Sunday, December 29, 2013

Times are Tough

Villa was able to hang on to a 1-1 draw today vs. Swansea.  A point is positive, but we are in the midst of a long dry spell.  Many supporters seem to be getting restless with PL and the team.  Boos coming from the Villa Park stands is difficult to hear.  No doubt this is a hard time for Villa supporters.  Injuries continue to plague us.  Our depth is limited to none.  Our scoring threats are in a deep slump.  I'm hanging in there with this team and the manager.  It is hard to feel like things could be worse, but we are still not as bad off as we were last year.  Keep the faith.


Thursday, November 28, 2013

Monday Night Football

Monday night football versus West Brom had a very rough start, but the mighty Villa did not sink in defeat, but battled back with second half goals from El Ahmadi and Westwood helped Villa capture one point from this derby match.  Love the heart of this year's team!

Saturday, September 28, 2013

We Will Not Be Moved!

The long-awaited home win came today versus Man City.  An improbable result as we were without The Beast and Gabby in the front.  How did Villa stay in this game and eventually take all 3 points?  Pure determination and never giving up.  Every man on the pitch worked for the entire 90 + 4 minutes, especially Tony Moon... It was clear he was tired and banged up, but his motor would not stall.  This Villa team is so different from teams the past several years.  A goal from the opposition does not cause panic or hopelessness.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Fight On!

Today's 2-1 loss to Chelsea was tough because of the missed handball call on Terry in the final minutes which could have helped us possibly level the score.  Despite the loss - this year's Villa squad is different.  They fought until the end - there was no sign of throwing in the towel.

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Chicago 2013 North America Meet-Up

So much to say about this amazing event.  It was great to have been able to participate in this first one in Chicago.  Looking forward to seeing this become an annual event!

AVFC sent a message from the players to the supporters in America which we viewed for the first time right before kick-off!


Same moment...from two different angles.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

The 2013-14 season is upon us!

Looking forward to the upcoming season.  Already have been making calls to Villa Park re: match tickets for members and busy preparing for the Chicago meet-up.  It has been great providing support to host Chicago Lions Club and their chairman, Simon Leach.  This is the start of beginning to see U.S. Lions Club branches connect with one another - I hope it continues.  Watching the recent Dublin Weekender from afar was inspiring. 

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Can't Wait!

  • Friday August 16
    • 12:00pm the first beers start to flow at the Globe
    • 12:00pm - 5:00pm various classic Villa matches to be played on the TV's
    • 5:30pm leave the Globe and head on the 80 bus to the friendly at Montrose and Lake Shore Drive (Those of you coming to the bar, remember to bring your kit/boots).
    • 6:30pm warm up and overview of tactics prior to the big match
    • 6:32pm final beers prior to starting the game (that's just for Peever and Butler!)
    • 7:00pm - 8:30pm the BIG game
    • 9:00pm return to the Globe
    • 10:00pm 'til whenever - more classic Villa games and "team building" with our Globe Staff and patrons
  • Saturday August 17
    • 6:30am - for those who are partially coherent, meet at the Globe for the opening game of the 2013/14 season (Liverpool vs Stoke). A good chance to get the vocal chords warmed up for the big event!
    • 8:15am - I strongly advise if you cannot make it for the opening game, you get to the bar no later than this time. I have a feeling it is going to be very busy, and we want to claim our territory!
    • 8:30am - Group photo outside the bar (To be submitted to AVFC for printing in a match day program, and on the website)
    • 9:00am - the warm up is all complete and the season starts in earnest. Come on you LIONS!!!
    • 10:50am we mock the Gooners relentlessly as they cry into their collective beers having played one, won none!
    • 11:30am The mocking continues as the plastic Mancs struggle against Swansea
    • RECOMMENDATION
    • 2:00pm head to Southport Lanes (http://www.southportlanes.com/) for a pool competition. Ity is just a 10 minute CTA ride from the Globe. 6 tables for 2 hours costs $300. If we have a minimum of 15 people interested this is just $20 per person. Additional drink packages are available, for example an incremental $20 per person gets you Domestic beer, wine and soda for the 2 hours. We could do a $5-$10 entry fee and winner takes 60%, runner up 30%, third place 10%. Please let me know if this is of interest ASAP so I can try to book a private party for us.
    • 6:00pm return to the Globe
    • 8:00pm (approximately) Raffle prizes will be drawn. Details below
  • Sunday August 18
    • 7:30am For the early risers Crystal Palace vs Benteke-less Spurs!
    • 10:00am The "special one" returns to pit his wits against the mighty Hull
    • RECOMMENDATION
    • 12:00pm Take the 80 bus to the lake and watch some of the air and water show
    • 3:00pm for those still in town, return to the Globe for some final alcoholic lubrication.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Benteke Signs Extension and Remains with Villa

So far it has been a very active summer for Villa with the signing of new players (Okore, Aleksander, Helenius, Bacuna, Luna) and new contracts for returning ones (Guzan, Weimann, Westwood, Clark, Lowton).  The biggest news has been the transfer request that was submitted by Benteke a couple of weeks ago which has angered many supporters.



But today, it has been reported that Benetke has signed a contract extension to stay with Villa.  This must have been asa result of a heart-to-heart with the Gaffer.  Honestly, I lost a lot of admiration for the young striker when he turned in his request for transfer.  I thought he was receiving bad advice from agents and that his head was getting too large.   This change of heart is good to hear and that he has committed himself to Villa for the time being.  Let's hope it is genuine.  He is a great player and could be on his way to becoming a Villa legend if he keeps his head straight and his feet on the ground.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2370496/Christian-Benteke-signs-new-year-Aston-Villa-contract.html

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

First North America Villa Supporters Gathering

Planning has begun for the first-ever gathering of Aston Villa supporters based in North America.  The target is for opening weekend of the 2013-14 Premiership Season and the chosen location is The Windy City, Chicago!  Chicago Lions Club chairman Simon Leach is heading up the planning effort.  There is an event page on Facebook where you can contact Simon.

(Maybe the California Lions can convince Mr. Hanks to join us on the journey!)

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

SAFETY!

Our thanks go out to the Gooners for their trashing of Wigan to ensure our safety in the Premiership.  But this would never have been possible without the amazing form the Villa lads have maintained for about a month.  Surely signs of greater things to come for next season!

Summer 2013 - International Lions Club Meeting
There will be another summer internatinoal Lions Club gathering June 21-23, 2013 hosted by the Northern Ireland Lipons Club.  If you are traveling to Northern Ireland this summer - check for details on the NI Lions Club website.  http://northernirelandlions.co.uk/

Monday, April 29, 2013

YES! Villa 6-1 over Sunderland

This was a second week of "Monday Night Football" for Villa.  I had to rely on AVTV audio feed as I was at work here in the U.S. (Noon start).  Benteke hat-trick, Weimann, Vlar, and Gabby score as Villa captures a critical 3 points (and provide some goal differential improvement too).


Still not completely out of the relegation-woods, but today's result was BIG in moving us closer to safety.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Words from our Captain

A great interview with Stiliyan Petrov.  SUPPORT STAN #19



 

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Villa win 1-3 at the Brittania

What a game today vs Stoke - a critical one for both teams.  Villa's three goals came from Gabby, Lowton, and the Beast, but special focus on Matthew Lowton's goal in the 88' break the 1-1 tie.  His volley from distance has to be the goal of the season.  The amazing thing was that he scored a similar goal, on the volley (but a little closer to goal) using his left foot vs Swansea.  Today's goal was like a mirror image where he used his right foot.  Words cannot describe this goal sufficiently.  Look at it yourself.

Today's goal vs Stoke City

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Audio Boo: Villa goals vs QPR

The "Voice of the Villa", Jack Woodward, calling each of the 3 Villa goals vs. QPR.



listen to ‘Villa goals in QPR win’ on Audioboo

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Says it all!    The boys are playing well - finally (with our backs up against a wall0


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Villa Reaches 1 Million Facebook Fans!

Congratulations and UP THE VILLA!  Nice to see AVFC California members Tom Hanks and Bob Stephenson featured in this video!


Sunday, February 10, 2013

Finally...the elusive 3 points!


All Villa supporters were holding their collective breath as the boys held on to win 2-1 vs West Ham.  That 2nd half own goal really put the pressure on, but Brad Guzan made some critical saves down the stretch to preserve the victory and 3 points.  After today's win, we have been able to step out of the relegation zone for the moment.  Its a great feeling!


Sunday, February 3, 2013

Great Effort

The boys played a good game on Saturday. It was just so disappointing to give up those 2 goals to allow a draw in the end.  I am definitely grateful for the 1 point, but we need a couple of wins to give us a chance (and some help from those just ahead and behind us in the table.

Christian Benteke has been the best thing that happened this season.  I hope that we can hang on to him  for as long as possible.


Wednesday, January 30, 2013

"Auto Destruct Engaged"


Yesterday, I was haunted by the sounds of the USS Enterprise (Star Trek) and its computer voice saying, "Auto Destruct Sequence has been engaged."   That is what it feels like right now.  The situation that we currently find ourselves in is something of our own making.  It is a very scary time right now at Villa Park.  My concerns?  That this downward slide will have some longer term impact on this club that could impact our ability, should we drop, to return to the Premiership.


Saturday, January 5, 2013

Villa Knocks Out Ipswich - FA Cup Rd. 3

Not the greatest start by the Villa - giving up an own goal in the first half, but the 2 second have goals (Bent and Weimann) secured the comeback in this 3rd Round FA Cup match.  Weimann came off the bench.  Shay Given was solid in goal.  Two cup runs still alive - Up the Villa!   Bradford City net in the  CapitalOne Cup!