The Villa Times - Issue 2

THE SEASONS SQUAD | HISTORY SPOTLIGHT | LIONS CLUBS | HEALTH & FITNESS

VillaTimes The

Issue 2 | £3.00 | www.thevillatimes.com

ASTON VILLA’S UNOFFICIAL MAGAZINE

Plus

Villa History

Season 76/77 with Colin Abbott

The Season Squad

Tom Davis looks at this season Squad

Where are they now With Gordon

Smith

Villa Legend

Brian Little about football & Life at Villa park

O f fi c i a l ve h i c l e s u p p l i e r

NEW white detailing villans, YOU DIG? The Fiat 500 has a whole new 70s strip this season Villans. The new Colour Therapy range is available with white alloy wheels, white mirror covers, white aerial, a stylish pool ball gear knob and a choice of five 70 s colours. Yet you’ll also find the technology under the bonnett is v ve ery 21st century. The TwinAir engine has such low emissions that you pay no road tax†. The Fiat 500 is a blast from the past with a lion’s roar to the now. How far out is that?

fiat.co.uk/astonvilla

IN 70S COLOURS fiat.co.uk Fiat, the car brand with the lowest average CO2 emissions in Europe^. Fiat 500 TwinAir, the lowest CO2 emission petrol car engine in the world*. Fuel consumption for Fiat 500 range in mpg (l//100km): Urban 44 4.1 (6.4)) – 64.2 (4 4.4)); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) – 91.1 (3.1); Combined 55.4 (5.1) – 76.3 (3.7). CO2 emissions 119 – 90 g/km. †Under current DVLA regulations there is no charge for Vehicle Excise Duty in the first year of registration and every subsequent year. Vehicle Excise Duty rates are reviewed annually by the government and are subject to change. ^Source: JATO Dynamics. Based on volume-weighted average CO2 emissions (g/km) of the best selling brands in Europe, full year 2011. *According to NEDC standard.

EVERY MONTH

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ISSUE 1

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EVERY MONTH

FEATURES

4 The Season’s Squad A S T O N V I L L A ’ S U N O F F I C A L M A G A Z I N E Tom Davis Looks at Paul Lamberts Squad

THIS MONTH

12 Villa History Colin Abbott tells us of 1976-77 Season 44 Villa Lions News from around the Lion clubs 12 Brian Little Brian Liitle -From Player to Manager

42 Football Fit Health, fitness and techinquie in football with Peter Withe.

16 Villa’s Top Ten Villa’s top ten Players 39 Villa Travel Feature on the cities Villa will be visiting this month.

47 Villa World Pictures of Villa fans from accross the World.

20 Where Are They Now 25 Villa in Show Biz With Villa Legend Gordon Smith James Leyfield tells you about Villa in Show Biz this month 48 Fanzone Quiz and Fun for kids and the chance to win 27 Pint & Pies Find your local Villa pub a new villa shirt.

NEWS

30 Villa and Charity Charity Events and News

30 Fashion What to choose from the Villa Shop & Much More

Editor’s Letter Welcome to issue 2 of the Villa Times, it has been quite a busy over the last month since the launch of the magazine and I must say we have had a great response from everyone and look forward to future issues.

We have had our highs and lows over the last month, but can seee the work of Paul Lambert, his staff and the players is coming together and I as much as you are looking forward to things to come.

Up The Villa...

The Season Squad with Tom Davis P.4

Peter Brennan, Editor

This

Seasons Squad With Tom Davis

Tom Davis runs through Paul Lamberts squad selection for the 2012/13 season and his thoughts of the selection’s that have been made and the new arrivals

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FEATURE

W

hen Aston Villa turned in their 25-man squad to the Premier League for the fight ahead this season, many in the world of football would have perhaps been a little surprised to come across the name of a player whose own personal battle with leukaemia could very well see him forced to retire from the professional game.

However, the inclusion of Stiliyan Petrov in the player list demonstrates once again the commitment and support the club has given to the Bulgarian midfielder since he was diagnosed with the cancer earlier this year, having also retained his place as club captain for this season too. Both sentiments are a fitting tribute to a player who has established himself within the hearts of fans and colleagues alike for both his hard-work on the pitch and affable character off it.

But for the other players included on the list, many of whom enter the season either sampling their first taste of top-flight English football or with a serious point to prove, the shirt number awarded to them is acknowledgement of their presence within the dressing room but in no uncertain terms does it guarantee regular first team action - unless their performances prove otherwise.

Shay Given is a player who knows this all too well. Despite being handed the number one jersey, his displays in the opening two games of the season saw him drop to a role on the bench, allowing newly re-signed Brad Guzan to step in between the sticks, thus earning the club their first point of the season with a credible draw away to Newcastle United.

Undeniably, Given remains one of the league’s best goalkeepers, yet his ability to deal with crosses and command an area is questionable, therefore allowing Guzan a real claim to be the clubs’ first choice stopper.

The defensive options this season have also thrown up somewhat of an anomaly with the addition of full-backs Stephen Warnock and Alan Hutton. Both players seemed destined for fresh pastures in the summer having been axed from both pre-season tours and matchday squads, yet were unable to find any suitors. The duo are another example of those who will have to go above and beyond expectations to claw themselves back into action following the arrival of Joe Bennett and Matthew Lowton in the summer. Surprisingly, squad depth appears not to be a problem, with Aston Villa being one of the only clubs to fully utilize the regulations by filling all 25 places in the squad. This allows Eric Lichaj and Enda Stevens to also be an option either side of the back-four.

There is also a trio of central defensive selections which face Lambert now that Ciaran Clark has staked a real claim to become a regular at the heart of defence. The left-sided position is to be challenged between both himself and Richard Dunne, who has since returned from a groin injury that kept him out for eight weeks. New signing Ron Vlaar is a commanding figure in a similar mould to the aforementioned, and is likely to be a first choice partner for one of the two Irish internationals. Nathan Baker, whose age means he does not need to be registered as part of the squad list, is a capable occupant in the role of back-up.

As we move further up the field however, the midfield possibilities perhaps tell its own story. If you didn’t already recognise that the squad is on the main part young and inexperienced, then you most certainly will do now. For the average age of the central midfield options is just over 23 (excluding ill-stricken Petrov). That is by no means a flaw - although Alan Hansen’s claim that “you’ll win nothing with kids” would suggest otherwise - but it does heap a large portion of pressure onto a set of players who have either progressed through the academy or arrived as a new signing from a lower league.

Having said that, the midfield Lambert has so far built is very promising for the future. With the exception of Chris Herd, the remaining five options in the middle are all renowned for their ability to both use the ball and pick out a pass. Barry Bannan offers a searching long-ball; Fabian Delph gives a rounded performance at both ends; El Ahmadi dictates the flow; Stephen Ireland can unlock defences; and Ashley Westwood is a self-described Michael Carrick type player.

Herd on the other hand provides a bite to the midfield which is a useful alternative to have

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in games which may require a midfield man made of sterner stuff. There is, however, perhaps greater expectation of El Ahmadi to lead the midfield given his experience, which could cause a problem should he depart with his national side of Morocco for the African Cup of Nations in January.

The wide options are somewhat limited for the club this season, with only Marc Albrighton, Brett Holman and Charles N’Zogbia natural wingers. At a push, these options could be stretched to players from other positions too, although it seems the need for a winger to hog the touchline is not as important under the tactics Lambert has been looking to instil in the players this season. Full-backs will play a more predominant role in supplying width for the team, allowing the wide players to drift in unison behind the striker. This has been a tactic deployed from the start of the season as the manager implements a 4-5-1 formation, but, as two new strikers entered the fray on the last day of the transfer window, and as the club welcomes back the timely return of Gabriel Agbonlahor from injury, this has room for manoeuvre.

The acquisitions of Jordan Bowery and Christian Benteke were two arrivals that were very much needed as they offer both a more physical presence up front, and more importantly - height. Whilst Bowery was little known outside the spire town of Chesterfield, the fee paid for his services does not represent too much of a gamble.

It also has hints of a similar piece of business done by Lambert whilst at Norwich, who took Grant Holt from the bottom tier of English football and transformed him into a Premier League hotshot.

Benteke’s arrival crept under the radar of most but is of particular interest given the £7m sum handed over to Genk for a somewhat raw and untested figure. His record of 60 goals from 99 league games averages a ratio of a goal every 1.65 games, suggesting a natural instinct to find the net. The challenge of converting this record into similar results in a far stronger league is sure to be a tough one, although standing an inch shorter than Peter Crouch; Benteke certainly has the stature of a player who can handle himself in one of the world’s most physical leagues. Coupled with the experienced heads of Darren Bent and Agbonlahor, and also the potential shown by Andreas Weimann, the front-line is starting to take more of a recognisable shape.

The squad list for this season is incredibly young in comparison to that of other teams, but as the club embarks on a new era under Paul Lambert with the hope of changing the style of play in the process, young players naturally seem the best option for that.

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iThey are more receptive to change and are eager to take new tricks on board; hence why the criteria for Lambert’s transfer policy this season was players who are ‘young and hungry’.

But it would be unfair to expect immediate fireworks from each of the new signings given the leap taken to get to this position. Their integration into the league, as indeed the change in team ethos implemented by Lambert, must be allowed to develop with time. The players listed in the 25-man squad are the ones who produce the performances on the pitch, but it is the thousands of supporters in the stands that help drive the team on and allow them the freedom to perform – particularly at home - and that is important to remember.

25-man squad in full (players under the age of 21 are eligible over and above the limit of 25 players): Agbonlahor, Albrighton, Bannan, Bennett, Bent, Benteke, Clark, Delph, Dunne, El Ahmadi, Given, Guzan, Herd, Holman, Hutton, Ireland, Lichaj, Lowton, Marshall, N'Zogbia, Petrov, Stevens, Vlaar, Warnock, Westwood.

Andy Gray was a tremendous partner to play alongside.

He just loved to score goals and was so brave’ Brian Little

Villa Legend

Brian Little about football & Life at Villa park

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FEATURE

When you think of football in the 1970s, one of the first things that springs to mind is flamboyance – players such as Rodney Marsh, Stan Bowles and Charlie George who produced magic on the pitch and lived a playboy lifestyle off it. But at Villa Park during that decade, fans were enthralled not by a cheeky-chappy playing up to the crowd, but by a quiet, enigmatic genius whose modest ego was dwarfed by his extraordinary skills. A man with supreme flair and artistry who could create and score goals with ease, yet would often stroll away in a nonchalant fashion after putting the ball in the net, a shy smile across his face. His name was Brian Little and he remains one of the greatest players in Aston Villa’s history.

Such a legacy seemed unlikely when Little was born on 25th November 1953.

Growing up in the North East town of Peterlee and supporting Newcastle United (he was born less than a mile from St James’ Park), the young Little immediately showed footballing promise – so much so that he was given trials at clubs including Arsenal, Leeds and Manchester City. However, when a certain team from Birmingham came knocking, there was only one destination for him.

‘I was invited to many clubs from the age of eleven to fifteen, but when I went to Aston Villa I felt very comfortable,’ Little explains. ‘It was always my intention that if Villa offered me an apprenticeship, I would sign for them. I always wanted to go there.’

The apprenticeship came in 1969 and Little joined a club at the beginning of a revolution. Although on the surface, Villa were in freefall – they would soon be relegated to the Third Division for the first time in their history – they had a new board and a new manager in the shape of the ‘very sharp and witty’ Tommy Docherty. The club also had a new and improved youth programme, and Little was the first real star to be discovered. Therefore, when he arrived in Birmingham, Villa’s chief scout, Peter Doherty, told Harry Kartz, the director of youth development: ‘Don't let them coach this kid. He's a natural.’

Little immediately settled into life at his new employers. ‘I really liked Aston Villa and it wasn't tough – although I was homesick for the first few months,’ he says.

‘My brother Alan joined me at the club twelve months later and shared the same digs as me. It made things a lot easier for me. Also, Tommy Docherty had me travelling with the first team when I was only sixteen years old, so I was very fortunate.’

Docherty’s approach shows the value that the club put on Little, and this was continued by Vic Crowe, who took over from Docherty when he was sacked in January 1970. Crowe, whose quiet nature appealed to Little, carefully nurtured his career via the youth team, and signed him as a professional shortly before the 1971 League Cup Final defeat to Spurs. It was therefore only a matter of time before Little appeared for the first team. ‘Just before my eighteenth birthday, I came on as a sub against Blackburn Rovers, so when my first full debut came against Torquay, I felt quite relaxed about the game. To score a goal in that game was a real bonus.’

Sswept their way to promotion. That campaign is also famous, of course, for Villa winning the League Cup – Little scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against Chester before Villa’s 1-0 win against Norwich at Wembley. The Crowe/Saunders side had peaked just at the right time, and Little has his own theory as to why this happened. ‘I think I'm right in saying that in the second half of that season, we only lost one game. The team believed in each other and the support that we received was fantastic.’

These supporters were now used to Little’s dribbling ability, his turn of pace, his creative sixth sense and his eye for goal, and the chant ‘Brian Little walks on water’ started to become a familiar cry from The Holte End. But it wasn’t just Villa fans who had noticed Little. The England Manager Don Revie picked him for the Home International squad at the end of the 74/75 campaign, and gave Little his chance to shine on 21st May 1975 at Wembley against Wales. Coming on as a substitute for Mick Channon in the 71st minute with England losing 21, Little was a revelation, and it was his cross that set up England’s equalizer by David Johnson. The national press were full of praise for Little the following day, yet inexplicably, he never represented his country again. ‘I was selected for England after the 74/75 season ahead of the likes of Trevor Francis and Tony Woodcock – two similar style of players to myself,’ explains Little. ‘However, the knee injury that I received afterwards pretty much wiped out my 75/76 season, and that gave both Trevor and Tony an opportunity to establish themselves in the national team. Whilst I think I was considered on several occasions, their own performances kept me out of the squad.’

The 1975/76 season was a transition campaign for Villa. Not only was Little out for most of the season, his strike partner Keith Leonard had to retire from the game with a similar injury. But Saunders was quick to buy a replacement. Andy Gray duly came to Villa from Dundee United for £110,000 and proceeded to form with Little one of the most celebrated strike partnerships in the club’s history. ‘Andy was a tremendous partner to play alongside. He just loved to score goals and was so brave,’ says Little. ‘Although I scored my fair share of goals playing alongside him, I genuinely got a great deal of satisfaction in creating chances for Andy. We still are very good friends with each other.’

Little’s goal completed a 5-1 rout which clinched Villa the 1972 Third Division title, and came four days after Little had starred in Villa’s FA Youth Cup winning side. There was no doubt about it, Villa were heading in the right direction, and Little would be a huge part of the club’s future. After establishing himself in the side in the second half of the 1972/73 campaign, Little became a first team regular the following season. Although it was a disappointing one for Villa – they could only manage 14th in the Second Division – a new side was starting to be put together as youngsters like Little, John Gidman and Keith Leonard joined established players such as Ray Graydon and Chico Hamilton.

The pair peaked the following season. Ron Saunders had broken up the 1975 promotion team and players such as John Deehan, Alex Cropley and Dennis Mortimer came in to give an attacking purpose to the side. With Little and Gray up front to finish off their chances, the side provided the Villa fans with wonderful entertainment. In fact, many Villa fans maintain that the 1976/77 side was better than the one that won the Championship and European Cup a few years later, although Little modestly disagrees. ‘I think 76/77 was a special season because the team played some fantastic football and it was a great team to play in. The fact that John Deehan, Andy Gray and myself scored 70 plus goals that season is probably the main reason that some fans might think that, although I personally feel that the exploits of the team that won the Championship and the European Cup are second to none.’

The arrival of Ron Saunders in the summer of 1974 gave the side the impetus it needed, and Little flourished. In 33 league appearances in the 1974/75 season, he scored 20 times – including a run of 10 goals in six games in April – as Villa

Nevertheless, Villa in that season were sensational – demolishing the Champions Liverpool 5-1 at Villa Park en route to finishing 4th in the League. Little starred in that game – tearing apart one of the greatest club sides in English football his-

www.thevillatimes.com | 9

Story – and knocked in ten goals in another trophy triumph. From scoring two crackers in the opening round against Manchester City – including an overhead kick – to a match-winning brace in the second replay of the final against Everton, Little played a major role in bringing the League Cup back to Villa Park. ‘I think personally bouncing back after the injury problems that I'd had the season before made the 76/77 season special for me, and it was capped off by scoring a hattrick in the semi final against Queens Park Rangers – and also the two goals in the final are something that no player forgets.’

However, the 1976/77 started to break up soon afterwards. Saunders replaced John Burridge with Jimmy Rimmer and Chris Nicholl with Ken McNaught, while Alex Cropley and John Robson had to retire in sad circumstances – a broken leg and Multiple Sclerosis respectively. There was also unrest in both the boardroom and the dressing room. ‘Ron Saunders was, as most people know, a real disciplinarian,’ explains Little. ‘Myself, John Gidman and Andy Gray all had our fallouts with him, and whilst I've never questioned or doubted Mr Saunders’ qualities as a manager, there were personality clashes.’

These clashes led to a huge upheaval at the club in 1979. Gray was sold to Wolves, Gidman to Everton and a number of directors resigned, including a certain Doug Ellis. But the news which astonished Villa fans most of all was the agreed transfer of Little for £650,000 to Birmingham City! The news sent shockwaves across the city, but when Little met Blues manager Jim Smith, he liked him and put pen to paper. However, following his medical, Little was discovered to have a displaced vertebra in his back. Blues were advised to pull out and the deal was off. ‘I would always have preferred to stay at Aston Villa,’ says Little, ‘but I still feel – even looking back at it now – that a move to another club would have been a benefit to myself.’

However, Little rejoined his Villa teammates ready for the 1979/80 season. He was still not yet 26 and seemingly his best years were yet to come. But it would turn out to be his last campaign as a Villa player. On 10th March 1980, in a Monday night League game against Wolves, Little suffered the injury that would end his playing career.

‘The crazy thing about the Wolves game for me was that it was a rearranged fixture. I often look back and wish the game had not been arranged for that night. The injury was to the same knee which kept me out of the 75/76 season.

I knew straight away that I'd hurt myself – my knee collapsed under a heavy but fair challenge. I even remember hobbling around and playing on for a little bit longer. After the operation on the knee, the surgeon described to me that my ligaments had been severely damaged, and at that time there was no surgery available to help the problem that I had. As time went by during the recovery period, it became obvious to us that my knee was never going to recover.’

Therefore, in April 1981, Little announced his retirement – a month before Villa clinched the League title. Little had played 301 times for Villa, scoring 82 goals, but had narrowly missed out on the most glorious period in Villa’s history. But he was not bitter. ‘Not at all. They were all my friends – every one of them – and I had no problems. My only big regret was I never got to play alongside Peter Withe in that team.’

‘Will Villa always be my first love? Of course. It's been a massive part of my life – always has been and always will be – and hopefully I can help in some capacity again in the future.’

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Little went on to manage Villa’s youth team before leaving in January 1986.

However, less than nine years later, he was back at his spiritual home as manager. His success at Leicester City made him the ideal replacement for Ron Atkinson – although the task at hand was not an easy one. ‘When I first arrived back at Villa Park, the team had been successful in previous seasons, but it was quite an ageing team, so my plan always was to rebuild a younger team for the future,’ explains Little. ‘So as time went by, I brought in a group of ex-England under 21 internationals – the likes of Gary Charles, Alan Wright, Tommy Johnson, Mark Draper and Gareth Southgate. Then, of course, Savo Milosevic from Belgrade and lifelong Villa fan Ian Taylor.’

After surviving relegation in the 1994/95 campaign, Little’s new look side spread its wings and flew in 1995/96. Villa stalwarts such as Ugo Ehiogu, Mark Bosnich and Andy Townsend linked in brilliantly with the new signings, while Dwight Yorke formed a deadly partnership with Milosevic – scoring 25 goals. The football Villa played that season was simply stunning – resulting in an FA Cup semifinal appearance, 4th place in the League and a magnificent League Cup victory – demolishing Leeds United 3-0 in the final.

After a 5th place finish in 1996/97, Villa’s league form dipped the following season and with Little resigning in February 1998 – a heartbreaking parting of the ways. Particularly difficult for Brian when bearing in mind he had taken Villa to the Quarter Final of The UEFA Cup and with him resigning two weeks before the game was to be played against Althetico Madrid . Since then, Villa haven’t won a trophy – failing to reach the heights of that mid-90s era – while Little has gone on to manage Stoke, West Brom, Hull, Tranmere, Wrexham and Gainsborough Trinity. But his heart has never left Villa Park. ‘Will Villa always be my first love? Of course. It's been a massive part of my life – always has been and always will be – and hopefully I can help in some capacity again in the future.’

How we’d all love for that to happen…

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1976/77

SEASON In Aston Villa’s first campaign back in the top flight after an eight-year absence, consolidation was the name of the game. Their home form had kept them up - just! They lost only twice in the League at Villa Park, a complete contrast to their away form, or lack of it, where they failed to register a single win, the only time Ron Saunders had quietly started rebuilding as early as October 1975 - with the main acquisitions being Andy Gray, a Scottish forward who knew no fear and goalkeeper John Burridge – seeing firsthand what was required for life in the top flight. Saunders relied more or less on the side that finished the previous campaign, the exceptions being the departures of Charlie Aitken, Ian Ross and Chico Hamilton. In came left-back Gordon Smith from St Johnstone.

Even the most ardent Villa supporter wouldn’t envisage what the coming season would have in store. My expectations were realistic, I hoped for nothing more than staying up, perhaps finishing a little higher up the table and, one last thing – please don’t lose at Birmingham like last season!

Villa hit the ground running, West Ham Utd were hit for four, Andy Gray scoring a brace. Villa took both points in only their second away game of the season with a fine 2-0 victory at Goodison Park. Manchester City, the current League Cup holders were smartly dispatched 3-0 with Brian Little scoring one of the best goals ever witnessed at Villa Park. Villa’s next match saw the visit of Ipswich Town, this was the day when the Midlands side stated their intent.

By blasting their opponents 5-2, Villa leapt three points clear at the top of the table, early days - but it all looked very promising!

Saunders, not one to rest on his laurels, added more bite to his midfield, in came terrier Alex Cropley - later to be affectionately known by his Villa team-mates as ‘Studs’ – signed the day after Villa had progressed in the League Cup against Norwich City. “I was very quickly made welcome – it was a very good dressing room. Because I lived on the same estate as Andy Gray we travelled to training in the same car” said Cropley, who would soon repay a large chunk of his fee when he chipped a delightful winner at Roker Park in early October; Villa’s first win at Sunderland in 14 attempts.” A super goal, I beat one, beat two and then chipped the goalkeeper, it seemed like the right thing to do. Ron Saunders who didn’t give many accolades said it was one of the finest goals he’d ever seen.” (Author; his goal is as fresh in my memory today as it was when I was at the game, stood behind that goal as a wide-eyed 11 year-old, watching it sail over the Sunderland goalie, marvellous! Bob Stokoe resigned the following Monday.)

Aston Villa and in particular, their West Country wing wizard Ray Graydon, suffered badly at the hands of West Bromwich Albion a few weeks later. Having to settle for a point after holding an interval lead was the least of the Villa’s worries, Ray was ‘taken out from behind’ by Len Cantello, “It was the worst injury I ever had - knee ligaments, I was out longer than if I’d broken my leg, 12 to 14 weeks; initially I was put in a smallish bandage to stop movement of the knee and then had to change to a full plaster. The downside to that was the muscle wastage in my leg so I turned up at Bodymoor Heath every day in order to keep my body fit, I ended up with the best stomach muscles I ever had.” Graydon would be sorely missed, not only was he a main supply line to the highly effective Gray, he was always good for goals himself, he had already found the net six times in the first 11 matches. John Deehan who had come up through the youth ranks, was the Villa’s answer of damage limitation, stepping in as a direct replacement for Graydon, ‘Dixie,’ would go on to hit 18 League and cup goals in only 37 appearances.

One set-back was averted in November when ’keeper Burridge was

12 | thevillatimes.com

sidelined, up stepped Jake Findlay to play six consecutive matches.

Jake would play his part in three wins – on the bounce – a fine 3-1 win at Elland Road, a result only upstaged when reigning League Champions Liverpool came to Villa Park for a midweek League match, four days later. Villa ran riot and were 5-1 up at half-time, Gray, Deehan and Little doing the damage. Chris Nicholl, unable to play due to his broken nose had to make do with spectating, “A brilliant win – that’s one of the few games I do remember.” The game finished with no further score lifting Villa up to third position. Cropley went off injured against Liverpool and in the following game at home to Newcastle, in conditions Alex describes as, “Bloody freezing,” he pulled a hamstring due to the cold. Villa being Villa, then saw the year out by losing 3-2 at Middlesbrough. David Hughes deputising for Alex, scored in what was his first start.

The month of January would close with Villa having negotiated the first two rounds of the FA Cup with victories at Leicester 1-0 and home to West Ham 3-0; sitting fourth in the table - a UEFA cup position – and awaiting a League cup semi-final date with Q.P.R. Andy Gray had already weighed in with 23 goals, Brian Little was also in double figures, Graydon, had added seven and his replacement Deehan, had six to his name in only nine starts, together, these lads had made Aston Villa the League’s top scoring side with 44 goals, three ahead of leaders Liverpool and due to their prolonged involvement in both domestic cup competitions, Villa also had three games in hand.

A very young Gordon Cowans would make only his second appearance of the season as a substitute at home to Everton; Villa took both points with the 2-0 win, Brian Little having scored in both the ‘Toffee’s’ games. A minor blip saw the ‘Villans’ go down by the single goal at Ipswich, the game sandwiched in between the semi-final matches against Q.P.R where the 0-0 bore draw at Loftus Road was followed by a highly entertaining, but bad tempered 2-2 at the Villa.

Though Aston Villa were allegedly cheated from the toss of a coin to decide the replay venue – Villa called correctly but when the coin was picked off the floor, the opposite side was declared winner - it was to Highbury and not Highfield Road where the claret & blue army followed their heroes. The venue mattered-not! Brian Little single handedly destroyed Rangers with an exhibition in clinical finishing, Villa went through 3-0, Little got his hat-trick and the match ball.

March proved to be a tough month. Three League games all unbeaten, with Villa hitting four goals in both their home victories against Derby (where Sid Cowans scored his first goal in a very long and distinguished career in the Claret & Blue) and Sunderland. The small matter of two League Cup Final matches against Everton, at Wembley, 0-0 without extra time, Hillsbrough 1-1, extra time played, and which still remained inconclusive. Cropley pulled a hamstring in the closing minutes at Wembley but was fit to play four days later at Sheffield, in the replay - or so he thought. “I was playing right up to the pre-match meal in the hotel, I felt I wasn’t right, I was struggling, so I told Saunders. It kind of broke my heart, but I had to be honest, so I sat that one out!” An FA Cup quarter-final defeat, 2-1 at the hands of Manchester United; a game Leighton remembers well, “ We were all knackered from the Wednesday game, we’d played Everton and with all the traffic congestion on the route we

Villa History with Colin j Abbott Wembley 1977 - John Deehan heads for goal in a dull 0-0 draw

Beating Liverpool 5-1 at Villa Park

“A brilliant win – that’s one of the few games I do remember.”

Chris Nicholl

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Villa History

With Colin Abbott

got back early Thursday morning, then in no time - off to Manchester. I was captain that day and Brian Little said, “If we win the toss, take the ball.” We won, Brian beat one man then another and shot from 30-yards, Stepney was in goal and it flew in. Stuart Pearson came across and said, “Can we start again?”

Villa had dropped down to eighth in the table but having been involved in no less than 13 cup ties, they had five games in hand over many of the higher placed teams.

April proved even tougher, eight League matches to be played and a second Cup Final replay. Just when Villa needed all the strength they could muster, the one player who they could rely on for his bottomless reserves of stamina – Frank Carrodus – would get injured and miss the rest of the League campaign. “I remember one game in particular at the Baseball ground, it was always a quagmire in the winter, it was drying out now and was full of bloody pot-holes filled with sand, I went into one and tore my ligaments. I was subbed but then Andy went off with a twisted ankle, so we were down to ten men and lost 21. Me and Andy both missed the Final, but I remember going to the hospital and I was pushing Andy along on a trolley; we saw the specialist, he said, “Andy will be out for three weeks, Frank you’ll be out for the rest of the season. I was the one who should have been on the bloody trolley. Injuries had been that bad, Good Hope hospital phoned up and said, “can we have our crutches back,” because they were short, we found 11 pairs of them.”

‘Sid’ Cowans had come into the team in early February and retained his place deputising for first, Gray and then Cropley, would play out the remaining games in place of Frank. Ray Graydon made a brief return to the side but was clearly still suffering. A point at Bristol City, followed by both points at home to Boro then that defeat at Derby that Frank - not so fondly – remembers!

The Villa then dug deep, the League cup ‘roadshow’ was finally decided at Old Trafford, Villa came back from a goal down to lead 2-1 with only minutes remaining. Captain Chris Nicholl launched the ball from anywhere between 25-60 yards out – depending on which report you believe – to level the match, Brian notched the second moments later. Just when it looked like it was all over barring the fat lady giving her best, and up popped Mick Lyons - 2-2, yet more extra time. That man Little, was the saviour yet again, he reacted first when the ball was crossed into the danger zone and steered the ball past the despairing Lawson in the Everton goal. The morning papers had carried the headline ‘Who wants to win the League Cup on a Wednesday evening?’ Villa did - and they achieved it, after 330 gruelling minutes. Ray Graydon whose goal secured the’75 Wembley League cup win, hit the comeback trail that night, Ray hadn’t kicked a ball in anger for five and a half months, “Being part of the side who lifted the Cup at Manchester was a big thing for me, though it was disappointing that I didn’t recover in time to play the first two Cup Finals.

To be there in the dressing room and not be involved was hard. It was a big plus to play in two Final games - I must have been a lucky mascot, I didn’t play in the draws, only the two Villa won (1975 and 1977). I had my parents, family and lots of friends there - which was very important, very special. It was a great occasion for us, football pundits thought it wasn’t a particularly good game, but I look back on it and think I’d have liked to have had more of them Villa won a cup and I was responsible for scoring the goal!”

Chris Nicholl, also a scorer in the Final, shares Ray’s sentiments of the League Cup of ’77, “The Wembley game was dire, we just cancelled each other out. The replay at Hillsborough was much more interesting, and I remember in our contracts we had a bonus for appearing in a Final,

a doin.’ Liverpool, at home being a prime example - that night we were simply outstanding. We didn’t have a big well, we had three lots of bonus in the end. Mr Ellis pool of players, we relied on youngsters coming in and changed the wording after that season. Andy Gray’s first towards the end of the season playing Saturday, Wednestrophy in English football was that League Cup and we day, Saturday, and so on didn’t help us” won it on the night he didn’t play, Villa had played at Derby – with the sand filled potholes – in the previous “Personally speaking, if only game and both Andy and me turned our ankles. I made it we’d had a better squad, for the Final albeit with a heavy bandage on the ankle. I who knows? Leighton Phillips, had never played before with such a big, thick restricting strapping, and with my ankle so firm - when I hit the ball for the goal - that’s why the ball deviated and moved Leighton Phillips, on the subject said, “Personally speaking, away, ending up in the top corner. I always have that over if only we’d had a better squad, who knows? We were a Andy, we won the cup - for him, when he couldn’t play!” very hard side to beat, we had a fantastic season, five past This marathon was followed by three straight League wins Ipswich, Arsenal and Liverpool; up to Leeds and won 3on the bounce, Coventry, Spurs and Norwich - all de- 1, I remember that because Chris Nicholl had broken his cided by the odd goal, the high scoring affairs of earlier, nose (Chris told me he has broken it on ten or 11 occaseemingly dried up. Games coming thick and fast, three sions in total) on the Friday, Charlie Young came in and in five days took there toll and Villa would go down 3-0 played alongside me against Leeds, Liverpool and in the for only the second time that campaign when they met Newcastle match where we were fortunate. Charlie was Arsenal in the capital. A further loss in North London at a good lad, he didn’t look out of place at all. I would agree Spurs left Villa sitting in fifth place, though still with games with Frank (Carrodus) I don’t’ think we ever played better in hand. in our lifetime than that season. Sides didn’t relish playing us that season” Into the final month and a point dropped at home to Man City; still six matches outstanding - a crazy schedule! Villa The season had started like a dream, 4-0 at home, to a were still playing for the title but were now without a win starry eyed 12 year-old that was an absolute thrashing, in their last three fixtures. Finally a win, Leeds beaten 2-1, followed quickly by an away win, our first back in the top but it was a case of a step too far, Villa now trailed Liver- flight and the sky’s the limit. As the results followed, they pool by an unassailable 11 points. They ran the season were all ‘by and large’ winning results and usually high down by defeating Stoke City at home, drawing away to scoring in our favour. I honestly thought we could go on Q.P.R and then in the last match of the campaign they and land the title. By the time our games in hand had been poked four past the Albion with no reply. They had started converted to games played and top of the pile was getting and finished the season by 4-0 winning margins, Gray slimmer by the week, I had the satisfaction of knowing my began with a brace and ended with a hat-trick. Villa had team - Aston Villa – had landed another pot to put in the scored four or more goals in a third of their Villa Park trophy cabinet. That helped soften the disappointment!

League fixtures where they smashed in an incredible 55 goals, they had finished as the top flights leading scorers, Checking back, Villa’s run in wasn’t as dire as I previously Andy Gray hit 29 goals in total, John Deehan exceeded thought. Even with the backlog of fixtures we lost only all expectations and Brian Little added a phenomenal 12 four of the last 12 League games. Compare that with what cup goals to his tally of 14 in the League. Villa finished in I remembered as a blistering start, in the first 12 fixtures 4th place, reached the Q/F’s of the FA Cup and bagged Villa tasted defeat – five times. the League Cup, not too bad a season!

In the close season, I remember the shock at opening a Finishing a mere six points behind the Champions after newspaper to see Chris Nicholl had been sold to contesting 14 Cup ties throughout the campaign, added Southampton, I was 13 at the time - and gutted! Leighton with injuries to key members, including Nicholl, Gidman, Phillips recently told me that manager Saunders was so Graydon, Cropley and Carrodus – many fans felt Aston impressed by Ken McNaught’s performances in those Villa should have won the First Division title, in terms of three Cup Final matches in the Everton defence, he signed entertainment they certainly deserved to! When Alex the Scottish centre-half as Chris’ replacement. Allegedly, Cropley was asked if the players thought they could go Saunders blamed Manchester City’s senior players for his and lift the title he replied, “I don’t think we actually dismissal at Maine Road, perhaps he thought once a player thought about it, we were a young side, a bit of a mixed reached the age of 30 he wielded too much influence on bag if you like, and the other teams didn’t know how good the younger lads and could no longer be trusted. Chris we were until they came up against us and often ‘they got Nicholl turned 31 in 1977!

Colin Abbott’s Book Now On Sale, Info on Page 40

14 | thevillatimes.com

Writers Wanted

We are on the look out for writers/bloggers to write for the printed magazine and website at The Villa Times.

If you have passion for Aston Villa, then we want to hear from you.

Interested or know someone that would be, contact us by email on info@thevillatimes.com or message us on facebook Villa Times The

Mark Little Wedding

Photography

Portrait

Events

Mark is a wedding, portrait and Event photographer. Mark loves photographing people. His passion is to create images that bring out the best in people. Images that are beautiful, fun, exciting and very personal.

It is Mark’s easy-going relaxed and personal approach combined with his extraordinary ability to capture decisive moments that makes him a unique photographer of people.

Mark is a member of the British Professional Photographers Association and the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers.

Call Mark on 07742145196 or email on marklittle@photographer.net for more information T: 07742145196

www.marklittlephotography.co.uk

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www.thevillatimes.com | 15

Ten

Playe Top

The Villa Times takes a look a some of our greatest players

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Top TopTen Ten In a team sport, it can often seem obscene – even absurd – to reward a single player ahead of the collective.

But, equally, every match is no more than an accumulation of individual moments. Games are secured by unlikely saves, defined by timely tackles, unlocked with visionary passes and settled by important strikes.

Some players undoubtedly perform these specific tasks with greater consistency and to a higher quality than others. So, as difficult as it is for any player to perform in isolation, some are clearly more important to glories than their teammates.

Indeed, depending on their position and style, certain players form the building-blocks of great teams, others provide the spine and an elite minority complete teams – lifting them to greater levels.

There has been much debate over the best footballers and rightly so, considering the sheer amount of players to wear the claret and blue colours.

This month, we take a look at some of the greatest players to grace the pitch at Villa Park, I am sure you will have your own players that you would like to see here, but sadly there is just not enough room to cover all the greats. So here is the top ten players, for this month anyway….

Gordon Cowans

rs

Cowans started his career at Aston Villa as an apprentice in 1974, and signed as a professional in 1976. During his time at Aston Villa, he won the League Cup, the League Championship, the European Cup and the European Super Cup. Arriving as a schoolboy he went on to score 59 goals and make 527 appearances for Villa in three spells. Gordon, known by his middle name ‘Sid’, remains part of the football club today in a coaching role.

Paul McGrath Regarded by many as the greatest player in Villa’s history, Paul’s name is still chanted by the Villa Park faithful. The 1993 PFA Footballer of the Year award and two League Cup winners medals were the tangible achievement of his seven-year spell.

While at Villa, McGrath played some of the best football of his career, despite recurrent problems in his knees. Villa came close to winning the title in McGrath's first season, finishing second to Liverpool. In 1996 McGrath won a second League Cup for Villa. By the end of his Villa career he had chalked up 252 appearances in the claret and blue.

Dennis Mortimer Dennis Mortimer will forever be known as the captain during Aston Villa’s greatest hour. Mortimer was the man who lifted the European Cup during that famous victory over Bayern Munich in Rotterdam on May 26, 1982.

The Liverpudlian midfielder played a crucial part in Villa conquering the continent, having led the claret and blues to the First Division title the year before. Mortimer played more than 400 games for Villa.

Johnny Dixon Johnny Dixon remains the last man to skipper Villa to FA Cup glory, be it way back in 1957. Johnny, who passed away aged 85 in January 2009, is one of the most revered players in the club’s history.

The forward’s claret and blue career began when he wrote to Villa asking for a trial because he liked the name of the club. Johnny went on to score 144 goals in 430 games and, on top of the 1957 Wembley tri-

www.thevillatimes.com | 17

he helped Villa back into the top flight by winning the Second Division title in 195960. He also coached the club’s youngsters.

Peter McParland Peter was the first player to score in both the FA Cup and League Cup finals. The fact achieved the distinction for Villa and his goals in both matches were winners has put him into claret and blue folklore.

Peter bagged a brace in the 1957 FA Cup final victory over Manchester United and grabbed the goal in the extra time win over Rotherham in the League Cup final in 1961. He scored 121 goals in 341 appearances for Villa.

Pongo Waring Tom Waring has a place among the Villa greats. Better known by his nickname ‘Pongo’, Waring’s scoring heroics lit up the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Commanding in the air and deadly with both feet, with a strike rate of three goals every four games Pongo’s claret and blue goal tally eventually totalled 167 in 225 appearances, including a debut hat-trick – an impressive return for the £4,700 Villa paid Tranmere for his services in 1928.

Billy Walker Billy Walker will always commanded a place in Villa fans’ hearts, with 244 goals to his name, Billy remains Villa’s record scorer, almost half a century after his death in 1964.

Billy, who captained Villa and England during the 1920s, scored 12 League and FA Cup hat-tricks, including becoming the first player to convert three penalties in a game.

Allan Evans Allan Evans is one of the most respected defenders in Villa’s history, which is remarkable given that he was originally signed as a striker.

After arriving from Dunfermline, the centre forward was converted to centre-half and never looked back. Known for his consistency, Evans was a strong tackler and header. He played an big part in Villa’s 1981 First Division title triumph, as Villa conceded just 40 goals in 42 games. He also helped Villa return to the top flight in 1988 following their relegation the previous season.

Peter Withe Peter Withe’s goal, the years of the early 1980s would not have been possible. Between joining Villa for a record £500,000 fee from Newcastle in 1980 and leaving for Sheffield United in 1985, Peter scored 92 goals in 233 appearances, 20 of those goals helped Villa win the First Division in 1981 and three decades on he still remains the last player to score that many league goals in a season. The following year he scored the most famous goal in Villa history – the shinned effort which clinched the 1982 European Cup.

Charlie Aitken Charlie turned out 660 times, including 657 starts, during a claret and blue career between 1959 and 1976, Charlie’s Aston Villa appearance record will ever be beaten.

The Scottish defender established himself as Villa’s regular left back with his greatest achievements in the 1975 League Cup final win over Norwich at Wembley, the Third Division championship triumph in 1972 and promotion back to the top flight in 1975.

Next Month we have Top Ten Games

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Where Are They Now Why did you leave Villa as you were one of our better players?

Funniest dressing room incident that is printable? Most difficult opponent? Best player? Most memorable game? Worst injury?

Gordon Smith Your Questions

Answered By ...

Signed from St Johnstone as a direct replacement for the recently departed (pushed out) full-back Charlie Aitken. Gordon Smith was born in Glasgow, July 1954. He played at schoolboy level for his home city before making the North-East trek to Perth. There he signed amateur forms as a 16 year old with St Johnstone, it was 1969 and the ‘Saint’s had reached their first ever League Cup Final – they lost 1-0 to Celtic. Gordon turned pro in July ’71. His game flourished and the right-back gained four Scottish U-23 caps (one he recalls was at Tynecastle where his cross lead to a certain Andy Gray scoring) and made over 100 appearances for his side.

When he was informed that an English side were interested he jumped at the chance. Gordon came down to the Midlands and was on the verge of signing the Villa contract placed in front of him when Ron Saunders asked – out of the blue - if he had ever played at left-back, “I hadn’t in my life, but I told him I had, I knew how good Gidman was and knew it was either; left-back for Villa, or stay in Scotland playing in front of 8,000 - 12,000, a no-brainer really!”

He slotted into the unorthodox left-back berth and formed a solid full-back partnership with ‘Giddy.’ In his League debut Villa trounced West Ham 40 on the opening day, many teams fared no better at Villa Park that season.

Gordon played 34 games in a hugely successful campaign; Villa ended up fourth, though with luck could have won it. He was substitute in the League Cup Final second replay, it was his cross from the right (yes the right, he came on for the injured Gidman) which evaded Darracott for Brian Little to slide in the winner. In the following season Gordon Smith played his part in Villa reaching the U.E.F.A Cup quarter-finals where they narrowly went out to Barcelona. In his third and final season at Villa, Gordon – now seemingly out of favour - played in the White Hart Lane match where the two Argentinians Villa and Ardiles debuted, though it was the Aston variant, not the Ricardo one, that ran out 4-1 winners. Spurs boss Keith Burkinshaw was so impressed by Smith’s performance he signed him on, “I asked if he wanted a right-back but he didn’t, I was destined to remain a leftback.”

Most memorable game?

Has to be the Nou Camp game, we had scraped a 2-2 draw at Villa Park.

We held them in Spain to 0-0 at half-time and we took the lead through Little, but Giddy received his marching orders and it was too difficult to give a side of Barca’s calibre an extra man advantage. The ref didn’t help; he was what I would call a ‘Homer!’ Some very dubious decisions.

Worst injury?

Pulled my hamstring in training at Spurs in my first week. I can honestly say it was never the same after that.

Do you keep in touch with former teammates?

Only when I get invited down for golf days through the Aston Villa former Players Association, then I get to see some of the lads.

QUESTIONS FROM FANS

Andy ‘Turnstile’ Ullah - Why did you leave Villa as you were one of our better players?

I was in dispute with the manager. When I came down from Scotland I wasn’t a huge star so it was accepted I was on a lesser wage, I was ok with that. In my second season I was still on the same, I heard the talk in the dressing room, who was on what and went to see Saunders. I wanted a fair balance. He dropped me from the team as I had the audacity to ask After a four-year spell with Tottenham, Gordon came back to the Midlands for more. It was a shame, I was happy at the club and treated very well. and played a few years at Wolves. From there his career took him to South Africa and the USA before returning to the UK to finish at Barnet. He now Debra Abbott (long suffering wife) - Funniest lives back in his native Glasgow.

dressing room incident that is printable?

After we had won the League Cup at Old Trafford we were in this big bath celebrating after the match. Graham Clark who wrote a paper the ‘Villa Times’ (sounds familiar) was thrown in by the players. He was still Best player? fully clothed and as he stood up, the photographer Terry Weir snapped Glenn Hoddle, I played alongside him for the four years I was at Spurs. away with his camera, I was stood there too except I was bollock naked, Villa, Ardiles, Archibald, and Perryman, all great players but in my opinion Andy Gray and Giddy were also in the bath, but they were sat down and he was head and shoulders above them. thought it was hilarious. That picture, hopefully the only one in existence ended up in my dad’s photo album. It makes me smile to this day when I Most difficult opponent? see it.

Johan Cruyff, I played against him in his Barcelona days. He was that good - it was frightening.

by Colin J Abbott

QUESTIONS

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Johan Cruyff, I played against him in his Barcelona days. He was that good, it was frightening.

Name

Gordon Smith

Career

Years 1972–1976 3 July 1954 (age 58) 1976–1978 Place of birth Partick, Glasgow, Scotland 1978–1982 1982–1984 Playing position Date of birth

Full back

Team St Johnstone Aston Villa Tottenham Hotspur WolverWanderers

Apps 112 79 38 38

Honours: Aston Villa, League Cup winner 1977

(Gls) (8) (0) (1) (3)

Next Month John Gidman

www.thevillatimes.com | 21

To Do

List

S t ad i u m T o u r s at V il l a Pa r k

How do you fancy looking out on Villa Park's hallowed turf? Or would you love to check out the first team dressing room?

A Introduction to Paradise Fourm Front man Steve, from Solihull, has been singing for years and formed another popular Birmingham band Sartori in 2000, playing the circuit and gigging around the Midlands.

His highlight to date has been playing at the Birmingham Academy, on a stage once graced by Nirvana while, as a solo artist, he also released two singles into the UK charts.

Guitarist Rob Mills, 32, also played with Sartori as well as Discordance and Tendency Jones. His claim to fame was reaching the final of the Emergenza Battle of the Bands.

Drummer Matt Parker 39 is a graduate of the Musicians Institute and a former member of Riverdance. He has played in theatres on the Riverdance tour and performed everywhere from Hammersmith Apollo in London to Radio City in New York, the Aotea Centre in Auckland, New Zealand and Germany's Olympic Stadium in Munich.

If the answer is yes, join us for an unforgettable day out at one of the oldest stadiums in the country and home to Aston Villa. We invite you to take a behind-the-scenes tour around the famous ground that boasts traditional heritage with state-of-the-art facilities.

Tours take place on Wednesday, Friday and selected Sundays within the month. However, if there is a match, tours cannot take place on that day, the afternoon before or the morning after.

Bass guitarist Andy Faulkner has been playing since the mid 80s in bands including Siam, Marshall Law and Iron Horse and is also a music producer and engineer, working with hundreds of artists over the last 24 years, recording many critically acclaimed albums.

Chloe, from Aldridge, at just 18, is the baby of the band. A pupil at Shelfield Academy in Walsall, she met Steve through her Dad who happened to be discussing her talents with Peter over a pint.

Steve said: "We have a vast experience in the music industry between us and are now enjoying our career performing at live gigs, festivals, corporate events and even weddings.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the VMF Restaurant Starter consists of a choice of twice-baked home hot smoked salmon soufflé, jerk chicken caesar salad with mango salsa, spring onion, chestnut mushroom and Little Urn risotto, homemade cream of wild Sunday is always a day for the family to mushroom soup with bacon snippets and enjoy tasty fare so make sure you bring chives. your claret and blue loved ones out for the day at this popular venue.

Main course is roast sirloin of beef with

rot puree and chicken reduction, tian of roast vegetables layered in puff pastry, smoked red pepper and basil sauce or a fish option of the week.

For desserts you can choose from chocolate and orange fondant with vanilla ice cream, sticky toffee pudding with caramel sauce, new season apple and pear parfait homemade Yorkshire Pudding and honey or slow cooked rice pudding with raspThere are really no excuses for not picking roast parsnips thyme gravy, honey and berry jam and clotted cream.

Villa Park as your weekend destination. For mint marinated rump and confit of BlindSunday Lunch you can enjoy three- house Farm lamb, pot roasted lemon and Contact 0121 326 1570 to reserve courses for £22.50. thyme chicken with chargrilled fennel, car- your places.

22 | thevillatimes.com

Make your child's birthday one he will never forget with our fabulous Kicking Kids parties.

Kicking Kids parties are perfect for children aged between five and twelveyears-old. In addition to a fun birthday There are also tours running throughlunch, the party will include a visit from out the week during the summer. one of our club mascots and a football session in the Villa Park indoor academy.

Marc Dezelu is also a guitarist and has been a professional live musician for over 25 years. He spent 12 years with Paul Reason, Robbie Willams' tribute act and his session work has taken him to London to work with some major record labels as well as top artists including Alanis Morissette, Juliann Ragan, Morten Harket and Bonnie Tyler.

Villa Park is the place to be on Sunday’s - with fantastic food on offer at VMF.

Make your child's birthday special with a Villa Park party

But the excitement does not stop there. Your group will join others and go on a breathtaking mini-tour of the stadium.

It means they can emulate the players by stepping into the dressing room and walking out into the tunnel. It will be a day they'll remember forever.

Parties take place on Saturdays on the following dates: September 22, October 6 and 20, November 3 and 17, December 1 and 15, January 19, February 2 and 23, March 9 and 23, April 6 and 20, May 4 and 25, June 15 and 29, July 13 and 27. For more information or to book call 0800 612 0950.

A Footballer’s Say with former Aston Villa & Wolves midfielder

Mark Burke

Lucky enough to be a Villa fan I was lucky enough to be a Villa fan at the best time in its history, being at Highbury to see us secure the league title and in Rotterdam*** to see Dennis lift the European Cup will always remain special memories of fantastic times.

My Villa Memory

Today the Premier League kicks off with an enhanced realism, we KNOW exactly who will be fighting out the title and we accept it.

Thankfully the club addressed that and now you can feel a subtle air of progress and confidence, an indefinable something that feels good. Now we have a vibrant young manager with a definite This is where I think Villa and other clubs method and philosophy on how he maybe at a kind of crossroads in accept- wants a team playing and a club. He is Aston Villa is a club worthy of a place ing the 'new' order' in the game. What slowly and very deliberately putting his amongst the elite, there are no doubts are we aiming for? It's a big question? mark on the club. about that. Royal and Regal, Villa Park, sitting majestically in the grounds of Aston Football clubs were created as centres of In my very humble opinion progress for Hall, it fits beautifully into the surround- the community offering the people en- Villa is bringing back respect for the club ings. tertainment and a social focal point. on a national level with a style of play the Today its changed, it seems to be a fans can relate to and enjoy. The new For me, as a youngster, the name 'Aston never ending 'search' for success and to manager looks absolutely determined Villa' always had a magical ring to it and I win. But you cannot always win, only and capable of doing just that, there will was lucky that my 'supporting' years one team can and nowadays it seems be hiccups along the way but re-estabwere as the club saw great success. but only one team from 4 or 5 can. lishing the club in the eyes of it's own the game has changed now and clubs like supporters and then nationally will be the ours find ourselves in a position of un- Football clubs mean a lot to so many first step. certainty, where are we going? What is people, providing so much to people in success for us? terms of identity and pride, these were things that Villa needed to re-establish If you are a fan of a certain age you will and clearly define in the immediate furemember those days when each season ture. ***When I returned to school on the kicked off and EVERY club thought Friday from Rotterdam after the Euromaybe, just maybe if they did well they The club and in particular the fans were pean Cup Final one of my friends said had a chance, maybe not a big chance possibly slipping into apathy, the worst that he was moaning at his Dad about but a chance if winning the title, QPR, thing that can befall a football club, a lack not taking him to Rotterdam, 'why didn't West Ham, Ipswich, all came close, we interest and indifference makes for a very we go Dad?' His response was a classic actually won it! dull, flat and uninspiring atmosphere.

'We'll go next time' he said!

“I am optimistic”

A Protective Kit Man The season Villa won the league, we played Middlesbrough on the penultimate day of the season and at the end of the game myself and a friend, Brendan, ran on to the pitch and I asked my hero - Gordon Cowans if we could have his shirt, he said No I can't, we said 'ok' being just happy that we had touched the great man and we ran off again!

Years later when I was at the club and knowing how protective the kit man (Jim Paul) was of the kit I know why Sid said No!

www.thevillatimes.com | 23

In aid of:

Michael Cuddy Memorial Trophy

Legends M Match

0121 472 1191 www.bsmh.or www .bsmh.org.uk/f g.uk/football ootball

James Leyfield Villa In Showbiz

Greg Rutherford could've jumped into long Villa career British Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford could've been tasting success in the claret and blue of the Villa – if hadn't been so "lazy".

The Team GB superstar spent six months on trial with Villa as a 14 year old and might have been able to follow in the footsteps of his great-grandfather Jock Rutherford – who made 11 appearances for England and turned out for Arsenal and Newcastle, winning three League titles – but he admits he "didn't work hard enough" to become a footballer.

He told the Sunday Mercury newspaper: "I was all right at football and I wasn’t a bad player. But I was a bit lazy to be honest and didn’t work hard enough at it."

Greg has gone on to become a huge success in the long jump - his career highlight undoubtedly coming during London 2012 as he had 80,000 spectators on their feet in the Olympic Stadium when he clinched gold for Team GB – and while he doesn't seem to have retained his football ability, he is enjoying all the attention that comes with being a star athlete.

Nigel comes back to England for Villa

He added: “I have been on Soccer AM since I won the gold. I skied my shot at the end of the show though.

Villa superfan Nigel Kennedy has started spending more time in England – partly to watch more Villa games.

The 55-year-old violinist is one of the most high profile Villa fans around and can often be seen onstage sporting his latest claret and blue attire to proudly show off his footballing allegiance. And now he is spending a lot more time at his home in Belsize Park, North London, to be with his kid and beloved Villa.

“I have enjoyed all the appearances and TV shows and things that I have been on.”

The 25-year-old star – who played several sports during his younger years including badminton and rugby - jumped 8.31 metres to clinch his gold medal at the London Olympics, and following his fantastic achievements on the track, his is delighted that he chose long jump over a football career.

He said: "I am pleased I picked track over football, because I don't think I could have emulated anything like my great-grandfather achieved. It's worked out quite well."

Rutherford – who was born in Milton Keynes - returned to Birmingham in late August for the Diamond League athletics meeting, but he was left disappointed with a third place finish behind Russia's Aleksandr Menkov, who took first, and American Christian Taylor in second.

He told the BBC: "For me, I felt as if there was something today and it's annoying, it really, really is. It was just nice to be out here with some home support.

"I thrive off all the people really wanting to gun for me. Today I let a few people down I think and that's not ideal."

One minute you're winning, the next you're disappointed. Maybe Greg should have played for Villa after all?

He told the Independent newspaper: "I’m, like, spending more time in England, because of, like, musical things, and my kid and football.”

Karim El Ahmadi's winning streak Karim El Ahmadi just cannot stop winning awards. Fresh from being named Holland's Most Fashionable Footballer of 2012, the midfield genius won the club's Player of the Month award for August, narrowly beating off competition from Stephen Ireland, Ron Vlaar, Barry Bannan and Nathan Baker respectively.

While his impressive performances on the pitch have been something to behold - especially that scintillating strike against Everton at Villa Park – his directional ability off the pitch has not.

Despite dividing his time between North London and his flat in Krakow, Poland, the busy musician still manages to get in around 20 Villa games a season.

He added: "Villa play once or twice a week, so that’s the maximum. I watch them about 15 or 20 times a season.”

But spare a thought for Nigel as he's a bit down in the dumps about Villa not being on TV that much anymore.

He explained: “You can change your wife, but you never change your football team.

“I started supporting them, when I was, like, eight, so it’s too late now.

But I do like to redress the balance a bit, because we never get on TV, no one ever talks about us.”

Karim must have still been thinking about his goal against Everton when he drove away from the stadium after the game as he couldn't remember how to get home, so he had to ask a helpful fan for directions. Let's hope he navigates his way around the pitch a bit better!

www.thevillatimes.com | 25

Samir Carruthers Full name Samir Badre Carruthers Date of birth 4 April 1993 (age 19) Place of birth Islington, England Height 5 ft 8 in Playing position Winger Club information Number 40 Youth career Cambridge United 2005–2009 Arsenal 2009–2012 Aston Villa Senior career Years Team 2012– Aston Villa

Apps 3

Gls 0

2011– Rep of Ireland U19

8

1

2012Rep of Ireland U21

1

0

National team

Stiliyan Petrov Full name Stiliyan Alyoshev Petrov Date of birth 5 July 1979 (age 33) Place of birth Montana, Bulgaria Height 5 ft 11 in Playing position Midfielder Club information Number 19 Youth career Montana

Support Stan

Senior career Years Team 96–99 CSKA Sofia 99–06 Celtic 2006– Aston Villa

Apps 43 228 186

Gls 6 55 9

National team 1998– Bulgaria

106

(8)

Villa Buiness Restaurant VMF has once again been recognised for its impressive sustainability by scooping a Green Apple Environment award.

It is part of a national campaign to find Britain's greenest companies, councils and communities.

VMF competed against more than 500 other nominations and staff will be presented with the Green Apple Award at a glittering presentation ceremony in the House of Commons on November 14.

As a result of this success they have been invited to have their winning paper published in The Green Book, the leading international work of reference on environmental best practice, so that others around the world can follow their example and learn from their experience.

More Awards for Restaurant VMF Villa Tots coaching scheme launched

Events

Villa are thrilled to announce fun coaching courses for our youngest of fans - Villa Tots.

Click here for an image gallery of Villa Tots in action. To book places, contact 0800 612 0970.

28 | thevillatimes.com

The awards are organised by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-activist, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising and promoting environmental best practice.

Restaurant VMF utilises several sustainability projects in their operations, such as the successful allotment project.

Coaches teach the kids to share, play in a group environment and develop greater motor skills through ball control without competitive restrictions.

The cost is ÂŁ25 per child per block of five sessions - and they're open to both boys and girls.

Villa Tots t-shirts are also available for just ÂŁ10.

Click here to download our Villa Tots brochure to check out dates and times.

The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have become established as the country's major recognition for environmental endeavour among companies, councils, communities and countries.

Judges for the Green Apple Awards are drawn from the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management and other independent bodies.

Villa Tots are open to two-three-year-olds to help them learn core skills as they grow up.

They will learn all about confidence, self-esteem, exercise and active play during the sessions, held in both Villa Park's Indoor Academy and The Village Hotel in Solihull.

They will also grasp a basic knowledge of football, better movement, co-ordination and balance, spatial awareness, group interaction and social skills, colour recognition and developed confidence.

They will also be considered to represent their country in the European Business Awards for the Environment.

The allotment, which lies just 1.5 miles from Villa Park, is tended to by 80 young people from the St. Georges Community Hub in Nechells which has been active in the youth communities of Aston and Newton for the past 12 years.

Christmas Parties at Villa Park.

Prestigious suites, elite cuisine and a range of entertainment from themed evenings, tribute nights and exclusive Christmas Parties.

In the first season of the allotment, 750kg of potatoes were harvested and served in the VMF restaurant.

In the coming season this will expand to a full range of vegetables, potatoes, salad items and herbs from the 92 raised gardens and greenhouses at the site.

Now is your opportunity to make Christmas a memorable one for staff, clients or whoever you choose to entertain. With a dedicated member of staff to handle your booking and extensive car parking capacities, the only thing you need to worry about will be selecting who will be lucky enough to attend.

The site also features four of the twelve hives used to produce honey at VMF. Restaurant VMF - and other eateries on site - also use local suppliers wherever possible, with 80% of the produce used coming from the counties surrounding the West Midlands.

However you want to celebrate the festive season, a diverse programme of discos, lunches, themed evenings and grand parties all within the prestigious Villa Park stadium will ensure you'll find your perfect event at Aston Villa.

This includes farms in Bloxwich, Wythall, Tamworth and Earlswood as well as many other local businesses and producers.

For more information visit www.avfc.co.uk or call 0800 612 0960

This is also the latest award Villa's excellent restaurant has won. They scooped six top gongs at the 'Stadium Experience' event earlier this year.

www.acorns.org.uk/indiacycle www.acorns.org www .acorns.org.uk/indiacycle

Registered charity no. 700859

Darren Bent, Cure Leukaemia CEO James McLaughlin and Barry Bannan

London to Paris Cycle Challenge for Acorns From 10-14th July 2013 Acorns will once again be offering you the chance to get on your bike and cycle from capital to capital on the Children’s Hospice London to Paris Cycle Challenge.

Known as one of Europe’s best long distance cycling routes, this 300 mile, 4 day challenging trip will take cyclists from London through the stunning South Downs and on to Dover to catch the ferry to Calais. The French part of the route follows country lanes passing market towns and battle fields with views of the rolling hills of Northern France.

A tough and hilly route, the group will need to dig deep and support each other to reach the finish line at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. After an evening of celebration there will be a free morning to enjoy Paris before taking the Eurostar back to London.

Whether you are a regular cyclist, or simply enjoy a Sunday afternoon meander, this is a fantastic opportunity to take on a challenge, get fit and meet other like-minded people to raise vital funds for Acorns! All levels of ability are catered for on this ride; you don’t need to worry about accommodation, luggage, water or food, leaving you to just cycle and

30 | thevillatimes.com

focus on your goal of reaching Paris.

Fundraising options: Option 1 - You agree to meet a minimum fundraise target which includes the cost of the trip: £99 deposit and minimum fundraise of £1,500 (of this amount at least 80% must be delivered to Acorns no later than 11 weeks prior to departure with the additional 20% delivered 4 weeks after return to the UK).

Option 2 - You personally pay the full cost of your trek and then fundraise as much as you can for Acorns with no minimum (although we encourage you to raise as much as you can!): £99 deposit and £722 balance (paid 11 weeks prior to departure).

How to register: To request an information pack or if you have any questions please email events@acorns.org.uk or call 0844 984 0405. You can also enter online now www.acorns.org.uk

Good Luck

Villa Stars Darren Bent and Barry Bannan hand over Villa donation to Cure Leukaemia PREMIER League stars from Aston Villa will help to fund the work of a research nurse in the fight against leukaemia after a club cash gift.

The “substantial” donation by Villa to Birmingham-based charity Cure Leukaemia will cover the costs of a specialist nurse at the Haematology Centre in the city’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital for 18 months.

Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov was diagnosed with acute leukaemia earlier this year and, although in remission, he faces an ongoing fight to get better.

International stars Darren Bent and Barry Bannan visited the centre and spoke to senior research nurse Julie Arazzi.

Bent said: “There is a natural link between the club and Cure Leukaemia following Stiliyan’s diagnosis and I’m looking forward to assisting the team and supporting their hard work in the fight against leukaemia.”

England forward Bent said: “I think Stan’s situation has opened a lot of people’s eyes and it’s great to come down here to visit Cure Leukaemia and see the fantastic work that they do. It’s been tremendous being here. It seems like support is coming from everywhere in the fight against leukaemia and I’m sure Stan has been overwhelmed by the support. Having places like this dedicated to helping people can only help.

“When I spoke to Julie, the research nurse, a little earlier she told me that they are always looking to find new treatments and cures and this can only help people in the same situation as Stan.

Raising for Cancer Research Mark Van Beeumen works as the Community Champion in Tesco, Aston Lane. One part of his job is outreach and support the local community, another part is fundraising for Tesco’s Charity of the Year. Last year he and his colleague Kate Crehan supported Alzheimer’s Society, Together they raised £12,596.20.

This year they continue their fundraising for Tesco’s Charity of the Year 2012, which is ‘Cancer Research UK’. They hope to raise even more this year as cancer affects the life of so many of people.

Tickets for both the Motown & Soul Night and the Ceili Night cost £5. All proceeds will go to Cancer Research Uk. If you would like more information or you want to be involved in fundraising activities for Cancer Research UK, Contact Kate Crehan on 07514 438066 or Mark Van Beeumen on 07885 286684.

Scotland midfielder Bannan added: “After listening to what the nurses and staff have had to say, it touches you and puts you in a place where you think you’re happy training and being fit and healthy. It makes you appreciate that very much.

“Stan’s an inspiration for so many people now and for me to come here and do this is fantastic. I feel really privileged to have been able to visit here and the work that Cure Leukaemia is doing is something we’re very proud as a club to be able to support.”

James McLaughlin, boss of Cure Leukaemia, said: “Since Stiliyan Petrov’s diagnosis, the club has been extremely supportive of the work the charity does. The generous donation by the club will make a huge difference.”

You can watch the tour http://www.facebook.com/CureLeukaemia

Villa Charity

Cure Leukaemia Launches the 100 Club to Mark a Special Anniversary!

From dressing up as the Spice Girls to racing maggots and playing blindfolded bowling, businesses in Birmingham have joined forces to launch Cure Leukaemia’s new 100 Club and mark a special anniversary.

Over the past few months, BBC WM 95.6 FM's Red Alert Appeal and Cure Leukaemia have been following the story of Tony De Grey, who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in January 2012 and given just days to live.

Today, Wednesday 29 August, Tony has reached a huge milestone: 100 days since undergoing stem cell transplantation. To show support for Tony and fellow leukaemia patients, the charity has launched the 100 Club, calling for businesses and individuals to raise £100 in the most fun and quirky way possible.

Chief Executive of Cure Leukaemia, James McLaughlin, said: “Tony has faced his treatment with an overwhelmingly positive attitude, and by encouraging people to support our work through fun and quirky initiatives, we felt that the launch of 100 Club was fitting tribute to mark this occasion.”

Heleema Begum from Succead is organising a sponsored game of blindfold bowling for the company. She said: “We’ve worked with Cure Leukaemia for some time, and the launch of 100 Club gave us the perfect reason to do something different that means the team can have fun together and raise funds at the same time.”

Fellow 100 Club supporter, Ruth Pipkin of Rewired PR said: “When we heard about the launch of Cure Leukaemia’s 100 Club, I asked the team what we could do to raise £100 in the most fun way possible. It seems that the Olympic closing ceremony made a lasting impression, and the Spice Girls have reunited for a very special cause!”

Tell us what you’re planning to do by emailing info@cureleukaemia.co.uk tweeting us @CureLeukaemia with the hashtag #CL100club, set up a JustGiving page, post on our Facebook wall; http://www.facebook.com/CureLeukaemia or call 0121 236 0164.

www.thevillatimes.com | 31

‘My story began in 2007. I had problems with my eyes, so after lots of visits to the opticians and the local hospital, the doctors gave me an MRI scan. They told me that I have a brain tumour which can’t be operated on as it’s in a dangerous place, deep in my brain. I began chemotherapy, but it didn’t work and my tumour grew. My only other option was radiotherapy.’

The Harry Moseley Story – ‘Making it Happen’ written

by Villa fan Simon Goodyear – is a true account of how a ‘normal’ little boy dreams and a selfless, compassionate outlook on life proved that, with hard work, determination and a bit of cheek, anyone can achieve the goals they set themselves in life.

Simon contacted Harry’s brave and wonderful mum, Georgina (via Twitter) several weeks after Harry’s death and told her of his idea of writing a book about Harry.

Little did he know that it was one of Harry’s dreams to have a book written about himself, so when Georgina agreed for Simon to write it, he was excited and honoured at the prospect of fulfilling one of Harry’s dreams, even though he would never see the final product.

This is an emotional, heart-warming and truly inspirational account – told by Harry’s mum and soul mate, Georgina – of how a little boy’s dream of helping others changed the lives of millions and it will probably make you take a look at yourself in the process. Harry was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2007 at the age of seven.

This book shows how, inspired by a friend who was also suffering from brain cancer, Harry evolved his simple ideas and philosophy into a global entrepreneurial campaign using all the social media tools available to him, including his beloved Twitter.

Harry Moseley An inspirational story of a real life angel

The book emphasises that we can all achieve anything in life and ‘make it happen’ if we believe in ourselves, as long as we are committed to our goals and are passionate about our dreams. Harry gripped the nation by making and selling beaded bracelets all by himself, with the proceeds he raised going to charity. He also organised and arranged to meet CEOs of large organisations and did presentations at school assemblies and at large public events in front of the local and national media, talking about his business ideas. All this was achieved by Harry himself in the face of adversity and fighting a dreadful disease. With this kind of determination, nothing was unachievable for young Harry.

During his fight against brain cancer, Harry befriended many people via his Twitter account, including adults and children, younger and older than himself, from all sorts of backgrounds. He also captured the hearts and minds of many famous celebrities and sports stars including Chris Evans, Duncan Bannatyne, John Terry, Gary Lineker, Wincey Willis, Villa’s own Ian Taylor and Ben Shephard, to name but a few.

When Harry sadly passed away in October 2011, he had raised a staggering £650,000 for his chosen charities and this has now risen to over £1.1 million at the time of writing. Harry won many high profile awards while he was alive and since his death many more achievements have been awarded in his name. His legacy lives on and his dreams are now starting to become reality, thanks to his mum and his army of followers who continue to kindly organise events in his memory, all ‘making it happen’ for Harry.

The Harry Moseley Story is available at all good bookshops or visit www.dbpublishing.co.uk priced at £9.99.

All royalties go to Harry’s chosen charities.

32 | thevillatimes.com

Villa News

Paul Lambert to welcome fans to Villa Park for open training session

Villa Fan Peter Gough running for Stilliyan in New York Marathon Peter Gough has chosen to run the ING New York marathon for Cure Leukaemia when hearing the sad news that Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov is suffering from Acute Leukaemia Villa Fan Peter, will in November will be celebrating his 40th birthday. For a present his wife decided to treat me to a place in the ING New York marathon.

Paul Lambert has made it clear he wants the fans and the players to bounce off each other - and here's the perfect opportunity for that to happen.

The ING New York City Marathon is one of the world's great road races, drawing more than 100,000 applicants annually.

Lambert has organised for a special open training session to take place at Villa Park to help supporters and stars bond.

The race attracts many world-class professional athletes, not only for the more than $600,000 in prize money, but also for the chance to excel in the media capital of the world before two million cheering spectators and 315 million worldwide television viewers. As any one of the more than 700,000 past participants will attest, crossing the finish line in Central Park is one of the great thrills of a lifetime.

The exciting event, in association with Fiat, takes place on Monday October 22.

Grandparents, mums, dads and kids are all invited as the new boss puts his young and hungry squad through their paces.

Villa’s New York Road Runner

You will be able to get up close and personal with the summer signings like Christian Benteke, Joe Bennett, Ashley Westwood, Matt Lowton, Ron Vlaar, Brett Holman, Karim El Ahmadi and Jordan Bowery.

As a Villa fan of 25 years he decided it would be a great opportunty to show his support for Stan and raise money for Cure Leukaemia, now I know it seems that everyone is doing something to raise money for this charity and everybody wants a donation but please if you could donate it would be amazing.

Then there's established favourites like Darren Bent, Gabby Agbonlahor, Brad Guzan, Shay Given, Barry Bannan and Ciaran Clark.

Tickets for season ticket holders are free and available to snap up from Wednesday September 19.

Pete has had a shirt made up and signed by 21 members of the first team squad and is offering as a prize to one lucky person who donates £5 or more to www.justgiving.com/pagough or you can text SEWP57 £5 to 70070.

General admission prices for tickets are £2 adults and £1 U16s and they are on sale from Friday September 21.

However, if you buy a ticket for Villa's big clash with Norwich, you'll get a free ticket for the open training session.

There's a very tempting 4-4-£44 offer for the Norwich game in selected areas of the ground, available from Friday September 21.

All the money raised will go direct to Cure Leukaemia and Closing date is the 15th November and the draw will be made on the 25th.

Fan News

N e w Bu y & S el l i n g Pa g e o n F ace bo o k

Please note that because of the large numbers of supporters expected to attend and autograph opportunities will be limited.

Life long Villa fan Paul Marhuish has with a lot of friends of the group thinking come up with a unique way of using it has been a great idea for people to not facebook. only swap, buy and sell but by meeting new friends, not only from the UK but Born only a stones throw from Villa Park all over the world. has developed a new page on facebook for all us Villa fans to buy and sell or Unlike ebay it is free to use and chat live beloved club's stuff. Called ASTON to the buyer or seller, there is already VILLA SELLING PAGE, there is no 1000s of Villa items already, everyone is other page like it and is just for Villa fans welcome to join and sell their items for to sell, buy and swop all their Villa items. free.

There will also be lots of competitions on the day - and also 'one day only' discounts on merchandise and tickets.

Paul created the page in July and has al- Lets all give Paul our support and start ready become very popular with over buying and selling on his new page on 1480 members in just under 3 months facebook, visit Aston Villa Selling Page.

Tickets will be available by popping into Villa Village or New Street, contacting 0800 612 0970 or buying online.

www.thevillatimes.com | 33

A Traveling Villa Fan With

Mark Goodwin

“Newcastle away ........

always a good day out and occasionally I make a weekend of it.�

34 | thevillatimes.com

This year though after a few trips away already I thought better of it, so it was an early start for the 3 hour coach trip up to Geordieland. After last weeks horror show against Everton and a less than convincing victory over Tranmere in mid week I was a little apprehensive as the coach picked me up at 8:30am. We have not got a particularly good record at St James' Park and they way Cisse and Ba performed last season, the thought of our back four holding out against them had me thinking a bit of a hiding was on the way. We had also not won at Newcastle since 2005 and the infamous Dyer and Bowyer "punch up" !

goal.

We stayed in the bar until 3:55pm and then made our way to our seats. Blimey...........its high up there!! Good job I don't suffer from vertigo. Great view though, you could see the whole of Newcastle, including the Tyne Bridge, even if it was like watching a Subutteo game on the pitch. Barry Bannan looked like a ant !

Newcastle had a couple of late corners but we held firm and got a thoroughly deserved point. Infact on clear chances in the game I thought we deserved the win.

As with the West Ham game we started well passing the ball around and deservedly took the lead on 22 minutes when Clark headed home from 8 yards from a cross from Bannan on the left.

Vlaar and Clark we doing their best to keep Ba and Cisse quiet although it took a fine save by Guzan from the latter to preserve the clean sheet.

Both teams were playing some good stuff so it was a bit surprising that there were no further goals in the 1st We made a pick up in Derby and after a Services stop Half. for 20 minutes to change drivers we arrived at our norOn the whistle I headed downstairs to meet Clarkey mal stop at Chester le Street at 12:15pm. who'd got the half-time beers in, very pleased with our Most of us headed into The Red Lion for a few pre performance. match drinks and something to eat, some went to a pub next door, whilst a few others got taxis up to Newcastle Ht Newcastle 0 Villa 1 to have a few beers in the Town Centre.

The 2nd Half continued in the same vein as the 1st, with We stayed in the pub until 2:30pm, watching the Liver- both teams attacking each other from the off. Newcastle pool v Arsenal game on the big screen and generally were obviously keen to get back onto level terms early chatting to the locals, most of whom were fairly confi- on, but Villa were counter attacking at every oppourtudent of a Newcastle win, but a couple thought we might nity and Bent and Weimann were a constant threat. On the hour though the home side drew level with a wonget something ! der strike from Ben Arfa from 25 yards which absolutely The Motorway was fairly clear as we headed for the flew into the top right hand corner giving Guzan no ground, going over the Tyne Bridge and arriving at the chance. Here we go again, I thought. ground just after 3pm.

Another game where we've led for a while only to blow The Black Bull pub over the road from the ground it at the end. But no. Villa responded immediately with looked quite busy with a few Villa fans outside, but me Kruhl saving well from Weimann after a cracking build and Clarkey decided to head into the ground and make up involving 4-5 players our way up to the top, via about 200 steps. I was not really looking forward to that climb and asked a Steward Villa introduced Agbonlahor for his first appearance of if there was a lift. Sure enough there was, and after he the season and Insomnia. Gabby looked electric as he showed us where it was we took the easy option and destroyed 2 Newcastle defenders with his pace to set up another chance, but a great challenge on Bent by headed up to the Away End, and of course the bar ! prevented Villa from regaining the lead. Ireland then had It was by now 3:15pm and the bar was empty apart a chance to yet again put Villa infront by fired wildly from a few early arrivals, so that was ideal for getting a wide. couple of pints in and watching the end of the Liverpool After missing those 2 chances, I did wonder whether game on the tv. we'd missed our chance to win the game and just like At 3:30pm they announced the team, and I was sur- the West Ham game we gave away a couple of free prised to see Guzan in goal in place of the dropped kicks around the area. In the final minute Holman about 25 yards from goal to give Given. Despite Given having a bit of a dodgy start to the brought down season it was still a bit of a shock to see he was on the Newcastle a chance to win it. Cabaye hit a superb free bench, especially has he would of been playing against kick towards the top left hand corner, but Guzan produced a brilliant save to keep the scores level. one of his ex clubs.

Ft Newcastle United 1 Aston Villa 1

At least the three and a half hour journey home was a bit more enjoyable than on the 2 previous visits and the Villa lined up as follows:Guzan, Lowton, Lichaj, Vlaar, Clarke, El Ahmadi, Ban- Villa fans who I was with were certainly more up beat than after the dismal display against Everton. That point nan,Holman,Bent,Weimann and Ireland. as well took us out of the relegation zone.

Right from the off Villa looked up for it. There was not the passing that I saw at West Ham, but there was alot We did stop for an hour in Barnsley on the way home more desire to get the ball back when we lost it. Every- for a couple of pints, and I eventually got home at time we gave the ball away we were hastling and har- 11:15pm, watched MOTD2 and then retired to bed rying to get it back. Guzan was coming off his line and after a long day. looking commanding and the 2 full-backs were pushing Man of the Match forward to help when needed.

Brad Guzan - came off his line and made so excellent Darren Bent was getting plenty of stick from the home saves. fans after his spell at neighbours Sunderland and he went close early on only for Kruhl to block in the Newcastle Next Match - v. Swansea City (home)

Villa Travel

Anyone this month we visit Fulham For

Fulham?

Hammersmith and Fullham is a borough in west London, and boasts 3 Premiership football teams within its boundaries. The home of Fulham fc, the oldest team in London.

you can find all of these along Putney High St if you're desperate). It is often a good idea to just start walking along any of the main roads and you should have more choice of places to eat than you will ever need.

The most well-known part of the district is perhaps Shepherd's Bush which has long been a first home in London to second and first generation immigrants. While this is less true today than in the past, the area undergoing gradual gentrification, beautification and development, there is still a substantial expatriate population (including a great many travelling Antipodeans).

Shepherds Bush Green contains many large chain pubs. Uxbridge Road and Goldhawk Road have smaller, more laid-back bars and gastro-pubs. Fulham is full of highly rated, popular pubs some of them right by the Thames.

Culturally, Shepherd's Bush is well known as the home of the BBC with the Television Centre located on Wood Lane in the White City sub-district. The Bush was also the fictional home of Steptoe & Son at Oil Drum Lane. The members of two influential British bands, The Who and the Sex Pistols grew up in Shepherd's Bush. It is also the home of Queens Park.

Elsewhere in the district, the residential riverside areas of Fulham have been hugely gentrified in the past 20 years and it is now sometimes difficult to determine where Chelsea ends and Fulham begins.

There are loads of great restaurants in Fulham along the high streets and also a distinct lack of any chain restaurants (don't worry,

The Dove, Upper Mall, is pretty 17th century riverside establishment and may be London's smallest pub, Duke on the Green, New King's Rd is Very popular Young's pub at the Fulham end of the King's rd and There is the Walkabout 56 Shepherd's Bush Green, Largest concentration of Aussies and Kiwi's in London.

Shepherd's Bush and Hammersmith are well known as the home of many discount hotels and B&Bs. With the gradual gentrification of the area, more comfortable and expensive options are appearing.

The Lyric Hammersmith, on Lyric Square off King Street, is considered one of the most notable theatres outside the West End in London. It is also home to the Hammersmith Apollo, which plays host to major concerts and stand-up comedy performances.

By Peter Martin

www.thevillatimes.com | 35

PIES

Villa News

PINTS +

LIKE TOP QUALITY BEER AND FOOD? WE KNOW JUST THE PLACES

Villa Lions and Legends to take on Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice Charity Curry Club Coming To The Midlands The Dewi Morris Curry Club started in 1996 as a benefit dinner for the retiring Dewi Morris. Charlie Womersley decided to have a curry lunch rather than the rubber chicken and soggy broccoli circuit that was the norm at the time.

Dewi continues to host the lunches and we have been entertained by a plethora of sporting greats including Dean Richards, Paul Merson and Geoff Miller and also the nation’s top comedians including Dr Kevin Jones, Billy Bean, Gary Marshall, Sean Styles and Rob Woodward.

Future plans include the launch of the curry club in other cities including Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham. The Next Curry Lunch Now Confirmed: for Friday September 28th @ East Z East Machester with guest speakers Karl Kirkpatrick Peter Withe, Steve Lander and yes.

For more information or to book with Charlie please email: charlie@charliethewine.com or call Charlie on 07771 510052

A team of young upstarts from Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice are hoping it will be third time lucky when they take on a squad of footballing legends from Aston Villa.

For the past two years, a variety of former Villa players have managed to deny victory to the Hospice team, which is made up of friends of Kings Norton charity supporter Kieran Lavin.

But after losing only 3-2 in 2011, the amateurs are feeling more confident than ever. This year’s exciting showdown, whose proceeds will be donated to the Selly Park-based Hospice, is set to take place at the West Midlands Travel Stadium in Wheeler’s Lane, Kings Heath, on Sunday, October 14.

Kick-off between Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice and Aston Villa Lions and Legends is at 2.30pm.

Looking for a pub in Birmingham where chilling out with friends and enjoying the good things in life like Beer, Burgers and Sport on TV are the order of the day? Well congratulations... you've found it!

Featuring two big screens, a heated & sheltered beer garden, Wi-Fi, quality food and some of the cheapest drinks around the Hare of the Dog has something for everyone! perfect for parking and walking distance to Villa Park Franchise Street, Perry Barr, Birmingham, B42 2ST, Tel: 0121 331 4554

Kieran said: “For the past two years, the charity match has gone from strength to strength and in total has raised close to £20,000 for the Hospice, which is amazing.”

He added: “In addition to seeing some of the top former Villa players in action, this year’s event promises to be a great family afternoon, with a range of entertainment on offer including an inflatable assault course, wellie wanging and go karts.”

Hospice fundraiser Jen Boilestad said: “Kieran’s done some amazing work in pulling together the annual charity match yet again, so on behalf of our patients and their families I would like to say a big thank you.

“We’re really excited about this year’s event and we’re sure the Hospice team has a strong chance of beating the Villa legends!”

Kieran organised the first match between the Hospice and former Villa players in April 2010 after witnessing the care provided by the charity to one of his close friends.

With around 500 people turning out on that glorious spring afternoon to watch a great game of footie a total of £8,200 was raised for the Hospice.

In 2011 the match had a new focus in the form of the Michael Cuddy Memorial Trophy, set up in celebration of the life of one of the Hospice team members, Michael Cuddy, who died suddenly in June 2010.

Tickets for the match are £4 each are available from the Hospice on 0121 472 1191 or can be

36 | thevillatimes.com

Hare of the D og, P err y Ba r r

C lub 71 & G ood hi l l Pu b & Resta ur a nt , Cyp ru s

Shakesp ea re Pu b & Gril le, S an Diego

In the heart of the tourist area in Limassol you’ll find Club-71 a His & Hers bar that offers you something special with a friendly touch.

Showing all live premiership matches and other live sporting The Shakespeare Pub & Grille events. was established in 1990 with the atmosphere of a local You can also get a good old British pub that was easy to find meal there as well and there is with a good selection of beer & a happy hour every day from quality food at a reasonable 18:00 - 19:00 price.

There is also live entertainment Aston Villa matches are shown every week with a Karaoke live and is the perfect place to every friday and Saturday. watch the match with fellow villans.

Goodhill Pub & Restaurant Ambelakion 22, 4046 YermaThey hope they can have the soyia, Limassol, Cyprus Tel opportunity to show you why +99 420 768 the Shakespeare Pub & Grille is San Diego's Original British Pub and Villa Pub in the San Diego area!

Shakespeare Pub & Grille 3701 India St, San Diego, CA 92103, USA PH (619) 299 0230

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www.thevillatimes.com | 37

Villa Shopping, what to choose

Training & Leisurewear Adults Training T-Shirt in Black/Sky £29.00

Womens Lady Cotton Polo Navy/Pnk £20.00

Aston Villa Home Shirt 2012/13 £45.00 Applique T-Shirt Double layered felt applique with embroidery to chest, printed lion logo to hem

£10.00

Away Kit 2012/13 Baby £32.00

38 | thevillatimes.com

Aston Villa Home Shirt 2012/13 Taking the 1980-81 shirt as inspiration; a winning shirt, inspiration through history with a modern twist. Guarantees the player maximum comfort for the maximum performance, with Macron adding Italian style and fashion. - Embroidered badge - Personalised ‘AVFC’ back neck - Double hem sleeve - Double rib knit collar with small knitted band, a collar with a retro flavour - Under arm insert for breathability Bringing together technology and style, a fusion of small details that make this shirt an innovative one which has kept a close eye on tradition and history.

You can buy all these at Villa Village, Villa Park or Aston Villa Store, New Street, Birmingham and at www.astonvilladirect.com

Shopping

Feature

Retro Champions Of Europe Away Jacket White/Claret £40.00

Club Crest Baseball Cap - Black £10.00

Car Booster Seat with Lights £18.00

In Safe Hands, By Colin J Abbott Limited Edition Peter Withe Signed Framed Photo. £100.00

Composite Driver Headcover £15.00

The book 'In Safe Hands' charts the early Derbyshire childhood life of Nigel Sims and then onto his professional football career that lasted just short of two decades. Regularly described by a later generation, as Aston Villa's best post-war 'keeper, he started on the groundstaff at Wolverhampton Wanderers as a youngster,then rose to stardom - being part of the victorious Aston Villa FA Cup side of 1957 whose seventh win was an outright record. Charlie Aitken an ex-teammate of Nigel’ s kindly submitted the foreword for the book and Sir Doug Ellis has also penned a few lines. Former Villa players, Wylie, Burrows, Deakin and MacEwan also added thoughts and memories. The purpose for the book was to raise funds to enable Nigel Sims to have the surgery he requires, the injuries being a direct result of his time playing professional football. It would also be a tool to raise funds for Aston Villa's charity partner Acorns Childrens Hospice to whom my wife and I have personal links.

Book costs £16.95 and is available from all official Aston Villa stores, via abz publications on the amazon website, follow our link at www.nigelsims.co.uk or contact the author directly at cjohnabb@hotmail.com

Testimonies A most interesting read - brilliantly put together telling the story of a great Villa legend and hero.

MICK TILT Takes me back to when i was eight or nine. Absolutely, wonderfully well written.Nigel was my boyhood hero and my dad used to tell me off for watching Nigel and not the game.

GRAHAM BOULTON The book is from an interesting era about a very, very interesting person against a backdrop of a proper Football Club - an institution. Superbly well written with wonderful content.

RON BRUNTON I think its fantastic really and I never thought about writing a book until I met you. A beautiful book written by Colin and his wife Debra, I am very proud.

NIGEL SIMS

www.thevillatimes.com | 39

Villa Academy

The NextGen Series heralds a thrilling new era in competitive football, featuring the next generation of world-class players who have been trained and nurtured by some of the greatest clubs in Europe.

Twenty-four elite academies, Twelve countries,One winner.

A quick browse around the Barclays Premier League and you will see the English top flight is littered with players nurtured at Aston Villa's renowned academy.

Gabby Agbonlahor, Gareth Barry, Craig Gardner and Gary Cahill are among the household names to have graduated through the club's highly-acclaimed youth system at Bodymoor Heath.

Villa find themselves in one of the toughest groups of the tournament, featuring: Sporting Lisbon, Celtic and PSV Eindhoven. However if they can produce some of the displays they did last season, they will still be serious contenders.

Player Feature

Jack Grealish Highly-rated winger Jack Grealish enjoyed a mesmeric rise to Villa's first team ranks during the 2011-2 campaign.

Grealish received a surprise call-up to the squad for the Barclays Premier League clash against Chelsea in March at the age of just 16.

The Birmingham-born attacker had already demonstrated his exciting potential for the youth, reserves and NextGen Series sides.

In the NextGen Series, Grealish came off the bench to feature in all but one of Villa's clashes.

The Republic of Ireland youth international was particularly impressive in the 4-1 victory over Norwegian side Rosenborg, setting up goals for Graham Burke and Michael Drennan.

40 | thevillatimes.com

Villa's young guns go for NextGen Euro glory at Villa Park adult season ticket holders, £10 for

adults, £3 for U16 season ticket holdTickets available for NextGen ers, and £5 for U16s.

Series home games against Sporting Lisbon, Celtic and PSV Villa host Celtic on Wednesday SepEindhoven. tember 19 before welcoming PSV to B6 on Wednesday November 7.

Villa's stars of the future are targeting European glory in the NextGen Series Villa Park witnessed some thrilling - and you can see all three of their NextGen Series football last season. home games at a bargain price.

The boys in claret and blue went on The Young Lions kicked off the cam- the attack to beat Fenerbahce 4-0 and paign on Wednesday August 15 a Rosenborg 4-1 before a Gary Gardner mouth-watering home tie against Por- hat-trick inspired a stunning 3-0 suctuguese aces Sporting Lisbon. cess over Ajax.Villa then suffered an agonising 2-1 extra-time defeat to The Group 4 encounter is a thrilling Marseille in the last eight after an abway to begin the tournament as two sorbing clash with the French outfit. of last season's quarter-finalists go head-to-head.

Please note all supporters will receive PAPER TICKETS for the NextGen fixIt is another opportunity for Villa's up- tures and will be allocated unreserved and-coming stars such as Graham seating - your season card will not be Burke, Jack Grealish, Josh Webb and activated.

Jordan Graham to shine on the European stage.

Purchase tickets by visiting the ticket offices at Villa Village or Birmingham The three-game package costs £7 for New Street, or call 0800 612 0970

The Tournament gives players and their clubs the chance to take part in a challenging international competition, culminating in a Final to win the coveted NextGen Series Trophy.

It kicked off on August 17th 2011 and includes famous clubs such as Barcelona, Chelsea, Inter, Sporting Lisbon and Liverpool, producers of stars such as Messi, Ronaldo and Gerrard. The opening season saw Inter emerge champions after beating Ajax in a thrilling penalty shoot-out.

The second season starts this August, and for young talents it offers the unique opportunity to experience all aspects of a competitive, large, international tournament. The challenges they will be facing, such as adapting to unfamiliar styles of play, prolonged periods of travel and two match weeks, will help them when making the transition to the first team.

For football fans the tournament is a great chance to watch young players in the making and to experience the new football stars of the future.

The twenty-four clubs are divided into six groups of four, where each club will contest a home and an away fixture against each group member.

Many of these fixtures will be taking place in their first team stadiums, such as Celtic Park, Estádio José Alvalade, Anfield and Villa Park.

The top two teams from each group and the four teams finishing 3rd who have amassed the most points will enter the knock-out stages.

These will be played over one leg, with each winner progressing to the next round, culminating in the Final. There will also be a 3rd/4th place play-off.

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Football Training with Peter Withe Defending Games This months featured article works on 5 v 4 defending.

We are using a 40 x 30 grid with a small goal on each end line.

There are two teams of 4’s on the field and an extra player behind each goal.

Whichever team has the ball their extra player joins in. So if yellow starts with the ball, the yellow add on joins in and it’s 5 yellows vs. 4 blacks

The defending team must adjust based on who has the ball, where players are on the field etc.

As a general rule of thumb, the most dangerous player on the field is the one with the ball so he must always be contained/delayed/pressured. Next is the player closest to goal and then each other player based on distance to goal.

When the black team loses the ball the yellow add on player leaves the field and the black add on player joins in

There are two ways to do the add on players. If it’s a 10 minute game each player would be the add on player for a two minute period. The other way, which requires more thinking and communication, is to assign each player a number and the first time they defend, player 1 is the add on. When they defend the second time, player 2 is the add on and they keep rotating from there.

This is an excellent way to get players to work on defending with shape and balance and communicating throughout.

42 | thevillatimes.com

Goalkeeping Training

GOALKEEPING FITNESS For a goalkeeper, fitness will be one of the most important parts of their make-up. It will determine ultimately how much of a chance a goalkeeper will have of becoming a professional. Goalkeepers are no longer just goalkeepers, they are in effect atheletes. They are required to have speed, balance, agility and co-ordination which is second to none. The sad truth is that many professional clubs nowadays don't want the goalkeeper who lacks in stature and height. However, if you do fall under that category do not give up...By working on aspects of your game with determination you can bring yourself to advantages over goalkeepers who have the benefit of height.

Below you will find various practices and drills that you can use to increase your levels of fitness. They are all relative to your position as a goalkeeper.

Ladder Work: Using ladders will not only improve your footwork but your general fitness over short distances. Once you have mastered the different techniques when working through the ladders, it is important, if you want to work on your fitness, to put emphasis on the speed and intensity in which you carry out the exercise. So, take the first set slowly to get the footwork correct then increase the tempo. It is important that when you complete one set you rest for a set time to prepare you for the next repetition.

Single steps (in each space) Double steps (in each space) Side steps (two feet in each space) Icky Shuffle (one foot out, two feet in..each space) Backwards Icky shuffle (one foot out, two feet in..each space) For each of the above footwork techniques, work for a set of six carried out at a rapid rate and then rest for thirty seconds. Repeat each set of six three times.

Ladder Work, with Footballs Now that the footwork has been worked at this high pace, it is important that it is put in to match relative situations. To do this, incorporate a football into the footwork so that there is an end product. Again, work these drills in sets so that they are measurable and work at a high intensity to work on the fitness side of your game.

Single steps finishing off at the end of the ladder with a volley from the server at the goalkeepers face. (You can then change the service so it is struck at the midrift and then the feet to encourage the use of different techniques.)

Side steps finishing off with a diving save in the direction the goalkeeper is working through the ladder. (Again you can vary the service making the keeper work at high saves and low saves. Make sure that the direction in which the goalkeeper is facing changes so that they work both sides of the body when diving.)

Adapt the Icky Shuffle so each time the keeper emerges on the right side of the ladder they go straight in to a diving save. ( Don't forget to work the keepers left and right side.)

Sprint Work A goalkeeper needs to have the ability to sprint at a reasonable speed. We are not talking about the 100m sprint but over a lot shorter distance. The goalkeeper may be required to sprint to the edge of their box to smother the ball, or sprint out of the box to sweep up behind the defence. For this the goalkeeper could effectively be carrying out shuttle runs. We can incorporate this in to various drills which are match realistic and will improve the keepers fitness and speed.

Shuttle runs (To the first line and back, second line and back etc...)

Shuttle runs, but this time place five balls, one ball on each shuttle line. The keeper must attack each ball as if they were diving at a forward feet.

Shuttle runs, this time a server needs to throw the ball for the goalkeeper to take at the highest point. Once caught the keeper must throw the ball back to the server, retreat to the first line and then proceed to the next line etc....

A Di e t o f a f o o t b a ll p l ayer An Example of a Professional football player’s diet for one day is described here in detail. The diet is well balanced, supplying sufficient amounts of carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.

Breakfast Food: Four slices of white bread with jam, two whole meal bread rolls with a little butter and jam, with two small tubs of yoghurt.

Fluid: Two cups of tea (without sugar) Lunch Food: Four slices of whole meal bread with a small amount of butter, one egg, two tomatoes, two packets of raisins, two bananas, and a bowl of salad.

Fluid: Three glasses of skimmed milk and one cup of coffee (without sugar) Dinner Food: One bowl (large) of spaghetti with minced meat (beef), half an onion, one tin of skinned tomatoes, and a bowl of salad.

Fluid: Two glasses of skimmed milk.

The three main meals provided an energy intake of approximately 80% of the daily intake of food, of which 63% was from carbohydrate.

The remaining energy was obtained from snacks between meals.

Snacks Food: One Apple, one packet of raisins, one bag of sweets Fluid: Two cups of coffee (without sugar) and one litre of juice.

Total for the whole day: 70% carbohydrate.

17% fat and 13% protein.

Fluid Intake Recommendations regarding fluid intake that may be helpful to a player • Drink plenty of fluid during the day more than just to quench thirst • Drink only small amounts in one intake not more than 300 ml every 15 minutes during sessions and matches.

• Drink a lot after a training session/match – even several hours afterwards • Experiment with the amounts of water that you intake during training sessions to work out the best intake of you own needs.

Water is the best fluid to drink during training program because it has not added sugar supplements.

Drinks such as Cola and frizzy drinks are not recommended because it takes longer to enter the blood stream.

www.thevillatimes.com | 43

Villa Lions

A sensational night in Bromsgrove Wednesday 5 September 2012 saw the Bromsgrove Villa Lions host an Aston Villa Legends Evening with Brian Little and Peter Withe.

Along with the unique opportunity for local supporters to have access to their Villa heroes, the evening was also intended to raise funds for the Acorns Children's Hospice and Cure Leukaemia.

The hugely successful event was held at The Grapevine, Bromsgrove High Street, and was attended by a 245-person strong sell-out.

At 7pm the doors opened with around 60 Villans patiently queuing, waiting to be the first in and being able to choose the best positions at the venue.

The evening kicked-off at 8pm after parking problems for Brian Little and coaxing Peter Withe out of the local Wetherspoons.

As Little and Withe spoke about their careers, experiences and memories a spellbound audience were glued to every word of their heroes.

They worked great as a 'double-act', with natural chemistry and produced more laughter than many stand-up comedians.

Supporters were able to have their photos taken with their idols and have items signed at various intervals during the night.

The second half of the evening saw our special guests continue discussing their careers, a Question and Answer session and also our charity raffle.

Prizes for the raffle included a signed Paul Lambert training top, a signed European Cup Winners framed picture, a party for 50 (donated by The Grapevine), a Nigel Sims biography: In Safe Hands (donated by Colin Abbott), a new Bromsgrove Villa Lions t-shirt, a free coach travel space to an AVFC away fixture with us and much much more.

We are thrilled to announce that proceeds from ticket sales, photos of Brian Little and Peter Withe, and raffle tickets raised a total of £1,270 for charity.

The total money raised will be split equally between Acorns Children's Hospice and Cure Leukaemia, with both charities receiving £635 each.

23 new members signed-up after the Bromsgrove Villa Lions declared that the one-off membership fee was waivered for supporters attending the event.

If you attended the evening, did not sign-up and wish to do so please contact us on info@bromsgrovevillalions.co.uk or by calling us on 07880790084 or 07896772288.

Adv e r t is e w it h

We wish to thank The Grapevine for their full support with this event and helping us to host a sensational evening.

Very special thanks go to Brian Little and Peter Withe. There are many happy Aston Villa fans in Bromsgrove today after meeting these great guys and true Aston Villa legends.

Aston Villa’s Premium Unofficial Magazine

Captain Goughy Lifts The Trophy Steve Gough Uk Lions Captain and solid centre back holding the UK v Overseas trophy aloft on Saturday before the home clash with Everton, with man of the match Daventrys Jamie Clift.

The UK Lions ran out winners again in this seasons Chairmans day fixture played out on the hallowed turf of Villa Park. The new Trophy will be housed in The Lions Club Lounge on matchdays for fans to sea in the new trophy cabinet, soon to be installed as a permanent fixture.

The UK Lions remain undefeated by overseas which should add a bit of spice to the encounter next May.

Lions are roaring in Holland The Dutch AVFC supporters club are really roaring in Holland after our two new signings from Feyenoord, El Ahmadi and Vlaar.

The Lions Club Lounge will have a new addition The professional table has kindly been donated by Gwent Lions as a thank you to all the Villa fans who contributed to their flag fund which was damaged at the Swansea City game last season.

Mark Wyatt Clubman of the Year and Chairman of Gwent said that the lads were simply overwhelmed bythe kindness and genorosity of fellow Villa fans who contributed to buy them a replacement flag. The table is a gesture from the members of Gwent Lions who would simply like to give something back for the fans to enjoy on a match day in The Lions Club.

The Mag

The Villa Times goal is to give Aston Villa football fans something different, with up to date information on Aston Villa, giving a good old fashioned magazine with a modern twist.

Some members were over for the recent Everton fixture and despite the defeat are already looking forward to their next visit to Villa Park soon.

Their first official trip of the season was to Werder Bremen in the pre season friendly which was just across the border for them into Germany. Although just two of them in the actual photograph, the Dutch Lions boast a good following of members who are loyal to the Claret and Blue.

Dreams come true in Ireland

New deal exclusively for members of Villa Lions Clubs

Ron Saunders managed the 1981 League Championship side who were in Galway for Eamon Deaceys memorial game in which Villa put out the strongest squad possible in memory of their colleague and friend.

The Villa Times Magazine is now working with the Villa Lions Clubs to get their news and events out through a monthly article in the magazine and on the Villa Times newsletters.

Online

Our New and informative website is going live soon with some great features for that Villa Loving fan to visit for up to date information of whats going on at Villa Park

t h e V il l a T i me s Villa old stars came out victorious but the score was irrelevant as this day was all about Eamon and his family. A nice touch was Eamons son came on for the last five minutes or so to play in the match.

As a member of the Villa Lions you are able to now buy the Villa Times magazine at a discounted rate of £20 (normally £24) for 6 months subscription and £36 (normally £48) for 12 months subscription.

If you would like to subscribe to the Villa Times magazine, please email Peter at info@thevillatimes.com and quote "Lions Sub Offer" and he will the send you a unique PayPal link to subscribe to the magazine. When contacting Peter please quote what subscription length you would like.

Call 0845 257 1874 or email info@thevillatimes.com for more information

Villa World

Send Us Your Photo to info@thevillatimes.com

Us Villa fans are everywhere this month, USA, Singapore, Australia, Wales, Ireland and yes Aston

Ciara n Sheil a O'Re illy,D erek O'Re illy and Mineh ead Rowe , From Birmi ngham at Butlin s

Allsop, Morgan ales , Powys W

Kathy, Eddie and

Kenny at the Aston

Social

Irish Lions Member, Patrick Spollen, from Dublin with Villa Legend Tony Morley

Lee Spittle and Bob Spittle! with a copy of the Villa Times

Jason Quek, Singapore, with Ian Taylor in Hong Kong

ife! and the w Brett, 25 inster (currently rm From Kidde ing in oz) liv

Robert Go ugh, from Daventry, Northampt o n s h ire, taken in C hicago,on the USA to ur

We at the Villa Times would like to thank you all for sending in your picture, UTV

Send Us Your Picture for Next Month and be in with a chance of winning the new home shirt www.thevillatimes.com | 47

Fanzone Competition

The Fanzone Quiz Test Your Villa Knowledge With The Villa Times Quiz

The idea of compiling a book of mainly memoires and stories from the past is a somewhat fascinating thought. Included in this very unique book are a number of other topics like historical facts, a section recalling favourite Villa kits from the past, a bit of trivia and some one-liners. There are even numerous Villa related poems providing some culture to the book. Throw in dozens of original pictures relating to some of the stories and add to that, recollections from a number of former Villa players and a few celebrities then you’ve got the recipe for an excellent book that, you the fans would hopefully really appreciate.

Fans favourite Ian Taylor has written a superb Foreword, recalling his debut in 1996 when he scored for his beloved club in front of the Holte End. The input of the likes of Tony Morley, Gordon Cowans, Gary Shaw, and Ken McNaught to name but a few who provided some interesting stories from their times playing in that great side of ‘82.

There are dozens and dozens of stories provided by fans from all over the world who recall the memories of watching Aston Villa home and away.

The end result is this fascinating book, ‘Memories Made In Aston’ which will stir up some long lost memories of watching the Villa. Sit back and enjoy the trip back in time.

Question Which former Villa, wrote the Foreword for “Memories Made in Aston”?

Send your answers by email to info@thevillatimes.com

48 | thevillatimes.com

?

N'Zogbia arrived 2 Charles at Villa in 2011 from star Stan Collymore?

Young was signed 3 Ashley

by Villa for £9.6m in Janwhich side?

11

was the manager of 4 Who Aston Villa before Martin O’Niell?

6

City in 2007?

Who signed for Villa from Tottenham for £1.25 million in 2008?

7

Who did Peter Enckleman sign for when he left Villa in 2004?

Who Am I? A Welsh International, My names is dean. I share my surname with one of Villa’s most successful managers in recent years?

club did John 9 Which Gregory manage before

managed Villa beWho was the manager 8 Who tween 1998 and 2002 10 of Villa during 1990/91 and led them to the Cup Final?

12

13

uary 2007 from which side?

Which Villa Player 5 signed for Birmingham

Spot Pick Name the Villa players that we watched over the last month

taking over at Villa?

season ?

14

?

?

?

Answers 1.English 2.Wigan 3.Watford 4.David O’Leary 5. Liam Ridgewell 6. Wayne Routledge 7.Blackburn Rovers 8.John Gregory 9.Wycombe Wanderers 10.Jozef Vengloš 11.Dean Saunders 12. Ireland 13. Bent 14.

Beneteke

Win the Memories made in Aston book

is the nationality 1 What of former Aston Villa

Next Month John Gidman Interview with Birmingham band UB40 band member and Villa fan Brian Travers, History feature with Colin J Abbott and much more

Wa n t to ma k e su r e th a t yo u g e t e ve ry i ss u e ? th e n r e s e r v e

Caption Competition VillaTimes The

Make us laugh and get your name in the mag

Editor Peter Brennan Designer Peter Brennan

Peter Withe with a ref during a match, during his time at Villa in the early 1980’s, What do you think they are saying to each other?

Web Development Sara Hemp & Peter Brennan Social Media Kenny Oldham Thanks to Ian Seddon, Peter Withe, Gordon Smith, Russell Jones, Aston Villa Football Club, Acorns, James Leyfield, Brian Little, Mark Burke

Send your comedy captions to info@thevillatimes.com and we’ll print the best in our next issue

Contributors Andy Evans, Tom Davis, James Leyfield, Colin J Abbott, Simon Goodyear, Mark Burke Villa Tiimes Photography Mark Little, Katie Doolan

Name the current Aston Villa player, in this months Guess Who?

Images Getty Images, Colour Sport Advertising Stratique Ltd 9 Amber Business Village, Amber Close, Amington, Tamworth, Staffs, B77 4RP T: 0845 226 3095 E: advertising@thevillatimes.com Subscription Go to www.thevillatimes.com T; 0845 257 1874 E; info@thevillatimes.com

Born in Birmingham, I am of Nigerian and Scottish descent. I came through the youth ranks at Villa.

As an 18-year-old, I was loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday and Watford ? Tell us who you think it is, email info@thevillatimes.com Answer will be in the next issue Last Issue Player was “Darren Bent”

Please Reserve My Magazine Name: ................................................................................................

Address: .............................................................................................

The Villa Times Limited, Registered Office address MacNicholas Yard, 138 Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4JZ. Company registration number; 08111746.

Tel: 0845 257 1874 E: info@thevillatimes.com W: www.thevillatimes.com Please note: The Villa Times is not a member of the Aston Villa group of companies and is a unoffical magazine based on Aston Villa The Villa Times Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright owners. every effort has been made by the publishers to ensure the accuracy of this publication; the publisher cannot accept responsibility for the errors or omissions. in the interest of inderpendence and impartiality,many features in this publication have been written by third-party experts. Any opinions expressed therein are views of the writers themselves and not necessarily those of Aston Villa and The Villa Times.

Postcode: .............................. Telephone No: ....................................

Date: ..................................... Signature: ..........................................

Ask Your Newsagent to Contact us on 0845 257 1874 to stock the magazine

your copy local newsagent and collect it from there To Buy Subscription go to www.thevillatimes.com

www.thevillatimes.com info@thevillatimes.com www.thevillatimes.com | 49

My Villa

Al Smith

Al Smith is a Villa fan from Bromsgrove, UK. Here, in an interview conducted on Facebook live chat, Al shares his memories and his love for the Claret and Blue with us.

When did you first start supporting the Villa?

My old man is a Birmingham City fan but my uncle supported the Villa, my Dad didn't go to the games but my uncle did and he took me to my first match in 1991, I'm very thankful he did!

Which player from the past do you wish you’d seen play?

I would have to say Brian Little, I've heard so much about his playing days and how adored he was by the Villa fans, I was born a little too late to see it for myself.

Do you remember your first Villa game?

March 1991, Villa vs Spurs. We won 3-2 and Platty scored a hattrick, I don't remember much else about the game other than I was sat in the North Stand and can remember the noise the Holte the was making!

Who is your Favourite current player?

The team has gone through so many changes lately it's hard to pick 1 player, I've always been a fan of Gabby but I really admire Petrovs passion and determination.

I'll have to choose #19. Get well soon Stan.

Have you met any Villa player/s past or present?

I've never actually spoken to any player directly, I guess I get a little star-struck around famous people, but i was part of a Q and A evening ran by the Bromsgrove Villa Lions with special guests Ian Taylor and Paul Faulkner.

What was your first Villa kit?

I honestly can't remember owning a football kit, I've had loads of t-shirts and polo shirts but I can't remember owning a replica shirt.

What is your favourite all-time Villa memory?

It wold be easy for me to say Wembley '94 or '96. But my actual favourite memory happened in the 11/12 season, The FA Cup clash at the Emirates. Although we lost 3-2 we were 2-nil up at half time and I can remember walking around the concourse area and sheer joy on everyone's face was a spectacular sight, I too had a massive smile and couldn't stop grinning!

Who is your Favourite all time player/s?

Easy, Paul McGrath. Guy was an absolute legend, there is a reason the Villa faithful call him God!

Buba Sanyang Buba Sanyang is a Villa fan from Banjul, Gambia. Here, in an interview conducted on Facebook live chat, Buba shares his memories and his love for the Claret and Blue with us.

How long have you been a Villa fan and what made you decide that Villa were your team?

Well to start with you first question i start watching villa since i was like 15 ,and its almost 8 years since i start watching the premiership in my native village here and with villa it was like a coincidence it was simple choice as they just stick with me as i just saw them as the giant killers of the epl.

What is the best goal you have seen scored by a Villa player?

For best goal i will say have seen a lot but the stand out one will be Stilyan Petrov's effort against Derby was just magnificent, That was in 2008.

Who is your current favourite Villa player?

For me Barry Bannan, he is just great, dictates the midfield and his passing is just magnificent when you see how tiny he is but he is my hero.

How do you watch games where you live?

Well since i don't have a tv or a channel were i would be able to see my beloved team ,their is a viewing cen- Is there a big Villa following where you live? ter in our village ,i normally goes their every weekend No not really as here the likes of Man United, Arsenal to see a game ,we pay like under 1 pound for a game. and other so called top teams are much followed here .

And what was the first game you ever saw?

Well it was long time as i was not that familiar with the What will they think if they see you in 'The Villa premiership, but i can say by then the likes of Peter Times'?

Crouch and Milan Baros were all involve with villa, also Well it might convince some of my mates to join the Juan Pablo Angel villa cause as some of them are beginning to show a keen inerest in the team.

Who is the best player you have seen play for Villa?

What do you do when you're not watching Villa?

I have seen a lot of them but the stand out one for me Well love coaching my team, reading football magawill be Martin Laursen. He was a rock at the back, great leader zines , or chatting about football with my peers.

50 | thevillatimes.com

Saving Lives

by Saving Time

Midlands Air Ambulance is the only Charity directly responsible for funding and operating three Air Ambulances serving the communities of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity receives no Government or National Lottery funding, £6 million is needed each year to keep the service operational, all of which is donated entirely by the public and local businesses.

Some facts and figures…

Airlifting a casualty to hospital within one hour (the Golden Hour) of an incident greatly increases their chance of survival, that’s why Midlands Air Ambulance is so vital in an emergency situation.

We have a fleet of 3 state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with full life-support equipment on board.

We can reach a Trauma Centre from anywhere in the region in less than 15 minutes.

We have responded to more than 35,000 incidents since 1991 and saved countless lives. £6 million is needed each year to maintain this vital emergency service.

4 in every 10 incidents responded to is funded by a ‘Gift in a Will’.

Find out how YOU can help Saving Lives by Saving Time

Call 0800

8 40 20 40 or visit www.midlandsairambulance.com Unit 16 Enterprise Trading Estate, Pedmore Road, Brierley Hill, West Midlands DY5 1TX

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