VFC and the Aston Villa Shareholders Association felt that if the club could not mark the sterling contribution made to Aston Villa by these players, then it was up to the fans to do so.
Ian Taylor and Alan Wright were amongst the club's longest servants and have always given 100% commitment to the club. In the opinion of many fans, the manner in which they were released by the club failed to show them the respect that is due to them - and it highlights the alienation of the Board from so much of the Villa community.
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| 3rd July 2003. | VFC Honour The Heroes |
The VFC organised Alan Wright/Ian Taylor testimonial went off without any hitches and will go down in many fans memories as a very cool night!
Lot's of beer on flow, and a great turnout to mark two players who have given us great service over the past 9 years.
Contrary to some peoples beliefs Alan Wright was a noticable absentee as he had other matters to tend to, rather than just being on holiday.
But in Ian Taylors attendance we all had the opportunity to give a well deserved send off to a proud villa player and fan.
As he entered the room to a raptuous applause you can but guess "there's only one Ian Taylor" was suddenly being belted out by all and sundry.
Ian told us all that he was "glad to see so many people appreciate what I have done over the years." He furthered that leaving the club he supports was "heart-rending".
I won't say much about the question and answer session other than mentions were made of primadonnas, videos and goalkeepers amongst other things, many of which I missed through sheer laughter.
But a cracking night for all there and in my mind one fitting for a player like Ian.
He nominated AVIDS as the charity for all profits from the night and was in turn made patron of the club. A huge homour for a player and no doubt will be able to do AVIDS a lot of good.
Will get back to you when profits of the night are announced, following the totaling up of tickets, door sales, other sales and the auctions etc.
I'm sure we all wish Ian the best for his time at Derby and no doubt we will see him again soon, either in his capacity for AVIDS or more likely on the stands when he gets the opportunity!
Mike Field, Holteenders.co.uk
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Alan Wright Presentation Collage
Ian Taylor Presentation Collage
Fans Tributes to the two
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| Contacts: |
| Jonathan Fear |
| Navid Nazir |
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info@villafc.com
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