c-krulak

General Krulak here: 1. TheSufferingVilla: I would say that the speed of delivery equals or exceeds anything that the Marine Corps could produce...says a good deal about Villa and the mail! 2. DANVANDAL: The dates sound pretty accurate...could always fluctuate a week or so. We will not sell our shirt cheaply so if we don't get the right sponsor for the right price, we will stick where we are now. 3. North Stand: I doubt if that would be an issue that comes up at the Press Conference. When Randy is ready to announce the plans for the North Stand, he will do so. There will be fan input re. how to handle the movement of seats during the expansion, etc. 4. The stained glass windows are "originals" and copies. We found several originals in the bin area when we took over the Club (amazing!!!) and used those to help fashion some of the ones we have put up.

General Krulak here: 1. Razor: I hate to disappoint you but we will not be getting a new Manager. We happen to believe that MON is the man wew want and that he can get the job done. 2. Jasevilla: Yes we do have a plan...it is a holistic plan. In other words, it is not just about football but, rather, about the totality of the Club...players, play on the Pitch, facilities, hospitatlity, ticketing, IT, etc. etc. It would not be smart for us to publish the plan or talk to facts and figures...never would want to do that on such an open forum. 3. Bully: Yes, Randy is hoping to hold a press conference at VP soon...counting on no volcanos to cause problems. He will talk about the state of the Club now and going forward. There is nothing to worry about. 4. It has been a roller coaster ride of a season. Home form has not been good...away has been the opposite. We have seen the same games you have seen and recognize where we have issues. Have patience...we know what we need to do.

General Krulak here: 1. Randy and the end of season dinner: Randy has never attended one of those dinners...as he feels it should be something where the Manager is "front and center" and not the owner. We are all sorry about the rumor mills kicking up again but that is to be expected. Randy is going to be holding a press conference shortly...but, again, nothing to worry about. Everything is fine with the team, with MON, with the Club. 2. steve_avfc: Yes, we started our efforts with a five year plan and we are keeping to that plan...things are just about where we expected...if not a little bit ahead. Remember, it was not just a plan about the Team...it was an all-inclusive plan for the Club. Yes we will be working on the North Stand...it will be more than just a renovation. It is not tied to an Olympic bid. Obviously we want to progress the Club!!!!! I don't talk about players and transfer windows etc. BUT, I am sure we will see our Manager active in the market. We continue to work on the global expansion of our brand...this is critical for revenue and for recognition.

General Krulak here: 1. Risso: Thank you so much for your deep insight!!!! Like I haven't said the exact thing about 6 times...read back over the thread if you question me. My point is that the booing gets to me and to the lads...not questioning the "right" to boo...just mentioning how it makes people feel. 2. MODS: I will be off the site until next Friday...have to attend to Board Meetings. It's probably good for my sanity!!

General Krulak here: 1. There is not much reason for me to continue with the MON dialogue....I have said what I feel in about 100 ways. He is our Manager and has done a fine job for the Club. The results are there for all to see. I was at the Portsmouth game and watched MON walk over to the stands and thank our fans for their support....I have seen him do that many times. He is not anti-fans at all. He is intense and feels each game at the same level or more as the fans. Does booing of his lads get to him? Yes. Does it get to me? Yes. Is that a bad thing? Not in my mind.

General Krulak here: 1. rjshare: I am not sure what you are saying. I was not mentioning these statistics as a defense of MON....but, rather, a statement of what has been accomplished this season. Neither Randy nor I feel any need to take up a defense of our Manager...his performance is there for all to see and measure. All I was saying is that when you measure his performance, understand that we need to look at the entire scope of the Club and what has been accomplished on the Pitch and at all levels. I think that if we are all honest, we would say that the performance has been pretty darn good. 2. paulanddonya: I am sure that MON and Randy will work very hard to do what is right for the Club. Neither one of them wants to do what is wrong!

General Krulak here: 1. Membership scheme: Nicky Keye is evaluating the membership scheme idea at this time. We will keep everyone posted. 2. iPhone app: Yes, we will have an iPhone app...it will hopefully be out very shortly. I have seen it in rough form and it is going to be superb. 3. Ahhhh Henrik_7 my lad....good try!!! I do find it very interesting that you have caught on to the fact that some small number of Villa Fans do not appreciate what MON has done for the Club. If we just look at this year: 1) Youth team in the championship, 2) Reserves in the championship, 3) Won the Peace Cup, 4) two trips to Wembley, 5) fighting for a spot in Europe, 6) beat some very strong teams, etc. etc. Some people just don't seem to always appreciate what they have until they lose it. We don't want to lose our Manager.

General Krulak here: 1. sellyoakvilla: There is no question, the fans at the game were magnificent!!! Everyone I spoke with said the atmosphere was electric and that the Villa stands were rocking and rolling. I am not sure about the wallpaper for that particular game but I will ask and see what folks think.

General Krulak here: 1. My sense is that the Club will not have to lodge a complaint...that the actions were observed by those who need to know...and they will take action. 2. Rest assured that we are VERY proud of James Milner and share your desire to keep him in Claret and Blue!!!!

General Krulak here: 1. Obviously both Randy and I are over the moon with the result!! Equally, we are over the moon with the performance of our lads in the past week. We have played 3 games...one against a team fighting relegation and the other against a team that would just love to beat us...and we came away with 9 points. We are now on 64 points with 2 more games to play. Not bad. I have read on some sites that some fans are upset about the play of the game...not "pretty" or that we were "lucky." I have a hard time understanding those types of comments...especially playing the Blues...and after the number of games we have played in the past week. I watched the Everton --Fulham game and it wasn't too pretty either. Everton won on a penalty kick with 6 seconds left (not sure it was a penalty) that came immediately after a throw-in to Everton that was definitely not off a Fulham player...a very bad call. Simply put, Everton won! 3 points! I doubt if there were many Everton fans claiming that their lads played poorly and only won on luck. I am very proud of our lads and of what they have accomplished this week.

General Krulak here: 1. villarocker: I would have LOVED to have had James Milner in my command! His heart is that of a lion, his engine never stops and he is a leader by example. He would have been a General and I would probably have worked for him!!! 2. villahero: My sense is that the new kit will not be out in the time frame that you desire. There are just too many "unknowns" right now to predict that it would be out early. 3. steve_avfc: We need every fan we can get cheering hard for the game. I know I am surely going to miss being there. I think it will be an extremely hard fought game....from start to finish. The Blues will want to beat us badly...and visa versa. At the end of a very tough struggle against a team who will give it their all, I think the Villa wins, 3-1. 4. Shortie: First and foremost, thank you for your selfless service to your Country and to the Royal Air Force. You raise a very valid issue and one that we are currently wrestling with. I am not sure what the final decision will be but we do recognize the problem.

General Krulak here: 1. rodders: My sense is that the squad rotation that is mentioned so often is far easier for the fans to talk about than it is to execute based upon the competition. We all have to believe that MON knows what he is doing and there is a method to his rotation. I was at Pompey and watched him make two substitutions at the right time and achieved the right results. I am more than willing to let him make those sorts of calls....it is certainly NOT something the Board or Owner should be doing. 2. steve_avfc: I will not be at the derby and I am not sure about Randy. I think we would all like to make sure that the big volcano doesn't erupt first. BELIEVE ME, both Randy and I will be glued to the telly!!

General Krulak here: 1. I received a text from BA at 11:00 pm on Tuesday night that my flight on Wednesday was a "go"....so I have now returned to the Colonies and Mrs. "K" is a happy camper. Whilst in the UK, I got a lot accomplished at both Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath...and have reinforced my belief that our Club is truly moving in the right direction. We have some great people working very hard to make us a force to be reckoned with. 2. I have read a very small number of comments re. the Hull Match...that we didn't look good or that we were missing something. I really think these folks need to take a step back and really think about what has happened over the past few weeks. We have played games that we could/should/must win....and we won them. Portsmouth and Hull are the examples. They were fighting for their lives and we were fighting for Europe...we won! Everton needed to win...we needed to win...we drew. Not good but not a disaster of titanic proportions. We played a series of matches where the opposition had plenty of rest between games and we did not. Our Manager got the lads up for each game...they played hard...and they got results. I am a pretty simple guy...winning is good, drawing is not as good, losing is bad. A loss in any of those games would have been very bad. I look at these games as battles...it is not just how we fight that is important. We also face an enemy that is fighting too. The battlefield is ever changing...nice Pitch surface, bad Pitch surface. There are always outside effects that must be dealt with...in the case of football, we can talk about referees, injuries, etc. Battles are impacted by many, many, things. The key is, at the end, who wins? Who is left standing? Yes, I would love to see us play beautiful flowing football every game but, like a battle, there are opposing forces and effects that don't always allow that to happen. I think we ought to take the 3 points and be proud of the lads and of Martin and his staff....we have gone through some tough days and have more to come. One game at a time...let's beat the Blues and then take on the next challenge. By the way, from all I have heard, the away fans were magnificent!!!!! 3. Tebow: A real leader and man of character. I just don't know if the Browns will take him.

General Krulak here: 1. As everyone knows, I do NOT get involved in players. At the same time, I think it is important that NO ONE get carried away with rumors...which is ALL you are reading and hearing. This sort of speculation is going to be grist for any and all mills! The simple fact is that the season is not over, the World Cup will have an impact as it always has on players and movement, etc. etc. We are not a feeder Club for anyone else...so we all need to just relax and enjoy the next 4 games and what happens next season. If we respond to every rumour, the Mail might soon have me going over to the Air Force!! Heaven help me!! (Although I could use a plane right now.)

General Krulak here: 1. I will ensure that Delph knows that the fans are behind him at this tough point in his life. Rest assured that we are going to be getting him the VERY BEST medical attention we can get him!! 2. dancdoftheshamen: Thank you for the very interesting post. As I think about it, you probably have a very good point. Our issue, of course, is that we are claret and blue...through and through. We have won with those colours over a long period of time. Even our away kit has normally contained these "sacred colours" and I am not sure whether we might cause some unintended consequences if we played in a red kit. One of the things that sets us apart from many Clubs is we are traditional and do have a wonderful ethos. We would need to be careful not to unbalance our "universe." 3. stephen_evans: Hopefull my answer above helps with your question. Randy will want to keep our traditional kit in mind for every new change that might take place. 4. As an aside, "interlocking bands...." is a term used by the military to describe the final protective fires of a defensive position. At the end of the day, you want to set up your machine guns to provide "interlocking bands of grazing fire" to prevent the enemy from overrunning your position. My use of "interlocking bands of grazing boshido" was meant to describe an article that was absolutely filled with BS.

General Krulak here: 1....and I mean STILL here! I purchased a pair of new trousers and two shirts...I may be here for the duration. 2. liono: That ENTIRE article is absolutely rubbish. Seriously, it is SO inaccurate that I don't even know where to start. The comments about the "letting of staff go" thru to the comments about MON and Randy are just ludicrous. I seriously don't know how these things get dreamed up. The author of this article NEVER spoke to MON, Randy or the Club. Bottom Line: "Interlocking bands of grazing boshido." 3. Portsmouth Match: A great win!! There was no doubt that we were the best side on the Pitch. At the same time, you have to take your hat off to James in the goal. The score could have been 4-1 but for some of his saves. I was sitting next to the England manager and I am sure he saw what we all saw...a fine job of keeping. At the same time, he must have seen another James on the Pitch...James Milner!! Our lad was superb! He has an engine that just won't stop...he played an immense role in the victory. I was glad to see the "Fonz" get his first PL goal...a very happy lad! 4. I tried to get to the car park to thank the fans for their great support!! The Pompey fans were very loud but....when we needed it, our Fans were magnificent!! Seriously, those 1400 Fans sounded like 41,000!!! Well done!!

General Krulak here: 1. sparey 16: I have passed your post on to the Hospitality folks and indicated that it appears that we are missing something here...that we need to keep a better count of the numbers. 2. maradona10: OK, you are asking MY opinion...NOT as a Director but as a Fan. First and foremost, I have only seen the lads play, in person, this one time. All the other times have been on the telly in the US and in some pretty big games. I saw some huge wins against top sides and I saw some draws and losses against teams I felt we should have handled. I match THIS season against the others since our arrival and I have to say I feel good about it. I think that our Manager has done a fine job in bringing the Club along from the place it was when he was hired until today. I think he has brought some very talented players to the Club and, equally important, has concentrated on developing others. I think this is a part of MON that is sometimes missed by the Fans...he develops young players very well. ALL of this has gone into my thinking re. this season...AND, the season is not over. Do I wish that some games would have ended differently? ABSOLUTELY! Do I think we have made progress? ABSOLUTELY! Again, I think it is very important that we let the next 5 games take place before we put an exclamation point our our side. A real positive of this side is their guts and determination!! They play hard all the time. 4 years ago, we would have lost that Everton game but this year we played hard and NEVER gave up! ALL credit to the players BUT....the Manager also deserves credit in this area too. He obviously has them motivated to give their all.

General Krulak here: 1. fonz: Welcome to the thread!! Take it from me, Milner will win Young Player of the Year!!! Mark today down in your calendar...I said that Milner would win and he will! There is NO more deserving man! 2. I went to Bodymoor Heath today to look at the fitness program. I must admit that I was impressed. I have seen many programs in my day and I don't think I have seen a program that has such a detailed measurable component to it. We are able to measure output for each game...each player...each second. It is very good. 3. I spent 3 hours with Randy on Wednesday and time with MON last night at the reserve game. Both are focused on the next 5 games. The rumors that have been flying about are just that...rumors. Both men know where they want to take the Club and are dedicated to reaching the goal. Both specifically mentioned the Fans and how much they appreciate the support they have been given. They also both recognize that the season has been one of tremendous highs and disappointing lows...but both both feel that we are making sure progress. If we were to do a highlight film on this season, starting with the Peace Cup, two Wembley appearances, some great wins over the "top 4", some remarkable come back wins, etc....we'd have a great film. MON is totally focused on the Villa and on getting victories in the upcoming games. His energy level is high and his motivation very strong. At this important point in time, I think we all need to continue to support Randy and MON as we go through the next few weeks as they will be critical to us. 4. The reserve match was superb! Some of the young lads really did us proud.

General Krulak here: 1. I spent over 3 hours with Randy yesterday am and then at the game. His morale is high....even with the result last evening. Obviously he wanted a win...VERY much. The fact that we didn't get the win DOES prey on him...don't get me wrong. But, at the same time, he was encouraged by the way the lads kept at it and fought to the end. My own personal feelings were somewhat tempered by the fact that it was my first trip to Villa Park this season and my first view of the lads. I thought James Milner was absolutely immense and lifted our lads at a critical time. Cahill did what Cahill does...and I wish we were more effective in marking him. My own "non-professional" opinion was that we got the better of the first half and could have been ahead except for some exceptional play by a damn Yank in the goal. We played well in the 2nd half but could not break through. The last ten minutes were will with both squads playing full out for the win...some exciting football. Again, not necessarily artistic but full out football. We really have our work cut out for us now...and will need some help from others as well. A tough one to loose...especially at home. 2. It was really good to see so many fans and friends last night. Again, I thought our fans did all of us proud. 3. I went down to Heathrow to catch my plane this am and all flights were cancelled. I am down to my last set of underware so will be doing my wash in the bath tub! Such is the life of a Marine General!!

General Krulak here: 1. Steve-Orchard: Lot's of water has to go over the dam before all this is settled. I will see if I can get an answer for you when I am at Villa Park. 2. DANVANDAL: I will see if I can get you an answer when I see John Greenfield at the shop. 3. On my way to UK in an hour...see you all at Villa Park...or at least 38,000 of you!!! U[ the Villa!!!

General Krulak here: 1. First and foremost, let me thank the Fans at Wembley!!! They were magnificent! Although I wasn't able to make the game, I have heard from EVERYONE at Villa and they said the Fans were superb. Randy, MON, and the Lads all asked that I pass on their thanks for the huge support. As you know, the lads played their hearts out...and much of the motivation came from the fans. The game itself was marred somewhat by some questionable calls. At the same time, my military background is such that you need to recognize the possibility of a bad call and just win anyway. We didn't win and that is the reality. We have been to Wembley twice this season and didn't get a win. That is tough to take...but think of the teams who never made it to Wembley. I HONESTLY AND SINCERELY believe that we will be back at Wembley again and we will win. I feel that in my soul. Do we still have a ways to go...I think we would all say that we do. At the same time, we have come a long way and we know what we need to do. With the support of the fans, with a great owner, with a solid team and a fine Manager, we will make it!!

General Krulak here: 1. Reserve game: We are VERY disappointed at the way this came down. Obviously we are concerned about the status of the Pitch so we went to Fulham and the FA to see if we could move the date. The answer was NO. We tried several options with them but were told that we had to play. The only option left was to move it to our grounds at Bodymoor...not a good thing for anyone. 2. Trevor: Nicky Keye has read your comments and others and is looking into it. 3. Randy will be at Wembley and for Everton...we are really pulling for a win at both matches.

General Krulak here: 1. The doctor just gave me clearance to travel!!! Unfortunately he won't let me go this weekend..."too soon" but he promised I could make the Everton game next week. I will be there!! Good to be going home! I will see you all around the Park.

General Krulak here: 1. TUBBY: I think I will steer clear of the Browns....and leave it all up to Mike Holmgren. He is about as good as they come so I will let him proceed without my input. Now if Brady or Manning were in the draft...a different case. 2. Philthevillan: Please contact Lee Preece and see what he can do to help.

General Krulak here: 1. Semi-final tickets: As you can see, many of the comments made on this site and others have been forwarded up to the Club and appropriate action taken. For those who sometime wonder whether having a Director on the web sites is important, this is a case in point. We don't just turn a deaf ear to the Fans. 2. AVFCChia: Noted...will pass it on. 3. I noticed in today's paper that the media is at it again with the story of Mike Keenan's departure from the Cleveland Browns...as if it is some sort of indicator of how Randy operates. Simply put, Mike Keenan left as a result of the change in management at the Browns. Mike Holmgren came in as the new "boss" and like most new bosses, he brought in some of his own "team." This is NOT unusual in sports or in business...certainly not in the US. Mike was not fired and he and Randy remain good friends. Mike is a super guy and has already found a job. This was NOT a big deal and has nothing to do with Randy and the Villa. Mike Holmgren is also a super guy and deserves to have his folks by his side helping him...just like MON has his folks by his side. This is not something that is a big deal. It is spring and the media will be talking...last spring, this spring and the spring after next...it is almost a pattern. 3. I sure would like to see us sell out our allocation for Wembley...it would send a powerful signal and certainly help the lads.