c-krulak

General Krulak here: 1. Richard: Thank you for reading the opening post of this thread...because it lays out the ground rules of how the mods and I believe we can have the most helpful thread...both for the Fans and the Club. Simply put, as long as the comments are respectful of all concerned...as long as we do not identify specific players or people associated with the Club in a disparaging manner....as long as we don't get into the specifics of transfers (players, targets, money, etc)...then I am more than willing to take on the "good, bad, and ugly." We all need to remember that this thread is read by more than just Villa Fans...it is read by the media. The media has shown themselves to be more than willing to take comments out of context and splash them across the papers. This doesn't do any good for our Club. I did NOT "disappear" because there were "too many questions you deem to be incendiary:...I had a medical issue of long standing that kept me from being on the Boards. Simple as that. As for games we should win....I think we have a good chance in the vast majority of the games we have left to play...but I am just one fan and do not have a crystal ball. From my background in the Forces, I really never think about NOT winning. 2. Alec: You make a good point...I will pass your comments on to Nicky Keye. 3. There are some VERY good suggestions on technology enhancements and their use at Villa Park. I am discussing them with our IT folks and we will be looking hard at them. You all are correct, the quicker we can take advantage of what we know is coming from a technology standpoint, the better off we will be. 4. For those who have specific questions on ticketing, please contact Nicky Keye. We are, in fact, working hard at getting our site up that will allow visibility on seating options.

General. Krulak here: 1. Correction. Our contract with Nike ends in the summer of 2012....my mistake...senility setting in. Kit manufacturer will be decided like any business decision is made. 2. Mackavfc40: I am not sure that it is worth answering your questions other than to possibly feed headlines for the local papers. I am not going to do that. 3. Fuse: I have passed your comments plus those that have been made on other threads to Nicky Keye so that she has a good idea of what suggestions the Fans have re. Ticketing. 4. My sense is that we will be doing something for comic relief.

General Krulak here: 1. Nike contract: My comment simply meant that we signed a contract with Nike several years ago and the length of the contract has it expiring at the end of this season. That does not mean that won't be entertaining Nike again...only that the contract runs out at that time. We approach manufacturers and they approach us...sort of like any business would do. We hope to have our kit out early this coming year. 2. markavfc40: I have no comment on Liverpool....I am focused on Aston Villa FC, not Liverpool. 3. billyjoes: Not a bad idea!!!

General Krulak here: 1. markavfc40 and others: The "sad" comment. I am not sure where any of us disagree...as I have CONSISTENTLY stated, I know the impact of the economy, jobs, play on the Pitch, etc. etc. Why, after ALL my comments re. the environment and situation we find ourselves in...as people and as a Country...would you immediately interpret my comment as a negative and slam against the fans??????? Let me reiterate what I said...we have a Family Fun Day, a Huge game, and only 36,000 expected to attend. That IS sad! I did not, in any way, indicate this was a slam at our Fans. Quite the contrary, I have, for the last multiple posts, talked about the very issues you have talked about. PLEASE don't be so quick to judge me....try to read what I have said before on a subject and then put the comment in context. You will quickly see that there is no disagreement. I think you ALL would agree that it is sad to see only 36,000 fans at a game...for ALL the reasons mentioned. Some of those reasons we have some control over.....most we do not. I think Randy has certainly showed that he is doing his best to work on the reasons that he has some control over. 2. Yes, we do have people working with the defense. 3. I hope no one on this site truly expects me to talk about Players, Manager, etc. It would be of ZERO value and would only end up in print in some daily fish-wrapper.

General Krulak here: 1. Steelers-Packers: I am picking the Packers in an upset (my heart)...Steelers in my mind. Still...PACKERS!! 2. I thought the review of Villa Park was pretty accurate except for the hospitality...we are better than 2 stars. And, of course, the Fans and environment are 10 stars!!!! 3. Family Fun Day...a must win...a cracking atmosphere....only 36,000 showing up counting the away fans. Sad! 4. steaknchips: At the end of the day, I think most players want to remain on the Pitch...I have watched players on every team in the League pretty much shake their heads when the come off the Pitch. I think the Players know what GH is trying to accomplish and are behind him. Rumors to the contrary are just that...rumors. Great grist for the media mill. 5. Transfer price tags: I wonder whether a "salary cap" would ever work???????? 6. BOF: The Club is just not going to get into a discussion on this matter....it will only make more "grist" for the media. We have said what we are going to say. 7. contract with Nike to expire after this coming year. Kit will be out early.

General Krulak here: 1. The kit WILL BE released earlier!!! 2. paulanddonya: Oh my goodness...do you think we like splashing money around? Right now and for the foreseeable future, we are part of a free market society...supply and demand. When you have Clubs willing to pay the amount of money that is being paid, you either go with the tide or go under. How much time have I spent talking about the wage bill?? Do you really think we aren't aware of the problem. Simply put, it is NOT as easy a situation to deal with as you seem to think. It is not simply a case of the owners getting together and deciding that 30,000 pounds a week is THE top price. I know you are frustrated and so are many owners but....it is what it is and wishing it away won't get it. The second a Club decides to play the game a certain way, they need to be wary of what they wish for. 3. Sani: Call our shop.

General Krulak here: 1. don't_do_it_doug: Our goal now that window is closed? To win as many games as we can...preferably all of them! Realistically? To not drop points against teams we should beat and get points off of teams that are a bit tougher. We want to rise in the table as far as we can. 2. sellyoakvilla: Tinkering with ticket prices right now is not something we want to do. We are, as I indicated, in the process of settling on prices for the coming season...so doing something now would not be too wise. 3. IanTaylor: As I indicated, we ARE looking at joining forces with a Club/Clubs in the US...at various levels. We just have not felt that the time was right. Your comments about football in the US are spot on. We have very good youth teams that show great promise but...when the youth hit high school, they run into the same old syndrome...football, basketball and baseball. Somehow, we need to break into that monopoly. Another problem we have is that at the very young level, the kids are coached by parents...many of who don't know the game. We have to address that fact too. 4. Asian market...again, we are looking to increase our exposure in that market...and are seeing some movement. Again, certain Premiership teams have the "visibility" in that market already...which makes it a bit more difficult. 5. Sani: I have no idea. Next time you are at the shop, just ask.

General Krulak here: 1. theunderstudy: This is a subject that we have been hashing over for a couple of years. My sense is that we will eventually do just what you are talking about. I am not sure we are ready yet.

General Krulak here: 1. cracker1234: I think we are all very happy to see Bradley come on loan. I watched him closely during the World Cup and thought that he was the most consistent player on the US Squad. I know that the US is not "world beaters" but Bradley showed he could play a very solid game of football. He has an engine that won't quit and he has a good sense of the game. He is passionate and happy to be at Villa. 2. VillaLiOn: I think Villa has always had a vision of building from within whilst get other Players from the transfer window. I don't think Randy would seek or want credit for that philosophy. We have a very good set of coaches who work with our youth and the results of their hard work are being seen on the Pitch. I think that MON shared the belief that a good youth program is critical to a Club's success. 3. maloneyt: I think I have answered your question in many ways over the past few years. The best way for AVFC to have an anthem is for the FANS to create it. I do NOT think that the Club should develop the anthem. I have continually stated that I felt that the Fans should provide their desired anthem to the Club by utilizing the SCG to get it up to those who can make it happen. As I have said many times before, the Club WILL support the anthem the Fans want. 4. stevenavfc1874: English football is, in my opinion, much more entertaining than any other sport in the US!!! 5. ST holders at cup games. I honestly don't know the answer to that question and I don't think the Club tracks that statistic. 6. Fuse: I understand what you are saying and we are trying to bring Family Fun Days to Villa Park. I do NOT think it would be smart to run games (youth or reserve) on the Pitch before a league game...not good for the pitch.

General Krulak here: 1. markavfc40: Not sure what needs to be elaborated on in my comment. A Family, A Football Club, A Business, A Charity...not one of these can afford to have expenses out run revenue. 2. nr11: Interestingly, we have not been far off on shirt sales. The key will be this summer...what will happen then. 3. A very nice game yesterday...again some of our newer players did a superb job. I think the spirit of the lads is very high right now and confidence is definitely growing.

General Krulak here: 1. markavfc40: Believe me, we have run all the numbers....done the math. We have pursued the issue you have raised and the numbers are not as you have indicated. Their is a "tipping point" where numbers of fans plus food and drink do cross over the cost of ticket line....but we remain where we need to be. As I have said many times before, we have some of the lowest prices in the League...we have spent money to buy players and to enhance to Park...we cannot just give our tickets away or we will be dead in the water. 2. Cup games. We have had multiple pricing for Cup games since we arrived at Villa Park....check it out. At the end of the day, the numbers have not fluctuated much based solely on price of ticket. We continue to look at ways to get people to Villa Park and Family Cup tickets might be a good idea. Just understand that "taking a hit in revenue" is not something we can continue to do. 3. I don't think there will be a lockout in the NFL this season.

General Krulak here: 1). Lot's of comments on lowering ticket prices and I understand why that is...cost during the economic downturn, performance on the Pitch, etc. etc. At the same time, I have trouble getting my head around the fact that we ALREADY have some of the very lowest prices in the Premiership...we have actually had a period when we did not raise ticket prices due to the economy. We just spent a good deal of money to bring in some quality lads to the Squad and re-signed some of our other lads. We continue to invest around the Park to make the Fan experience better. Yet the cry is for lower ticket prices. At some point in time we all need to understand that NO Club, no matter how much money is associated with the owner, can just splash money around and, at the same time, lower ticket prices. None of us could run a business or a family budget following that formula. Randy DOES CARE about pricing and I think he has demonstrated that during the time of his ownership. At the same time, he isn't making pound notes in his basement. Re. Season Ticket holders....they remain THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE WAY to attend games!!! We are very careful to ensure that remains a fact. Equally important, ST holders have the edge when we end up playing for silverware....as we saw last year. Rest assured we "run the numbers" all the time to get the right balance when it comes to attendance. Finally, we played ManCity the other day...a huge game against a top team...introducing two of our new signings...and couldn't get 40,000 at Villa Park. Lower ticket prices might look good but I am not sure it is the only solution. 2). GH is very please with the Youth Program at Villa and credits our Youth Coaches for doing a superb job. 3). Itbrvilla: If the atmosphere at Villa Park is "rubbish", I am not sure that we should be looking to the Club to improve it. We understand we need to put exciting, consistent, winning Squads on the Pitch but the Fans need to " own" their share of the atmosphere. 4). Store website....got it.

General Krulak here: 1. sellyoakvilla: Obviously it would appear that the simplest way of getting Fans to Villa Park would be to lower prices...makes all sorts of sense. The problem is that we can't lower the cost of stewards, ticket takers, people providing food, etc. etc. Those are pretty much fixed costs and lowering the price to bring more people in does not make up for the costs associated with such action. If you look hard at the numbers and the average price per Fan, one could even make the case that it is more cost effective to have the 27K at regular prices than the 40K at much lower prices. What we need to do, especially for these games, is to get the "right" pricing that will be effective at getting Fans to the Park and not cost the Club revenue. We are looking closely at this. 2. Gabby0878: Obviously I am not going to comment on the rumors that have flown around re. the dressing room and training ground...other than to say that the media has made much ado about nothing...a mountain out of a mole hill. I can remember last year that we heard the same sort of rumors coming out of the dressing room...people unhappy because they weren't playing, etc. We are talking about very competitive players who want to get on the Pitch...nothing that I have seen or heard is any different than what I see and hear back here in the US with our sports teams. When a new manager arrives at a Club things are going to change...that is not only natural but it is expected. I just wouldn't put too much credence to what you read in the papers. 3. Undesirable: I have not heard anything about this. Let me see if I can look into the issue.

General Krulak here: 1. Ticket sales: Right now we project about 26.7K at the Blackburn Rovers match and 35.5 for the Fulham match. As you can see, the numbers are not overwhelming...particularly for where we are in the "fight" and how much of a difference the Fans make. The away fans at Wigan were HUGE and I think the players responded to the support well after the match. We would obviously love to see more fans in the stadium...for two big reasons: 1) support for the Lads and 2) the obvious...revenue...which is critical if we are going to continue to move forward. 2. Away Fans and atmosphere: My sense is that we will not be moving the away fans right now....so far, in many respects, it has been a good move to date. I am convinced that our own Fans generate the atmosphere (following, of course, the performance on the Pitch.) 3. dudley_villa: Yes.

General Krulak here: 1. steve-67: Like many things, I think that the "dust-ups" were far overblown. The reality is that when things are not going exactly to plan, little things get taken out of context and blown out of proportion. My sense is that GH has been showing his excellence in many areas...the Transfer Window was just one. He is smart, very professional, he cares for his Players, and is willing to give everyone a chance. This makes a difference to those on the Squad. At the end of the day, we have a long season ahead and everyone understands that we will be much more effective pulling as one. Don't let yourself get caught up in what the media may or may not be reporting. We have a real winning spirit in the dressing room and at the training ground. The older players are providing strong leadership...the younger players are providing great energy and our new players are bringing added fire to the combination. We just need to keep focused on one game at a time and GH is doing just that. 2. I agree that the Holte Suite can be VERY important for both home and away.

General Krulak here: 1. Holtender-in-sky: My sense is that we are just going to let the issue with Mr. Holloway rest. There is very little to gain by having a back and forth dialogue in the media. 2. kerms: I am afraid I have little influence on pre-season games. It would be nice to have some played in Ireland and Scotland...and maybe that will happen in time. it really is up to the Manager. 3. NRC: As you might imagine, it would not make much sense for me to discuss plans for NRC...even if I knew them. What I think is obvious to all Fans is that NRC has a role on this Team. He is playing, is playing well, and appears happy with his situation. Again, I don't know much more than the average Fan when it comes to player dealings.

General Krulak here: 1. Micflair: Nicky Keye has provided an update of ticketing. "The select your seat solution has been escalated to the sender developers at Ticketmaster. We apologize for the delay in bringing this to our Fans. We hope to update you as soon as possible once the issue has been resolved and tested. In the meantime, to purchase a particular seat, pls contact consumer sales on the free phone 0800 612 0970 or call into the Villa Village ticket office or City Center store." Nicky indicated if you would call her, she would help in any issue you might have right now. 2. I will absolutely be at the Liverpool game. 3. The North Stand will be renovated...and as I have said before, one of the keys to the redevelopment will be a desire to see an increase in attendance at matches.

General Krulak here: 1. The Club would absolutely support an anthem that had the sponsorship of the Fans. I have long felt that such an effort should be fan-induced vice by the Club. 2. I am sure that Randy would be reluctant to change the name of the stand...it would be like a punch in the face to Mr. Ellis. That is not Randy's style. 3. dodgyknees: That is one that is not worth talking about...and not one I would even know about. 4. Our goals remain the same...to provide consistent, winning, exciting, football. To win as much silverware as we possibly can. To build on the strong traditions and ethos of Aston Villa Football Club. To understand the importance of the Villa "Family" and strive to ensure that the "Family" is always proud of the Club. To build the Club for the long term...to understand that infrastructure is critically important to long term success.

Generaal Krulak here: 1. Attendance at Villa Park is slightly concerning. When you have a game such as ManCity and we are introducing new players...and we still can't fill the stadium, it is a concern. Likewise, we have had many games where the attendance has been well below what was hoped for. The reasons are legion...the economy, the timing, the play on the Pitch, etc. etc. At the same time, we all recognize that AVFC, like all FC's, is more than just a Club, it is a business. Attendance plays a role in the revenue to expense equation. We really need to see our Fans filling up the seats and when that doesn't happen, the entire Club suffers. Randy and the Board recognize our responsibility in this equation and we just hope that the Fans come out to see the Lads play. 2. Cash Points: As I have said before, we have asked several banks to support our effort here but they are reluctant to install cash points (costs them money and costs them labor) at a location that only gets business on certain days. We are continuing to push. 3. I will check on the iPad issue...I have an iPad and I have not run across the problem you describe. 4. Wage bill. A key part of any football Club is the % of expense related to wage bill. If that % can be kept to a manageable level, then many things are possible. We are working to manage our wage bill and have been since taking over the Club. It is an issue that is on every owner's mind...not just AVFC. If we can keep the wage bill within the right % points, then we can be far more effective in the transfer markets and in paying the players we have. ALL Clubs are working towards that goal. 5. As you know, we have been working to get the ticketing web site updated...and we should have it ready to go soon.

General Krulak here: 1. The noise of the Villa Fans on the TV was awesome! When Bent scored his goal, my TV set bounced up 2 inches!!! 2. The Game: I was so very proud of our Manager and of our Lads. GH obviously had a good plan and had the Lads ready to go and the Lads gave it 110%. Seriously, they played their guts out...and the defense was simply magnificent. For a Yank, Bent's goal was very instructive. You could see that, in many ways, it was "instinctive." It was almost as if he knew the ball was going to pop out and he was exactly where he had to be...and he knew how to put it in the back of the net. I went crazy!! 3. I thought the Reserve score was superb. Obviously we are very happy with the way they played...and the way our youth team and our younger players are doing. SO MUCH credit needs to go the KM and his coaches...we are blessed with some really great people who know how to develop young talent. 4. I have not much more to offer re. Ash than what the Manager has said. He was pretty clear that he didn't want him to go. 5. I obviously will not get into a discussion re. our previous Manager. I think it is pretty obvious by the amount of money that Randy has spent on players since his arrival at AVFC that he has supported his managers. I think that Randy has always made it a point to say, "Watch what I do...measure me on my actions." People just need to judge him by what he does. I will say that we have absolute faith in GH and believe that he is taking all the right steps to move us up the tables. This last game is a perfect example of where the Club is going. We still have a long way to go and there will be bumps in the road but we all need to get behind GH and the Lads because I am convinced they are going to do some very special things for our Club in the coming years.

General Krulak here: 1. We will fix that clock...again!! Ireland is currently slightly injured and that is why he has not been seen on the Pitch. 2. The only environment-enhancing thing we have at football (NFL) games in the states is the "tail-gate parties"...cookouts. 3. The wage bill will always be an issue in football...it is a balancing act that all Clubs must negotiate. We have taken action to work on this issue and we are better off than before. 4. I don't intend to get into a discussion re. other Clubs. You know Randy and the Board...we will not do things that are improper. 5. Yes, the Club will again offer a spread-out payment plan for ST holders. Re. sitting together...you might want to get your group together and give Nicky a call and see what can be done. Obviously you will have to wait until pricing is decided.

General Krulak here: 1. Good to be "home." 2. N. Stand development will not be affected by the recent signings. 3. We should know by tonight about MaKoun's work permit and visa. Obviously he would not play tomorrow as he has not had any practice with the Squad. 4. I know of no Club rules against social networking sites. We just need to trust the lads to do the right things. 5. Randy has not become uneasy about the press...positive or negative. You all know him pretty well by now...he will continue to let his actions speak for him. He will not be drawn into debates in the Press...that is just not him. 6. Club anthem: I have been pushing for some time for the fans to choose the anthem...we will be right along side of your choice. 7. The atmosphere at Bodymoor Heath has bordered on electric! The older players are welcoming the new like long lost brothers and the new players are very happy to be here. GH is obviously happy. Randy watched the first practice with Bent on Wednesday and felt really good about the entire Team and how they were reacting on the practice pitch. We have a good bunch of lads and they are going to give it their all.

General Krulak here" 1. Razor and others: I am not sure what sort of response you want from me. I was NOT at the game....I CANNOT get myself into GH's head...I CANNOT speak for him. He basically wrote the statement and indicated what he wanted to do with the Club and how he feels about the Fans. I believe we are ALL SORRY about what happened. To think that no one is sorry is just crazy. Perhaps his statement should have used the "sorry" word...but I doubt if that would have made any difference to many of the fans. I think that the statement made some very important points that seem to have not registered with many of you. Each of us would have probably done things differently...and I am sure that GH would do it differently too. Unfortunately, the train left the station and GH has been pretty clear in his statement re. his goals and his feelings towards AVFC and the Fans. Getting mad at me...telling me I am disappointing...doesn't do much for any of us. 2. fran_villa: Not even sure how to answer your comments. "Shame on Randy"??? Fine. 3. 2nd goal comment: Do you really need me to answer that question? I spent 39 years in uniform...with a belief that no one can beat us and we are always in the fight. Again, I am NOT a mind reader so I don't know what was going on in GH's mind at the time of the interview.

General Krulak here: 1. To all Fans: I have read ALL of your comments regarding the L'pool game in general and the remarks made GH in particular. I can assure you that I have passed on your thoughts to Randy, the Board and to our Manager. I am unable to get into GH's mind nor am I able to truly understand what he was feeling before, during and after the game....feelings that led him to make the comments he did. Equally, I am not going to try to minimize what he said...make excuses...or anything else. There is no denying what he said...it is there for all to see. What I don't know, as I indicated, is what was going through his mind at the time...and neither does anyone else. What I DO KNOW is what he put forth in his statement that was put out yesterday is FAR CLOSER to the reality of how he feels about our Club and our Fans. "...and I say emphatically that we will battle through. Building a lasting success at Aston Villa is my focus and my commitment to this challenge is resolute. It is down to us collectively as a Club to work hard to bring joy and success to the fans because the fans are the most important. They are vocal and fantastic, which I stated when when I first came here. They know we are in this together." I know that his comments and actions on Monday evening seem at odds with this statement BUT I have talked with the man, seen him in action at Bodymoor Heath and seen his devotion and passion for the Club and ALL are at odds with what took place on Monday night. Nothing can be done to retract what happened on Monday night...it is what it is. What I am saying is that I think I have a good sense of how he feels about the Club and Fans and it is exactly what you would want him to think and feel. Again, I am not in a position to understand what GH was feeling when he entered the Liverpool stadium on Monday...I only know what I have seen and heard as he has worked hard for our Club. We now have some fans who find fault with his statement...again, that is the right of the fans. I personally feel that the statement reflects the views of the man...that building "lasting success at Aston Villa is my focus and commitment to this challenge is resolute." Those who are looking for GH's head...who are asking that he be fired...have the right to feel that way....they buy the tickets and can say what they want. At the same time, Randy and the Board need to keep focused on the overall goal and we believe that GH plays a key role in achieving that goal. 2. Believe me, there is not a single person at Villa Park who does not understand where we are right now and how the fans feel. I cannot begin to tell you how much effort is being expended to get us on the right track. To think we are just sitting back and watching this all happen is to not know Randy, the Board or the Club. We are focused, driven, and working our bums off to get the ship back on track. Each fan has the absolute right to come on this thread and rant...I have NEVER shied away from the "good, bad, and ugly." At the same time, I feel I have a HUGE responsibility to NOT feed the Fans "spin" and PR but, rather, to give you my personal opinion and to help give the Fans a sense of where the Club is. Right now, we understand how you all are feeling and we are working hard to move forward. We have a good portion of the season ahead of us...we MUST NOT throw in the towel at this point...we need to all pull together.

General Krulak here: 1. avilafan: Over the summer, I must have posted a "blow by blow" of what was happening almost daily. It got so bad (here I mean that no one was listening or just didn't believe me) that I actually went off the site for several weeks. I am not going to repeat all I said then...it should be easy to bring them back up from the "history file." I spoke of what happened before MON left, what happened the day he left, and what Randy did and when. I am not sure what more the Club could have said at the time or now that would satisfy anyone. 2. Is the Board "at fault"? Should we shoulder any of the blame? Very tough questions to answer...because I am not sure what is meant by the questions. At blame for the sale of Milner? I guess we are if we should have "trumped" the deal made by the Manager...something that Boards should not do to their Managers. That we should have backed MON...I would say that Randy gave him backing in both money and personal support. That we should have know he was leaving? I guess if we were mind readers we could have done that. That we should have rushed out and picked a manager out of the "manager for sale" bin? I would say that Randy acted promptly and professionally to choose a new Manager...he flew to the UK the day MON turned in his resignation...and started the hunt at that time. ALL of this is fact...not spin. OBVIOUSLY the Board is not blameless...it all happened. I am sure there are lessons to be learned and we have attempted to do just that but....it is NOT at all like has been presented on this site over the past few days. 3. You will not hear Randy nor MON talk about this issue in detail...it is not something either should do. 4. If the Club says they will have a app for the android, then they will. 5. I will be at a Board Meeting for the next two days so will be off the site. Maybe allow things to calm down a bit. I DO BELIEVE that the Club that pulls together will, in the end, succeed. Stick with us.