hopeful that Ginola, provided he retains his vertical hold, can double the creative output that stems entirely from Paul Merson.
Style: Easy on the eye, easy on opposition defences.
One player they need: Benito Carbone (just a little joke, Beni, before your agent studies the contractual small print at Valley Parade and rings up).
Fans’ gripe: Doug Ellis — the chairman of "deadly" nickname — infuriated supporters by refusing to bow to public demand and reduce admission prices at the start of last season. There was talk of revolt on the terraces and attendances did fall although in keeping with the time-honoured tradition of fans, many returned resplendent in pristine claret and blue accessories during the latter stages of the FA Cup run.
Fans’ big wish: The hundreds who turned up to see Ginola’s press day bear witness to their desperation. A win over Leicester on the opening day (see bogey team) and a bad-perm day for Karren Brady and Trevor Francis at St Andrews are likely to suffice.
Manager’s quality: Manipulative, astute and a natty dresser to boot. John Gregory possesses most of the attributes required for millennium management, demonstrated during the dark days of last October when his premature exit from Villa Park seemed a formality. His survival suggests durability but harmony is not always the most prevalent factor in his dealings with Ellis.
Bogey team: Bros were big and Neighbours was about to make its television debut the last time Leicester City, their rivals across the Midlands, were beaten at Villa Park, in 1988. Last season Villa failed on four more occasions, notably in the semi-final defeat in the Worthington Cup.
Potential of their new signings: Alpay, the Turkey defender, appears to be a shrewd acquisition. Ginola’s arrival has moved fans and estate agents in Edgbaston to joyous rapture. The Frenchman knows there is no substitute for ability but there was an abundance of replacements awaiting him on 17 occasions for Tottenham Hotspur last season.
Likely disaster: Stan Collymore scores a hat-trick at Villa Park as Villa descend to the bottom of the Premiership.
Hollywood actor most likely to star in Aston Villa: The Movie: Leslie Howard, reprising his 1934 performance as the Scarlet Pimpernel, or Claude Rains in his eponymous role of The Invisible Man a year earlier. Both were conspicuous for their lengthy absence during the action.
Where it all went wrong last time: Kick-off in August — followed by a stuttering few months of under-achievement before a revival in December.
Prediction: Eighth position is as good as it will get.
DAVID MCVAY
Useful information
Squad: 1 David James; 3 Alan Wright; 4 Gareth Southgate; 5 Ugo Ehiogu; 6 George Boateng; 7 Ian
Taylor; 9 Dion Dublin; 10 Paul Merson; 11 Alan Thompson; 12 Julian Joachim;
13 Neil Cutler; 14 David Ginola; 15 Gareth Barry; 16 Alpay Ozalan; 17 Lee Hendrie; 19 Richard Walker; 20 Luc Nilis; 22 Darius Vassell; 24 Mark Delaney; 26 Steve Stone;
27 Michael Standing; 30 Jonathan Bewers; 31 J-Lloyd Samuel; 32 Aaron Lescott;
38 John McGrath; 39 Peter Enckelman; 40 Matthew Ghent.
Stadium: Villa Park
Capacity: 39,217
Address: Trinity Road, Birmingham B6 6HE
Telephone number: 0121-327 2299
Clubcall: 09068 12 11 48
Official website: www.astonvilla-fc.co.uk
Like the team, devoid of imagination with a dated feel. This incoherent, haphazard site is crammed with too many adverts for online betting.
Unofficial site: www.deadlydoug.villa-park.org.uk
Villa fans are annually subjected to some ups, but mostly downs. Deadly Doug is the place to go if you’ve been following the club "for far too long to take life seriously".
Manager: John Gregory
First-team coach: Steve Harrison
Chairman: Doug Ellis
Ticket details: 0121-327 5353 (ticket office); 09068 12 18 48 (ticket news).
Ticket prices: £15-£25
Cheapest/most expensive adult season ticket: £320/£400
Recommended radio station: BBC Radio WM 95.6 FM
Programme: £2
Fanzine: Heroes and Villains
Cost of adult replica shirt: £39.99
Training ground: Bodymoor Heath
Directions to ground: A short walk from Witton station. The No 7 bus runs from Birmingham city centre. Villa Park is off the A38(M) Aston Expressway at Junction 6 of the M6.
Pubs near the ground: The Cap ’n’ Gown, 458 Witton Road; The Yew Tree, Brookvale Road
