Vital Villa Interviews 2012: Lee282

Lee282 is next for the Vital Villa interview.

1) When did you become a Villa fan and why?

My family is split down the middle, pretty much 50/50, between the Villa and those that shall not be mentioned. I've always been on the Villa side, although it was touch and go for a while when at primary school. This was the last great Liverpool era, before the Ferguson years, and all my friends were glory hunting Liverpool fans. Thankfully, I stayed true and have never wavered since.

2) Paul Lambert? Your opinion please?

I'd be lying if I said he was my first choice, but he's as good an option as I can really think of. I've been a huge fan of his since the early Champ Man days when he was playing in Germany, and he's shown he has what it takes to be a quality, dignified manager that likes to get the ball forward. I'm excited. I hope the Villa players are too!

3) Best and worst moments of last season?

Worst has to be the away game at Spurs. It was a real low point for us, in terms of our ability to play football, and it was a key moment in the realisation that Big Eck didn't have the stones for it.
Best has to be Chelsea away. I'm in China, so the final whistle came at around 1am on January 1st. It was a truly enjoyable way to celebrate the New Year. Unfortunately, it didn't last...

4) Your opinion of Randy Lerner and the board, can a decent season next season make up for last season?

I like him. I think the criticisms have been somewhat unfair, and while we'll always question the decision to appoint Big Eck, maybe in a few seasons we'll look back and realise that he was hired to do a job no-one else wanted, and while the football was horrid, it may have just been the season that secured our future. Times are tough and we needed to correct an imbalance. Goal achieved, I hope.

5) Which player/s should Villa sign this summer?

Can I say Mellberg? I was so happy when he scored against England the other day, and while I was glad England won, it was just great to see the legend do his thing. Be great to get him on the coaching staff too. Ultimately, we need new centre-halves and more cover in goal. I saw us linked to Ruddy today. That would be a good signing. I like Given, but he doesn't control his area very well, and it is a concern.

6) Which player/s should Villa get rid of this summer?

Hutton, Dunne and Collins are obvious candidates. I'd keep Warnock though. For this faults, I do like him, and he always seems to give his all. We need Gabby to shine in a forward role too, otherwise he's just going to be another Villa striker that didn't reach his true potential, and we should cash in before he loses his speed and has nothing to offer.

7) Favourite current player?

Tough. Very tough. I've never been one for players per se ( Mellberg, aside). I find it funny that people can hiss and swear at someone because they wear a certain shirt, but then love them dearly when they throw on an England jersey or sign for their club. I support Villa, end of. If I had to pick, I guess I'd have to go with Petrov.

8) Favourite all time player/s?

Spink and Bosnich were always two that I liked. The Tranmere league cup penalty shoot-out is a game I'll never forget. It was one of the best games I've seen live at Villa Park. Mellberg pips it though. His joy at beating those that shall not be mentioned has to go down as an all-time favourite football moment. A true legend that understands what it means to the fans.

9) What do you expect us to do/finish this season assuming a decent transfer window with £25m or so spent?

Premier Top 8, and I'm hoping.
FA Cup: Knocked out by first Premier League team we meet away from home.
Carling: Beaten by one of the big four in the semi-final.

10) You can ask yourself any question you want to about Villa and what is your answer?

Q: Will we be the top team in the Midlands again after next season?
A: Hell Yeah! We just took a short break.

11) Just to change the theme slightly, a snap shot of you outside of football, answer or ignore at your leisure:
(based on our WHO ARE YOU thread!!!)

a) Which celebrity/s would you most like to meet and why? Prince William - I'd love to talk football with him over a beer or 10.

b) Age 33

c) Location: Born in Birmingham, now living in Beijing

d) Favourite alcoholic drink: an ice cold larger on a boiling hot summer's day

e) Favourite non-alcoholic drink: Coffee

f) Favourite Film/s: Platoon

g) Favourite TV Show/s: Friends, House, Sienfeld

h) Music?: Oasis

i) Best ever moment in your life: Getting married in Inner Mongolia and taking all my guests to the Gobi dessert. What an awesome weekend.

j) Ambitions: Forget about the bottom-line for a while

k) Wise words: 'May you live all the days of your life' - Jonathan Swift

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