Thirty Three Trinity Seasons Ago

Welcome to the first post of this new Villa blog 'Talk of the Trinity'. Hope you will enjoy my look at days gone by at Villa Park and that my thoughts on the modern Villa team start a few discussions. Football is full of opinions and I make no apologies for my total Villa bias.

So first of all let me tell you my Villa story and emphasis that although my occupancy of a seat in the Lower Trinity (or Lower Trinity Enclosure as is was then) starts the season following the League Championship success I am no 'Glory Hunter'. In fact I had wait, with my ear glued to my lucky radio every Saturday afternoon, until my 14th birthday for my parents to buy me a season ticket. Well, I was born to a family of Wolves supporters and even in 1981 it was a big thing for a boy to attend games on their own. I started following the Lions (Aston Villa) when I was four years old (yes 1971, when they were in the 3rd Division) after my Granddad gave me a claret tracksuit. At first I was disappointed it wasn't a Wolves tracksuit like my big brother's, but it was C&A's finest. My Granddad told me it was the colours of one of the most famous teams called Aston Villa, who had won the FA Cup a record seven times. From that day onwards I had a new love in my life. Still desperately seeking that elusive 8th FA Cup win, maybe this season.    

On my 14th birthday (the day Bucks Fizz won the Eurovision contest and Villa won 4-2 away at Leicester) my parents gave me my first Villa season ticket and a red chopper bike. The two aren't connected though because come the following August dad had arranged for a man from church, a lifelong Villa fan named Howard Hill, to give me a lift to the games.

On Saturday 29th August 1981 I witnessed my first game as an Aston Villa season ticket holder in the old Lower Trinity. A game against newly promoted Notts County (the iconic image on the programme of that game is featured to the right). Before the game started my heroes paraded round the  pitch the famous trophy they had won back in May. My dad had purchased me a seat on the front row just to the right of the manager's boxes so I had a fantastic view leaning forward with my nose perched on the advertising hoardings. Then sat back anticipating a feast of Villa goals from the likes of Shaw, Withe and Morley.  
      
Of course, I soon discovered that being a Villa fan is never plain sailing. A shock 1-0 home defeat to a newly promoted team and the following Monday it was me who was being ridiculed at school by my Wolves and Baggies mates.

I must point out that this wasn't my first visit to Villa Park that was a much more successful night in 1977 against Middlesbrough for my 10th birthday when I stood in the Holte End. It was a one-nil win thanks to John Deehan. [Match Details]

This Week's Game - Hull v Aston Villa

Like many men in their 40's I like to be nostalgic, but football never stands still and all that really counts is the next game.

Last week's victory over Man city was as memorable as it was unexpected. Even when we took the lead I was just thinking at least we couldn't get a drubbing now and I wouldn't have to hide my head at work on Monday. Yes, I was one of those who had gone just praying for us to keep it below four.

So tomorrow is another game and the chance for us to win three straight Premier League games for the first time since 2010. I really think we could get a win here and I have been quite impressed with Libor Kozak leading the line in the last two games. No, he isn't in the Benteke class but then I haven't seen another striker as good as Benteke for many years (if ever). So if we keep Hull down to no more than one goal I think we will win. But it is important we start to defend set pieces better.

Hope you have enjoyed this first post of 'Talk of the Trinity' and will pop back in the future. Please feel free to leave any comments you wish.

Up the Villa !