c-krulak

Thank you all...a big help. I can print it. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: 1. The idea of a recognition of those men and women of the Forces serving in harm's way is a GREAT one!!!! Let me work on it. 2. The picture of the various kits over the years....I know I am a new but....where can I get a blown-up picture of that? I am sure that Randy would like to see it as we move forward with potential new sponsors, etc. 3. I would like to say something about the Browns. A few games ago, the great fans in the Holte End had a Cleveland Browns banner flying...it made MULTIPLE Us papers and put a HUGE smile on Randy's face. One of the reasons Randy brought over the Kellen Winslow US Football Shirt was to help make a connection. I am not sure he would ever break the Claret and Blue tradition...nor would I recommend it...but I live for the day that a Villa Flag flies in Cleveland and the Cleveland Browns at VP. If we have a US tour, I can promise that Cleveland will be on the trip. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: We are currently looking at a way to compile all of the great suggestions we have received and lay them out on a timeline to see how/when we can get many of them accomplished. Likewise we are exploring ways to get a "voting machine" in place for the fans to register their "votes" on such suggestions as songs, tickets, kit, etc. Obviously Randy is the owner and there are some things that he will initiate because he believes they are "right" for the Club...but there are others that we feel need to have the input from a large number of fans. This "voting machine" will allow us to make this happen. Let's face it, not everyone will be happy with every decision but if the fans get to weigh in on many of them, then the angst will not be as great. We will be holding our first meeting of a small group of folks to talk seriously about fan communications within the next two weeks. I will be in attendence. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: Black Sabbath...ahhh yes! Let me look into that one. A little insider info....Randy is a brilliant musician...a guitarist that plays with some of the best ever. I mean it, he is hugely talented. Bob Kain has a marketing background second to none. I don't want to get into his "play pen" but I do know that he is looking to expand our Brand into multiple countries and markets. He sees opportunities to link AV with the Browns in a unique way that benefits followers of each team. He is looking hard at sponsorship...in a holistic way...not just for a kit or a name on the front of a shirt. At the tactical level, just straightening out our own store...making our gear more accessible to the fan...have more variety. Someone wrote about women's panties...only thongs available. Well, after we all get a chuckle, we need to realize that this is a good suggestion. How many women like to sit on a cold seat at Villa Park wearing a thong??? I haven't taken a poll on this but....I would venture to say that not many would sign up for that adventure!!! The point is simply this: We need to be smart about how we go about marketing this wonderful brand called Aston Villa Football Club. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: 1. I support the Browns (obviously), the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles, The Naval Academy Lacrosse and Football Teams, and Aston Villa in every location in the world. 2. Lots of effort will be made to garner fans from the youth in and around Birmingham...to include colleges and universities. We would love to start our fans at age 6 months and take them thru to my father's age! 3. There WILL be fan forums. 4. My father in the Villa Kit is only outdone by me in my kilt!! That is a sight to see. And for our Scottish Fans who wonder what Clan the name Krulak comes from....the Marine Corps was awarded the "Leatherneck Tartan" after fighting alongside their Scot "brothers" in the Korean War...and so my Kilt is in that tartan. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: 1. Re contract for MON. I think Randy and Martin have been very clear on this subject. They both believe that a contract...long or short...is not as important as a relationship built upon trust, respect and common goals. If they felt that the contract was a key point, then they would get on it. They both feel that what is important is the relationship. They have discussed this at length and both have made public statements. My belief is that we take them at face value...both can be trusted. What is key is that they both know there will be some "bumps in the road" going forward...both on the pitch and off the pitch. The key is that they trust and respect each other....and with that as a foundation, the bumps will smooth out. 2. The 11th of November is a key day in both of our Countries. A time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We are working on some way to recognize those who serve by a special ticket price...something to say thank you to our men and women in the Forces. 3. We do have an individual who is tasked to work with the families of our players...to make their transition easier and friendlier. I call her the "Team Mum." She is truly magnificent. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

I am sorry I didn't answer your question...I thought I had. Although Randy believes that we can make money at Aston Villa he realizes it is NOT a "cash cow" and was NEVER interested in that as a "mission". With that as a given, he was and is taken by the tradition, ethos, and "soul" of the Aston Villa FC. On top of that he and Martin are a great team who respect and admire each other. On top of that, we have a solid team that is constantly trying to win. On top of that, we have GREAT FANS!! I hope this answers the question. NO other team combined all of this. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: GREAT WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OOOOHHHHRRRRAAAAHHHH!!!! I LOVE IT! MON AND HIS CLARET AND BLUE ARMY WERE SUPERB!!!!!!!! Why did Randy buy the Club? Well, for one reason...so he could be with you today and watch a good Team, managed by a superb leader, go to someone's home pitch and win!! Randy is a business man but he is also a Sports Fan. He went to school in UK, worked with me in UK, has always loved football...and what better Team to be with than Aston Villa with its tradition and ethos. He is not here to lose money and with his savvy, he won't. BUT, the fact is, he does love the game and he loves Aston Villa. I know it is hard to believe that it can be that simple, but you are dealing with pretty simple people...people who wear their emotions on their sleeves and who love the game and OUR Club. You are just going to have to deal with us crazy Yanks. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: Regarding a CEO. As I think I may have mentioned, Randy decided early on that he would concentrate on "learning" the Club and operation first before selecting a CEO. His rationale was that if he didn't know the issues...day-to-day and strategic...then he might make a mistake picking the right person for the job. Randy has a wealth of experience in running Sports Teams and he is very careful in his planning....it is important to him that he pick the right person for this wonderful Club. Remember, the CEO and the Manager are key people in forging a "new" Aston Villa FC. My 93 (soon to be 94) father now is the proud owner of an Aston Villa Game Kit!! His legs don't look too good but the rest looks great!! I don't know anything about awards...USA vs UK...but what I do know is that most awards are given because the troops around you are doing great things. Like football, it is the Team that counts in warfighting. There was not a single star on my shoulders or medal on my chest that didn't get there because I had great people fighting with me. The only one that is different is the two Purple Hearts for being wounded....and that is just because I was dumb enough to not get out of the way of a bullet. Bottom Line: I owe everything to the Marines I served with. I am glad the trip to Chelsea was a great experience...believe me when I say that Randy enjoyed it as much as you did. Like everyone, he didn't like the loss....but he was mightly impressed with the fans!! Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: A very tough loss. Not much to be said except that the Fans who made the trip were absolutely brilliant!!!! What more can be said about Fans who made the long trip and did not sit down...even when things were at their worst. I can tell you, Randy was so impressed with the Villa fans and what they meant to the team. You can imagine the dressing room...the loss was very hard to take but to take it in front of such magnificent fans...tough. This is a solid team and Martin is a tremendous Manager....we WILL get there!!! WE WILL!!!! Again, we have players who care and a Manager who will work magic...we just need to believe. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: 1. Yes, I do have several other "jobs"....but one of the things that Randy wanted to do soonest was to start getting a sense of what the fans were feeling and thinking. As owner of the Club, he wanted to open lines of communications. I offered to try to do that. I confess, I did not expect it to be so time consuming but the value of the feedback and the suggestions are priceless. I have now just set aside about an hour a day to go onto 3 sites and communicate with the fans. Obviously, when I am on travel, I am unable to keep up with the dialogue...but I always come back on. As an example, I have to go to Washington, DC tomorrow and to Phoenix on Friday...so I will be back on Saturday. I am no different than most fans...I have responsibilities too. 2. Re. Carl Chinn....thanks for the name and idea!! 3. The training ground was put "on hold" during the sale process. It is now back in full swing. Martin has approved of the new plans...to include the indoor pitch. Hopefully we will be done sometime in the summer. We absolutely can have tours/visits once we have it done. You will be very proud of the facility...it is going to be the best in the Country. 4. I agree about Steve Stride...he is a winner. We have some very special folks at Villa Park...folks dedicated to the Club and to the Fans. Imagine working there during some of the tougher times and still staying focused and motivated. We owe them a great vote of thanks. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: 1. School children. Randy has already tasked some of the good folks at VP to start looking at bringing kids to the Park...during games (cheaper tickets) as well as tours when we aren't playing. Also, more practices with kids invited. 2. Name a train engine after Villa. I know Richard Branson (as does Randy) and maybe we can twist his arm to help us out on this one. He is a good man but I don't know who he cheers for. Maybe we can make him a Villian!! 3. Got it...school break around the 26th of July. 4. The stadium. It would be premature to disclose all of our plans because they have not been finalized. I will say this much...we have been discussing this subject at length and we will be taking very positive action. We will have to be very smart as to how we do it so that we do not disrupt the season. 5. The training ground will be SUPERB and something that will be the envy of the league. Beautiful new building...state of the art from a training standpoint. An indoor pitch that will be fantastic. We will all be very proud of where our lads train. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak PS I have had a ride on the MV-22....what a magnificent bird.

General Krulak here: 1. Witton Station...to Villa Park Station or something like that. We are already in conversation to see what it will take to make this happen. Ha! We are ahead of you all on one point! 2. I drive a tank (M1-A2) vice a Hummer. 3. Re. help for those coming to VP to see a game from overseas....we will look into what we can do. The family from Norway certainly made us aware that something is needed in that area. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: A couple of quick answers: 1. Re. Scandinavia: Several weeks ago I was at the Villa Park reception area and saw a family of 5...with a young lad in a wheelchair. The family was from Trondheim, Norway and were avid Villa Fans. They try to make the trip once a year and were just at the park early to let the children feel the atmosphere. The young lad in the wheelchair had never been on the pitch so we arranged for the whole family to go down onto the pitch...and after the game, took them in to see Martin and the Team. They all got autographs and by the time they were ready to leave, all of the family were in tears. The point here is not that the family was taken care of by YOUR Club but that this wonderful family, with handicapped child, loved Villa enough to come all the way from Norway to see a game. SO, when you read about someone from Scandinavia that is a Villa Fan, salute them!! Just like fans all over the world...they love YOUR Club and want to be a part of it. We are going to work very hard to make all our fans feel appreciated...because they are. 2. Football Hall of Fame. I am not sure how far we can or should go in that area but I can tell you that we will have a statue of Wlliam McGregor at our Park!! You can count on that!! Plus, we will have a museum that will honor the greats of our past. I know that some might say that we should look to the future vice live in the past....well, we are not living in the past...we are honouring those who have gone before. Believe me, we want fans 50 years from now to "honour" the teams of today and tomorrow. 3. I thank those who are helping to make clear the issue of player selection. That is NOT something that Randy or any Director will do....that is Martin's role. He knows the team...he knows what they need (now and in future) and he knows what is available. We need to trust him to do his job. He certainly has shown he deserves our trust. 4. Lights on the pitch at night....not a bad idea!!! Thanks. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak here: 1. I met Randy in 1996. I knew his father, Al, who was a Marine Officer when he was young. Unfortunately, Al passed away several years ago...which was a blow to the family and all of his friends. Randy and I worked together in the financial business after I left the Marine Corps. Our relationship started out as almost a father-son thing but has since turned into a true, deep friendship as well. I probably know Randy better than anyone outside of his family and I can tell you, we have a VERY special Chairman. He is selfless, has great moral courage and tremendous integrity. What you see is what you get!!! He is humble, lacks ego, and cares about people. 2. How do I spend my days? I travel almost every week. I am on several other Boards. I spend time in Washington DC trying to make a difference in the foreign policy arena...VERY difficult to do right now. I talk with Randy almost every day and with folks at Aston Villa every day. 3. What about a CEO? As you can imagine, that issue is one we are looking at. It was NOT our highest priority at the beginning because we knew we had to make our own evaluation of the Club before we made a decision re. a CEO. Like everything that we will do, we will think it through first. Randy has a very good mind and will weigh everything and then make a decision. My sense is that it will not be long. Again, like Martin, it is VERY important to make the right call. Rushing something just to say we have a CEO makes no sense. 3. Roger on the uniforms. Tradition is the key for Randy...and he will do right. Let's face it, not everyone will always be happy but if we all keep in mind that tradition is key for Randy and that he does not want to "screw it up"...then we can feel pretty secure about the kit. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

General Krulak sends: Lots of questions re. media. We are just now beginning to look into media opportunities...whether that be TV/radio/print. As you can imagine, media is important to us but at this "beginning", it has not been our number one focus. Additionally, everyone needs to understand that Randy is not a "media" guy. He does not have an ego and does not feel he needs to be the "face" of Villa...he would much rather have Martin be Villa to the fans and media. You may not agree with that approach but that is Randy. He is very down-to-earth and humble....not one to get into the spotlight. Re. the kit design. My sense is that Randy will look at many designs. Just remember what I have said before, he is a real tradionalist and will probably look into the history of the Club and come up with a kit that resembles the "tradition of Villa." He will not put a kit on the players that has not been on the Villa pitch before...it will be a traditional shirt. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

Thank you for the English lesson...and I mean that. Last thing I want to do is appear to be some Yank who doesn't understand the King's or Queen's English. Re. the Manager and David Beckham etc. I really don't think it would be proper for me to articulate what the Manager is thinking with regards to players. The simple fact is that he, better than anyone, knows what the team needs and knowing Martin, he WILL go after them! Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

Cheers, What a great game!!! Great fans, great play on field, great 3 points!!! This was an important win and our lads did well. Some thoughts/answers: 1. Family season tickets...a great idea. We will look into how to do this. The price will need to be "fair" all around and it will be. While on the subject of ticket prices, please understand that the ticket prices for the Cleveland Browns games are the LOWEST in the National Football League. I mention this because it says something about Randy Lerner. He is NOT someone who automatically jacks up the price of tickets. He does NOT want the fans to face huge price increases...so set your minds at ease. 2. I can assure you that any expansion (and there will be work done) will be strickly in synch with the ethos and traditions of the Club. Nothing will be done that doesn't bring back a sense of "Villa" in the nicest sense of the word. 3. As I have said several times on this thread, we will not go after players who cannot help the team. We all understand who David Beckham is (remember, Randy and I lived an worked in the UK from 2000-2004 and Randy still has a home here....and we are both here very often.) Becks is a great player and a huge name but....we only want those that Martin wants. There is absolutely NO sense in telling the Manager who to go after!! That is his call!!!!! 4. Sponsorship. As everyone knows, we are looking at sponsors and kit providers. Believe me, there are many quality companies whose names aren't Nike or Adidas Remember, Randy owns a NFL team and deals with companies all the time...and Bob Kain is probably one of the foremost individuals in dealing with companies. They will do right by the Club. Remember, we have a world to draw from...not just a small number of "names". Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

Re. "big names"...I didn't mean anyone in particular. My point was simply that there will probably be some quality players up for grabs BUT, if they don't fit into the needs of the Team as seen through the eyes of the Manager, we will go with Martin! This is an important fact for all of us to understand. Martin is going to come to us with recommendations...not visa versa. He is the Manager and there is not a single Director who believes he knows more than Martin. The comment about the AV store in Birmingham. It is a great city but.....ugh on the store. We will do better. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

Cheers Just back from San Diego and my father wishes all the Villa Fans a cheerio!!! A couple of points: 1. Several mentions of a place for "children"...I can assure you that Randy and the Board believe that "families" are key to future success of Villa. We encourage the bringing of young lads and lasses to the games and we realize that we need to make Villa Park a good experience for youth as well as adults. There needs to be something for everyone...without spoiling the experience for anyone. As we work on the Holte End of Villa Park...starting with the Holte Inn, you will see an attempt to include places for families as well as the "hard core" fan. 2. I want to reiterate a point made earlier re transfers. Randy and the Directors will follow Martin's lead and counsel on this point. There is absolutely no need to spend money on a player that Martin does not want or does not think will contribute...now or in the future. There will be some "big names" out there and we will all have our ideas as to who we should get BUT, only one person's view is what is critical...Martin's. He is our Manager and we need to believe that he knows what our Team needs. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

All of these suggestions are good ones. I am collecting and providing to those who need to take action many of the suggestions that have appeared on this site. Others, I have put in my own "to do" folder. Those that can be done and done quickly, we will act. Those that take a bit more thought, we will begin the thought process. Again, we cannot do everything overnight...we all realize that fact. What is important is that each suggestion will have its "day in court" and those that make good sense will, in fact, happen. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

I am sitting in San Diego California with my 93 year old father who says to pass on the following: Up the Villa!!! Re. the Holte Inn. Randy is looking to refurbish the old Holte Hotel and the work has already commenced. We are not sure what the final usage will be but...it will have a pub and a place to get a bite to eat. Re. Food and beverage at the games. We are absolutely looking at selling food in the stands (on a NOT to interfere basis with the game)...but, as you know, there are UK restrictions on the sale of alcohol in the stands and during certain time-frames. We are working this. Again, my father wishes each of the Villa Fans well...and looks forward to good reports throughout the season. I told him that the tradition and ethos of Aston Villa was second to none. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

I am on the way out the door but....having spent 4 years in Chester and spent many a weekend hiking the mountains in Wales...you do NOT want to tangle with me in the mountains...unless we are racing to get a pint!! You all have done well in reading between the lines re. the "stand." Randy is a very special man and will not do anything at this time for all the obvious reasons. We are BIGGER than to stick someone in the eye...yet WE ALL KNOW the score. We just need to stand tall right now. Hev, at 63 any kiss, sloppy or not, is welcome. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak

Wow....great comments and questions!! Let's start with the long term contract for MON. Obviously I cannot talk about that for many reasons but...we all want a longer contract and it should come. Stadium expansion: first the Holte Inn, then Holte End, then North End....just watch us. "Global Brand"...ABSOLUTELY!!! As an example, we are on our way to Soccerex in Dubai just for that reason...we are looking into a foray into the Czech Republic and, obviously, we are looking at ways to expand "closer to home." One of the new Directors, Bob Kain, headed IMG and he really knows the sports marketing business. A year from now we will be in many locations that are just a dream now. Food, etc. at half-time: One of the reasons I went to the Holte End two games ago was to see for myself and Randy what the "experience" was at half-time. OUCH!!! I met some great people but...VERY crowded and VERY difficult to get food. We are already looking at ways to ease this problem...but, obviously, the physical plant makes things tough. We need to figure out a way to distribute food and drink faster...and we will. Finally, and most importantly, we all realize that we will have times when things aren't going right...that frustration will set in...that the fans will get angy/frustrated. Having spent 35 years in a VERY tough profession, I know what hard times are like. My advice is probably the same as yours...getting in a pissing contest does nothing but get you wet and voided!! We need to NEVER stop communicating as mature individuals. Even when we are upset, we MUST communicate or we will ALL lose. Randy and the Board are committed to communicating in good times and bad!! All we ask is the same from you. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak PS I am on the way to the west coast to see my 93 year old father so I may be off the net for a few days. Maybe I check out Las Vegas for the "tour"!!

Answers: Best thing so far...my visit to Holte End at half time and talkiong with fans. We will be going on tour in US sometime in the future...probably sooner than later. Love to do it this summer but not sure we can get it going that fast. ALWAYS ready for a pint. Semper Fidelis, General Krulak