Vital Villan Interviews: Alan Perrins

It is Alan Perrins go on the Vital Villan interview. Alan, as he explains below, is the coordinator for all the supporter clubs.

A lifelong Villa fanatic who has now clocked up over 700 home games! After running the South West supporters club for 5 years, i now work part time at Villa Park as the Coordinator for all our Worldwide supporters clubs. I have bought back the “Old Lions Clubs” and constantly looking at ways to improve the network. Villa Park is a very special place to be at the moment, and everyone is all together pushing our great club on back to the top of the football world. If anyone wants to be part of, or start a new branch contact alan.perrins@avfc.co.uk

(JF: We have a section on Vital for the supporters clubs, this will be updated in the next few days as Alan has added more clubs to the roster - Click Here )

1 - How long have you been a Villa fan and how did you first get the Claret & Blue faith?

My whole family are Villa and one of my uncles took me Wolves in 1973-4 and I sat on the bar in the North bank. My Dad was not impressed and took me to Villa the next week, and sat in the Trinity road upper right close to the Holte End. Villa scored, and that was it for me, hooked, Villa till I die!!!

2 - What was your first game?

My first games that I can actually remember we lost at home to Luton Town, and my dad had a fit! The Villa losing at home was frowned upon! I also remember beating a few teams 5-0, which was the norm in them days at Villa Park

3 - What is your most memorable moment as a Villa fan?

1. The European Cup Final, I went and didn’t really appreciate at the time. I was only 15, and now I’m older realise what a feat it actually was. My dad couldn’t afford for both of us to go, so he sent me instead, an unbelievable gesture! Money was tight then with the strikes at the Austin, and a recession etc. Thanks Dad! I will take you next time!

2. My son James was mascot v Newcastle a few years ago, as he ran from Gareth in the centre circle just as they were kicking off, the tears were running down my face, my proudest moment! My boy, gracing the hallowed turf! An indescribable feeling.... I hope and pray he makes it and plays for us one day, can you imagine that?!!!

4 - And the worst moment?

Chelsea, F.A. Cup, still chokes me now, I will never get over this. The only thing I haven’t seen us win, and I never contemplated losing. I'd never seen Villa lose a Final, and I never want to see it again! My son James was born a few weeks later, I was going to name him Gregory had we won it, I think he’s glad we lost!

5 - Who are your favourite current Villa players?

Gareth as he is natural pure class, Martin Laursen for his quality, grit and commitment and finally the “ Hare” for enthusiasm and sheer determination.

6 - Which former player/s are your ultimate heroes?

Gordon Cowans, now a friend of mine, a true 110% Villa man, perfect gent, and the best passer of the ball ever! Dennis Mortimer, Brian Little, Dean Saunders, Ian Taylor, Andy Gray, Peter Withe, Tony Daley, Paul Birch, Paul McGrath, Olof Mellberg, i could go on forever...........

7 - Which player do you think was the worst to ever put on the team colours?

There is no such thing, if they have the shirt on, i back them 110%, Win or lose.

8 - What is the best goal you have seen Villa score and which is your favourite game?

Morley v Everton 81, Atkinson v Wimbledon, McInally v Millwall, Mortimer v Liverpool, Morley v Dynamo Berlin, Daley v Luton, Petrov v Derby. My favourite game was Sheffield Wednesday away losing 2-0, to win the game 3-2 at Hillsborough.

9 - Best away ground visited?

Best Old Trafford although i hate it!, Favourite Blackburn Rovers, massive following and great day out!

10 - Who would you like to see Villa sign this summer?

A 21 year old Brian Little, to feed off big john.

11 - What are your predictions for us this season in the:
a) League 5th
b) Europe quarter final/Semi Final
c) FA Cup WINNERS!

12 - What is your opinion of Martin O'Neill?

The brightest thing in football! Energetic, intelligent and we are so lucky to have him. The man can go on to put Villa on top of the world in football.

13 - What is your opinion of Randy Lerner and the new board?

They have a very calm, cool approach to everything. They always make good sense, and go out of their way to make the staff and supporters feel very much a part of the “ new Villa!”

14 - Where do you sit at Villa and are you a season ticket holder?

Trinity Road, B3 on the balcony. My son and i are both season ticket holders.

15 - And finally if you could invite 4 people connected to Villa, living or dead, to a dinner party, who would they be? And you can add one bit of top totty as well to make the party go with a 'bang' ;o)

Ron Atkinson – to liven the party up.
Martin ONeil - to listen to the stories about Cloughie.
Randy Lerner – to buy his beer all night as a thank you!
William McGregor – to see what he thinks of it all now!

With thanks to Alan Perrins

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