runetune

General, I hope you are well. I really wanted to know, like others have alluded - can we please get official confirmation about our manager? At the moment, we've been getting statements he will be back - and yet nothing official from the club, which I admit I find strange. I cannot believe that you are having to wait, because surely if its a medical issue, then you're not going to find out anything more than you did last week? Its just we've had such a turbulent season - I think all fans are feeling uneasy because we don't know fully what is happening. An official statement would help end those nerves. I know you could say the assistant manager has spoken on the subject, but it really isn't the same as a statement from the club - or even the manager himself. Many thanks.

Hi General, Many thanks for your reply, but unfortunately, as already mentioned, and for reasons I don't want to discuss on a public board - phoning during office hours for me (or even in to the evening) are nigh on impossible at the moment. If there is any way an email can be sent to me, that is the best way for me to get communication on this at the moment. I did eventually send an email to the club, having found a way to do this, but don't have a direct email to anyone in general, but I would hope my email address is on file. Many thanks. see your pm/ email for e mail details. Blandy

Hi General Great to see there is an e-ticket system available. However, on looking, we spotted that one of our season ticket seats is showing as being available! Obviously this isn't the case....... I checked and it showed more than just the Wolves home game as being available. See a screen capture below. There is no obvious email address for me to contact today, and currently due to a number of things going on - I simply won't be able to spend the time trying to phone the ticket office to try and clarify the situation. We would rather not turn up for the Wolves game and have to turf someone out of our season ticket seats. If you want more information, I'm happy to send it via PM

As mentioned a number of times now - the invite system has been dropped for the last couple of seasons now. Its exactly the same as the Suite. First come, first served.

YES! Official! Finally!

I'm more than happy with this appointment. I cannot understand some people who seem to think that you can just walk in and get another manager in a job (ref. to David M and Martin J particularly here). Right at the start, the chances of either of those arriving was close to 0%! Jol because Fulham had already failed to bring him back - and I cannot believe Ajax's stance would change. Moyes because he said he wasn't interested! It didn't leave a long list of candidates. My biggest concern was whether Phil Thompson would be appointed his assistant, but as soon as I heard he'd ruled himself out * which didn't surprise me* then as far as I'm concerned, I think GH is the best man around ATM! He does have a pretty impressive record. Is acknowledged for bringing the likes of Gerrard and Carragher through at L/pool, let alone the young French team he nurtured - Thierry et al. What I'm interested in is wondering what PT might have to say about this appointment on Sat. because he's already effectively said any manager wanting to come to Villa would be taking on a poisoned chalice. Can't remember the exact words/quote - but I wonder if he is going to say that now GH is in charge, or change his tune completely!? Tosser! I'm happy to give all new managers a chance - and I think GH is one who will do well enough for us.

Thanks for an article I totally agree with. Personally, as frustrating as it is - I'd rather know the players being brought in are wanted by the manager, and we don't land up with more warming the bench. On the bright side, it'll help with the next year set of accounts

General, hope you don't mind me jumping in here. You shouldn't have paid for being your wifes carer..... and I've a funny feeling you've paid too much for your wife's ticket as well. I can't remember the exact scale of ticket pricing for the disabled, and I don't know what grade game the WH one was, but I do believe that the highest disabled ticket is £30. I'd suggest contacting Shelia Maybury (she does have a direct line, which I cannot get to atm, but you should be given it via the main switchboard). Shelia is the Disabled Supporters officer, and she has helped me in the past with similar problems. Hope this helps.

Nope - simply because I never believe a player can come back to a club a second time around and be successful. It rarely happens (same for most managers as well). Personally I believe we sold at the right time, and really don't need to buy him back!

There is no doubt that Jimmy is a very honourable young man and also dedicated to his football to the exclusion of all else. His decision will be based purely on football reasons. Can Man Cittee offer him the prospect of winning trophies? yes of course. Can they offer Chumps League? no not yet but he is only 24. I do believe that if he isn't a regular starter he won't go as he wants to play more than anything I tend to lean towards points made in both these posts...... I also have to wonder whether Dunne's issue's with City might also be a factor in Jimmy making a decision now? There is no doubt that Dunne was really hurt by the way City (read Gary Crook) messed him about - it might just raise a question mark or two in Jimmy's head about whether he can believe all that might be "promised" to him, or stay at Villa for a couple more years on an improved deal, and then reassess.

I would just like to add, that if there was an option to prepay for the next years season ticket - I for one would take that offer up without hesitation! General, I wanted to say, that while I see my ticket has gone up 20%, overall, I still believe its good value for money, and I love the 4 month 0% free payment option. Thank you.

Worst decision I've seen by a ref in a very, very long time! I don't know one neutral who I've spoken with who doesn't agree either. He should be banned from any major events referring now and while it can't change the result - I'm still proud of the Villa for what they have achieved, and for what the fans were like. Incredible atmosphere - we will get there eventually!

General, as a disabled fan, and ambulant user, I can only echo what has been said by sam_k_17 and Ricardomeister. If I could have ordered tickets online, I would know I could guarantee a space that is suitable for my needs. As it is, there might be 31,000 tickets and all season ticket holders told they will get a ticket - but not all the fans are able to look at all areas of the ground. As for trying to get hold of Shelia - I've been trying for over a week now one way or another, and it sounds as if I'm not the only one. I dread to think how many messages her answerphone now holds! I would love to book my tickets online, or have some communication about what seats are going to be available to ambulant supporters (Having been told there are ambulant seats at all levels by someone else at the ticket office last night, I was later told by another fan, who like Ricardomeister had been to Wembley and they said that simply wasn't the case as far as they knew). So what is the situation? What seats are available for Ambulant supporters? Numbers for all other seats are given - but none specific for our group of fans, just a number lumped in with the other seating area. Yet Wheelchair fans have been given their specific numbers.......... right now I am feeling totally out of the loop in regards the whole thing, and being unable to do anything about it because there seems to be no way to talk to anyone at Villa to give satisfactory answers to these questions. I appreciate the ticket office are doing the best they can, but I do feel that a real problem has been identified and does need to be looked at, because hopefully this will be only one of many visits to Wembley. I have also been told I cannot book until the 6th February........ yet other Ambulant supporters are being told this coming Wednesday. Again, a discrepancy that needs confirmation from someone, if only we could actually get through!

Dear General, All too often, its easy to complain about issues, but I also believe in saying something when its worth it. In this instance, first of all I'd like to praise the disabled stewards for the work they have done. It has been something that I've noticed a difference with already this season, and I wanted to just pass this on to you as well. They have all done a great job. Secondly, I've been really impressed with the addition of the jacket potatoes in the Trinity (Don't know if other stands have them or not). I meant to mention this before and forgot - but they offer a great alternative, and I believe are superbly priced as well. Already I know of one other supporter who previously wouldn't eat at the ground, for a few reasons - who now enjoys a Jacket potato after I told them about their addition. So, thank you to whoever arranged to make this possible.

Superb result, and the support was incredible. We don't live all that far from Blackburn, and I swear to god we could almost hear you at the end of the M65! Excellent. The Ref - well complete and utter shite game. I thought Gabby deserved a penalty, and that the handball incident is still completely bemusing. If people right back on the halfway line can see - why couldn't he? Petrov was lucky not to have a foot completely smashed by Salgado's stomp down 1st half, let alone Benni's kick out 2nd half. How the hell that wasn't a red card I don't know! What did he have to do - actually break a leg!? Thoroughly disappointing with the ref's overall performance. Guzan does (and imo its always been his biggest weakness) need to improve his command of the area when high balls come in. He did gain more confidence as the game went on, but it is the weakest part of his game. But - for his age, I still feel he is an excellent goalkeeper and I'm sure as he experiences more games, he'll only improve. A lot of it is just better decision making. Milner and Downing just seemed to run the midfield, and seem to be building up an excellent understanding. In face, overall I can't really fault anyone of the players last night. Some were better than others - but they all did their jobs well enough. I'm also pleased we kept a clean sheet - And I also think its worth mentioning, that Blackburn, despite the league position have only been beaten twice in the league at home, and only won the last LC round on penalties - so to take a win from Ewood Park is no mean feat! I honestly thought we'd do well to get a draw. Yes, I would have liked more of a goal advantage to bring back to Villa Park - but I still think we did well to get a result, and its a good moral boost for next week. UTV!