The prospect of watching Villa is bad enough, never mind trying to find five reasons to be cheerful. Against Bournemouth, I couldn’t bring myself to do both, so skipped the Five Reason Column.
In terms of the Saints game, shortly before setting off for Villa Park in the morning for a Fan Consultation Group meeting with supporter reps, Villa chairman Steve Hollis and Brian Little, a friend offered me free tickets for both of the FA Cup semi-finals.
Decisions, decisions…
It was the perfect excuse to avoid watching the current shower in claret & blue, so after the meeting, I headed to News Street to catch the train to London. It was an opportunity to catch up with my old man, who’s a United fan, so it was a decent treat for him and also for me it was a rare opportunity to watch football in which both teams had a chance of winning.
Certainly the football was of a better class in the first FA Cup semi-final between United and Everton, but the interesting thing about the Palace vs Watford game was both teams’ support. Both teams have ultra-type supporter groups and they have obviously worked with their clubs to arrange their support at Wembley. it was fantastic.
Anyway, since i missed the Saints game, here’s a little later than usual five reasons to be cheerful as a Villa fan.
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5. Gabby Steps Down
It was announced this week that Gabby Agbonlahor has getting fined and had his knuckles wrapped by the club for his recent behaviour. The player also stood down as club captain and apologised to fans via Instagram (see his statement below). Finally, he seemed to have got the message.
It’s too little, too late now though. While you were farting around Mr Agbonlahor, it may have missed your attention that the club have been relegated.
While I’ve never considered Gabby good enough to be Villa’s main striker (compare him to Benteke for starters), he can give you a different dimension in your squad with his pace to torment the best of defensive backlines. However, if the attitude and effort is not there, he’s a waste of space.
Will any other team want him? I think his Premier League days maybe definitely over, unless there’s a drastic turnaround.
Gabby apology
I want to begin with an apology to all Aston Villa fans for my actions in recent weeks, especially at a time when it is devastating for everyone involved with the club.
I am stepping down as club captain with immediate effect as I do not deserve to carry out such a role anymore. This role was a huge honour to me and it hurts to have lost it.
I have spent 16 years at Aston Villa and played some memorable games. My celebrations and passion, especially in games against local rivals shows my loyalty to Aston Villa. I am asking Aston Villa fans for forgiveness as I’m hurting as well despite reports and photos in the press making out otherwise. I agree my performances this season have not been good enough but I will be working hard to make things right! Up The Villa, Villa Till I Die!
Whatever…
Hopefully Newcastle stay up, the money that they pour into the club will take them up , and take a promotion spot away from us. Hopefully its Norwich.
Newcastle could potentially have a meltdown if they go down. Not for that reason, but I’d prefer them to go down to provide them taking the pi** at Villa’s last home game.
Whatever, Worst season ever. The players lost interest, the owner lost interest, the board lost interest. Now its my turn.