c-krulak

General Krulak here: Waiting for a signature on a piece of paper is always tough...but so far there are no impediments...just takes time. MON and Randy continue to work well together...and Fitz and Bob Kain are doing some very good work too. Lots going on and everyone is fully focused. We just need to remember that our goal is a very ambitious one and it will take time...it is not an "overnight" thing. At the same time, NO ONE wants to relax!! We have a "must win" game coming up with more must wins in the following weeks. We need to get back up the table.

General Krulak here: As I said, lots going on. I agree that "it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings" so no jinxing from me. But I hope that what you are seeing is the Plan we have been talking about...MON looking for players who can help now and in the future and Randy willing to support MON. Just please remember, we are in this for the long haul...no miracles...just hard work, concentrating on what is in front of us, doing what is necessary for success, and seeking support from the people who are most important to us...YOU, the Fans.

General krulak here: Lots going on. Hang in there with us.

Gen Krulak here: 1. I would not presume to speak for Richard but we have had many conversations and I would think that the first thing on his "to do" list would be to get around and meet the people at Villa Park. Understand their strengths and weaknesses and where we are world class and where we are not. He is probably looking at all the things we have been discussing...ticketing, catering, technology around the pitch, etc...and determining what is "low hanging fruit" and what will take more time. I also think that his "sales and marketing" mind is working overtime...looking at the possiblities. Bottom Line: He is very busy. 2. Price per letter vs price per name. Good thought...I will pass it on and see what happens.

General Krulak here: 1. The SCG meetings have been and will continue to be VERY important. You all can see how important by the amount of consultation is on-going...the Crest is just one example. I wonder how many Clubs in the UK have this amount of fan participation? This is Randy sending the signal that the "FAN matters." 2. The PA system will be fixed! 3 Faust did a magnificent job...I am not sure I could do any better.

Richard, I am not sure how much I can "calm nerves." My sense is that, in some folks minds, this month's Transfer Window is the be all and end all of our Club. For those folks, I am not sure that anything I say will help unless I tell them that we have 7 players "on the hook", another 5 in the queue, etc. etc. You know that I won't do that. Not because I don't want to be "open" to our Fans but because that is not my business...it is Martin's business. Just like I wouldn't want Martin telling anyone what weapon system I was seeking to buy when I was Commandant of the Marine Corps, I doubt if he would want me to discuss something that rightfully is in his baliwick.

General Krulak here: Yes, we are going to beat ManU...absolutely!! And I don't say that with bluster..I say it as someone who knows Randy and Martin and the fire that burns in their belly!! If you think that they will watch those sort of games, year in and year out, you are crazy!!! Richard is getting along fine. I spoke with him this morning and was VERY impressed with the work ethic and effort he brings to the Club. When I called he was visiting the Youth Academy...having spent a few hours with the marketing folks prior to that time. I think he is a very good man and we are blessed to have him with us. He gets along well with everyone...is a team person...does not carry a big ego...and is "fan friendly."

General Krulak here: I wrote that comment because there are other threads on other sites that mention the "R" word and I want everyone to know that is nothing but bull shit and I stopped swearing when I left the Forces!!!!!! We have a great Manager, a superb, supportive, Owner, a solid team that is ONLY going to get BETTER, and a Fan base that is second to none and knows when we have a good thing going.

General Krulak here: We are not going to be watching Championship Football next season.

General Krulak here: I hate to continue repeating myself but....we are in the midst of reviewing the entire ticket situation. There is NO doubt...and I can ASSURE each of you...that being a season ticket holder at AVFC will be the BEST deal for our Fans. You will see what I mean as we move forward. "The Trees"...I know exactly what you mean and agree with you. My only point is that the two are not mutually exclusive. We can and must handle both.

General Krulak here: 1. Yes I did get your post on text message, etc. I spoke to an individual at the club today about doing something to ensure that our Season Ticket holders get the "advantage" as we move forward. 2. Mr. Ellis is not the President of the Club...nor does he have any official role with the Club. He is Chairman Emeritus...which is an honorary title in recognition of the years of service to the Club. He has no role with the Club and does not have an input in any decisions. He is a friend of the Club and welcome to the box and to the games.

General Krulak here: Marketing "next door" and marketing world-wide do not have to be mutually exclusive. I think that maybe we are so used to how things "were done" that we fail to realize that Randy, Fitz, the Directors, etc. have a huge amount of experience in sales and marketing and that to limit them to "next door" is to waste their talent. Becks for $250 M......lots of print on the move but, NO ONE believes it will cause a huge jump in soccer interest in US...which is sad. Most sportscasters believe this was a pure publicity play and will only "pay-off" for the LA team when they play in the larger markets. What will happen is that Becks and his wife will make a big splash in LA.

General Krulak here: 1. Richard Fitzgerald is a pro at marketing. He knows the problems that we all have seen re. our "visibility" in the UK and around the world. We will make headway. We understand what the issues are and we will attack them. Since Randy and I worked and lived in Chester, I will personally bring a box of shirts to the "Cross" and sell them...probably set up a blanket and put out a violin case to collect the money. Seriously, Chester is a perfect example...we ought to be able to sell kits in Chester...BECAUSE we are a winning side...CONSISTENTLY. Every issue is pretty much interconnected.

General Krulak here: Randy has been in the UK since after Christmas and has attended every game and has been at Bodymoor Heath almost daily. Randy's head is clearly into the Club as is the head of all of the Directors. We will not "interfere" with MON and his running of the team but we are certainly involved in the Club. As I have said, each Director spends about 1/2 their time in the UK and Randy is devoting even more now that the American Football season is over. No one should doubt that Randy is fully committed and involved. The share certificates are being created and will be mailed in the future. Do not worry about them...they will be on the way. The 25th Anniversary Celebration is being organized now. Like you, I have been with several of these fine men and they are true Ambassadors for our Club. The Ceremony will definitely include them. More on what will take place will be forthcoming.

General Krulak here: I think we have established some good relationships to date. We both already knew David Gill from a "previous life" but the rest were all new to us. Randy is very low key and always interested in meeting new people and learning about them...so matchdays have always included a good deal of give and take between people at lunch and during half-time and after the game. Obviously, during the game there is little or no interaction.

General Krulak here: 1. Reserve games at Villa Park. Yes, we are looking at this. We need to be careful that we do not "damage" the pitch with too much activity but a game or two is not a bad idea. The comments about Mrs Easter's class supports this thought...it is a positive thing for the community and a way of bringing "new" fans to our Club. 2. I am not a Director of the Cleveland Brown Football Team so I do not know if anyone is communicating on their site or not. 3. Over-marketing...certainly NOT a worry now. One of the things our new CEO will be concentrating on is INCREASING our marketing...around the country and, hopefully over time, the world. Do NOT worry about "glitz"...that is NOT Randy's style. He is very traditional in many ways. His view is simply this...a consistently winning team will make marketing both easy and profitable.

General Krulak here: 1. Cheaper travel to VP from London, etc. There is some "looking" at the possiblity of combining tickets with travel and seeing if we can come up with a "package"...this, obviously, requires us to work with trains, etc. This is in the "infant" stage of investigation. 2. 25th Anniversay Celebration. There WILL be an Annniverary Celebration. Randy, Richard and I are in discussions on that subject right now. We hope to hold this celebration in conjunction with the opening of the Holte Inn and, perhaps, the new Training Ground. Might be good to have an "Open House" all day so fans can come and visit...then hold a formal celebration with players, etc. 3. We do not anticipate changing kit every year and thereby causing the fans to continually be purchasing a new kit. 4. I am not aware of the Evening Mail coming onto the site and getting quotes. Hopefully, if they are, they are concentrating in meaningful comments...not ones concerning "thongs."

General Krulak here: First off, I apolgise for not being on site....I have spent the last week at a National Security Conference in Georgia. I want to thank "The Suffering Villa" for his in-depth post....I could not find one area that I disagreed with. He was succinct and to the point...and gave much food for thought. I am forwarding the entire post to the new CEO for him to look at and take action where he can. As I have said many times before...we do have a 5 year plan for revitalization and rejuvenation of Villa Park and some of the surrounding area. We are going to spruce up the train station and see if we can make the Villa Experience BEGIN when someone gets off the train. The grounds themselves will be worked on in an orderly manner.../and the North Facade is going to get a steam cleaning within the next couple of weeks. We are working these issues. Randy and Martin have been working non-stop over the past week...as you can imagine. We want to get to the point where the 2-1 games go in OUR way instead of visa versa. It is great to see our lads fight so hard but we need to get to the point where we end up victors. This means players and we need to get some. Again, I am sorry for being off the net for a period of time. UP THE VILLA!!!

General Krulak here: I am now back in US...had to come back to attend a conference in Georgia. Randy, as I mentioned, has moved his family over to the UK and will be operating out of London...but will be spending time with Martin and Richard over the next weeks. All Directors will be over to UK in the coming days and weeks. NONE of us wants to interfere with Martin and Richard as they operate the Club. We have great folks doing the day-to-day for us.

General Krulak here: Today's game was critical...we needed, at least, one point. We got it. The lads played their hearts out. I am sure we will all find something we wish had gone better but...a point from Chelsea right now...with a real hard effort by Villa...is a good place to start 2007. PLEASE believe that Randy and all of us want what you want....VICTORY, CONSISTENTLY! It WILL take some time.

General Krulak here: Randy is in the UK with his entire family...in their London home...and will be there for some time. He will be at Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath often...but on a "not to interfere " basis. Do NOT worry about the Cleveland Browns and their season and Randy's engagement with them. They have a good team that was decimated with injuries...and I do mean decimated!! Some of their very key players did not play a single down of a single game. The Browns have a great General Manager, a quality group of coaches and a firm plan for going forward. Next year will see progress and so will the following years. The Brown's season is over....and will not pick up again until the late spring/early summer. Our new CEO started today. Randy is over on the UK side of the ocean. One or more Directors are at every game and, as you know, we spend about 50% of our time in the UK...and when I am not in the UK, I am on the phone or on the net with Randy.....and the fans for that matter. Do not start to worry about where Randy spends his time...the key is his relationship with Martin and his availability for input and decisions. He will be there!!

General Krulak here: One of your great leaders at Villa Talk has been in contact with me re. an interview with Richard Fitzgerald. I sent him the questions today and asked him to reply to the questions after he took a few days to get set in his new job. As I indicated, we will be looking at swipe cards...and atm capability. Transfers....I hesitate to give you a timeline on this. My years with the Forces have taught me never to declare a timeline...it will only bite you in the bum

General Krulak here: 1. Use of a ticket/coach combination...let me look into that one. It would certainly help to resolve congestion issues on game day and may well get more fans to Villa Park. I continue to believe that the key to more fans is consistent winning on the pitch. 2. Richard Fitzgerald, Irish or not? I really don't know. I do know that he has lived in London for a long time...interrupted by some time in Cleveland. He is purchasing a home in B'ham so he can be close to Park and Training Ground. But, unfortunately, I do not know where his "roots" are. 3. My friend from Spain...we need to do something quick about that granddaughter in the L'pool kit. Get her over to a game and lets see what we can do to get her bleeding claret and blue. 4. Transfer Market. REST ASSURED, everyone is working this hard. When the window opens is not as important as what we look like when it closes. Believe me, we are working hard on this. 5. Everytime I go to Villa Park or to Bodymoor Heath, I discuss the issue of Youth...not only our Academy, but other possibilities for supporting Youth in our area. We are talking about balls, kits, places to play, etc. There is no question that the wider we throw our net into this "sea", the more chances we have of attracting new fans, and finding the occasional gold nugget. We will be extending our support to female teams also...not because we believe that we will have a female center-half playing for Villa but because it is good for the community and to girls/women who love the game like we do. 6. Cashless stadium. Obviously both Randy and I are very familiar with credit/debit cards that are wireless and conduct transactions through a receiver located at the entrance to a stadium, underground, etc. I agree that this is where we eventually need to go. Right now, we are probably a few years from that point. Why? Because of infrastructure costs and other associated costs to such a program.

General Krulak here: 1. I am not sure where you heard "the end of the year" but....my sense is that much work is being done on all commercial issues and that there will be announcements coming. Obviously it would not be right for me to point to any manufacturer or sponser...that would not make any sense at all. Let's let Richard Fitzgerald get into his office and handle these issues. I know he will do right by the Club. 2. I am not computer literate so for me to "sort out an avatar" is like asking me to rip off the crown jewels. 3. Don't worry about my leaving the site after a bad loss...I am here during the good and the bad.

General Krulak here: 1. I am gutted! 2. Players: We are looking in ALL countries and leagues. We'd look on the moon if we felt there was someone there who was available. Shaun Wright-Phillips and vodka....anything that might work!! I hope that EVERYONE understands that neither Martin nor Randy wants to see a game last yesterday...they are as upset, or moreso, than any of us. We have things we must do and we will do them. 3. We have no association with Aston Hall...and it is being renovated as we speak. 4. Roger on the parking. We are in consultation with the Council on the transport plan that will help out in this area.