Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: J P Fear 
Date:Tuesday July 18 2006
Time: 2:44PM
UK time is: 11:13:20
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Doug's Defender
Dear Mr. Ellis,
I have always tried to maintain some modicum of balance concerning your goodself.
I have been a Villa supporter for over 50 years, though I've lived away from the Midlands for the last 30 years, and my access to games has become rarer over the years. Nevertheless, I have a great love for the club, and my website (see address below) bears testimony to that to some degree. I am also writing a new, detailed, history of the club.
I also write articles and comments on various web-blogs and mailing lists devoted to the Villa, and I have always tried to maintain some modicum of balance concerning your goodself.
But it's getting hard - extremely hard - to continue to do so.
My argument always has been that though perhaps matters could have been run in a better way, at VP since 1982, nothing is ever perfect, and the club - under your guidance - has seen some good times between 1988 and 2000. But the good times have fallen away, and confidence has run low - extremely low - that the club can return to the days of good times.
Unless you stand down, that is.
The latest debacle in the press must surely belong to the 'there's no smoke without fire' category, and it has just about put the final lid on hopes of further public support of your management.
I don't think there's much point in me saying more. I wish that certain fans would cease throwing all kinds of dubious language in your direction, but apart from that I recognise that there are good foundations for their frustrations. In particular, Jonathan Fear, David Woodhall and co. are justified in their arguments.
Please stand down and also substantially reduce the asking price of the club.
Thank you for your efforts. And also have a very peaceful retirement - and live long!
Best regards,
John Lerwill
at Villa History and Records - Click Here
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Your Comments
Well said! I think this pressure is great for the future of our club, I'm confident in a change soon... We need to keep applying the pressure. Good interview yesterday too JF.
Lee
leelindsay
Nice balanced view but like all the others probably is a waste of time. I like the fear believe if Ellis stays we will have plenty of local darbys next season (2007 2008)
irish villa
I've noticed that lots of fans were still sceptical of JF a year or two ago, but as time has passed more people have switched alliegences and turned against DD. I would probably include myself in this. I just can no longer see a healthy future for our club until we somehow find a buyer at a reasonable valuation. Can we afford to rush along to the first buyer though...
thekentvillan
I cannot see how he can remain at the club after this debacle. But we all know Doug of old and how thick his skin is. But surely at his time of life he doesn't need this stress? As much as I despise the man for what he has done to Villa, I would gladly wish him all best if he finally decides to do the decent thing and walk away. If he doesn't, I really do fear for the future of the club
DougInABox
Nice to see I'm not the only one who doesn't like some of the "dubious language" thrown at HDE. Don't get me wrong, I've never been a fan of the man, think he has maybe irreparably damaged Aston Villa Football Club, and have wanted him to go for a long time, but I think some wishing death on him (as a few seem to) is taking things just a tad to far! In my book, wishing a slow and painful death on a person is reserved for Margaret Thatcher!
Beovilla
Thick skin Doug may have, DougInABox, but surely he must have a friend - one? - who can hold his arm and gently say: 'Time to pick up your travel pass, now, Doug.'
the_lergy
DougInABox, surely you mean wheeled away, dont think it should be the first offer that is taken but the upfront cost should be second fiddle to what a new buyers vision and future (business) plan for the club are.
TeddyLyon
I don't think anybody has "wished" death him but it's Doug himself who said we'd have to carry him out in a box. Now in the depths of our despair, as the instituition that is Aston Villa gets ridiculed nationally, his demise appears to be only option left. Let's not start bickering with each other, the current state of Aston Villa is down to one man and one man only.
Stevew
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