of a bad influence for to long around vp. fresh start for all.

  196. proxopera

    John,
    The black and tans was just a generalised name for the regiments made up of a mix of different units after WW1 and sent to Ireland . Most were veterans and were famous/infamous for their lack of discipline and brutish behaviour . They were for the most part the monkeys while the auxies were the organ grinders. The IRA of that time feared the auxies far more because capture by them in certain parts of the country at that time meant almost certain torture and death.
    Some soldiers were sinister but i’d like to think that most of them were just trying to get home alive.
    In Cork , for example the Essex regiment was particularly hated for their actions and their commander was a loathsome man called major General E.Percival who with over 12,000 troops at the height of the war, was unable to contain a force of no more than 300 lightly armed volunteers who fought in flying columns of no more than 30 men. This , by the way , was the same officer who handed Singapore over to the Japanese without a shot fired.

    Anyway , enough history , I’m afraid i’m on the gabby out side , as i was on the collymore out side.

  197. John Lerwill

    Mark: ” For me the tablets and all the other writings involving what seems like visitation must have truth in there or our ancestors had a better imagination than Spielberg “

    I didn’t explain what I meant there Mark. What I understand is that there was a vital aspect of their version of the history that was not co0nducted by them. In other words they claim more than what they actually did … the very perverse nature of Enki would explain that.

    And their creation seems to have been concerned with only one root of the human race, not all.

    What that “aspect of their version” is I’ll clarify when I get my facts together as I indicated before.

  198. John Lerwill

    Prox,

    Thanks for that – you clearly know your stuff there.

    Pity that you’re bowing out of “history”. This is just the close season, fellers … though it is an interesting time, it’ll be July before we start to get near to normal again ..

    For me I like a break from football from time to time.

  199. Mark King

    JL- I wasn’t disagreeing with you John sitchin has many knockers and I don’t claim to understand it all. I always thought that if there was one set of off-worlders there could be more, its a big planet even for Giants and if we were made in there image as such we have definitely picked up the warring genes 😉

  200. Trinity

    Much has been said about Gabby, most of it negative. The facts are that for too long, Gabby has not done well enough for Aston Villa as a player. He scores far too few goals to be considered an effective striker. He’s never stood up as a leader when the club has needed him. His attitude is poor-unprofessional.
    Gabby needs to go somewhere else for his own development, not only as a player, but as a person. Aston Villa has given him a lot more than he’s given Villa over the last five years. Villa owes him nothing. As a striker, he’s ineffective. As a leader, he’s been found to be a shirker. When he needed to stand up, he hid.
    I wouldn’t be surprised if he stays at Villa, but he has a lot to prove to the fans, the fans he couldn’t care less about. He should do the decent thing and move on. That would be better for everyone.

  201. John Lerwill

    Mark,

    One thing I might mention is that one of the Time Team experts revealed some years ago that the ankle structure of Celts differed to that of Anglo Saxons. It sounds a small issue but it does indicate that the origins of the two groups were different, or one was tampered with to make the other.

  203. John Lerwill

    Trinity,

    I don’t disagree with any of what you say except that I think it is essentially since 2013 that Gabby has been missing, or his carburettors have developed a fault.

    If you remember, Benteke coming back into the side at the beginning of 2013 made a big difference to Villa, but CB was ably supported by Gabby during that time, when he scored a few. The goal stats for the season don’t show the complete story.

    I suspect that Gabby has just lost heart since that time. I don’t think his approach has been justifiable, but at the Championship level he could have a part to play. It could be that if there is now a disciplines structure in place (and the chairman seems to indicate that he’s not going to tolerate loose play), then Gabby might do a job. If not … then please leave.

  204. steamers75

    just watch “The Life Of Brian ” its all there for you to see ….FFS

    Hiya Prox . any new beers on the go mate ..

    Steamer and SWV were extras in MiB , look carefully . you’ll see em and no make up was needed either ,

    l dont want to see that lazy fuck gabby in a villa shirt again , these are the shits who let this club down , never broke sweat once ,

  205. proxopera

    Hows it going mate . No new beers I’m afraid , still stopping into O’Hara’s brewery on a regular basis to get a crate of stout.
    I’m with you on the ‘Life of brian’ .This is the only game we’re gonna get so just enjoy it and hope you dont get taken off before the 90 minutes is up!
    How is your nephew doing in the MMA? Was he fighting in Grozny or some such place recently?

  206. proxopera

    Steamer
    “wipe out the establishment and travel down the TRUE Socialist path if you want a better society.”
    –as espoused by whom , exactly ??
    The labour parties in the UK and Ireland are dancing to the tune of the tinpot dictators within the trade unions and the only other socialism in this country is the pseudo-marxist rubbish that sinn fein are peddling with growing success. The second largest party in this country stayed out of government to prevent the opportunity for SF to become the largest party in opposition .

    I’ve noticed your rampant Bolshevik rhetoric in previous posts , so tell me who is the poster child for this socialist utopia of which you wax lyrical ?

    Apart from that , how are you mate ?

  207. steamer

    Prox,
    Not bad considering the last five years mate, just a bit wobbly between the ears.
    Regarding Socialism, it doesn’t exist, strangled at birth by Stalin when he wiped out the Old Bolsheviks and intellectuals. The Labour Party can’t be considered ever to be Socialist just further to the left of the Tories. As JL frequently suggests, the World really does need leadership with a sprinkling of spiritualism, will it happen ? look over the pond, the CIA run that cesspool for the oil billionaires and the likes of the Bush dynasty the most obscene family in history. So no, i don’t see Labour or Socialism rising at any point but if they can keep the Tories at bay then good on them, i think JC given the backing could certainly improve the lives of the majority, someone has to.
    Read the Isaac Deutscher trilogy on Trotsky, a remarkable man who literally sacrificed everything for his beliefs, yes he could be ruthless but given those times and circumstances he had to be, even Christopher Hitchens admired him.

  208. runtings

    I agree that the likes of gabby , lescott and richards need to be shown the door for the good of the club
    what they did as senior players at the club last season was both disgraceful and unforgivable – any hope we had of remaining in the premier went out the window with there unprofessional behaviour and complete lack of effect and commitment — any example they set for what is a young side must of been soul destroying for the young lads —

  210. steamer

    See the vermin have found another mug, after the convicted pimp the money launderer, the tat man and the rag family they now have another Oriental who promises to put in 10m, wow, that’s thirty players worth, perhaps Dr X has given them a loan out of the loose change tin. Still, its nice to see people investing in small clubs like Blose as well as the traditional giants.

  211. steamers75

    Hiya Prox
    alls well here at the moment , just struggling to teach Steamer how to use the ticketing machine at the New street station, , wish l had videod it .
    my nephew fought in Grozny . lost on points , but the American knew what to do and just sprawled over chris , and at the start of the fight the ref said “No Elbows” , chris came home without a mark , but fair play to the yank , he invited him over to train at his fight camp for wrestling techniques, at this moment he is in a training camp in Ho Chi Min City , Vietnam and by his messages he’s loving it , he just came back from Iceland where he’d been to another training camp . he’s bloody visiting some great countries ,
    you’ll have to try and get over for a game and a few pints mate ,

  212. proxopera

    Howya S75,
    The company I work for has just opened a sales office in Brum out near the airport So I’m working my ticket at the minute to try and get a couple of trips over . I could do with a local sparks that has a few contacts that might just generate a few leads . Hmm , now who do I know in that line……..

    Grozny ,ho chi min city and iceland !! Are you quite sure your nephew is’nt an international hitman?

  213. steamers75

    Hey prox. l live 10 mins from airport and steamer 5mins .let us know if you got any trips over . On the sparks . I know a few mate . Hope to see you soon mate

  214. southwestvillan

    Right now is today we no longer exist has a premier league club if so surely the decision ref the buy out should be completed today, until this happens there will be no transfer activity either way so can anyone explain the delay.

    SWV

  215. southwestvillan

    On the OS Ball Assistants required at VP, obviously cannot be called ball boys anymore but had to chuckle it goes on to say we cannot accept applications from current players, never thought the Chinese had a sense of humour.

    SWV

  217. runtings

    SWV from what i have read the rules for taking over a club changed recently as it used to be that ffp would be done after due diligence but due to so many takeovers falling through they now do it afterwards

    apparently the check are a lot more in depth and the whole process can take a few months

  219. southwestvillan

    OK so another week before we can start work on the team time is short as it is, RDM has a massive task to overhaul this squad hopefully we are lining up deals in the meantime, I think getting rid of the current lot is probably the hardest job, good luck to him he is going to need it.

    SWV

  220. steamers75

    moan moan moan moan moan moan , Chill !!! enjoy the sun , dont worry about the FA, they dont know their arse from their elbow , RDM probably has spoken to players he wants and it s all running ok, FFS sake ole big red nose had players signed before THEY ! knew they were going to manure ,

    But on the other hand it could all end tits up , we are talking about the villa here and the useless FA. chill have a cider and brandy ….

    hiya jenny xxxxxx

  222. steamer

    Harry Gregory RIP.
    Remember going to Charlton one night in the FA Cup and he scored the winner for them, not a bad player at all. He then signed for us for the following season. Condolences to his family.

  223. Trinity

    Thoughts go out to Harry Gregory’s family. Always sad to hear when a former Villan passes way.
    I’m hoping Jordan Amavi stays with Villa, but there seems to be a bit of interest from France.

  224. John Lerwill

    Michael Moore’s comment (below) perhaps needs to be thought about…?

    Where To Invade Next, which arrives in UK cinemas on Friday, argues for the United States to borrow social and political ideas from countries in Europe and North Africa.

    In the film, Michael visits several countries including France and Portugal but not Britain.
    He said: “It was a conscious and purposeful decision to not go to the UK, with all due respect. We didn’t feel there was anything left to learn here, and you have given up on yourselves to such a degree.”

    He also seems to be lost for words that we’re even thinking about breaking away from Europe.

  225. steamer

    He ought to read google news uk he’d know exactly why we’ve given up, the entire country is in a state, murders, corruption, the lot.

  227. steamer

    Charlie Wijeratna gone now, all of Fox’s lapdogs have been booted. Fox must be the most disasterous appointment by any Engish football club EVER. If i were Lerner i’d take a close look at the happenings at AVFC over the last 18 months.

  230. steamer

    Anyone think England will get past the q/finals ?
    If they don’t beat an injury hit Russia who are mediocre even when at full strength they should hand in their passports.

  233. steamer

    30m for 6-7 players ! no-where near enough to build a team to win promotion and even stay in EPL.
    If Grealish left VP for a club like Stork then he wouldn’t be the Villan i thought he was, Stork !!! I’d certainly want 20m for him, he’s got two years left on his contract but i don’t think he’s going anyway.

  235. steamer

    54m for Stones, that means Mcgrath was worth at least 20billion. These mediocrities make me chuckle, not World class, not International class and on last season not even EPL class and thats a dire standard.

  236. Mark King

    £30 mil for a champs club isn’t bad, Lerner hardly ever spent near that and we were buying 10-11 players. A few cagey deals and we will be ok then when we get promoted (if) we have £100m to play with straight off Minus Lerners wad. Don’t forget that Tony X said £20m to £50m depending on what the manager wants. Add sales to that and use of the youth etc.

  237. Heroes-and-Villans

    More news. We want a top talent scouter from the prem!

    In talks with signing a defender 3mill plus and wants a winger, striker and goalie. Sources say rdms pull is working allready.

    I want at least 7 new faces in the startng 11. Miniumum. Dfendr may be elphick from bournemouth.

  240. steamer

    Great call by the ref against that snide Evra, always been a liability, should have disallowed both the French goals though. Shame Amavi was injured he’s got to be better than Evra.

  241. Heroes-and-Villans

    That ref was decent, let the game flow.

    Knowing randys gone is a huge relief. We have hope back and can finally get behing supporting the club again.

    Dont give a damn what league we are in, just had enough of 5 years of hell which made me the most disinterested in the club i love ever. Thqts what i hate randy for, killing the hope of villa fans.

    Looking at it now we could finally have a strong backroom team. This wyness i have been reading up on is meant to be bloody good. Going to play major role they say. Going to get a new technical director. Got bond, clarke and the 2 italians along with rdm. Thats decent

  244. steamer

    See Bale is calling the English “The enemy” he was glad enough to earn his living in England wasn’t he ? For once i hope England smash the inbreds.
    According to the Scottish Daily Record, which surprisingly has the highest rate of correct transfer info on Villa, we’re in for Stephen Fletcher.
    Andrew,
    Agree, Lerner just drained us of any hope, i’ve never known anyone get so many key decisions wrong as him. I think the bloke is fundamentally stupid, whatever he does he buggers it up.

  246. Trinity

    Aye
    Sir Rod. Da ya think I’m sexy… He should sing that at the next royal gala, might get admitted to the Garter.
    Pretty sure those transfers will come through pretty fast once Dr X gets the nod, which is imminent.

  247. Trinity

    Just watched Wales vs NZ in the rugby. I kind of hoped Wales would win. If they were going to, it had to be this one, the first of three tests. They played well, but not well enough to win. Too many key players look battered, doesn’t bode well for tests 2 & 3.

  252. steamer

    Lallana & Sterling ??? don’t be surprised if Engerland lose. I thought you had to play well for your club before being selected by Engerland, but then i think your manager should have been successful too.

  253. Trinity

    I’m not surprised that England didn’t beat Russia. Didn’t see the game, though. Were England unlucky or just too average?
    Good on the England rugby team for beating Australia, and a big congratulations to a great win for Ireland against South Africa in South Africa.

  254. John Lerwill

    Trin,

    England should have been 2-up at half-time … missed chances.

    Second half Russia came into it more but England deservedly went ahead. And then gave it away at the very end … in fact Hart playing around on the byline could have concede the entire game!

    England gave the game away after they (England) scored. Just lack of discipline.

    Walker was great – particularly first half. But Sterling? Why we bother with him I don’t know. Lallana played well but should have scored. Kane was busy taking corners all match, would you believe!

    An encouraging performance by England except for the last 20 minutes.

  256. Trinity

    John
    Thanks for the summary. I’ll watch England play Wales.
    I just listened to the news on the radio. Do you agree it was a mistake to sub Rooney and not play Vardy?

  258. steamer

    The goalkeeping at the tournament is appalling, the free kicks by Dier & Bale were both missed by the badly positioned keepers standing behind the wall. Joe Hart has an over inflated opinion of his own capabilities, he should read Peter Shiltons comments, head too big.
    The standard of modern football is abysmal, when you look at the talent involved in the World Cups and Euro’s in the 1970’s most teams had genuine World class players, even Romania had the likes of Hagi, Holland, a country of 15m had Gullitt, Van Basten, Rijkaard, Koeman, Cruyff, Neeskins, we on the other hand give mediocrities like Beckham a 100 odd caps for being a media icon, no wonder we’re down the gurgler.

  259. steamer

    Trin,
    Don’t like Union, much prefer League. I keep an eye on the careers of ex-league greats like Shaun Edwards and Andy Farrell but wouldn’t actually watch a game of Union. Owen Farrell is probably 25% the player his dad was, very good, just not brilliant.

  262. John Lerwill

    Trin,

    I have reservations about Vardy as an international. He fits in well at Leicester and I see him being just that. No, I think the sub of Wilshire for Rooney was fair on paper. But it did seem to me that after that sub England lost their way a bit.

    Steamer,

    You’ll surely have noted that the Russian keeper moved to his left, fooled by the Rooney dummy over the dead ball. That keeper’s movement then left just enough space for Dier to score.

    Agreed completely about the England standard now vs 1960s/70s, but I’m just watching it accepting the fact of what we are given. Otherwise there’s no enjoyment! 😉

    But even taking into account that footie seems to have largely gone backwards, England’s general show last night wasn’t bad – in the first half. But their finishing was awful.

  263. steamer

    Regarding the England v Wales game, John pointed out how well Walker played, i’ve never rated him as a footballer but he is, like Bale, a superb athlete, i think his re-emergence as an international has something to do with negating Bale, should be a duel worth watching. I fancy a comfortable win for Engurland 3-0.
    Agree with John about Vardy, i think a lot of coaches will have figured him out for next season, one dimensional, Dean Saunders without the ability and brains.

  264. B6toBrasil

    We can all sleep in our beds safe and sound tonight,knowing that Mr Smugness Linearser has condemned the violence in France!!!!!!!!Wow,Gaz,what an origional thinker you are……violence is always unacceptable,unless of course it is against animals,but thats ok innit????Cheers Gaz I look forward to further imaginative remarks from you,such as tomorrow is Monday, Ronaldo is a good player,and bring back National Service.Glad to know that the licence fee is so well spent.Such in depth analysis,wrapped in blanket of smugness.

  265. runtings

    I think Hodgson has shattered any chance of England doing well in this tournament by bringing six strikers

    the balance is wrong and why he didn’t stick with the set up we had against Germany with a young athletic team i will never know

    was shocked Drinkerwater wasn’t picked too

  266. steamer

    Hello B6B, hope you’re keeping well and the zika hasn’t affected you too much.
    Lineker is the typical modern presenter, all image and very little substance. What bugs me is how he gets his pals jobs as pundits, Ian Wright and Shearer are tragic. Personally i’d do away with the panels, do we really need five unemployable ex players to tell us what we’ve just seen ?
    Runtingz,
    Not enough Spurs players. An insider tells me that Hart will be taking the corners vs Wales so that Kane can go in goal. Bet Greg Dyke gives the mug another contract, keep the power in Laandaaan.

  267. steamer

    I think Croatia will be a threat in the future, they have some fantastic talent coming through and may even cause a shock in this tournament.

  268. B6toBrasil

    Alright Steamer,yes mediocrity,artifical chuminess,and backslapping are the rule within sports coverage and the meeeeeejjja in general.I am waiting for the hypocrites Linarser(dives versus Cameroon Italia 90),Owen (dives versus Argentina 98) and co to condemn diving…….that will be some wait.
    Never mind,Mr Linearser will soon be named………..drum roll please……….A National Treasure!!!!!!!!!Please pass the sick bucket.
    Alli and Dier look decent footballers,but will soon be deemed as “great”.No fault of theirs,it’s the modern way,short term over reaction,at the expense of long term insight and nurturing Rooney,like Becks can never be dropped,the sponsors would never allow it.It’sall about the $$$$$$$$$,not the sport.

  270. runtings

    hi Brazil – hope you are keeping well

    agree re you last comment

    loving the euros all the same – some decent games and payet’s goal was artistry

    copa america been excellent – amazing hatriks for messi and courtinho

  271. steamer

    B6B,
    When i saw that kit i thought it was the best one yet, even better than Burgundy & Blue.
    Runtingz,
    Have a squint at Colombia vs Costa Rica especially the first and last goals.

    Ronaldo earned?? $88m last year, unbelievable.

  272. steamer

    So Tone’s going to buy four more franchises, it’ll P off the vermin 5 Villa’s and all better than them arf, arf.
    Hope Brian Little remains, a link with the fans and in reality a real asset in rebuilding AVFC.

  274. Trinity

    Yep. Gabby’s a legend and Rod Stewart is a knight. Maybe Sir Rod, to be fair, has done a lot for charirity we don’t know about and it wasn’t written in a contract that he was required to do that kind of thing:)

  275. steamer

    This is a cockeneee who thinks he’s a jock, a Celtic fan who has his photo taken wearing a full Rangers kit and someone without a voice who thinks he can sing, must have raised a lot of $$$ for charidee.

  276. Heroes-and-Villans

    takeover done according to tonys wiki 🙂 presser soon with tone and rdm…might break out the champers.

    may be 35-50mill to spend as well as any players sold. If we sell vertout 7 mill, gana7 and ayew 12 that could be 70mills ish to spend 🙂

    I think adama and grealish could rip it up next year

  277. steamer

    Someone on one of the blogs who knows the Bournemouth lad says that when he gets back from his honeymoon he’s DEFINITELY signing for Villa.
    Reading some of the suggestions for signings on the blogs i have to say that Lerner has definitely lowered the expectations of Villans, some right tripe who should never be mentioned with AVFC. Even when we were in Div 3 we signed top level players, Nicholl, Ross etc. Its signing Lamebert standard players that got us in this mess, reach for the stars.

  278. Heroes-and-Villans

    Read up on Elphick….could be a great buy. Proper captain and leader. Good age too. We need a few more players 27- 30 and more leader/captain type players. Elphick in def. And a gk who could be captain and a midfileder who is a leader needed. surround them with younger talent. Give grealish a proper bloody role model.

    going to be a lot of ins and some will be better than others no doubt. As long as we get some prof leaders who love the game and build a good spine thats most important.

    Also need at least 2 strikers…we need goals

  279. steamer

    Possibly Jordan Rhodes, whether he could play at EPL level is debateable. RdM probably knows of a talent in Chelsea reserves who could come in.

  280. steamer

    Poor goal to give away by Cz Rep.
    Looking at the Spaniels and for me they look like the champions, good at the back, superb in MF and when they get warmed up, two quality strikers, great bench too.

  281. runtings

    the hardest thing will be holding on to Jack and Amavi – there will be loads interested – hopefully we are ok to keep Toure – those are the 3 i think we must hold on too unless they requested to leave in which case they can do one

  286. proxopera

    In fairness steamer,Clarke did a smashing job on zlatan. The republic should have won that game by 2 or 3 , but they didn’t so onwards we go.

    Jeff Hendrick was outstanding tonight, would’nt be a bad shout for our midfield.

  287. runtings

    yes Steamer the great bootsy collins posted a track from this fella to honor him on his birthday last week
    absolute beautiful guitarist

  291. steamer

    Never heard of him until now, very classy sounds, love a saxophone and shaker on top of a piano, shall be looking him up on Youtube. Ta for that mate.
    Prox,
    Always had time for Clark, bit reckless at times but … I think international footy suits him, we may have a job hanging on to him with any more performances like that. Thats not a bad point, Sweden are one of those teams nobody wants to play, a bit like yourselves. Anyway, good luck for the rest of the tournament.

  293. proxopera

    Yeah Steamer ,I like him too . He’s a good solid performer who makes mistakes but you can see the game means something to him.

    I enjoyed tonight’s game , I feared a little for Ireland having noticed the speed of the games to date but fair play to them they controlled most of the game and played some nice ball. Wes Hoolihan was outstanding , delighted for him in particular.

  294. Trinity

    Definitely support Ciaran Clarke staying at Villa, one of only a few most of us would. Hopefully Ciaran puts the og behind him and has a very positive season ahead of him playing for Villa in a successful campaign for promotion.
    He’s obviously a good lad and a fine footballer who cares about AVFC.

  295. runtings

    thank you guys – Michael Franks have been one of my favourites for many years – lots of great music out there from him.

    i read that dr x will send players he can’t get rid of to China 🙂 — loving this guy more each day

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