3,000 people (police estimate) attended a successful march on Saturday before the Southampton game to protest against the continued dictatorial chairmanship of Mr Ellis. Thousands of banners were also held up before kick off sending Mr Ellis a clear message that the fans think it is time for him to go; but as promised the Villa fans backed the team 100% throughout the game.
Banners/slogans included 'Welcome to Hellis' 'Ellis in Blunderland' 'Live Villa, Love Villa, Loathe Ellis', 'Vandal of the Trinity', 'Witton Lane Stand says Ellis Out' and 'Ellis, like Ansell, we are bitter men'.
In an initiative partly aimed at profile raising for the campaign, VFC gave out over
20,000 leaflets explaining the reason for our formation and our aims. The vast majority of these leaflets were warmly accepted by fans clearly eager for regime change.
VFC consider that Saturdays protest marks the start of a concerted campaign to encourage investors to come forward or for Mr Ellis to actively seek out new investors for Aston Villa on his own initiative.
As he approaches the age of 80 (January) it is time for Mr Ellis to pass the custodianship of the club to a dynamic board possessing the requisite skill, expertise and finance to reverse the cycle of under achievement and stop the rot.
In addition to the 3,000 fans actively voicing their discontent with Mr Ellis, it should be noted that at a time of continuing high attendances in the Premier League, Villa Park was once again over 10,000 people down on capacity. Many of these missing fans are known to have given up on Aston Villa after successive seasons of (at best) mediocrity. Of all the statements, the empty stands are arguably the most damning indictment of Mr Ellis' regime.
VFC would also like to confirm they are in receipt of two letters from Mr O'Leary and Mr O'Leary's secretary confirming receipt of our assurances of 100% support to the team and the manager.
ENDS
|
