Aston Villa Supporters Trust

The sacking of Alex McLeish today comes as no surprise to Villa supporters who have endured a season of sub-standard performances home and away, with the team not set out to go for a win. The statistics of this season very much reflect the views held at the start of the season, including those made by the Trust at the time, that Alex McLeish’s premiership record may lead to sterile football and potentially a struggling side. Our worst fears were confirmed.

We have survived relegation as much by the failings of others and the Board have taken the action required. We now request that the Board review their criteria and engage suitable experienced football executives in the short term to select the right manager for Aston Villa to play football to win, re-engage supporters in the Club they love, and bring enjoyment and the crowds back to match days. Longer term the Board should expand their number by appointing an experienced football man to support the existing executive team, and having non-executives who can support both the football and commercial side of the Club.

The fans of Villa look forward to the appointment of a forward thinking manager and the return of excitement to Villa Park.

In a Guardian article today, the journalist has summed up very well the view of the vast majority of Villa fans that Alex McLeish and the Villa are not compatible going forward. This season has been a disaster and we have fallen drastically down the league in a very short space of time. We do not wish to see this brand of football at Villa Park and change is required to address the situation.

There are 2 initiatives at the moment for supporting Stan Petrov

At the 19th minute tomorrow against Chelsea, please stand and applaud. Email, facebook or retweet this to as many Villa fans as possible. #avfc #applauseforpetrov #getwellstan

We are looking for volunteers who can distribute cards through the stadium ahead of the Stoke game (2 hrs before) as a show of support for Stan Petrov. Please email AVST chairman peter_warrilow@tiscali.co.uk if you can assist

110% support for Stan

The Aston Villa Supporters Trust would like to express our best wishes to Stiliyan Petrov in a speedy and full recovery. He has the full support of all Villa fans worldwide.

At a wonderful service yesterday, led by Andrew Watson, Bishop of Aston, and Canon Brian Hall, Rector of St Marys Handsworth William McGregor’s grave was rededicated. Andrew and Brian were accompanied by representatives from the United Reformed Church, The Methodist Conference and the Church of Scotland with Canon Ken Baker ( Chaplain to Aston Villa) also playing a prominent part.

Peter Lupson who led the project gave a marvellous eulogy to William and Lord Mawhinney, President of The Football League, also paid tribute to William McGregor

There was a very good congregation who joined togetner at the graveside to redeicate the grave and view the marvellous restoration work

The Trust would like to say thank you to all who made donations and to all those who attended to pay tribite to this great man. Great thanks to the Club who agreed that the project could proceed and for hosting a reception at Villa Park

There was good local publicity, on both Midlands and Central TV and a video can be seen on the Aston Villa website

Thank you again

Peter Warrilow
Chairman AVST

Addendum:

Please also see Birmingham Mail coverage – Special Feature on McGregor

10% donation to Grave fund when you purchase shirt from transatsports – click on image below to go to Transatsports website.

December 20th marks the 100th anniversary of the death of the great man, William McGregor, and to mark this event Heroes and Villains fanzine and the Supporters Trust are raising funds to have his grave in St Mary’s (Handsworth Wood) renovated.

Much of the preliminary work has been done by historian and author Peter Lupson, who has obtained a quote for the work of around £1,100. We hope we can get this money raised in good enough time to be completed by the anniversary itself, when there will be a service at the church with representatives from the 12 founder members and from the Football League in attendance.

As with the recent fundraising for the memorial plaque, donations can be made via the Paypal button on the left navigation bar (Paypal or Credit Card) or by cheque to Aston Villa Supporters Trust, 2 Coton Rd, Walton on Trent, Derbys, DE12 8NL.

Message from Peter Warrilow:

“I was one of a group of supporter representatives and web site hosts invited to a meeting with Alex McLeish at Bodymoor Heath earlier today ( 22 June). Also present were Paul Faulkner and Brian Doogan.. Such an opportunity is unheard of and signifies that the Club recognise that our views are important.

There were no red lines for the meeting although any discussion on possible legal matters were embargoed and there was no discussion on available transfer budgets.

The discussion was very wide ranging covering the challenges of moving across the City (Alex cited his experiences at Rangers) and convincing the Villa fans that being an ex-Birmingham City manager was not the main issue – there was general agreement on this.

He thought that we had a good squad with many promising youngsters coming through and that there was a need to bring back within the fold those players who for one reason or another were not available for selection last season.

We were agreed that our priority is to recruit a top class goalkeeper and that we must retain Stewart Downing. No issues were ducked and Alex was very open.

We did discuss his playing style and the absence of goals scored by Birmingham City and whilst there were mitigating factors re injuries it was apparent that he thought that squad standards, or absence thereof, was a major factor.

The discussions lasted circa 75 minutes and personally I left encouraged by the amount of ground he had covered within the Club in a relatively short period. He realises that results will be the governing factor and I believe that all Villa fans should give him their support. Our Club is a major part of our lives and that must come before any personal misgivings.

Come on the Villa.

Peter Warrilow
Chairman AVST”

From Friday 17th June:

Whilst the Aston Villa Supporter’s Trust has previously expressed its views on the potential employment of Alex McLeish it acknowledges that he is the chosen appointee. No doubt he will still meet with opposition but The Trust now calls on all Aston Villa supporters to do that which they enjoy most. Let us get behind our team, attend our matches and ensure that we play our part in ensuring a successful season.

Facebook group Aston-Villa-Supporters-We-dont-want-Alex-McLeish, who’s fan base is fast approaching 14,000 within just 48 hours is calling for all Villa fans to protest tomorrow at 6pm.

We need to show the Board that Villa supporters believe Alex McLeish should not be considered for the vacant managers position and the Board should widen its search for a candidate that echoes the fans values and aspirations for the club.