|
|
don't know what you've got 'til it's gone
All in vain of course. The director at the time told me that I was a pain in his ass and nothing would stop him from making progress. Making progress means shamelessly denying the historic aspects of a brilliant stand, only to please people who consider football to be the privilege of sponsors. I asked him to at least give me a sign or a piece of a wooden bench, but this gentleman completely ignored my request. Remember, I came all the way from The Netherlands to plead my case.... To cut a long story short, it was through the demolition/building contractor that I got hold of a turnstile from the West Stand. I collected it from the demolition site, again coming all the way from Holland. It is in my garden now. In turn I had to donate £200 to a local Preston children's hospital, which I gladly did, only to find out years later that the turnstile I paid for was in fact a 1970 version and one of the latest that had been incorporated in the stand..... I have been to more than 150 grounds in Great Britain so I think I am entitled to say that the Trinity Road stand at Villa Park is beyond any comparison. It is the most beautiful stand in the country and should be a listed building. It is the landmark of footballing tradition, history and heritage. Knocking it down is utter blasphemy. I simply cannot believe people want to erase it. I have been at the ground at least ten times, not only for matches, but also to admire the architecture and to take pictures. The last time I was there was during the FA Cup 5th round clash with Leeds United (Carbone.....) I was actually in the stand and even thought the toilets were brilliant. Everything, including the wonderful curve-shaped balconies, is in perfect shape and condition. I believe that the woodworms in the stand are of nobility I was on Dutch TV two months ago (Saturday night prime time) and showed photographs of the facade of the Trinity Road Stand as part of a nationwide programme, dedicated to English football. You should have heard the oohs and aahs in the audience when I told that some mindless prick intended to knock it down in favour of people who are only interested in money. Han van Eijden. |
|
My
favourite club in England is Preston North End and I think I know how you feel. I've gone
through the same stage when PNE announced to send the West Stand to the graveyard of
immaculate stands. I started a campaign/ petition to save this breathtaking stand for
posterity. Through the local papers, the match programme, through Simon Inglis and through
the Listed Building Society. Together with Simon Inglis I even proposed to have only a
section of the stand saved and to have it re-erected it in a municipal park in Preston. 
