c-krulak

General Krulak here: 1. First off, I am gutted by the loss. Second, I could only watch on the telly BUT, OUR FANS were magnificent!! Seriously, the Villa Fans were huge! Third, we got what I thought we would from the ref so I can't use that as an excuse. ManU is a quality team and Rooney is a quality player. 4. I was VERY proud of our lads. I do NOT think they were intimidated at all and I thought they played hard. There were times when we looked extremely strong and there were times when ManU looked that way. At the end of the day, the score was 2-1 and we were on the losing end. I have to accept that. BUT, I am very proud to be associated with the Villa...with the Owner, the Team, and the Fans! I would have loved the silverware but nothing means more than the love of the Villa. We WILL raise Cups before it is all over...we Will!! 2. jod1: I love it!!!!

General Krulak here: 1. I am sorry I have been off the thread....I had to sort some things out. 2. I communicated with Randy this am. He has his kids and Mum over for the game...and is really up for it. He is proud of the Club...glad to be in this position...pretty calm at the moment...has fiath!!! 3. The People Article: The second I read it, I contact Randy and asked him about it...his answer, "RUBBISH!!!" Both Randy and MON are on the same sheet of music and both know where the Club needs to go. They are taking us there. Not sure where such a story originates but....Rubbish!! 4. the trees and others: Regairding the tickets. I have said all I can say about the ticket situation. Simply put, we received a certain allocation. Those who purchased season tickets got first whack at getting tickets to the game. We then tried to be a fair as possible to those who work for the Club and, most importantly, the Fans. We did the best we could do. We cannot please everyone...we try our best but we cannot please everyone. I think we all need to "let it rest." Weeks of complaining about certain issues re. tickets will not do anything to change the situation. At the end of the day, Nicky Keye and her team did a superb job and deserve credit, not continual moaning. We did the best we could do. 5. b6bloke: We will be posting info on loyalty points soon. 6. paddy: You know to call Nicky...please do so. 7. Regarding the game tomorrow. If I were talking to the team, I would simply say that "Destiny and your talent have brought you to this moment in time. What happens tomorrow rests in your minds and in your hearts. You all are in good condition, you have trained hard, you have the support of the most rabid fan base in the Premiership, and you have taken 4 points off of ManU out of 6. You know you can beat them if you play your hearts out. They put on their boots just like you do...they get tired like you do...they are not supermen....they are footballers like you. Destiny is ready to grasp...go out and grasp it. Do me one favor...leave every bit of effort you have out on the Pitch. Leave your guts out there...play like madmen...and bring this one home!!!!!"

General Krulak here: 1. We expect around 40K for the Burnley Game and around 29K for Crystal Palace....sure like to see more folks at that one. Yes, Randy will be at the Burnley Game and it looks like he might also be there for the CP game. 3. Kidlewas and others: Some very good thoughts and well worth us looking into them. I appreciate the effort in putting those ideas on paper...thanks.

General Krulak here: 1. paulanddonya: We will be doing minor work around the Park...no big moves on the North Stand. 2. I know of no offical club position on the European League...lots of water before that issue comes to a head. 3. tonyh29: I do not think that the Club will take any action in this case. 4. paulanddonya: 10 pounds for a ticket. I am not sure what more the Club can do in keeping prices within reason. Seriously, Randy and the Board go to great lengths to try and provide the lowest prices and still run a business. The Club is a business. Randy cannot be expected to continue to pour money into the Club and still get moans about a 10 pound ticket price. I think we all need to take a hard look at what this man has done for the Club and what he continues to do for the Club and realize that there is NO free lunch. If the prices went any lower, we would be losing money at our games! Remember, it costs a great deal of money just to "man the stadium"...ushers, stewards, food kiosks, etc. etc. NOT to mention the player salaries, etc. 10 pounds for a game??? If someone told me I could watch a American football game for the equivalent of 10 pounds, I would jump on it!!! 5. covcat: Same answer. At some point in time, people need to realize that we cannot always charge the lowest amount...at some point in time, we need to understand that no business can be effectively run when the margins are so small.

General Krulak here: 1. AVFC-Prideofbrum: I will see if I can sort things out.

General Krulak here: 1. villarocker: A great joke...wouldn't it be brilliant if that actually happens across the board!! 2. dave1380: I am not sure what to look into...right now it sounds like the contract is set for renewal...or at least up for renewal. Let's see what happens before we go to general quarters. 3. flashingqwerty: Although I am big on emails, I am also big on the phone. I would simply call the shop, ask for John Greenfield or his assistant, and simply tell him what the problem is and see if he can sort it. 4. tonyh29: Again, yours is pretty straightforward...just call Villa Hospitality and they will jump on your question like a raven on a road kill!!!!!

General Krulak here: 1. paddy: Yes, action is being taken. The Club has notified the authorities...it is in their hands. 2. Jones1328: Your note has been "picked up" by the Club staff. They will get right on it but need to know your real name, your reference number and a way to contact you. If you will reply to this post, someone will "pick it up" and will contact you and sort the problem. 3. Dave1380. Villa is NOT into debt in the sense that you and I might appreciate the word.

General Krulak here: 1. Wembley tickets: Let me start by stating the obvious...we were not allocated enough tickets to satisfy everyone. That is the basis for our problem. All ST and 1/2 ST holders will get tickets...so the real solution (if we were all able to do so) would be to buy ST's. Obviously, the economy will not allow that to be possible. At maximum, about 3000 fans go to the away games. According to the ticket office, the VAST MAJORITY of those who go are, in fact, ST holders...therefore, the away games as a bellweather for Wembley would not be very effective. Thus the decision to look at the attendence at home games. The reward point system is not for a game such as this one...it is to be used for a game where the ticket allocation does not even meet the number of ST and 1/2 ST holders. I have asked Nicky Keye to put something on the OS to articulate what we have done and why. Again, we know we cannot satisfy everyone....but we try to be as fair as possible. 2. GavLa80: Beating the small heath 5-1 was my most memorable game to date. I watched almost the entire game from the Holte End...I didn't have a seat so I had to stand at the very top (yes, I know, I did a bad thing!!) I was surrounded by rabid Villa Fans and we had a ball...a great day. 3. As I indicated earlier, I will need all the Villa Talk fans to cheer extra loud at Wembley...the doctors will not allow me to fly. I am gutted.

General Krulak here: 1. ricardomeister: I meant what I said...I passed all of your issues to the Club. In fact, I was on the phone at 8:00 am EST today with a member of the Club discussing your issues. JUST LIKE I SAID I WOULD DO. As for suffering from a major disability, I have been wounded twice and still carry the iron in my body and have major difficulty accomplishing certain things. Likewise, I am not exactly in great shape now...medically. My mention of those who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq is to simply suggest that others are suffering too. I am trying to put this issue to bed...I have done what I promised I would do. If that isn't enough for you...if that doesn't show that the Club does care what you think...then I don't know what to do. 2. I will be off the thread for the next 5 days undergoing some tests. It is probably a good thing for my mental health!! :bonk: :bonk:

General Krulak here: 1. Ricardomeister: I have said, in two separate locations (thread and pm) that I am absolutely looking into this issue and have alerted the Club to your concerns and to others with like concerns. What more do you want me to do? I have also stated, unequivocally, that we have no 3rd rate fans. I am at a loss as to what you want me to do that I am not already doing. Once again, I cannot continue to be a whipping boy after indicating that I am working the issue. I must confess that I have never experienced anything like the past week since I have been on this thread. We get to the finals of the Carling Cup for the first time in years and all the Club gets is complaints. We've got Brits and Americans being killed and wounded fighting for their Countries and we are moaning about tickets. Let's get real. I have said I have raised this with the Club...enough said.

General Krulak here: 1. Great result today at a place where we have not had great results. I was proud of the lads. 2. I literally surrender on the tickets. You all have won. The white flag is waving. Put a bullseye on my chest and just have at it. I have already said that we are going to look very hard at what went wrong and what went right and make changes to the process. But I guess that isn't enought so...just let it fly! BUT, you will not get a response from me anymore on those comments. I am done in.

General Krulak here: 1. We are going to the finals of the Carling Cup aren't we??? Just wanted to make sure. 2. All ST-holders who want a ticket will get a ticket...isn't that right? 3. eticketing is screwed up. For some it is a nightmare, for others it just takes a matter of a couple of minutes to get 4 tickets. When "demand" is greater than the "pipes" to handle it, there will always be a problem. We DO understand that there have been problems with the system...We DO understand that. We will be looking hard at what went right and what went wrong and trying to maximize the former and limit the latter. We will be looking at lessons learned. 4. Disabled and ambulant supporters: My goodness, there is no such thing as a third rate Villa Fan. I don't even know how to respond to a comment like that so I won't. What I will say is that I hear you all on the need to look at eticketing for these loyal fans. I promise I will take that one on personally. We need to figure a way to sort this one.

General Krulak here: 1. I am sorry that folks think that our ticketing process is a "joke." If those who feel that way could provide us with some specifics of why it is a joke...specifics not tied to volume of sales, a stadium we don't control, people not following guidance re. times to purchase tickets, etc. etc. etc....please write the ticket office and they can incorporate the suggestions into our procedures. I can assure everyone that Nicky Keye and her team are doing EVERYTHING possible to make this Carling Cup Final as easy as possible for people seeking tickets. To denigrate their efforts is sad. 2. For those fans who are disabled or have relatives that are disabled. You have been contacting the right person. If you are not happy with her advice or have heard something different from another source, please call her back. As for being difficult to contact, she is working very hard and there are times when her job takes her out of the office. The idea of hiring another person to help is a great one but...are you offering to pay his/her salary? If I sound a wee bit frustrated I am. We are doiing our level best to provide the service the fans expect and deserve. In the case of Wembley, we are not masters of our own destiny. We must meet certain requirements laid on by Wembley. You KNOW we'd be on this disabledissue immediately if we had total control but we don't.

General Krulak here: 1. I know that there is some frustration over the eticketing today. Simply put, the site has settled over 5000 sales today...all jumping on the site at 0800-0830. PATIENCE is what is asked for at this time. ST-holders are going to get their tickets...do not worry. Anger and frustration at the system or the Club is not going to help...we are working this the best we can. Remember, we are also dealing with the Arsenal game and games in the future. We ask for patience...simple as that. 2. Nice article in the Guardian today about Randy and the Club. 3. Today's game should be a sell out.

General Krulak here: 1. I am sorry that so many people have a problem with Wembley seating, etc. We are not in control of seating at Wembley. My sense is that pretty much all the seating is good at that stadium but I have never been there so I can't know for sure. Bottom Line: I would just be happy to have a ticket and be there...I am not sure I will. 2. Not sure whether we will be with home kit or not. I believe we will but can't say for sure.

General Krulak here: 1. We are showing the Cup Finals at Villa Park...working the details now. Thinking to show them at the Holte Suite and Holte Pub and then open up more areas (82 Bar, Trinity Restaurant, Sky Lounge, etc.) if there is sufficient demand. 2. Transport to Wembley: We are working on this now. We hope to be putting on coaches and info on this should be released this week. We are also talking with Thomas Cook about other tranportation and trains. 3. Our iPhone application is in development now and should be available in the next month or so. 4. paulanddonya: Re. football talent...I would recommend you do what most do...get video of the lad and get it to Bodymoor Heath (Youth Director) and let him evaluate the film. If he sees something, he will react accordingly. Re. wigs....I confess that wigs are a bridge too far in my humble opinion. You all managed to get me to wear a horn helmet once but NO wigs.

General Krulak here: 1. AVFCChris: Sorry about the catering. I can assure you that our catering folks read this thread and will take on board your concerns. Re. your Dad and the tickets: This is one where you should call Nicky Keye and explain the issue and see what she has to say. 2. Re: ticket prices: Again, we try to listen to our Fans. Nicky Keye is the force behind making the initial recommendations re. ticket prices. She and her team do a good job and try to make recommendations that meet fan expectations but also being in a modicum of revenue. 3. We are working on how to deliver the Finals at Villa Park.

General Krulak here: 1. O2 comms: Honest to goodness, I am not sure what the Club can do about this. We certainly have little sway over that company and we sure can't put up a tower ourselves. Most businesses respond to disgruntled customers...maybe the key is to get a bunch of folks who have the same problem to "have a go" at O2. 2. Great result today. We are through to the next round. The young lads played extremely well and give us hope for the future. We will certainly need the depth as we move through the season and Cup games. 3. Tickets: I wish we had 200,000 for the Wembley stadium but we don't. We only have what has been allocated. I truly am sorry. We are looking at doing something at Villa Park for those who didn't get a ticket....we just need to make sure we are legally able to do so.

General Krulak here: 1. I have absolutely communicated with Randy....he was, and remains, over the moon!! He is proud of MON, proud of the Lads, proud of all the folks who work behind the scenes and proud of the Fans. Bottom Line: Great night...and on to Wembley! 2. Baby kit: I am surprised you did not find something...I purchased a "sleeper" for an infant there. Give the Club shop a call and see if they don't have something.

General Krulak here: 1. Oh my goodness...what a game. Honestly, I could have had several heart attacks before it was over. What a game!!! Talk about going for it...both sides just throwing everything they had at the game. AND THE FANS!!!! BELIEVE ME, the Fans DO make a difference. I could hear them cheering from the US!! And at the end of the game...the Holtenders in the Sky, One Randy Lerner...it was great. ON TO WEMBLEY!!! Let's make some memories.

General Krulak here: 1. UP THE VILLA!!! GO LADS!!

General Krulak here: 1. The question on paper tickets has been answered before . 2. Again, any issues with tickets should be addressed to the ticket office. VillanMike: In your case, I would ask you to contact Nicky Keye and see if she can sort something for you. Let her know I asked you to call. 3. paulanddonya: hobbies: Reading, working out, writing, speaking, sports. Music: 60's and 70's plus Country. Films/TV: Westerns, mysteries...TV would be old favorites from BBC...just watched 1st year of Upstairs/Downstairs. Best person: My father...Biggest disappointment...probably shouldn't say on an open web site. Sports: Love lacrosse and college basketball. Kids: Oldest son is a Navy Doctor...Chief medical officer on the USS Stennis...a nuclear power aircraft carrier. My youngest son has a Phd in Religious Studies and teached in the Religion Department at the University of Tennessee. Both lads played football (soccer) with my youngest still playing and very good. The youngest has been to Villa Park and Bodymoor heath and is a BIG Villa fan. I have 5 grandchildren...ages 13-3.

General Krulak here: 1. steve_avfc: The doctors have no problem with me driving...in fact, that is the only mode of transportation they want me to use. My problem is that, for the past 8 months, I have not been able to take antibiotics...since they were the initial cause of my illness. Air travel places me in close proximity to many peope, all confined in a cylindrical tube called an airplane. The air we breath is recirculated air that puts people like me in danger. I hope to be given the green light soon. Until then, the doctors indicate that I cannot risk getting an illness that would require an antibiotic. 2. Here is the status of ticket sales for Blackburn. We have sold 37,803 as of today...counting 2k estimated away sales. The away fans will be located in the North Stand upper only. Upper P Block seating will be released to HOME fans today. We had 742 sales yesterday and expect 40k at the game. There are tickets available. We'd love a full house to cheer the lads on...the atmosphere will be spectacular. 3. Secret_squirrel: A 20+ goal striker. I am not sure how many Clubs are going to part with a 20+ goal striker in the middle of the year. Again, this is not a subject that I can or should talk about. We have a great Manager and we need to trust him. 4. nr11: I am fully aware of this incident and, as you can imagine, there are two sides to this story. It would not be fair to the individuals involved to disuss the details of this issue. Suffice it to say that most fans understand completely the ethos and the traditions that Randy tries to inspire within everyone associated with Villa. He is a very fair man and does not take action without lightly or without cause.

General Krulak here: 1. A good reault last night. Like most fans, I would love to have had a another goal...a cushion...but getting a win away at a cup semi-final is good no matter what the score. Blackburn will come into Villa park with absolutely nothing really to lose and everything to gain so we really need to be on our game. Randy will be at the game...I am still bugging my doctors to let me fly. 2. We are not sure yet how many Blackburn fans will be at the game. They have their allocation and have up to kickoff to buy their tickets. We currently expect around 40K at the game based upon sales activity to date...so it is not yet a sell out. The key, obviously, is to have as many fans as possible at the game, screaming their lungs out. 3. Sunday attendence is looking like about 36K.

General Krulak here: 1. Gizmo: Please understand that most of those ATM's are sponsored by banks...the photo of the UBS machine is an example. The machines are not free...they are free to user but not to the bank or institution. If they are only used once a week, the revenue will not meet the expense. 2. Brumstopdogs: Thanks for catching that one for me. Sometimes I have a "senior moment" and don't answer the mail. I spoke to Nicky Keye on your question and the 1/2 season tickets are no longer on sale. We had to be careful not to sell so many season tickets that our fans who cannot afford to get a ST or a 1/2 ST can still get into a game. 3. 1968: I think I have answered this question about 3 times and in 3 different ways. Look up above to see what I had to say about ticket prices.