It's been a long time since I've been inside Molineux and the hospitality was extremely pleasant, with breakfast followed by a talk from Wolves legend Stevie Bull (it was the first time I've ever heard the expression Sandwell Town used for the Albion - cheeky Stevie!) and then outside with the rank and file for the big game.
I was sat within a few feet of the likes of Tom Ross, Daz Hale and Ron Atkinson - it's great to be so close to the guys whose voices you normally hear giving the commentary on local radio, especially Big Ron who seems to have made a come-back into the media. In spite of his very regretable racist remarks a couple of years ago, the man was a pioneer of black players in Britain when he was at the Albion many years ago, someone who led by the example of his actions.
So I personally think it's good that he has been given the chance to reflect and apologise on his own use of language, as shameful and offensive as Ron's terminology was on that awful occasion when he rubbished a black player unbeknowlingly to Ron whilst still on air, for me it's vital that people are not judged to eternal damnation and are given the opportunity to explore their own remorse, to apologise and then for us all to move on. It's a bit like how we treat children - we should deal with the bad behaviour rather than labeling the child and once we've addressed the behaviour it's time to move on.
So well done BBC Radio WM for having a bit of courage in bringing a West Midlands footballing legend back to where he rightfully belongs.
As usual, I digress. I very much enjoyed the game although my heart sinks for the Wolves faithful as the Blues were definately the better side, although having said that there could have been an equalizer in the last 4 or 5 minutes but it wasn't to be. My companion at the match was a Blues fan who had to sit on his hands when Blues scored as we were more or less surrounded by Wolves supporters. Having had the experience of sitting on the Smethwick End at the Albion when Villa went ahead a season or so ago, I can sympathise with that very strange feeling of having to be silent when you can see and hear your own fans jumping around in jubilation.
Well done the Blue Noses and don't worry Wolves fans as the Villa will beat them for you the next time they come to Villa Park (famous last words!!)
Incidentally, as it would have been a bit greedy to go to two Premiership games in one weekend, my wife took the boys to Villa Park for last night's game against Spurs, so I had an evening of dad-daughter bonding which largely involved watching X-Factor in the warm! Which does actually have a lot going for it I have to say, especially in view of Villa's lack-lustre performance in the second half.
Thanks to sportingbet.com for seats at today's game and thanks to Wolves for the great hospitality and to Wanderers legend Stevie Bull. Whilst it wasn't quite prawn sandwiches - the Black Country sausage and gammon breakfast was actually much better!
p.s. Apparently, one of three fans who unveiled a statue of William McGregor, the Aston Villa director who led on the formation of the Football League in the late 1800s, outside Villa Park last night was my next but one neighbour from Quinton! Small world, huh?
Unfortunately I haven't got a photo yet, but hope that you enjoy seeing my photo of the great Stan Cullis instead.
p.s.s. I also want to finally add, I think the Wolves programme is pretty impressive. It's more like a small book than a programme - a fairly weighty tome I have to say. The sort of programme I'd produce if they ever put me in charge of editing one! Why use a 50 word summary when a 10,000 word dissertation will give you the added bonus of something you can later use to wedge doors open with?
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