El Zen

I honestly don't think there are too many places where the atmosphere is significantly better than at the Villa. When we've travelled over to see the Villa we've usually tried to get about a bit and visit different stadiums, and I must say that a packed Holte End filled with hope of renewed glory is second to very few places in the Prem. The atmosphere all around England is generally very far from where it used to be, back in the days of terracing. While I appreciate the safety concerns and that something had to be done after Hillsborough, it is evident that "safe standing" can only be a good thing as proven in Germany and various other places around Europe including my native Norway. However, you're not entirely wrong in saying that the mood plays an important role in creating a decent atmosphere. When things were at their worst under Doug Ellis, even the best of us went apathetic and just couldn't be bothered anymore. You need something positive to fight for, and we've got that now so I predict an improvement both in terms of attendance and atmosphere, but the atmosphere around the stadiums of English football will not be as good as it should be until we're allowed to stand up again for reasons already explained.

It's whole lot easier to join in with the singing if you're allowed to stand up. Trust me, if you haven't experienced the atmosphere in a standing up section of fans, you've been missing out. The point is that getting a new chant started relies on the support of a few like minded people around you, the beauty of standing is that a chant can be started by a few mates who regularly meet ie stand in the same spot. It is no coincidence that the developement of songs at VP has largely stood still for the last 10seasons. If you get a chance watch the DVD from Old Trafford Villa V Everton 1975 and you will be amazed at the vocal support from the Villa fans! Absolutely. Good post, mate.

It's whole lot easier to join in with the singing if you're allowed to stand up. Trust me, if you haven't experienced the atmosphere in a standing up section of fans, you've been missing out.

These songs aren't repetetive by nature, as they aren't structured to be repeated over and over again (like the PAOK chant definitely is). However, I obviously do agree that "shit on the city" in particular is sung too much by some people. Absolutely agree with this.

Sorry, but let me get this straight. If I don't really fancy a song you or anyone has come up with, I have to come up with my own song before I get to have a say? FWIW, I think a version "land of hope and glory" could make a decent anthem for us.

That's all fine, Julie, I have no problems with what you're saying. I just don't like the song, for so many reasons. And YES, I have clicked the youtube-linky-thingy, but I honestly wasn't that impressed at all. I'll repeat my initial point though; Standing up is the most important tool if you want better atmosphere and more singing. Coming up with new songs is fine and all that, and I do appreciate the effort, but it won't make much of a difference if people aren¨'t allowed to stand up and sing them.

Please God, no! European style support is repetetive, lacks the humor and spontanious banter we love about the English support culture. I see people keep mentioning the PAOK chant and JulieB keeps trying to promote the VIVA song. I guess this is going to sound a bit harsh, and I honestly do appreciate that you're trying hard to get something going, but I really hope the Holte End won't adopt these songs. For me, this is one step closer to someone banging a big drum and before you know it we're like the Pompey fans with their two "song" repertoir. British fans are unique. They're funny, they're creative, they sing about tradition, have actual songs and they make a lot of noise. The key to bringing back the noise and atmosphere in British football is STANDING UP. Simple as that. We're not arguing against the spontaneity and humourous banter, we're saying that we should also have a good decent chant. Holtenders in the sky and "villa villa villa villa" are so lame, they are embarrassing. Villa fans don't make a lot of noise....the one game we did was against SUFC and we stuffed them. That is why so many people on here are keen to get new (and actually decent) chants/songs, it actually makes a difference. Holtenders in the sky is great, but anyway. I'm not saying we shouldn't get new chants and songs, but I don't think "eurostyle" e.g. PAOK and VIVA is the way to go. For me they represent a kind of atmosphere that I wouldn't want at Villa Park, because they are repetetive and simply quite dull. This is only my oppinion obviously, but I think we would rue the day we've ended up like Notlob and Pompey fans. Songs and chants should go in more traditional English tunes and rhymes. Can't beat that imo.

Please God, no! European style support is repetetive, lacks the humor and spontanious banter we love about the English support culture. I see people keep mentioning the PAOK chant and JulieB keeps trying to promote the VIVA song. I guess this is going to sound a bit harsh, and I honestly do appreciate that you're trying hard to get something going, but I really hope the Holte End won't adopt these songs. For me, this is one step closer to someone banging a big drum and before you know it we're like the Pompey fans with their two "song" repertoir. British fans are unique. They're funny, they're creative, they sing about tradition, have actual songs and they make a lot of noise. The key to bringing back the noise and atmosphere in British football is STANDING UP. Simple as that.

Unless they get Alvez that is. True, I guess, but even then I for one would try very hard to accomodate both in the squad. I would absolutely love to be proven wrong though and see Finnan sign for us. I guess these days we can't rule anything or anyone out anymore, can we? Feels good

Benitez actually has purchased quite a few right backs, but Finnan keeps proving to be the best option. I really rate him and would love to see him come to Villa, but I just can't see Benitez being silly enough to let him go.

The man was asking for stupid comedies. Now Monty Python may be silly, certainly, but never stupid :winkold: Not really my favourite genre this, but someone mentioned Three Amigos and I have to admit that Chevy Chase and Steve Martin have made me giggle a couple of times.

Then let's just say that I strongly disagree with the club. Moving on from that and looking forward to a new season, I have a question regarding pre-season friendlies. What sort of online coverage will be provided for the pre-season games? I'm sure there are many of us who won't be able to attend any games, but would still love to be able to follow perhaps the most interesting summer in this club's history.

Wolves for me. First of all, because my best mate follows them and the friendly banter is always good. Also, I very much agree with this:

I think it's just fine, and it's growing on me every time I look at it. Sure, it probably could've been done better, but somehow I'm quite fond of our new badge.

I turn 20 in less than two weeks. I'm getting old

I agree, and I think Bellamy and Carew could work very well together. Both are very mobile, strong and comfortable on the ball, and at the same time they compliment eachother in that Carew is better in the air whereas Bellamy is a better poacher than Big John.

None of the regulars, but I've met a few Norwegian Villans who (very) occasionally post on here.

Where did you hear that? I can't imagine this being true at all.

Do tell me what Villa player the last 10 years which has done the biz on a regular basis? Merson? Taylor? We have had a lot of flops havent we. I agree with that, Tarj. Maybe JPA isn't a Villa hero and maybe he isn't a fantastic footballer. But he did his best and produced his fair share of fine football for us. Juan Pablo Angel certainly isn't a Villa flop.

What are you saying, Tarj? Can't say I quite follow you, mate. Just wanted to know why Nick felt the need to go off topic just to take a dig at Stan Petrov, is all.

Same as Petrov, except he is below average!! Just out of interest, what has Stan Petrov got to do with anything in this thread?

I absolutely love him (not in the same way as Hev, obviously) as a person, and I used to love him as a player. He probably isn't good or fit enough to be a part of Aston Villa any more, even if I would've enjoyed seeing a Juan Pabo Angel in his prime play for Randy Lerner's Aston Villa. He'll always be a hero for me, for being such a nice guy and for being a rather decent player for Aston Vila.

It was indeed a close call between Gabby and Gaz, but I'm simple minded enough to go for the one who scores goals

I can't see anyone other than Gareth Barry getting many votes here. He's been outstanding.

Wilfred Bouma, no doubt. I think I've said before that he's looking more and more like a natural fullback now, and he's convinced me that a new left back will not be a priority in the summer.