Please allow me to enter a state of bliss for a few moments after I re-read the comments by our new CEO Richard FitzGerald. Thank you. What do you mean you don't know what I'm talking about?

At the launch of the new badge the day before yesterday our new CEO Richard FitzGerald spoke with the press and he spoke with such conviction it's absolutely everywhere today.

Doug Ellis had a philosophy of not talking big about money available because he thought it pushed the price up; what it actually did was show no ambition so players were not actually that interested in coming.

Richard FitzGerald is talking big and in this business behaviour breeds behaviour; if you've got the right people in and you act big, talk big and think big, soon enough you will be big.

I know it's easy to say, but trust me, it filters down if you've set up a framework to make it happen. Cue new set of core values. In the case of Aston Villa they are openness, commitment, heritage, integrity and togetherness.

I like what they're doing and I especially like what Richard FitzGerald said to the press on launch day.

Everyone has to be fully committed if we're to push upwards and be successful. The Premier League is getting harder each year. You saw what we did in January, notoriously not the best time to buy, when we paid a reported £10 million for Ashley Young, a young player coming through, so you can rest assured that Randy has freed up a significant transfer pot for Martin. - Richard FitzGerald, May 1st 2007

I like the words 'significant transfer pot' best. Significant to me is £50,000,000.00 but you know what, I think significant to Richard FitzGerald and Randy Lerner is more. I wouldn't be surprised if we see huge sums of cash spent this summer and next January.

Aston Villa is very much moving in the right direction. The core values matter and when that eventually does filter through and it gets 100% support from all members of staff we will start to see it much more as supporters and customers.

Still not heard from Phil Mepham on the questions we asked, about the new club badge. As and when we do, we'll let you know.

Lastly, you can still ask Richard FitzGerald a question here.

Comments (12)

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luke said:

Just what we need. FitzGerald speaks with conviction and I wouldn't be surprised if the budget were nearer 75m.

May 03, 2007

Satch said:

When we see I'll believe it! However can't knock it even if it is a rumor or gut feeling.

May 03, 2007

VijayD said:

I want to be in the Champions League the season after next

May 03, 2007

Bearvill said:

I think there will be no set budget just a set of positions we need filling, so once these have been filled we wont spend any more but what we spend on each I really believe Martin will be no limit Happy Days!!!! Villaaa Villllaaaa Villlaaaaaaa Villlaa

May 03, 2007

avcr said:

I cant wait for the Villa, blues derby next season. I just hope by that time we have players that can get the bluenoses running scared!

May 03, 2007

Nick123 said:

The dream is getting closer and closer to reality every day. The news that villa will get a lot of dosh to spend is great news. with Birmingham getting promoted i think that the whole team will put in more effort in our play, so that we show why we are and always will be the best of the midlands! villa are heading into a no looking back situation of glory. all the critics about villa will certainly be eating their boots! in the world of football - Be Afraid be very Afraid!!!!!!!!!

May 03, 2007

MikeinCanada said:

Lots of money is good, but I don't want to see Villa turn too international. Lots of players from the UK, please.

May 03, 2007

paddy said:

we need to buy class and it needs to be forigen and there needs to be alot spent, a min of 10mil per player.

May 03, 2007

SeanieC said:

Its great to see such a buzz about the club at the moment. I havent seen anything like this in years. And for once I dont think its all talk, you can see the ambition: new training ground, record breaking transfers, Directors talking openly with us on the net, the new Holte Hotel....the list goes on!! This season isnt over yet but already I cant wait for next season!!!!

May 03, 2007

spursforme said:

if i might just give a word of caution. dont get to carried away with the size of the transfer pot available. it is not just cash that brings the sort of player that would justify waring your shirt. its also reputation, your location, but mainly are you in europe and if so is it the CL? players these days before they even get great are multi millioairs whilst cash is obviously a factor i think its the kudos of the stage they play on that counts. not your facilities (that counts as well in the end) but lets be honest here, if Spurs or Villa or one of another 6 clubs in the top/top middle of the prem had CL football we could all get the player we wanted. AS it is it just aint gonna happen for either of us.

June 08, 2007

ste23 said:

nick123 i want to see you eat your boots now.looking back at these old posts is a right laugh.be afraid,be very afraid-of what?relegation!!!!

August 14, 2007

stevie said:

@ Ste123 How are your boots tasting by the way ? villa dont need big signings to beat top clubs

September 04, 2007

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