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It's time to stop writing stories for the fun of it! and instead I'm going to write one with a purpose, so that I can more truthfully claim to actually be practising for a career in Journalism...
Daily Mail 14th July
Evil Ellis Empire Falls!
by A Bigot
In an exclusive for the Mail, I can reveal that the burning embers of a tempestuous regime are now finally extinguished. The supporters association VFC or Villa Fans Combined, have won their long overdue battle to end the dictatorship that had threatened the club's future. As of this moment on the fans are now almost in a position to announce their new manager. The club itself has withdrawn its status as a PLC, getting Doug Ellis to pay off all the shareholders. With all members of the board now removed, the club are now looking for a new manager to return the club to greater things. There are several candidates for the job, with Louis Van Gaal supposedly one of the front runners for the job. The fans are of course delighted at recent developments and their spokesman Jonathan Fear told us; " I'm thrilled that Herbert Douglas Ellis has taken the honourable step and resigned from his position as chairman and from the CEO. The club can at last look forward to a brighter future with fans being involved in all the crucial steps of our revival. 20 years is too long for a club of our stature to lie in the nether regions of the Premiership table. We have secured investment through wealthy businessman Howard Hodgson who will take over for the present time" Despite persistent attempts neither Messrs Mark Ansell and Ellis Snr nor Peter Ellis were available to comment on proceedings at this time.
Soccer Snapshots
Patrick Kluivert is being tipped to partner Ruud Van Nistelrooy at Manchester United, in a £30 million deal and Welsh winger Ryan Giggs has been linked with a move to cash strapped Lazio in a deal that could involve Claudio Lopez or Jaap Stam.
Meanwhile United's rivals Liverpool have been pegged back in their approach for Djibril Cisse, with Guy Roux refusing to let his prized asset leave on the cheap if at all this summer. Instead Gerard Houillier will now turn his attention to Aston Villa's young striker Darius Vassell to partner Michael Owen.
Sunday Mirror 15th July
Fat Sam's Grand Slam
by Piers Moron
Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce has scotched rumours linking him with the vacant spot at Aston Villa. Rumours had developed through a series of Internet chat rooms and it soon spread like wildfire. However Big Sam has moved quickly to refute such allegations as he told us; " ...contrary to fierce speculation I have no intention of leaving Bolton Wanderers FC, especially to join a rabble such as the Villa. With Jay Jay and Youri at the club, we are a club on the up, unlike Villa who don't know where they are. Stability over turmoil anyday" His chairman Phil Gartside added weight to his manager's opinions by remarking that Sam had a contract for life at Bolton if he wanted and there was no reason for him to leave.
Rampant Rumours
Kieron in Dyer straights! by S.X. Lad
Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer is in trouble with Sir Bobby once again after being caught on CCTV outside the ground with totti by his sides. On first hearing this Sir Bob initially thought Kieron had got Francesco Totti to join the club but he was allegedly fuming upon learning that the midfield maestro was in his maestro heavily involved in sordid acts of fellatio with the "totti". Robson is still undecided as to hoe to deal with Dyer, as this has not been the first time the England International has been caught red handed.
06-02-2003, 07:54 PM
Aston Villa FC - a Journalist's point of view. Post #2
Yes Mr Bigot does work for the Mail, and yes Ansell was sacked , Cheers
Wednesday 18th July, The Daily Telegraph
An educated appointment or a desperate ploy? by A.J.P. Taylor
On the day that Aston Villa appointed their new manager, Rod Davies, there were signs of a second fan revolution. "Who?" cried the masses as they greeted the first managerial appointment under the Hodgson years. Despite inital fears, over the newcomer's somewhat lack of experience VFC are very optimistic over their new manager, even if it is his first job in football. Jonathan Fear, the clubs spokesperson allayed early fears that Mr Davies wasn't capable of running a Premiership club by releasing an offical statement:
" Contrary to what may be perceived this club has not taken a risk in it's latest appointments. All fans know what the Ellis years were like and the only dubious criteria was strict obedience, something that no manager could endure. Mr Davies is a real football enthusiast and in our Rothman's Football Test, he scored highly. He's also a long time Villa fan and knows the players better than any previous manager. This decision was discussed and voted upon democratically. We will give him all the support he needs and we know that Mr Davies will listen to fans opinions as well. I emphasize again that this a supporter orientated movement with the club's best interest at heart and so I appeal to all doubters to just have faith."
Whilst this does give the air of confidence amongst the new Villa hierachy I cannot help but wonder if this is of the same propaganda standard as that of the Ellis and Ansell years. Despite Hodgson's appointment the club still have little money to spend as the businessman re-esptablishes his income generation. As yet we still have no word from the man who allegedly beat Loui Van Gaal, Arsene Wenger and Carlos Fernandez to the hotspot. However I suspect these names were merely fraudulent attempts by the desposed dictator Doug Ellis to place false hope in the supporters camp. The next few days at Aston Villa will be very interesting indeed.
06-03-2003, 02:27 PM
Aston Villa FC - a Journalist's point of view. Post #5
Rod Davies tells all for us in this exclusive interview by John Spencer
In the days following the appointment of Rod Davies to the position of Aston Villa manager, there has been much speculation as to the intelligence of such a decision. Is it wise footballing acumen or a naive attempt by fans to rule entirely by democracy? If so can a club really be run that efficiently? Any club needs leadership to make vital decisions and not be afraid to face the wrath. That was Doug Ellis' strength. Sadly for the now deceased Villa chairman he tended to make all the wrong decisions.
Now in a world exclusive for The Times reporter John Spencer gains first hand insight into a mysterious man.
The John Spencer Interview
As I waited at the Cafe Rouge for my latest interviewee there were several questions that I had to ask Rod. Was he confident? What did he think of the Revolution? Plans for the future? And many more. After 5 minutes of waiting I feared Mr Davies had cancelled at the last minute and it was just a matter of time before I got that call from the editor. However feared I shouldn't have, as the dark haired man arrived through the big doors and we greeted one another. The first impressions one gets when in the company of Rod Davies is one of shyness and the typical characteristics of a quiet man. Dressed conservatively in a navy thinly striped Ciro Citterio suit with a dark blue collar shirt and plain blue tie, I felt that this was a man who was still a little unsure of himself. Having ordered drinks and sat down to eat early signs tended to suggest that perhaps I had been wrong in my previous assessment. The pint of Carlsberg raised no eyebrows but the Roast Swordfish was a little unexpected. " I have a penchant for exotic foods" remarked Davies by way of explanation.
As conversation swung towards football I suddenly realised that this was a man who was actually very confident. The smooth educated tones resonated with fierce precision and although he spoke briefly on football matters it was with an assuredness that spoke volumes for his personality. For a young man of 32 it showed maturity beyond his years, without a tinge of arrogance.
Having been fortunate to have grown up in a wealthy area, Rod Davies has enjoyed many privileges that others have not had. A house in the country with space to roam and kick footballs about, or break windows as he sheepishly admitted. " My brother and I rarely engaged our brains too often back then and we failed to see the dangers of playing in front of the kitchen window. When I failed to catch my brother's fierce shot it became apparent that the danger came not from the flaying glass but instead from the red faced giant that came swarming out of the door yelling blue murder. It was a terrifying moment for us!" At all 3 of his schools Rod was an intelligent boy who had his own circle of friends. The public school education that followed his early years has provided him with a worldly knowledge that certainly comes through this afternoon. A drama student brought him confidence. A GAP year in Vanuatu taught him further of the benefits of an international community working together for the benefit of everyone. A degree at Nice University studying History, French and Spanish has provided him with a firm grasp of European culture and a multi lingual tongue. Add to this the analytical skill and reasoned debate that derived from History, Rod seemed set to enjoy a career in whatever area he wished. Yet he chose football. Why? and Why Villa?
" Well people have often asked me that question and for me it has always been an easy answer. Football is my life and it always will be. Ever since my dad first introduced me to the sport it has stuck with me ever since. As a youngster in the mid seventies, watching the claret and blue filled me with this wonderful sensation that I've never discovered anywhere else. The relegation in 72 -3 I barely knew, yet the successive promotions that brought us back to the First Division were a treat. When we stuck 5 past Ray Clemence in 76. Growing up with these kinds of experiences is what every football fan lives for - and then of course there was '81. Winning the league meant so much to me. It was an experience that up to that point eclipsed everything I'd ever experienced and I did't know if it could ever be beaten. That was until- Rotterdam. Mortimer carrying the ball forward and putting the ball in for Peter Withe! It's 1-0 Villa!"
At this point I watch with fascination as Rod's face contorts into one of ecstasy and at one stage I thought as though he was just going to stand up on his cheer and yell! This was passion as you've never seen it before. Continuing our discussions Mr Davies proceeded to tell me about the lows of Ellis' reappointment to the board and the gloom that encapsulated the Davies Household. " It was a worrying time indeed for us back then as what we feared most had happened. We then proceeded to lose the World Club Trophy in Tokyo and I suppose that can be symbolic of the direction this club took under Ellis. The departure of Ron Saunders was a devastating blow for me - he'd been pretty much all I'd known and then the disastrous McNeil and Turner year left me feeling sick. Relegation to Division Two - just 5 years after being crowned Kings of Europe. Since then it's only being the miraculous efforts of managers that have returned us some success. Graham Taylor's fine efforts in promotion and then almost the title brought back hope but of course he went off to manage England and it all turned sour sadly. I felt appalled by the treatment meted out by the press during that time that I have to admit I was very close to not turning up today - but let bygones be bygones as they say."
Pausing for a moment the emotion in Rod's eyes said it all. By now I had no doubts about the decision behind his appointment. Passion and emotion were useful characteristics indeed, and Rod was keeping them under control - just. As the main course was cleared and the desserts arrived we proceeded to discuss the recent reigns of Atkinson Little and Gregory and how they'd all failed as well. " I was just so glad that Graham ( Taylor ) decided against returning to his post. We, the fans, remember his as a legend, and it would have been a shame for him to ruin that by failing to cope with an ageing Ellis, and his propaganda minister Mark Ansell. If I can put this into some sort of comparison, it was like a Hitler and Goebbels partnership or even Tsar Nicholas II / Pobedenotsev role. Which is why they both had to go."
Conversation now turned to Davies' role as manager of his club, steeped in tradition. The emotion that had gone on before whilst recalling his history had now subsided and the cool collected figure I had first met had returned. " We aim to put Villa back up with the greats. A while ago we were considered sleeping giants. Now we're not even considered a big club. It's time to bring back glory and allow younger generations of fans to experience what so many of us have already done so. We have the capabilities to succeed and I'm confident we can be playing Champions League Football inside two years. We have the structure. We have the support. We have the players. Now to just get the best out of them."
Spoken with such confidence, I found it hard not to believe him. It was certainly an ambitious claim for the manager of a club who had finished 8th the previous season. However, as I pointed out, with little money available at the moment, is it not already like the Ellis regime?
A swift rebuttal followed. " Not at all. You see this is a board of fans where everyone supports one another. If I for example needed some cash to buy a player the board will do all they can to provide the money. The ambitions match the financial status and I have the time to turn the club around. Given the players available to me I see no reason why we cannot achieve this. There will certainly players out to make room for new players but I expect we can survive without new blood for now. The coaching and training system will be overhauled and the mood reversed. We want players to stay because we are an ambitious club. I've hurt too much with the departures of Ehiogu, Southgate and Yorke to name a few."
As Rod Davies finished, so did our time together. Finishing off the coffees, we made our respective ways back, and I'm in no doubt at all that this here is a man who has what it takes to achieve success. He remains an enigma to me, with his ability to switch effortlessly from emotional to collected in an instant. However I'd say the future looks bright for Aston Villa and their fans under the control of a 6ft tall confident figure.
06-03-2003, 06:38 PM
Aston Villa FC - a Journalist's point of view. Post #6
Cheers Gino and Euan, hope you continue to read and enjoy.
Daily Express Saturday 20th
Villains for Devil? by Jedeteste le Mail
Speculation is rife at Villa Park over the ins and outs of the club this summer under new boss Rod Davies. The Express is certain that Howard Hodgson has wodges of cash to spend on the club and is therefore prepared to giv his manager almost free reign over he signs. One such signing is combattive midfielder Nicky Butt of Manchester United who is rumoured to be unhappy with his role in the side and wants to establish himself Internationally with regular first team football. With Villa's non existent midfield it would seem to be a perfect match. Other considered targts for Villa are Jaap Stam of Lazio who misses the English premier league and Argentine wonder kid Javier Saviola of Barcelona who might be tempted by the chance to play alongside the formidable Peter Crouch. The Express has known all along about Rod Davies' experience, something the Daily Mail clearly knew absolutely nothing about becuase of their shoddy journalists and blatant right wing rubbish.
McNaughty' s Express Column
No Asians In Football?
This issue comes up time and time again and the Express has been considering the reasoning behind this for some time because we are quite literally the best paper you'll ever read. What this really all boils down to is that Asians are rubbish at football, it's not becuase of any of this discriminatroy rubbish, no Asians can't play football fact. If Asians were so good they would be playing everywhere. Anyway I reckon they don't play becuase of all that Hindu and Muslim crap that they go on about. Clubs can choose who they want to sign as well and who wants a player who couldn't commit to the club twenty four - seven? Bhutia at Bury for example is a rare example of this and he's rubbish, even I could do better than that.
Next issue: Isn't the Mail such an arrogant hypocritical paper?
Birmingham Post Sunday 21st
Voracious Villains are Victors in Europe by HRH Prince William
In bright sunshine, Aston Villa and Rod Davies won their first competitve matches of the season with a comfortable 3-1 victory win over Torino. The Milan side were never in the running from the word go and early goals from Darius Vassell and Marcus Allback gave Villa a cushion they never looked like squandering. Lining up in an unorthodox 4-1-2-1-2 formation Villa swept the ball majestically from end to end and side to side. Torino for al their worth still looked tired and many of their players were lacking match fitness after a severely shortened summer break. Unfortunately for them their opponents showed no sympathy as a 30 yard belter from the home grown lad on 15 minutes and then a neat flick from Marcus Allback or "Makan" effectively won the match. Late on sub Stephen Cooke scored a superb european debut goal firing in low beyond the outstretched arm of the keeper. Casualness affected the Villa players late on as a late goal was conceded but by then Villa had already inflicted mortal damage. It is hard to see the Birmingham side losing this tie now.
Torino 1 Aston Villa 3
Man of the MatchDarius Vassell - The England International looked refreshed despite his long stay out in Japan and South Korea and a performance full of pace of and energy cauased troubles all afternoon. Scored a sweet goal to get the ball rolling.
Aston Villa - A new dawn?
The recent events at Villa Park have precipitated one of the biggest mood swings in the midlands in a very long time. No longer are fans going to work in a morose and depressed mood, with various complaints extending to players, managers and most commonly the board but instead are invigorated with a new 'freshness' that has literally benefited the community. Harder workers and people of more cheerful dispositions, it's a better place with Hodgson and Davies in charge. Perhaps it is a sad reflection on society that we are so emotionally driven by this one game, in skeleton terms a basic sport involving a ball and two nets. However we all know football is more than that and it is in our blood and for the majority of Aston Villa fans across the country, not just Birmingham, the future looks bright. Yesterday's victory over Torino may only be one game but it's a start. On the pitch ther were signs of confidence, teamwork and a structure not seen before at Villa Park. Who knows what this team can achieve? Whatever the outcome there'll be much fewer moans that's for sure, well except for from a few Birmingham City fans perhaps!
06-05-2003, 12:17 PM
Aston Villa FC - a Journalist's point of view. Post #9
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Brian of Nazareth:
_ by HRH Prince William _
In bright sunshine, Aston Villa and Rod Davies won their first competitve matches of the season with a comfortable 3-1 victory win over Torino. The Milan side ...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Would someone please make sure that the future King gets a basic grounding in geography - PLEASE :p
Oh, I'm enjoying this Brian - like the style.
06-05-2003, 12:59 PM
Aston Villa FC - a Journalist's point of view. Post #10
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Other considered targets for Villa are Jaap Stam of Lazio who misses the English premier league and Argentine wonder kid Javier Saviola of Barcelona who might be tempted by the chance to play alongside the formidable Peter Crouch. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Aston Villa FC - a Journalist's point of view. 
, Cheers 
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