Wardy's twin
Well-known member
- Oct 21, 2014
- 8,938
I was 16 and looked across the north stand to where a very big villa lad was appearing to 'offer me out' luckily for me he was looking through me at a big Brighton lad about 5 yards the other side.Brighton v Villa is where it all started for me in and around 1972 when we both got promoted, Villa played at the Goldstone in yellow and blue if I remember correctly. I remember the excitement of the game in 1972/3 being all ticket, just made it seem really glamorous! Both my grandfathers supported Villa (my Dad Birmingham City) and we often had 3 way discussions about the respective teams in that era and it’s how I got into football in the first place. I still have my Football Champions book from 1972 and the old Wembley game from then showing Villa and Albion in the old 3rd division.
That said, I can’t say Villa Park is my favourite ground and although I’ve been there several times it’s not one I would rush back to. I suspect they will have to think what they do with it in the future - great history and all that, but despite the various rebuilds it’s not one of the top grounds in the country any more and only has room to expand behind the North Stand which may not be enough long term.