c-krulak

General Krulak here: 1. imavillan: On 4 April I answered a similar question from avillafan.com (see above). My reply to you would be the same I made in that post. It is simply not the right thing for a Director to do...to come on an open web site and talk about our finances, "sell to buy", the summer transfer window, etc. etc. Randy and MON will sit down and evaluate the Club...just as they do several times a year...and will make decisions as a result. They both know the stakes and know the opportunities. My belief is that there is nothing in our recent history that would indicate that either Randy or MON are not deadly serious about our place in the Premiership. Let's trust them.

General Krulak here: 1. avillafan.com: You pose several questions that, in one way or another, have been asked over the past couple of days. People want to know about players leaving, about purse strings, about "sell before buy", etc. etc. Let's first look at reality. We are on an open web site. We know the media looks at this site often...and has quoted some of what we have said. It honestly would make very poor business sense to discuss the issues raised...it really would. The best answer I can give is really a simple one....Everyone has seen how Randy and the Board have operated over the past 4 years. You have either liked and appreciated what we have done or not. You have seen our funding...you have seen our trades...you have seen our sales and buys. History is normally a good indication of how we will operate. We are still in a very competitive season and to take our eye of the ball at this point in time and start discussing what will happen in the summer just doesn't make much sense. 2. Gavla80: I speak with Nicky almost EVERY day...and we certainly don't wait until the end of the season to critique our efforts to date and start making course corrections. 3. Tickets to Wembley will be allocated fairly...no special "gifts" to one team or the other. 4. sellyoakvilla: I will discuss this with Nicky and see what she thinks.

General Krulak here: 1. Let me try to make this as clear as I can. Randy and the Board are not going to jump out in the media every time a rumor hits the street...even if the rumor originates from an article in a major paper or on the radio. IF the Club feels that a response is warranted due to certain circumstances, they will make a response. I think we have addressed this issue properly. The club has, in fact, denied it. Having Randy or the Board come up on the air just is not the way we do things. I know that frustrates some fans but everyone has watched us for 4 years and should know by now that we will "keep our powder dry" on this sort of thing. How other Clubs handle such a thing or how Villa use to handle these things is not a driving factor, nor should it be. We need to do things the way we feel is right and proper. We have to be given the latitude to do what we feel is right...for the Club, for the Fans and for the individuals involved. That is only fair.

General Krulak here: 1. A wedding reception: Please call Alison Plant at AVFC ext 370 and she will give you all the info you need to put a wedding reception together at Villa Park. 2. The Lions Roar: My "pat" answer to a ticket question is to contact Nicky Keye at the ticket office and she will provide the answer and rationale. 3. villaboyjay: We have most definitely participated in the Tickets for Troops!! We will do so again. Additionally, we are the only Premiership Club that offers a permanent discount to members of the Forces. 4. Risso: The Club has NOT put a muzzle on our players re. Facebook and Twitter. My sense is that if a player has chosen to close his account, it is probably because of they felt they needed to close it. With some of the posts I get on this thread and others, I can imagine what a player might get!! Just kidding!!! 5. paulanddonya and others: It was not that long ago that rumors had MON going to the English Team...then it was to ManU...then to Celtic. There have been more MON sightings than there have been Elvis sightings!!! If the Club were to respond to every media comment involving Randy, players, MON or even me (yes, I have stepped in it more than once), we'd be on the radio, telly and newspapers every day. Everyone needs to calm down...Elvis is dead...even if there are papers who claim he has been sighted at a McDonalds.

General Krulak here: 1. sparey16: We don't change seats during the off-season unless the seat is damaged in some manner...and those are then changed individually. 2. mcveighp: You raise an interesting question. The simple answer from me....and not necessarily the Club because I have never asked them...is that I believe EVERY Fan has the right to comment as they wish on any aspect of the Club. Over the past 4 years, I have seen the "good, bad, and ugly" and have welcomed those comments. I have not always agreed what has been posted and when I don't agree, I say that and try to articulate why I feel the way I do. I take it as a fact that ALL Villa Fans are good people...that they care for the Club and that their rants or praises come from a sincere love of the Club. I do believe that there are many, many, fans who fully understand what Randy, the Board, and MON are trying to do and appreciate the consistency with which all of these folks focus on the future. Most fans understand that a 7-1 defeat hurts the Club as much as the Fans....that it is painful across the Board. At the same time, we need to move forward...we cannot just focus on a bad day. We MUST get back on the winning track. Most fans understand that and cheer the lads on..even during tough times.

General Krulak here: 1. Since I wasn't able to see the game nor any highlights, this is the first full game report I have seen. Thank you. I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist at this point in time...I am a realist. There is no question that we were outplayed although it does sound like our lads played hard and did not quit...which in my "old business" counted for a great deal. Still, 7-1 is 7-1 and we are going to have to live with it. On any given day, we can take any of them...but it has to be "our" day and we need an "our" day at the semi final. I NEVER give up so all I can say is Up the Villa!!!

General Krulak here: 1. I am a member of the Board of AVFC. I am also a Fan of AVFC. Yesterday hurt me as much as it hurt anyone who wears our colours. I was unable to watch the game...I had to get the score line from ESPN Soccer Net. It is a terrible way to follow a game and especially so when it is a game like yesterday. It was painful and I don't think anyone at Villa Park or Bodymoor Heath feels differently. Questions about Randy and MON and their relationship are simply the result of speculation and media...not based on fact at all. 2. Stephen_Evans: You wrote a thoughtful post. I am not sure I agree with all your thoughts and rationale but appreciate the comments. On the one point I feel I can comment on in an open forum I would say your thoughts about a cup run do not really ring true to me...simply because the same names normally are found in the headlines at the end of the run. Getting to the semi finals in the FA Cup and the finals of the Carling Cup cannot be just dismissed as a "red herring." 3. I know all of you recognize that we are on an open site and that comments made by a Director are liable to make news in a heart beat. My commenting on issues that are really not in my purview will not get an answer for very obvious reasons.

General Krulak here: 1. At this stage, I am not sure that there would be value in trying to get all Premiership Clubs to rally around a "standing" proposal. First and foremost, it would require a prodigious amount of effort to get everyone to agree to the mechanics of such a move. Equally if not more important, this move would generate a HUGE pushback from those constituents who pushed the no standing regulations in the first place. Getting this to Parliament would also be a huge effort...one that would require a great deal of effort, solicitor work, and resources. AND, at the end of the day, we probably would lose. This is NOT to say that it wouldn't be a worthwhile fight but...I am not very hopeful that such action would induce change nor be fully supported. I love a good fight but it needs to make sense in the long run.

General Krulak here: 1. Obviously, we do NOT want to reduce stadium seating!!!! We are under constant pressure from the "authorities" about standing...just as we are about smoking. We really have no capability to go against the regulations. 2. paulanddonya: Yes, a retired Marine Corps General can get frustrated!!!! And it is NOT a pretty sight. At the same time, MON and the Lads are equally unhappy when things just don't go the way expected. I guess that is what comes with the game of football. It is NOT just Brummies....not by a long shot.

General Krulak here: 1. Ricardomeister: I can assure you that MON was not responding to the fans when he put Albrighton on the pitch...it was just an unfortunate timing. I think we are ALL frustrated with what happened on the weekend and some of the other "lost points" that are impacting on us right now. I know I am frustrated and I would imagine that MON and the Team shares the frustration. These are professionals and they want to put on a professional performance...and if they don't meet their own expectations, I am sure that is frustrating to them. At the same time, they can't dwell on the down times...they need to keep focused on what to do better next time...to focus on the next game. We, as fans, have the luxury or the danger, of being able to continually reflect...and that can only lead to more frustration if we only reflect on what has gone wrong. Today I was looking at statistics...and saw that we, AVFC, have had less goals scored against us than any other Premiership Club...to include the "top 4". I reflected on our back line and how easy it might be to point to one play or another...but at the end of the day, goals against do count and these lads are doing a good job. My point here is that there are definite signs of our Club moving forward and that we all need to keep one eye on those signs. That is NOT to say that we be Polyanna's and not comment on what we perceive is wrong. I have ALWAYS encouraged the "good, bad, and ugly"!! All I am saying is that, at the end of the day, we are a "Family" and we need to keep that in mind. 2. paulanddonya: As always, you make some very good points.

General Krulak here: 1. bear_1982: I promise that both Randy and the Board are more than willing to look at other Clubs and capture those ideas that fit with our Club and our efforts. Thank you for your suggestion and I will personally get a study going on Dortmund. 2. villajax: I think England will win against the US. Yes, I will certainly be watching the World Cup...eagerly!!! 3. wedge: Sorry you didn't agree with the status of the game. 4. sidcow: As you probably know, we really have no control over the vendors who set up on the approaches to Villa Park. If they can get a permit, they can "do their thing." 5. leviramsey: The 1st round killed me!! I am currently down 13 games...which is unrecoverable. St. Mary's has been the bane of my effort. I now have Kentucky as the winner. 6. The Game: I, like all fans, was disappointed. Now we just need to concentrate on the next game.

General Krulak here: 1. Nicky Keye...could you pick up on the above posts and give me your thoughts...thanks!!! 2. Wigan: A MUST win that we won. Good, hard fought game. I thought Milner was huge in the win...for more than the goal. 3. I will be off the thread until Saturday...but WILL return.

General Krulak here: 1. dudley_villa: I would just call the ticket office and address that question to them...they will have the answer. 2. kit supplier: At the present time, there is nothing in the works to change the kit supplier.

General Krulak here: 1. Season Tickets: I know economic times are hard but....a season ticket is going to be an important thing to have in the years to come. We have a stretch payment plan and I urge everyone to think about it hard. 2. Shirt sponsor: There has been no decision on shirt sponsors at this time. We will not see our shirts to a low bidder...not when we can help acorns. 3. stewiek2: Believe me, neither Randy nor I are complacent!!! In my "old" business, complacency led to death! NO way are we going to be complacent. 4. Drew's Militia: I will check on the "on-line" Year Bppk issue.

General Krulak here: 1. Irish Cockney: Sometimes I feel exactly how you laid things out...thanks. k2hardcore: You need to read Irish Cockney's post. We aren't into the Finals yet...we have to play a semi-final game. Why can't you and others just hold onto your horses and help us win the next game....and let the ticket office people and the Villa Park people do their jobs. We are going to do the VERY BEST job we can pending the results of the next game. What more can anyone want? Seriously, we haven't even qualified yet and you are complaining about lack of info...makes no sense to me.

General Krulak here: 1. Let me start by stating the following: I never count my chickens before they are hatched and I NEVER provide fodder to an opponent. Why we are talking about finals when we still have the semi-finals to play is beyond me. I think it would be extremely foolish for me or the Club to start describing the ticket situation for the FA Cup Final....can you imagine such comments being quoted in a London paper? I fight one battle at a time...I focus on that battle and do the best I can. What happens after that battle is for another day. Let's concern ourselves about the semi-final game...please. 2. If you have a concern with Wembley, write to Wembley. There is really not much that we can do about their seating priorities. 3. Stoke: A tough game at a tough location. It was not our best showing but few do well at Stoke. A point is a point. One game at a time...we need 3 points next game.

General Krulak here: 1. Baby kits: I am not sure what happened here. When my youngest grandson was born, we got the little "bunny" suits with a Villa deal on the front. I thought that we still sold those. I will check. 2. Pricing for semi-final. As I have said many times before, we do try to recognize the issues of the economy and when possible, we try to help out. We don't always get it right but we sure do try to take the economy into effect.

General Krulak here: 1. Ticket prices: I recognize that some may be disappointed at the prices but...we did all in our power to keep them low and still recognize the environment we find ourselves in viz a viz the Premiership. If you compare our prices...say our highest price for an adult...against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, ManCity, Tottenham, Woverhampton...we are well below any of them. Our under 16 prices are lower than most. We are one of a few Clubs who have a lowered price for under 8 and we are the ONLY Club that has a special rate for members of the Forces. Simply put, we remain a "discount player" in the Premiership. AND THIS IS COMPARING OUR 10/11 PRICES WITH THE OTHER CLUB'S CURRENT PRICES...THEY WILL BE RAISING THEIRS AND THE DIFFERENCE WILL BECOME GREATER...IN OUR BEHALF. 2. We expect a sell out at Wembley again. Again, the key is a Season Ticket. We are looking at payment schemes and will try to do the best we can but we have to be very careful.

General Krulak here: 1. Nicky Keye is looking at the thread with all the recommendations re. payment schemes. If it looks like something that makes sense, she will give it due consideration. Obviously, we want to make it easy on the fans during this tough economic time but we also must recognize what needs to be done financially for the Club...it needs to make sense. 2. Randy and I remain as excited (if not more so) than the first day we walked onto the Villa Pitch. Every year has brought its highs and lows but the highs have been more apparent. Look at this year....two trips (minimum) to Wembley...beating ManU on their home Pitch, etc. etc.

General Krulak here: 1. carlitobrigante: Randy: Your questions are the very reason why Randy doesn't want to talk (among others)...he has no interest talking about money and cut backs with Fans or Media. He simply says, "Watch me...look at my actions and deeds, not my words." He is a VERY private man and believes that his actions are what counts. Lot's of people can say lots of things...he is not one of them. It has ZERO to do with how he feels about the Fans. If the Fans don't know what Randy thinks of them, then all the talking in the world won't make a difference. He shows his feeling is so many ways that to even question it is wrong in my opinion. It has been over 4 years since Randy started looking at Villa and he didn't talk then and he is not about to start now. Let's just accept the man for who he is. As for the team, obviously I am not going to comment on how our Manager manages the lads. 2. Payment schemes: From the Clubs standpoint, it is better to get the money all in one amount or over a few months than spreading it out over 12 months. I am not sure that such a scheme would be viable at this point in time. We do have a stretch payment scheme but not one over 12 months.

General Krulak here: 1. beasley14: I am afraid that I can't answer that one...not because I don't want to but because I have never asked him. 2. The Game: What a game???!!!!!!!!!?? I would have loved to have heard the half time talk by MON...it must have been something. I also wish I could bottle about 20 minutes of the game and bring it out when needed. These games bring me close to a heart attack.

General Krulak here: 1. Coops_AVFC: I am afraid that I have little to do with the Browns so I am not sure what Mike Holmgren has up his sleeve. I do think he is a smart guy and will do what needs to be done. 2. Thomas Cook train debacle: As I indicated, we asked Thomas Cook to investigate this issue and take appropriate action. They did just that and will be notifying their customers that they will refund all money involved with the trip. Although Villa had NO responsibility in this issue, we will be paying 50% of the refund because we believe our Fans and our reputation deserve to be treated justly.

General Krulak here: 1. First off, thank everyone for the kind birthday wishes. Right now, the best present I could get would be to see the Holte Pub in my car headlights!!!! I miss Villa Park and the Fans, players and staff. I have promised myself that I will get back soon!! 2. kiddybloke: Sorry I missed your note. If you are looking to help out with acorns, the best person to call is Lee Preece at Villa Park.

General Krulak here: 1. Train Service: I was made aware of this disaster on Sunday by a fan who called me! Don't ask me how he got my number????!! I immediately called the Club and indicated that there was trouble on the train...both arriving and, more importantly, on the trip back. The Club immediately contact Thomas Cook who were unaware of the problem at that time....but subsequently got back to us and stated that it was, in fact, a disaster. They are holding an investigation right now as to what happened...it appears that they only had two people overseeing the entire train. AVFC stewards literally had to step in to make things a bit better. We hear you...we know it was bad and we are going to get to the bottom of it. 2. starsailor9774: I am sorry you were disappointed in the team's performance. I would respectfully have to disagree with you. I confess that it might not have been the very best we have played but it was not something I found disappointing. Of course I wasn't there...I watched on the telly. What I can say is that we were not dominated, we had times when we were totally in control...and they did likewise. I felt it was a good game....I just didn't like the result.

General Krulak here: 1. OutbyEaster? and all others: Such great postsd....and echo how I feel and I wasn't even there. What I can tell you is that listening on the telly, the Villa voices COMPLETELY drowned out those of ManU. The effort of our lads was evident and consistent. We played a good team and we ended up on the short end of the score...but ManU sure as hell knew they were in a game and needed EVERYTHING they had (plus a wee bit of help???!!!?) to win it. We will be back!!!!