runetune

Yeah as usual...... Trying to make it sound bigger than it really is! clearings in the woods!

Haven't caught up with the footie news today, so interesting to know Robbie came on. Another person I do think might be worth a punt and is certainly in the area of the larger holding man - is James Beattie. I don't know though if Everton have enough cover with strikers to consider letting him go, but he does seem to be out of favour and another only coming on mainly off the bench.

I am wondering if Robbie Keane is still in the frame? He's known to be a fan of MON, isn't perhaps getting the games he would like, and while injured atm, I think is well worth a shot at getting. In fact, being injured could explain perhaps no news - Would give more time to see how his rehabilitation is progressing? It was initially considered a 6 week lay off and he apparently started light training in late December. I personally think he is the most likely of the targets available to us for now - at least from the Premier League.

Superbly said. Even if you had to resort to the 'S' word..... But considering the trouble you got into for the 'T' word from Mrs K, I am sure its not going to matter that much on this occasion.

I remember when we first had MON on board - and a Celtic fan came along and posted that MON had a habit of not giving any indication that he had any real targets in the transfer window - and then suddenly towards the end, some signings would come along and it was really nerve racking as a fan. I don't believe for one second MON is going to panic over the situation. He knows the board and new chairman want to back his plans as far as is practicably possible and that so far, it only appears to be some of the Villa fans who are showing some signs of either panic or impatience. Now if we are still in this position on Feb 1st, I will be asking some very strong questions, but somehow I don't think thats going to happen.

General thanks for your comments. Just wanted to say if this did happen, we would most certainly be interested and would travel down especially for something like that! We think its a wonderful idea!

General as has been said, no apology needed! Thank you for your continuing updates and comments. Its nice to know something is going to happen to the North Stand facade - at least for the short term and that much is being done as and where possible in other areas. Its hope we've not had for a very long time! And for now, thats good enough for me (oh and a reasonable finish in the league). :winkold: Up the Villa!

I like Scott Carson as well, and have also been impressed with some of his form. I wouldn't mind if Villa made a bid for him at all! I actually rate him above Taylor tbh.

Again thanks General, I do hope your words don't fall on deaf ears, but unfortunately for a while at least, some will not be listening properly. I for one do appreciate your comments and recognise the situation, so while I feel disappointed, I do also see some light at the end of what has been a very long and dark tunnel and for once it isn't an oncoming train. Happy New year to you and your family.

I used to read the Independant, having read it from first publication..... However these days, I prefer the Guardian (just think The Indie has changed too much over last couple of years). I do though still will get The Indie if I can alongside The Guardian. At the weekends, tends to be Independant, Times and Observer. Although I will read just about any newspaper. I enjoy reading different perspectives on stories, even if I don't necessarily agree. I do though only read the Daily Mail if I have to!

General once again thanks for your comments, and may you and your family have a great Christmas and 2007 is all you could wish for. Happy Holidays.

Paddy, if anyone here deserves this, its you! Have a great Christmas...... delighted for you. And thank you to those who made this happen.

I have lost count the number of times I have felt speechless through this thread. This is just absolutely bloody superb news! Thanks so much.

JC, thanks for letting us know about the meeting. It all certainly sounds promising!

Yep which is why I voted Big Ron but was tempted to vote for BL

Fantastic to read and completely agree with it - Both from the General and John.

Wot Blandy said! Amen.

Earnshaw seems to be a tough call. There is no doubt that in the Championship he can make a fantastic impact and does the job well. He tends to do quite well when playing for Wales. Yet, while he has had some good moments in the Premier League, I don't think he has done enough to show he can do it on a consistant basis at the higher level. I guess it might be worth a shot if the price is reasonable - but I wouldn't be disappointed if it didn't happen.

Don't know. My understanding is the colours followed this pattern:

I am not fussed - and I am not too sure about complete look - but I do think perhaps an attempt at least to incorporate something wouldn't hurt on the away kit? Can't be any worse than the bloody yellow we have had which I personally detested.

I actually like the suggestion for the Browns colours being incorporated somehow into one seasons away kit! Don't see why it couldn't be attempted at least and see if it is feasible.

Amen to that! I certainly do believe, but I am also realistic that we can't expect it to happen overnight and I hope this is the start of good things.. So thank you again for coming in and saying what you have.

Absolutely agree with these points. 1) I think we had an ideal opportunity to do something like they managed at Ibrox when they redesigned the Trinity stand, and lost it completely! Yet Ibrox has managed to keep the traditions and bring the stadium bang up to date. Well worth a look imo. 2) I also know someone who was involved as a corporate guest in the North Stand last year, and they also commented the service and food wasn't as good as they would have expected (this is someone who has been to just about every ground in the country as a corporate guest as well). He was exceptionally disappointed. I don't know if a complaint was made or not - but his words to me were - Airline food is better these days. 3) I have always disliked the name of the Doug Ellis stand, but in the whole scheme of things, I see it now as a minor consideration. An inconvience now rather than a major problem that will, when the time is right be looked at. A year ago, I couldn't even believe we would be able to ask for it to be considered, let alone anything else that has happened! I am grateful we've even had the chance to voice our concerns over all aspects of being at VP these days. General, I am still completely gobsmacked when I read through this thread. Its amazing to think we are not only being listened to, but the dialogue is going both ways! Again, my partner and I say thank you. We cannot wait to be able to get to VP again for another game.

Some great comments and ideas. Particularly like the idea of somewhere to eat and or get something to drink like The Holte Hotel. I would wonder though, would it be possible to have an area that is more suited for children there? We often travel down early and when we have my cousin with us (another mad AVFC at 6 years old yay!) we struggle to find a suitable place to go before the game. We always ensure we leave in plenty of time to get to the shop and also to allow for any travel difficulties (having had one occasion where we missed a game because of break down and no time to spare in our travel arrangements). But the downside is not having anywhere to go before the game because unfortunately we don't have season tickets. A small side room that has perhaps less of a "pub" atmosphere - where only soft drinks and hot drinks plus food? Also would allow those who don't want to be in a pub to have somewhere to go. I know a pie and a pint are a big tradition of a game (I like them as much as the next person), but I know some people don't want to have that but would still like somewhere to go before a game to get something to eat and drink. Also toilets accessible from the ground, perhaps around the Shop before the ground opens! Nothing worse than standing waiting for the game and nowhere to go when that bladder starts to complain! If you have the Holte Hotel at one end *which would serve that side of the ground* it would still be a trip when you have a 6 year old hanging off your sleeve bursting! So a toilet block down that end would be a great addition. Can't think of anything else for now apart from endorsing most of the suggestions already given, and am thrilled to hear of the plans already being looked at or done.

Wow, I am stunned to read through this thread, and right now I cannot think of anything else to really add, except for the first time in many years about AVFC I feel hope. For that, I thank you and Mr Lerner! Long may it continue.