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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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!)

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/