c-krulak

General Krulak here: 1. We will be looking at using local products in the Holte Holtel. 2. Sale dates on new kits...I posted that answer a day ago. 3. The issue of Villa on TV...a potential Villa site...etc. is being looked at. No promises.

general krulak here: 1. New Kit: Press Launch and Launch to public on the 17th-19th of July. 9 Aug home kit on sale. 7 Sept away kit on sale. I have already explained why the timing is as it is...basically, our contract with Nike was signed "late in the game" and we had to fit in the queue with other teams around the world who have kits made by Nike. We knew this going in but determined that the quality of the kit and the Nike name was worth being a tad late during the first year. The Squad will play in the new Kit on the tour and the Inter game. For those going on tour, there will be a special "tour" shirt on sale soon...it will NOT be a replica of the new kit but something to wear other than our current shirt. 2. We will be supporting the Ladies Team...much work is being done in that area. 3. Questions re. Corporate Days, Corporate Boxes, etc. are best answered by Allison Plant...another one of our superstars. She heads the Department that handles such events and would be happy to talk to you. 4. Wheelchair ticket availability is best answered by Nicky Keye in our Ticketing Department. Many of you have already experienced her professionalism and care for the fan....give her a call and see what she has to say about the issue. 5. We will continue to look at ways to expand the wheelchair space in the stadium. As many know, I try to drop by and say hello to our disabled fans during the games...and I agree, we need to expand the locations. 6. The Holte Hotel will be run by Allison Plant and her team. I am sure they will get "help" but we will try to do it "in house" first.

General krulak here: 1. ST sales continue to exceed last year at this time and, more importantly, expectations. 2. I have not heard any requirement for more Scouts for our Club. 3. Q&A with Fans. We may be able to make something like that happen..let me look into it. 4. I am THE eternal optimist so asking me where we are going to place next year and if we are going to get Silverware is bound to get you too wound up!!! 5. let me try again with the kits. we did a deal with Nike "late in the game." it is a great partnership and we are VERY happy with them. at the same time, our place in the queue for producing the kit...home and away...was at the end when compared to clubs who were already partner'd with Nike (around the world.) as a result, we are getting our home and away kits for players in good time but to get sufficient kits to put on the shelves is another matter. we and Nike are doing the best we can...and it is worth the wait because of the quality of the partnership. yes, we may lose a bit of money but the quality of the partnership, over the years, is what is important. 6. Clubs have zero real impact on TV kick-off times.

general krulak here: 1. paulanddonya: a very interesting "mix". again, i would love to see the idea of a song taken up by the Supporter's Group vice the leadership of the club dictating a song. 2. no situation room under the trinity but...lots of "old friends" who keep us posted.

general krulak here: 1. Obviously, security of our Fans and Players is critical!! The Security Manager is tied into the same intelligence provided to the Constabulary so we should know when the security level is raised...and if we, as a Facility, can be considered a target. Likewise, Randy and I have access to other security information that will allow us to reinforce security when required. Perhaps the most important security measure available is the awareness of the Fans at Villa Park...just like it is in London, around the UK and in the US. Most plots are foiled because an individual sees something out of the ordinary and reports it. We need that happening at Villa Park. 2. Randy did not open the Holte Hotel because he thought he would make loads of money. He opened it to show the Fans and the Community that he was sincere about restoring the ethos and traditions of this great Club. How often during the week the Holte is open and what the hours will be are still to be determined. Our sense is that we will have to subsidise the running of it. Parking will be available on the grounds.

general krulak here: I just noticed i went over post # 300................on this site. no wonder my wife is ready to kill me.

general krulak here: 1. randy is NOT flying over to make announcements re. players. he has business with his Club and in London. as i have said many times over, richard fitzgerald does not work the player deals...mon and randy do. if any announcements are made, it is NOT because randy has arrived on the scene. he was not on the scene when we made our deals this winter. we all need to realize that we have a professional businessman in charge and a manager who is experienced...and let them do their jobs. we must not jump to conclusions everytime randy decides to fly somewhere or martin decides to visit manchester or london. we need to let them do their jobs.

general krulak here;: 1. look, i am not going to say anything about players...it just would not be right. we have a manager (mon) and we have an owner (randy lerner) who understand as well as anyone on this site what needs to be done to make AVFC a consistent winner. they will do what needs to be done...in their timing and in "their way." we can either get frustrated, get angry, or just let them do what they need to do. nothing that is printed or said on this site is going to change the way these two men operate...they MUST approach this issue in the way they feel is most effective. 2. as i have mentioned before, the issue of the smoking ban is getting massive attention from the club. we know that enforcement is going to be difficult and that is why we are spending so much time on training and education of the stewards. 3. corporate take up is high! no plans at present re.upper tier boxes. 4. we have all been back and forth during the past month or so. randy will be in the uk tomorrow.

general krulak here: 1. i just am not going to talk about players. i have said on multiple occasions, players are the purview of mon and randy. for me to comment would not be right. i have followed the news just as you have....and to be perfectly honest, i have not seen a whole bunch of activity that has me worried. mon is interested in strengthening our club...for now and the future. i look at what has transpired to date and i do not see a whole lot of strengthening of other clubs...i really haven't. one player added here or there is not going to tip the balance of power in the Premiership. even mon and randy agree that it will take more than one or two transfer seasons to get to our goal. have faith...these are good men. 2. i have been asked about a press conference on monday...i do not know about a press conference on monday. 3. the smoking ban is a huge issue and one that is taking a great deal of our time. the keys will basically surround the education of our stewards. we must ensure the law is followed but we cannot turn villa park into a battleground with confrontation taking away from the play on the pitch. the challenges are tremendous...it is not just a case of throwing smokers out...it is far more serious than that. we need to be very careful of how we proceed to enforce the law and that is why we are spending so much time on this issue. in almost all cases, it will boil down to our fans policing themselves...bring a nicotine patch with them and whatever else they need to make it through the 90 minutes.

general krulak here: 1. i have no info on press conference...again, please have patience..things will work out. 2. yes, we anticipate the ability to use our connection with Nike to go world wide. obviously winning is a key to successful marketing. 3. holte hotel is very near completion...an opening date will be announced soon. it is spectacular!! 4. stands will not be completed until new practice pitches are finished. it takes time to grow grass. the indoor pitch is done and is huge!!

general krulak here: 1. no definitive answer re. specific location of museum...we are looking at several locations to include the upper rooms in holte hotel. all key trophies and plaques will be in a new trophy case randy is having made...it may also go in holte hotel but no decisions made. 2. not sure what to say about shirt size other than to go visit john greenfield at villa shop and tell him your problem and see if he can come up with a solution. i know that they did have shirts in all sizes at one tiem.

general krulak here: 1. re-branding is on-going. it takes a while to make new signs, new crests, etc. we hope to have most done by start of season. 2. we are planning a fan viewing area at new training-ground...a set of stands where the fans can get a bit closer to the actual practice pitches. 3. randy and i will be in the "colonies" for the 4th of july....and yes, my dad will get a new kit!! 4. i do not think a tour of australia is in the near future...sorry. 5. not sure there will be a team visit by browns to villa...could happen but not planned as yet. we have had leadership from the browns over to see a game and visit villa park. likewise, mon has been to see browns training grounds.

general krulak here...hand still out of order. 1. mon is back from vacation. like many vacations, it was not all "play"...he had lots of work too. 2. thanks for the comments on our front line folks...they are very good indeed.

GENERAL KRULAK HERE...FORGIVE CAPS, I HAVE A BUM RIGHT HAND: 1. AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE WILL HAVE A MUSEUM AT VP AND A STATUE OF WILLIAM M. 2. BANNERS...WE HAVE TAKEN IDEA AND ARE WORKING ON IT. 3. NO RE-NAMING OF STANDS AT THIS TIME. 4. KIT LAUNCH WILL BE AS STATED ON OFFICIAL SITE. 5.RICHARD: COST OF AN ALL "IN-HOUSE" STAFF IS PROHIBITIVE. IT IS NOT JUST THE COMPENSATION BUT, ALSO, THE BENEFITS THAT MAKE THE COST SO HIGH. I CAN ASSURE YOU, NO CLUB RUNS EVERYTHING "IN-HOUSE. IF THEY DO, THEY WILL BE UNDERWATER SOON. 6. I HOPE THAT ALL OF YOU HAVE MADE THESE GOOD SUGGESTIONS ON FOOD AND CATERING ON THE SURVEY! THAT IS IMPORTANT. 7. NO DUST UP BETWEEN RL AND DE. JUST 2 BUSINESSMEN TAKING TIME TO REVIEW DEAL. MEDIA WAS WAY OFF BASE!! 8 MON CONTRACT...I SHOULD NOT DISCUSS. IT IS BETWEEN MON AND RL. 9. RON PAUL'S CANDIDACY. HE HAS ZERO CHANCE. 10. NOT REALLY SURE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR SCARBOROUGH....SEASON AND FRIENDLIES ARE "LOCKED". GIVING THEM MONEY IS NOT THE ANSWER. THE "SYSTEM" IN THE UK IS A TOUGH ONE AND NOT ONE I AM USE TOO...BUT I CAN'T DO MUCH ABOUT IT IF IT IS THE SYSTEM USED FOR 100+ YEARS. I AM NOT EVEN SURE HOW THE CLUB GOT INTO FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY...AND THAT MUST BE A KEY FACTOR IN ACTION TAKEN. IT IS GREAT TO SAY WE SHOULD DO SOMETHING BUT QUITE A DIFFERENT MATTER WHEN IT COMES TO "WHAT?" 11. SUPPORTER'S CLUB. PLEASE CONTACT LEE PREECE AT AVFC

General Krulak here: 1. Randy and I first sat down and looked at Premiership Clubs in 2003...and the time was just not right and the "right" Club was not available. We sat down again last summer and this time the "right" Club was available and we had the "right" people to help us. The end result was Aston Villa. BUT, it was always Randy's call. 2. "Finding a star"....I really don't know what happened on that one....other than what has been written. I am not sure if we would do it again. The key to a really successful Club is to have a good "scouting team" and a great Manager who can evaluate talent.

General Krulak here: 1. I will never forget my first day at Villa Park. Randy and I walking through the player's tunnel and walking out to Pitch-side, looking at that stadium and having the air taken out of my lungs. Villabromsgrove, I know EXACTLY what you mean...and so does Randy. That is why he is so careful about the history and tradition of this wonderful Club. 2. Lion-heart...thank you for the kind remarks about our Ticketing Crew. Nicky Keye and her band of warriors are just superb. They motivate me!!

General Krulak here: 1. Two good ideas that are worth real consideration..l will forward them on to the Club. 2. We are looking at flags right now!! Tell Lucy that we welcome her to her new "home."

General Krulak here: 1. Signings: Let's let MON and Randy worry about that phase of our "Bright Future." 2. Marketing IS expanding its reach. We have got alot of good things going on that will expand our reach. A good percentage of the new ST-holders are coming from further out in the midlands. 3. We may well produce a DVD of our tour in the US. 4. I may be a bit different than most but...I am not at all concerned that we drew Liverpool as the first game. It will be a tough game and we all know that. At the same time, it may well serve as a good barometer of where we are. I would imagine that most Premiership Clubs are now not exactly keen to visit Villa Park...they know we have a superb Manager and a great owner. Good things happen when you have a combination like that. Soooo, Liverpool is fine for me. 5. Nike seats in top of D E Stand?? I know nothing about it. If it is on official site and part of the official "line", then I would imagine it is true. 6. We understand we need to complete the re-sinage of Villa Park. We will do so...it takes time and effort and resources. We are moving on this daily but....it is not something I would get too worked up about. We don't want to drop other efforts to spend time on re-branding something that can wait 30 days to accomplish. If you look at Villa Park and what we are trying to do, you need to prioritize in some areas....and that is what we are doing. 7. Kickoff times are not set by Clubs. 8. We will not give up on trying to make the game day experience "special" for everyone. I thank you for all your comments and I recognixe the reality of what we are trying to do but...we will try.

General Krulak here: Season Ticket sales to date: 15,636 vs. 6673 at same time last year. 2525 are brand new folks who are getting tickets for 1st time.

General Krulak here: 1. I will be getting all the info on S-T sales today and will post. 2. North Stand Lower tickets will go on sale Monday 18th for S-T holders...500 will go on sale at 200 pounds per adult, 50 pounds for under 16. Villa Value customers will go on sale Friday, 22nd, another 500. General sale on 25th. Total number of tickets available will be 1500.

General Krulak here: 1. Nicky Keye should have the season ticket sales data to me tomorrow. 2. Who do I want for our 1st Game.....I would want us to draw a team that will put us to the test. I'd like to see, early on, how we look. 3. Our game against the Blues will be a time/day picked by League...we really don't have much of a say on the subject. I do know that there remains a concern about "conduct" before, during and after game. We just need to ensure that we represent our Club in a professional manner. 4. Answer on kit was accurate....they will previewed early July and on sale at end of July/early August. 5. Re-branding is ongoing. Not sure it will be totally completed by Inter game. 6. When we make Cup Finals, ticket allocation will be disseminated. Not sure a plan has been formulated at this point.

General krulak here: 1. Match Day Experience. This is something that Randy has been concerned about since taking over the Club. He would like Match Day to have "something for everyone." He would love for fans to arrive early, have a chance to enjoy Villa Park with friends and/or family...to have it "customer friendly". The Holte Hotel is a beginning....to have a place to come and get a pint...a place to enjoy the outside both as a parent and a fan. Children friendly areas are a must. Better, healthier and more accessable food. In the US, when folks come to a game, they spend time in and around the park...just having fun. We need to find a way to bring that attitude to Villa Park. It certainly makes getting in and out of the Park much easier. 2. We will see about the DVD and Package.

General Krulak here: 1. The DVD. Thank you for all the kind remarks. Remember, the idea was generated off of a "post" on one of the fan web-sites....the Fans DO have an impact on the Club. I got the "post", gave it to Richard, and it happened. Thanks to you all as well as the Club. 2. Yes, Randy and I will be a pre-season matches unless an emergency arises. 3. Meet with Randy and some players after a game on the tour. That sounds like a good idea...let me see what can be done. Remember, Randy is very humble and any "God treatment" would scare him away. He is just a good man, trying to do what is right...no airs, no fuss. 4. The open training day at Villa Park was MON's idea and I am sure he has another one scheduled this year. 5. The change in kit. This is a tough issue right now because of the new arrangement with Nike, the sponsorship issue, etc. etc. I think that when things "settle down", we will look hard at this. Obviously I understand exactly where you are coming from on this issue. You have a good point. 6. I am sorry but I just cannot speculate or comment on signings. 7. Pink vs Claret. Quality Control is a key...we need to get it right. Obviously, we have some "providers" who still need some training in colors!! 8. North End will undergo some refurbishment over the summer but not to the extent that it will solve the concourse and toilet issues. 9. The song. Again, let me see if I can get this moving. Julie B....we may well take you up on your offer. 10. I think we are all pretty happy with the way the past season started and ended. The middle was a bit sketchy. My sense is that MON needed the time to get the Squad playing together and add a few necessary folks. The Club was basically where we thought it was when Randy made his purchase. We did our "due diligence" so were not surprised by anything of a large nature.

General Krulak here: 1. Lots of questions re. standing. Bottom Line is that we will stick by the regulations and will not "walk point" on this issue. We have so much to do...so many things on our plate...that to have our CEO or owner pick up the banner on this does not make much sense. If other Clubs started pushing for it and we were asked for an opinion or support, then we might engage on it. I just don't think you all want us burning our energy on this issue when we are trying to build a squad capable of winning consistently. 2. Not to worry, my love affair with Tranmere was side-tracked when I got my Claret and Blue blood transfer. 3. Area 51. I am sure that there are training areas all over our Country but none with the "mission" that is attributed to Area 51. 4. Randy and I will be at both games on the tour. Obviously we will be looking hard at developing the "Villa Brand" in the US and Canada. Bob Kain and Richard will be working that area hard. 5. Special deals for S-T holders. Yes, there will be "goodies" throughout season.

General Krulak here: 1. I have been interested in the beautiful game since early '70's. My wife was a player...started the California Women's Soccer Association (the largest association in US), both of my sons played the game, and when I was Chairman and CEO of MBNA, Europe Bank Ltd., we had a team that played in the Cheshire League. I followed the game when I was in Chester and went to many of them. The first team I ever really supported was Tranmere Rovers. 2. Yes, we will be developing the North Stand...no plans have been taken to the stage of being able to give an accurate depiction of what it will look like.