jacquesderrida

General, congratulations to all concerned on the new kit. Like many others, I love it. As I mentioned in another thread, I'm delighted to report that I was able to buy it today in an Amsterdam store. Good work! Seeing it in the flesh, so to speak, really brings home the significance of the Acorns sponsorship, too: showing it off to die-hard Ajax fans in the office, I was a very proud Villan this afternoon. (These Ajax boys were suitably impressed, for the record.) Keep on keeping on, as someone once said...

How about Pongo Waring? It would be fab to see his illustrious name on the front page!

Just to add: of course, like Ross, I hope to see some quality signings come in soon – but, as I see it, that's up to MON... And, since I trust him, I accept that I have to live with his slooooowwww style. (Yes, I'm one of his apologists!)

Excuse me for saying this Ross – but that's utter rubbish! And to keep this on topic, let's ask the good General if he agrees. Specifically, let's ask him a few questions: – although squad size is obviously a concern, is it fair to say that MON's decisions proved to be the right ones last season (when we jumped 6 league places): even though, at the beginning of that season, the same old people were moaning about the same old things? - when the member of the board who takes the time to talk to fans directly – uniquely in the premier league – has said many, many times that he has no influence on transfer deals, and has no real day-to-day info, is it ignorant to keep quizzing him on our transfer policy? - is it fair to say we are 'ineffective' in the transfer market when those teams that spent lavishly and ostentatiously in the last closed season – namely Spurs and Man City – finished well below us in the league? Would we prefer to spend on players that MON targets (Ashley and Curtis, for instance), or would we prefer to splash the cash, bringing in names that impress the tabloids? Sorry Ross – but your opinion exasperates me. I just don't understand where the hell you are coming from! Assuming that the General is privy to Randy's true motivations and intentions – stuff that we have to take on trust: and I, for one, absolutely trust our owner (and, by the way, the General) – I wonder how Gen Krulak feels when he reads posts like yours? You are insinuating some sort of deception is going on, if I'm reading you right. So I'll end this post (once again, to ensure it stays on topic!) with a question for General K... - Does the negativity that surfaces on this board (all too often) piss you off? - Do you get annoyed when the initiatives designed to give us back our tradition and pride, which come straight from Randy's pocket – from the Holte Hotel to the crest mosaics – are dismissed by some idiotic fans as gimmicks? (Incidentally, unlike Ross, the painting of the station bridge is pretty important to me: it's all to do with who we are and where we come from – something I could write pages and pages on.)

he isn't !! hasn't he lived all his life in Manchester ? Yep, adopted his mother's name and Welshness when his parents split up But his dad is Welsh, too. (You're implying that he's not, if I read you right.) When I was doing my Ph.D. in Cardiff, from 2000 onwards, papa Giggs used to live just around the corner from me. Believe me – having chatted to the man a few times – he is a very Welsh man! He's also a really good guy, for the record, really genuine...

Well, there's the first one... Disgraceful behavour from Chelsea Maybe I was seeing things, but did anyone else clock the disgraceful antics of John Terry just after the Drogba red card? He ran up to Tevez and shouted something at old Carlos, at the same time appearing to mimic an elbow jab to the man's throat: at best, I guess, he was accusing Tevez of elbowing Drogba; still it looked horribly aggressive from where I'm sitting... I was pretty neutral before the start of this match. Now, I'm absolutely behind Manure (and I never expected to say that – ever!). Chelsea are a horrible club. I always knew it. Lest I (we) forget, tonight has reminded of this fact. Curs-ed ego! Forgive me for, erm, bumping myself. But I'm really interested to hear if anyone else saw what I mention above... (Which horrified me.) Between a rock and a hard place, true, but I'm very happy that Chelsea lost – for the record. Horrible club.

He annoys me to the n-th **** degree – but you can't deny that he is a superb footballer. Unfortunately, he's bought into the 'sports star' image and plays it to the full – let's hope our youngsters (Ash et al.) keep their feet on the ground...

Well, there's the first one... Disgraceful behavour from Chelsea Maybe I was seeing things, but did anyone else clock the disgraceful antics of John Terry just after the Drogba red card? He ran up to Tevez and shouted something at old Carlos, at the same time appearing to mimic an elbow jab to the man's throat: at best, I guess, he was accusing Tevez of elbowing Drogba; still it looked horribly aggressive from where I'm sitting... I was pretty neutral before the start of this match. Now, I'm absolutely behind Manure (and I never expected to say that – ever!). Chelsea are a horrible club. I always knew it. Lest I (we) forget, tonight has reminded of this fact.

General, I've noticed that some foreign teams carry their sponsor logo on the back of their shirts – I'd love to see the new shirt follow this trend; if only because I adore the style of the European Championship shirt, with the club logo positioned centrally. The Villa logo should be the focus... While our new sponsor (prospective, but maybe already signed up) would probably have issues with this suggestion, I think they'd get more exposure in the press by being willing to do this. E.g. 'Sony recognises that, for Villa fans, its logo is not the most important one on the shirt: for this reason, the logo is displayed on the back...', etc. (I'm sure a discrete front logo could also be incorporated in the design.) Maybe I'm speaking rubbish – the thought has only just occurred to me... What do you think?? A belated happy birthday form me, by the way. Best, jd

Bugger. Next year for the Browns', then... Shortshadyuk, you really should head out to the Browns' Stadium. I've only ever been once – versus wretched Baltimore – and it was fab! The Dawg Pound is surely the spiritual twin of the Holte End... jd

The above makes my heart swell with Villa-esque pride... Go Browns – even more, go Colts!! (An orange button moment, methinks, to help our brothers along??) General, do report on the games for us, when you can... (I never thought I'd be quite so nervous about an NFL fixture!) jd