April 2011 Archives

IN this recession it was easier for Villa fans to amend an old banner to mark Gerard Houllier's discharge from the coronary ward at the Queen Elizabeth rather than make a new one.

IT's only fitting that ahead of this Royal occasion we should remember Aston Villa's most famous fan from the Palace.

No, not the horse-faced groom and heir to the throne, Prince William, jolly good chap though he undoubtedly is.

I'm talking about a brolly good chap. A claret and blue supporter who would rather prevent it raining on us, than reign over us.

When I say Palace, I actually mean Selhurst Park, because this Villa fan's moment of fame came against tenants Wimbledon (remember them?) rather than the Eagles back in 1992-93.

Mention the name Martin Pritchard and hardly anyone will remember him, say his alias 'Rainman' and there may be a few nods of recognition.

But if I point out that he was the fella who ran onto the pitch and sheltered Villa's Dalian Atkinson and Dean Saunders with an umbrella as the strike duo celebrated the former's wonder goal in a thrilling 3-2 victory then most Villa fans will recall him with fondness.

Anyway, thanks to the Birmingham Mail, Simon Goodyear, the author of the soon to be completed book 'Memories Made in Aston' has been in contact with Martin to reminisce about his moment in the sun...erm rain.

MICHAEL Bradley reminds me of the Boo Radley character in Harper Lee's classic novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

To the unitiated, allow me to explain...

Because of past misdeameaours, including a teenage prank and attacking his father with a pair of scissors, Boo Radley, a fascinating character in the sub-plot to the compelling main story, is locked away out of sight.

The more reclusive he becomes the greater the legend grows of how bad he actually is.

Now Boo Bradley, as we shall name Aston Villa's American midfielder, certainly resembles a moody teenager, if not a prankster, around Bodymoor.

And anybody who has seen Bob Bradley's bald barnet would think Michael had attacked his dad (and national team coach) with scissors.

But never mind that. I'm referring more to Boo Bradley's past deeds in a Villa shirt, ie his dodgy debut at Blackpool and struggling start at Man City, both of which have prompted the perception of him as a flop.

And, of course, his subsequent lack of match action - and omission from matchday squads recently - which has only served to add to the legend of a lacklustre loanee.