markdraper

General,

Happy Birthday.

Is the club's current ambition still to finish in the top 4 and be successful (i.e. win trophies)? If so would you mind asking Randy to tell the manager that this is the case as he seems to think our purpose is to simply exist and survive in the Premier League.

If it is no longer the case and survival is our only objective then would you mind asking Randy to TELL THE FANS what has changed? Why should our objectives change SO MUCH in the space of 1 year? These are objectives which have changed despite having largely the same squad of players at the manager's disposal as last year.

We used to be a big club General. Could you please let Gerard Houllier know.

A win against Liverpool is far more important than tomorrow.

**** off is it.

Row 4 :shock:

Is there a friendly away pub near the sty?

Nope! Best bet is drink in town with mates if anywhere is serving or get a few cans. Drinking near the Villa ground is also a decent option before walking over to the Sty.

Apparently we are being kept in for an hour after the game finishes.

I **** hope not, that's asking for trouble after what happened a few years ago when they did the same. Add into the mix the dark of night as a hiding place for the Small Heath scum and its a recipe for disaster.

Where have you heard this???

What do you mean - for drinking ahead of the match? or for watching on sky?

Surely the police are going to force any city centre pubs to stop serving leading up to the match as isn't this what they do for the Sunday games?

The whole thing is phony, on several levels.

Firstly standing isn't in itself dangerous. The most likely time for standing to be dangerous is when a goal is scored and people leap about, and could fall and hurt themselves - but standing during "moments of excitement" is permitted. It's when there's now't happening that it's not allowed. Daft. From a safety perspective, you'd have to say standing during the quiet bits would be OK and during goals etc. would be not OK - but of course that's not going to happen.

Secondly, less people standing (3800 instead of 4500) isn't any more safe. Unless you talk about risk per person. But the risk per person of injury caused by standing is absolutely miniscule.

The premier league has the lowest incident rate of injuries (of all kinds) to spectators throughout the leagues.

For the prem the figures are

Total spectators treated for injuries 2007/08 - 789

Taken to hospital - 72

Attendance - 18,740,056


1 injury per 23,752


Total spectators treated for injuries 2008/09 - 655,

Taken to hospital -  39

Attendance - 18,514,438,

1 injury per 28,266

So - better than the previous year, and statistically there's a tiny risk of anyone getting hurt, let alone needing hospital treatment.

There breakdown of what the injuries were, or what caused them - hot coffee, falling on wet steps, illnesses, hit by the ball, food poisoning etc. is here (all divisions)

It's clear that the FLA doesn't believe that standing in seated areas is actually the cause of many at all.

The FLA does many important things, some unimportant things and some things which seem to run counter to common sense.

The local councils are instructed to take steps where there is safe standing, and as a last resort to reduce allocations, where clubs/fans do not comply with the demand to not persistently stand.

The Premier league has commissioned its own report into the issue, but it hasn't reported yet.

To me it looks like it's going to be an ongoing cause for dispute between fans and clubs and councils. Fans will not sit down, and the FLA and councils will not stop doing what they do.

Maybe the way ticket prices are going and TV is moving so many games, the "problem" will just resolve itself in stalemate, because fans are being priced out and away attendances will be such that a reduced allocation with empty seats will occur anyway.

It would be nice if people did sit at least some of the time at away games, perhaps.

I feel that Clubs, including ours are content to go along with the regulations as they stand, but are not willing to try to take steps outside just following what they are told, to make representations on alternatives, or to listen to their supporters and act. Which, to me is a shame.

Because councils are different across the country, different Clubs get different treatment.

Fans want atmosphere, involvement and not to be treated as a permanent problem, Clubs just want our money, and the FLA (which is going to be disbanded) wants to keep themselves in jobs, and persistent standing is a way in which they can point to "you still need us" because it hasn't gone away.

Great post.

Would you not be tempted to wack this in the General's thread for him to view as I get the feeling he doesn't quite grasp the issue. The more he says 'you were warned by us' the more i sense that our board might not be one of the unique ones that actually relate to the fans as I had first hoped.

Well I just hope for the council's sake that this doesn't come back to bite them too... reducing the allocation just to be petty is stupid on their part, especially for such an in demand and potentially volatile match. If demand exceeds supply i can envisage a fair few Villa boys opting to try for the home ends.

Thanks for the response on club's ticketing policy General, unfortunately it gives me no confidence that the club does or will fairly recognise the loyal support of everyone fairly. Why on earth the club can't use the loyalty system which would recognise loyalty across numbers of seasons is beyond me! To base a decision on TWO GAMES (at reduced prices i'll add) is ridiculous.

So 2 further questions if you have time General:

1. Can the club challenge the decision by the council? Surely it's in the best interests of both clubs, the council, all fans and the police to have more Villa fans safely policed within the away end rather than scattered through home ends etc? Do the police have a view on the council's decision?

2. Could you please explain why the club doesn't use a loyalty points system?

Still pretty slim I'm afraid mate think of the free-for-all that will happen on that date.

Would be much easier if on November 9th/11th they open up to regular ST holders with 5 aways, 3 aways, 1 away etc as then the people who go away but had to miss the Carling Cup can still get some sort of priority.

The only difference there is nov 11th switching to all ST holders rather than All suporters isnt it?

I rang Villa earlier to complain and they mentioned there was a slightly amended version, still doesn't solve the problem of regular away-goers missing out though.

Villa also confirmed on the phone that there will be no compulsory travel, and no official travel whatsover so it's a case of make your own way there. Hopefully that might but a few more people off going!!

please read the site rules posting guidelines

I doubt many people without a season ticket went to both Carling cup ties and I doubt they’re the sort who’d like to go to an away game anyway.

Given the amount of fanny’s pissing their pants on here about the tie, you can hardly see 1 or 2 game per season parents taking them and their whinny brood to this one. There was only 18k at the first one, I reckon the vast majority were season ticket holders.

Agree mate but I still can't see this getting down to the core away support who may have happened to miss 1/2 CC games. This will be snapped up completely by the Tues 9th and I imagine there'll be a lot of 16-18 year lads that qualify who will happily go to the Sty. Not wishing to generalise but these are also the age group who'll be more inclinded to cause some trouble so hope Villa are prepared to deal with the repercussions.

Wouldn't it be a safer bet for Villa if they knew the bulk of their tickets were going to regular away go-ers rather than some pissed up lads who will only be interested in going to cause a row?

Hi General,

Would you mind informing us as to how the decsion of sales allocation windows is made for important games and who makes them?

I've followed Villa around the country for a number of years now. I've forked out for a season ticket again this year and go to 10-15 away games a season yet because I couldn't make it to the previous Carling Cup fixtures at Villa Park I'm now not entitled for a ticket to Birmingham away??

I'm sorry but Villa have got this horribly wrong. At the end of the day this is an away fixture, shouldn't some priority at least go to those who actually go to away games? I realise that you must acknowledge those fans that have been to the Carling Cup home fixtures but to completely disregard a large proportion of our regular away following is an absolute discgrace!!

This game is the pinnacle of going away with the Villa for me but now it looks like myself and others in my situation are going to miss out. I'd be interested to hear what the thought process is behind this decision as I'm completely baffled by it!

Thanks,

Matt

Pathetic from Villa. Absolutely pathetic.

Doubt I will get a ticket now despite thinking before that I'd be a certainty.

Like others above I have forked out for a season ticket again this year and go to 10-15 away games a season yet they'd rather give a ticket away to someone who jollied along to VP due to the cheap tickets or because of half-term week.

I'm sorry but Villa have got this horribly wrong. At the end of the day this is an away fixture, priority should go to those who actually go to away games.

Hi guys, I'm a bit of a neutral observer of this topic having previously not owned either platform (However I have today just ordered an iPhone 8) )

Anyway bit of an odd post from me but what do you guys make of Android's name? :notsure:

I work in marketing and am obviously well aware of the importance of branding and personally I really do hate the name and on the face of it I think alot of younger people would also feel the same.

Obviously for those who have brought into the platform it won't be a problem because you will be seeing first hand it's benefits but do you feel it could be a barrier to certain consumers?

Just interested in your thoughts as its purely a hunch that I have - does anyone know the reasoning behind the choice of Android's name, and what are your own personal thoughts on it?

Apologies maybe my choice of wording wasn't so great with the 'glaring omissions' comment. Yep basically I meant things like the mms, and copy&paste issues of the past...I take it there are no more shocks like this any more then now that it's the 4th generation?

Knew the android thing would crop up haha...did some reading up on them beforehand and on first glance they're not for me. I primarily want a phone that looks good and is easy to use as the N97 got on my nerves previously. Can't really be arsed with the fact if you opt for Android you then have to shop around and choose which handset is right for you... It does sound a good platform though at first glance but right now I thought I might as well find out what all the iphone fuss is about...if i don't like it I can always send it back or better still sell for some £££'s.

Hi guys, Just upgraded to an iPhone 4 with vodafone and currently waiting on back order.

I'm switiching from a Nokia N97 and am completely new to iPhones having never even used one before... can anyone advise any handy tips/info for me to be aware of ahead of it arriving?

i.e.

Any really usefull free apps I should get hold of?

Any essential paid apps you'd advise?

Any tips on how to get things working such as personalised ringtones, wallpapers etc etc?

Plus any cool villa items such as apps/wallpapers available for the phone?

And also are there any glaring ommisions features wise I should be aware of so that I'm not in for a shock? I know previous iPhones had obvious things missing so would be good to know if there is anything still not included in the latest model.

^ agreed re: Transport police - absolute rocket polishers the lot of them.

Has anyone else got a ticket from Moor Street for Sunday morning? As the latest timetable on the Chiltern website says that there are no trains stopping at Moor Street early that morning, it appears they are only going from Snow Hill and not stopping at MS according to the timetable.

Anyone aware of this? Would I be able to hop on at Snow Hill instead with my ticket? Chiltern website also states that no alcohol will be allowed on the trains :cry:

For **** sake, can't believe they are able to ban people from drinking on the trains. This will be the reason why half our fans opted for the train and now at the last minute they announce this.

Rumours that Tesco have now slashed it to £24.97 :shock:

Apparantly this was advertised on ITV4 at half time of fulham game tonight...

Picture is linked for proof: http://tinyurl.com/yetnf59

Also full topic discussion here: http://tinyurl.com/yeqtewc

TheBishop has come up with this one,

" I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you around the country, emile, emile heskey..."

3:38

quality, it scans well. Shame it includes Heskey's name but suppose I could sing it it tongue in cheek.

He's got 16 goals in 14 games.....

etc etc

Cause nothing compares

Nothing compares

Carew

(Sinead O'Connor)

:notworthy:

Definitely potential

Can someone with a bit of creativity come up with a verse??

Skip to about 2:15

what do they start singing with martin o'neiil?

When I was young, I had a dream...

To watch the greatest football team.

So here I am, the dream is real...

With Randy Lerner & Martin O'Neill!

Martin O'Neill, Martin O'Neill, Martin O'Neill...

[to the Tune of Tom Hark]

My mate asked me have you heard his name?

He's built just like a might freight train,

he plays for villa and he's quite big too,

he's bigger than me and he's bigger than you

I say to him I can't believe it's true,

he says haven't you heard.. of JOHN CAREW

John Carew, John Carew...

That's quality, obviously some of your lines dont fit perfectly... but with a a bit of rework that could be class. Would only ever catch on at away's though.

"The Elephant Man,

The Elephant Maaaann,

Harry Redknapp...

The Elephant man!

..you'll be hit by a coin,

you'll be hit by a coiiiinnn,

Harry Redknapp,

You'll be hit by a coin!"

"Face like a candle...

You've got a face like a candle,

Face likee a caaanddlllee!!!!

You've got a face like a candle!"

"Bent cockney w*nker,

you're just a bent cockney w*nker"

'Sit down you ugly word removed!'

And with everyone pointing towards Jamie Redknapp in the sky box by the Holte:

'You're a rocket polisher

you're a rocket polisher

you're a rocket polisher like your dad

you're a rocket polisher like your dad!'

"Ugly word removed my lord, ugly word removed..."

"Cockney tw*t my lord, cockney tw*t..."

"Took a bung my lord, took a bung..."

anyone think of some more to this tune lol?