Intervju med Andy Blair
På årets medlemsresa träffade vi Andy Blair, en spelare från truppen som vann 1982... . Han svarade på sina egna och även i bland på Tony Daleys frågor på medlemsresan. Vi fick in lite frågor i efterhand som vi mejlade till Andy som nu ger raka svar och givetvis får han in lite humor i svaren. Han tackar än en gång för att han fick träffa oss alla och hoppas han blir inbjuden fler gånger
Many were critical already last season when Gerrard became manager. Why did it go so wrong? Was it his lack of routine as a coach for a big club or was it the players who didn't understand his tactics?
- It went wrong for Steven Gerrard for a number of reasons but we are on the right track now.. I hope Gerrard can continue his work as a coach/manager and learn from the disappointing time at Aston Villa.
Now that Villa runs like a train: Do you think we will reach Europe?
- With the new manager everything is working well and long may it continue. He is an excellent coach/tactician with a proven record of playing and winning in Europe. If we qualify, everyone should embrace it and enjoy the experience.
What do you make of today's team and squad? What needs to be reinforced to take the next step?
- The squad at the moment are performing well with an excellent mix of abilities between them which in turn makes a team, with a coach like Emeri I am convinced he can produce a good side with any group.
Who has impressed most in today's Villa?
- Moreno is a fantastic signing and I'm sure the manager will be aware of several players (who we do not know) who can strengthen the squad. Interesting times ahead. The good thing about the team at the moment is that there is not a significant stand out players, they are all functioning as a team.
Many clubs work with charity and club veterans usually play charity matches from time to time. My friend Karl Court managed a charity team of former Villa players many years ago. Were you there playing then?
- I know Karl Court very well and I did play for the former players many times but only a couple with Karl in charge. It was always good to meet up with my former team mates and raise money for charity.
What do you think about VAR?
- VAR has its good points and bad but as with goal line technology if it improves the decision making thats better for the game.
Then a slightly humorous question when you said you were called Mr. Bench. Which bench was the most comfortable to sit on?
- I did get called Uncle Bench by my own family in good spirit. Even the dug out's and comfortable seating are much better at majority of stadiums these days. In my day they were the hard wooden type. I spent that much time on the bench, I had splinters in my backside.
I myself am against colored shoes and socks that they pull up to the groin. I like it simple, like it used to be. Black shoes and socks that end below the knee. Do you agree with me that it looked prettier before?
- I agree totally about plain black boots etc but in this world of marketing and total commercialism, I understand the philosophy but don't like it...maybe I'm getting to old?
How good do you think you and the '82 team would be if they had today's facilities, technology and training gear that are out there at Boodymoor?
- I am often asked how the team of 81/82 would get on against the team today and i think we would win 1-0 because you have to remember we are all in our 60's & 70's. We may get a little tired towards the end.
Every season the question comes up about the Christmas break in England, that there are too many games, etc. Do you think the FA will listen to the coaches and that a break will come shortly?
- A mid season break is a great idea however our weather in the uk is unpredictable. Again the commercial aspect of the Christmas programme is huge. I do believe it would work in the UK.
You made a couple of youth caps for Scotland. Will Scotland or England ever win the Men's World Cup?
- I was proud to win 5 Scotland U21 Caps, and I am pleased to see the Scotland team progressing. England have come very close in the last few big tournaments and will continue to improve. Realistically I think both countries as well as Wales also showed they can do well and who knows at any given time they can all do well at majot tournaments. I would take the inspiration from the likes of Croatia, are a small nation who always achieve fine results, but then again anyone with Modric in their team will always perform well.
Which Swedish player would you like to see in Villa?
- Zlatan and Henrik Larsson are my favouite Swedish players of all time, however with my work I am so busy, I don't get to follow all the teams countries like I did many years ago.
Your favorite XI in Villa. You can pick yourself. Please justify your choice.
_ As for my favourite Villa players it would be the team that won the European Cup in 82. Great players throughout the years including Frank Carradars, Andy Gray, Brian Little, John Gidman, David Platt, Chris Price, Dwight Yorke, Alan Wright, Olaf Melberg to name a few will always be remembered for their time at the club
