c-krulak

General Krulak here: 1. Big_John_10: embarrassed? No. Why should the video be embarrassing? If we were in 1st place I think it would be good to play. I like it...it sends a helluva message. 2. JackBauer. Not sure what part of your question I missed. Let me know and I will give it another go. I have done more than just answer simple questions...this site and others have had important input to the Club. The manager survey looks pretty accurate to me. 3. MBNA. Take the shirt to our shop and exchange it...tell them I said to do it and to call me if they have a question. 4. We will be doing everything possible to get Fans to remaining games. 5. I thought the lads played well...certainly with heart! I liked the lineup and formation. We should have won but I will take the point. I thought the Fans were BRILLIANT today. I was VERY proud of them!

General Krulak here: 1. I think the motivation video is SUPERB and I know that Paul Faulkner is going to be posting it on multiple sites and locations. 2. I will see if I can get the injury/suspension section updated. 3. I want to ensure that everyone understands the following: I came on these sites for two reasons: 1) The Villa and 2) the Fans. In my opinion, these two are inextricably linked! The Fans are the heart and soul of this Club and they pump the blood of inspiration to the Players. I cannot thank the Fans enough for their ongoing support. We have some HUGE games upcoming and I know the Fans will continue to provide their superb support. For this, I thank you and Randy thanks you....but more importantly, YOUR Club supports you!!

General Krulak here: 1. For the life of me I don't know what you want me to say. As a Director, you want me to discuss our plans for relegation???????? What kind of insanity is that? You want me discuss the manner in which a Manager is chosen...on an open web site???? You want me to comment on an article written by Lord knows who that contains, among other things, an inaccurate quote by me and that, at the end, wants more finger-pointing. Here is where I am at: we have HUGE games in front of us. I am NOT focused on finger-pointing, laying blame, anger at the Manager or anything other than WINNING!! I am behind the Team and the Manager...simple as that!!!

General Krulak here. 1. bebbo75: If I were in that situation, I would go out and PROVE the Manager wrong! I sure as hell would not "fold." De-motivated? Nope, I would go out and show the Manager and the world what sort of team I was part of. 2. jackbauer24: I would imagine that if we won the League next year...or was in the top 4....that Fans would warm up to the Manager. In fact, if the Fans saw definite improvement, they would warm up. The place in the tables has ALSO had an impact on how the Manager is perceived by the Fans...it is not just the other things that might be a problem. 3. villajax: "When we get relegated"....I can't accept that. We have games to go! I am NOT going to talk about "when." What sort of Director comes onto an open web site and talks about "when". NO WAY! We have games to go and games we will win!! 4. deeps: I have been selected as the 13th President of Birmingham-Southern College...one of the best Liberal Arts College in the US. My allegiance to the Club and Fans will remain...I will continue to post and will get to see games.

General Krulak here: 1. I am here!!!! I have NOT been blackballed from posting....and those who know me, know that I wouldn't stand for anything like that. My absence from the web sites, all of them, is NOT due to the toughness of the comments or of the current situation. Many of you can "read between the lines" re. my situation. It has NOTHING to do with the Club or, MOST IMPORTANTLY, the Fans. You all should know by now that my allegiance to the Fans and to the Villa is undaunted and untouchable. 2. There is no question that the strong feelings towards what has happened this season thus far is palpable. I recognize that many, many, Fans are pointing their fingers at one person. I also continue to hear the "drum beat" of concern about no "football" people on the Board. I go back to my last post....at the end of the day, the Manager is not on the Pitch...the players are. They are professionals...they know how to play the game...they know when they are giving 110% and when they are not...they know that they are playing for their teammates, their Club (the Badge) and for the Fans...they know how to chase down loose balls and how to mark a man. NOW is the time for the Players, the Fans and the entire organization to quit fuming and tearing into people and decide that for the next critical games, we are going to pour on the steam...we are going to go out and play our guts out and cheer our guts out. I am sorry...I just keep going back to my own life experiences, be it in the Forces or in the Bank. When things got really tough, and they did sometimes, we didn't spend time pointing fingers or moaning, we went out and did something about it....we went out to win. I know that there are many fans who don't see things the way I do but....I owe it to you to say how I feel. As for the "old saw" that there are no football people on the Board...we have so many advisors and folks who know the game that whatever I lack is more than made up by the people who surround the Club.

General Krulak here: 1. I am going to say something as a Fan, not as a member of the Board...of course the media cannot seem to tell the difference. I spent 35+ years in the Marine Corps and went to war three times. Now I know the Forces are not football so please bear with me. When my Marines put on their uniforms and the emblem of the Corps and went into battle and things got tough, the did not fight for their Commander, they fought for their brothers-in-arms...the men wearing their uniform and emblem. When a player puts on a kit and wears the Club badge, I would expect the same. We have VERY good lads who know how to play with passion. We have all seen them do it and have cheered them on. They are professionals who have given 110% in many games. What we need now is to quit pointing fingers and everyone look at the Claret and Blue of our kit and the badge they are wearing and go out and kick the crap out of the next teams we play until the end of the season!!! That may seem simplistic but that is how I have been raised. At the end of the day, they are on the Pitch and they can do it....do it for the uniform on their backs and the badge on their breast and the Fans in the stands! That is how I feel in my heart. I believe they can do it! YOU all can help by cheering them on...let them know that they represent a great and glorious Club. UP THE VILLA.

General Krulak here: 1. Rather that try to answer specific questions, let me state the following: A. I was terribly disappointed in the game today! We are a better Squad but we did not play like the better squad. Like the fans, I was gutted!! B. All comments are fed to Randy. We are very open and transparent with each other. He knows exactly what are on the posts. C. I am not going to comment on our Manager....you all know that. Doing so...good, supportive comments or bad ones...all would be immediate fodder for the media. D. I am certainly aware of the position we are in. Believe me, we do NOT want to suffer relegation...for the Fans, the Club, and for other obvious reasons. Everyone is concentrating on making sure that doesn't happen. E. As a member of the Board, I recognize I am not exempt from Fan criticism...I am a big boy now and realize my responsibility in that light. I would only ask that you continue to be respectful when you level your criticism. I am not happy about where we are and can assure you that Randy and the Board want success as much as the fans. F) I know I have not really touched on your specific questions/comments but I can assure you that Fans are NOT ignored at AVFC and have not been since Randy arrived.

General Krulak here: 1. AngelGabriel: Try calling AVFC ext 122. 2. Speaker System: The Club knows it is a problem. We have sunk quite a significant amount of money into it to get it back to snuff. We will not be replacing the entire system until we start the N. stand renovation. It just does not make fiscal sense to put a entirely new system in only to have to rip parts out. 3. bebbo75: I think I have said about all I can say about the FA Cup issue. If I say more, both you and I will be on the front page of every paper in the UK. 4. Mantis...I will not be there but Randy should be there. This is a HUGE game...and with some of our injuries in the back, we are really going to have to be strong across the Pitch.

General Krulak here: 1. jonno_2004: We have hired "The Terminator." 2. dudevillaisnice: The audio feed and volume appears to be OK...but we are continuing to check. 3. brumstopdogs: I am not sure about the program entry...we would probably end up with pages of birthday wishes if we opened up "pandora's box" on this one. You might want to call Duncan Riddle at AVFC ext. 413 and see if he can get a card to the folks. 4. runetune: Thanks Blandy!! 5. PR gaffes: We have, in fact, strengthened our PR area this year. We have a strong team in that area and they are pretty savvy at what they do. I think we all can agree that this has been a tough year and that trying to couch it in any other terms would be wrong. I just don't think that trying to focus on one area or another is the answer. The PR folks work with what is at hand while trying to highlight the good. Sometimes that is hard...especially when events transpire that make the "good" harder to find. We WILL get through all of this..I am convinced of it. Right now, we need to just concentrate on winning.

General Krulak here: 1. I hope I didn't confuse anyone...I was off the site NOT because anyone from the Club told me to be off the site...that won't happen. I was off because of a personal reason. 2. VillaAndLoyal: Yes, I would say I was down on the media....I confess. Why? Simply because I have made comments on this site and others that have been taken out of context or with words deleted to make the statements inflammatory and therefore "sell papers." That my sound a bit cruel but it is a fact. I wouldn't mind the media if they put comments in context and did not leave out words and thus alter intent. As for the Club "censoring" the media....I cannot imagine any media (print, voice, picture) allowing itself to be "censored." From my viewpoint, I cannot imagine the media being "censored." I am not even sure how you could do that. Maybe the word "censor" means something different here in the US. 3. jasthevillan: Believe me, every comment that is written is provided to those who need to know. Obviously, there are periods of time (like we have seen over the past couple of weeks) when most of the comments are similar in nature. EVEN THEN, I ensure that they are passed along. To think that I am censoring what is said or keeping them to myself is wrong. 4. mackavfc40: Why haven't I commented on the team selection? Are you serious? Do you really think it would be wise for a member of the Board to come on an open web site and start commenting on who is put on the Pitch...either positively or negatively? In the years I have been posting, you have never seen me comment on team selection...even after the 5-1 game. That should not and is not something that I would do...nor should anyone expect me to do. 5. runetune: Nicky Keye saw your post and would like to discuss it with you. Please call her at Villa Ext. 304. She knows you will be calling her. 6. RichardCousins: We have a very successful youth development program that casts a wide net...but, as you have indicated, we are always looking at ways to improve it. 7. Texas_Mike: We really haven't made a decision on that yet. We already have a pretty full summer on the docket. 8. dudevillaisnice: I will check on the audio issue and see if it is a problem at the Club. If it is, we will fix it.

General Krulak here: 1. There is little I can say about today's game. Like most of you, I thought that we looked fine going forward. Our back line had a tough day. It was NOT because they didn't play hard but the impact of missing some of our seasoned lads was evident. We had our chances and we made some chances. I am gutted. 2. imavillan: Seriously, I cannot answer such questions as you pose. I think, as a businessman yourself, you recognize how Randy might operate. Everyone has goals. But for me to come on an open site and discuss those goals would be foolish. It is easy to point fingers at everything when things are going bad...there are, in my opinion, some areas of positive movement...even if they are not readily apparent. 3. ChrisNichollsToe: Thank you, it is the first laugh I have had this week. 4. I will be off the site until Wednesday...I have a few things that I am being told to do.

General Krulak here: 1. I am sorry I have been off the site for a day but had a medical issue. First and foremost I want all to know that I have read and digested every comment made. I will probably not successfully answer every point because the same theme runs throughout. Let me first say that every single comment made has been read by those who need to read them...and understand the concern of the Fans. No comment has been deleted or edited by me. There is obviously much discontent by Fans and we are aware of it. Unfortunately, we have all learned that anything I post on this site or others is fair game for the media...to take out of context in whatever manner they choose. I am sure they are poised to do the same right now. Therefore I do not think is is right to make any comment other than what I have said above. What I will say is that Randy Lerner has demonstrated by his personal commitment of time and wealth to making Villa winners. His commitment should never be questioned. Each Fan, because they have paid for the ticket, deserves to be heard. My responsibility is to ensure that they are.

General Krulak here: 1. FXPro: As I indicated, it does the Club no good to discuss details of a business transaction publicly...for many reasons that I am sure are apparent. 2. Fuse: I think we all need to trust Randy and that he knows what he is doing. He is not going to do anything that knocks the wheels off of our efforts.

General Krulak here: 1. micfair: Nicky Keye would like to contact you. Could you please give her a call and tell her about your concerns. Thank you. 2. jackbauer: We are in negotiations now...and do NOT want another delay in the arrival of new kit. 3. markavfc40 and denis_b: The Club did not feel the issue of the sponsor was something that was critical to share with fans...and it certainly had nothing to do with kit sales. Negotiations surrounding the issue of FXPro and a new sponsor were not something that would benefit anyone if splashed on the front page of every paper in the UK. 4 dodgyknees: Believe me, we try very hard to get our kit into every sports shop...and Nike works hard too. Simply put, it is really up to the shop. They measure the requirement and if it isn't there, then it is hard to get them to take the kit. 5. lukedaw and guus: I thought it was a good game. I personally can see exactly what GH is doing with the Club and I think guus has it spot on. He is inculcating a different style into our play and it is a style that I think is appropriate. The more we work at it, the better we will become. As we add to the squad, it will become more apparent.

General Krulak here: 1. FX Pro: This sponsorship issue (the end of contract with FX Pro) took place awhile back. Not sure why the papers just picked up on it. It is probably not a good idea to go into what has transpired other than to say that we will be paid throughout this season and that we already have sponsorships on the table. The issue did NOT have anything to do with our performance on the Pitch. We do not expect our shirts to be out late again. 2. Bebbo75: Obviously I am not sure why two of our players had to depart early. Was there a set time frame for the signing? Often players are required to get some work done by the physios...on a daily basis. That might have been why they had to leave. Whatever the case, we should have made sure that those people waiting understood the reason. We should have done better!! 3. villan2k8: Give our ticketing office a call....they can give you the answer.

General Krulak here: 1. markavfc40. We are expecting around 35,000 for the game. 2. Fran_Villa: Not sure what I can say to your post. I am very sorry that you won't be renewing your season ticket next year or that you won't be spending "another cent on Villa...." I have always felt that, as a Fan of any sport, I support the Team...and all that entails. I don't get mixed up in personalities or likes and dislikes...I support the Team...I support my Club. If you don't feel that way, then nothing I say or don't say will make a difference to you. Suffice it to say that I am sorry we will be losing your support at the games. 3. VILLAFC2000: I would say that our Club is very familiar with the UEFA financial fair play rule. I am not sure what you mean by "what is its priority rank"...but making more than you spend has got to rank up there in importance in any business. If you go too long operating "in the red", you won't have a business after time. Yes, I am a Dylan fan!

General Krulak here: 1. Christchurchvillan: Sorry, as I looked at my answer I can see where it might look a bit "brief." The issue would simply be expense...when we look at the best return on investment, the idea just wouldn't make sense. Right now, we are focused on putting our money against things that will bring us up in the tables and be a good return for us. 2. Ponty: We are constantly looking at ways to increase the visibility of the Villa around the world. The truth be told, we need to simply be winner if we really want to be known world-wide. So, the key is to take the sort of action needed to win on the Pitch. If we have a good, consistent, sparkling play on field, type of Squad, we will be seen around the world. That is our goal. 3. I did not give Randy a present...I confess. He is a VERY hard man to buy a present for!! 4. jasethevilla: You ask the $64,000 question! Again, speaking ONLY as a Fan and one who has been a Villa Fan for a much shorter time than most...my sense is that we have not been consistently in the "market" for long enough to build the type of depth and talent on the squad to be able to compete regularly and be in the hunt for silverware. Couple this with 4 teams who have pretty much a lock on things for the past decade and the problem becomes pretty obvious. I think that our Plan is a good one. Build from the inside and the outside...have a good infrastructure, good facilities and spend money wisely. The latter point is sometimes more difficult than at other times...historically. Our goal remains the same...to lift silverware!

General Krulak here: 1. ChristChurchVilla: No. 2. brumstopdogs: Because we are a better team. 3. Director of Football: I do not see us getting a Director of Football...we do not see a need for one. 4. villarocker: Top 4 is absolutely our goal...and I honestly think that we will do it. We will strengthen the squad again, everyone will be settled in and comfortable...we will be huge! 5. The North Stand/North End redevelopment is not on a racing time line. It will happen when we feel it is right to make happen. Current seating and new seating will be done with consultation with fans. We learned our lesson at Trinity Road.

General Krulak here; 1. markavfc40: If I thought it was really important to the dialogue and not just another way to get at a pet peeve...be it a Board member, a player, the owner or the Manager, I would give it a go. Obviously we set our goals very high...what Club would do otherwise? What Fan would want otherwise. Talking about "minimums" to someone who has spent his adult life in a business where "minimums" normally meant dead or wounded is not something I feel prepared to discuss. 2 brumstopdogs: Why has the Club dropped "so alarmingly"? I would imagine that many have that same question and many have their own views. First off, the season is not over yet...and I am NOT someone who thinks we will end up "closer to the bottom four." Secondly, there are some pretty obvious issues that we have had to face and get through. Third, there are new members of the Squad who are still fitting in...good players who will make a huge impact. Again, I am not ready, as you apparently are, to throw in the towel on this season. 3. North stand...will all be included in the overall project for Villa Park...not a separate entity at this time.

General Krulak here: 1. AVFC-Prideofbrum: Barca would be a helluva game...and a real crowd pleaser. I would imagine that their "dance card" is already filled for this summer. 2. markavfc40 and dbsboots: I am not sure what value there can be found in the Director of the Club answering questions such as you pose. Do you really expect me to answer such comments/questions?

General Krulak here: 1. imavillan: As a Fan, there is much about this proposal that I just don't understand. We have a FA Cup competition that has proven to be a winner over the years. It combines many of the great things of sport...good competition, a golden opportunity for the underdog, a real fan favorite, etc. etc. I just am not sure I understand why we would want to mess with something that is so successful. I have NOT seen the entire proposal nor do I know how many and who are backing the change. I am sure that the entire League will give the proposal a very close look. 2. AngelGabriel: We are still looking at what we might be doing during the off-season after the big trip. 3. b6bloke: I honestly don't think that the Manager or the Club would look to a fan site to determine if a player was to stay or go. It just wouldn't make any sense. So much goes into a decision like that...depending or consulting a fan web site is probably not in the cards. 4. maradona16: I do not think we will be moving the tunnel. Simply put, all of the dressing rooms, the referees rooms, the Manager's rooms and the Press room are all right in the tunnel area. It wouldn't make any sense to move all of that plus the expense would be HUGE. 5. Dave1380: I must confess I don't know why we are wearing claret socks...probably because that is what the Manager called for. I will ask the question and see what the answer is.

General Krulak here: 1. pompeyvillan: A very good question. Obviously, the goal is to have a Club that brings in more revenue than incurs expense....not a flash of brilliance in that statement. So you are right. We recognized early on (prior to buying Club) that we were going to have to spend in order to get the Club to where it shows a profit...that may sound strange, but it is true. Yes, we could have cut players, not participated in transfers, not built up the infrastructure, etc. etc. but we would have been cutting our own throats. So, we did in fact spend...and continue to spend. I think it has been pretty obvious that Randy is willing to spend money to obtain his goal. I do not see Randy ever reaching the point when he decides not to invest in the Club...that just would make zero sense. The Board is not looking to exist mid-table and neither is Randy...that has NEVER been the goal. We recognize the reality of the Premiership...that it is a very difficult league...but that doesn't mean that our goal will ever be mid-table. 2. dudley_villa: I am not privy to the answers to your questions. 3. didiersix: Yes, it would appear that we may well be missing a trick here. Let me take for action. 4. b6bloke: No, I can't honestly say that the Club looks at forums to get an idea of the Fans view of selling/losing a player. Player decisions need to be made by management...not by Fans. As you know, there is a great deal that goes into decisions re. players...things that are best evaluated by the Manager, Coaches and Club. If we started to put Fans into the equation...make player decisions based upon fan input, we would probably run into some real problems. Simply put, even with the best of intentions, the Fans don't always agree and they certainly don't have all the facts. This is NOT knocking the Fans...it is simply stating the obvious. No Club can afford to make player decisions based upon fan input. 3. stephen_evans: I will see what our folks have to say about this.

General Krulak here: 1. TrentVilla and others: I have been told that we try to get every ST holder into the Holte Pub at least once a season....obviously that is not happening. Let me look into this and I will get back to you. As I have indicated, Nicky has been reading this thread and we are in the midst of working on our ticketing for next season. I have talked with her about what is being suggested and she has been talking to Fans about this issue. We ARE listening. 2. dbsboots: I try to see every game I can...on the telly or in person. Likewise, I can assure you, I have seen the League Table. Hopefully you recognize that as a Director of the Club, I am interested in the League Table. At the same time, as a Director of the Club I also hope you recognize that comments about the Manager, Players, Board, Owner, etc. etc. are not going to be made on this or any other thread. Such comments would be unprofessional and not in keeping with the guidelines of this thread. 3. Often the away kit is dictated by the League depending on who we are playing.

General Krulak here: 1. sellyoakvilla and schillzz: As I have indicated, we are currently looking at the Season Ticket issue...and Nicky Keye has been reading the various posts on this site and others. She has also been ringing up a smattering of Season Ticket holders to get an idea of their thoughts. You hit on a few important points re. ST's...a guaranteed seat, Wembley, etc. This season, to date, this may not seem like a big deal but last year it certainly was...and we still are in a Cup competition this year. Importantly, it is also cheaper....and the payment can be stretched over time. I know you say that is is not cheaper but I would have to disagree with you. I know that Nicky and her team have watched the pricing very closely and has ensured that the ST holder remains the cheapest seat in town. ST holders get into the lottery for the Holte Pub and most get there once or twice during the season. BUT...we ARE looking at new incentives to make the ST holder a better option.

General Krulak here: 1. villanshane: We will be establishing a partnership in the US but, as indicated, not right now. Simply put, we are working in several areas to include Europe and Asia. The partnership that you are pushing is not quite as simple and "inexpensive" as you would think. We need to make sure that our resources and efforts are focused where they can help us in a timely manner.