Villa fans drum up support for last action
The Aston Villa Protest Group today issued a rallying cry ahead of what they hope will be the last demonstration against the club.
The claret and blues are heading down to the Championship at the end of this campaign, after next weekend's curtain call away to Arsenal.
First, Villa supporters plan to release 2,500 balloons during tomorrow's visit of Newcastle United to display their anger at owner Randy Lerner.
They will also launch 74 beach-balls in the 74th minute of the club's final home game of the season in "celebration of the club's supporters."
More than 1,000 fans had already signed up to take part in a pre-game march from The Holte pub to outside the directors' entrance. Details of the mystery #InTheAiron74 protest emerged yesterday.
The group, whose attempted co-ordinated events at recent home games have seen fans walk out early, arrive late and hold up banners.
A club statement said: "On the pitch Aston Villa are done. Broken, defeated.
"In the board-room, we are continually shambolic and we are owned by a man for whom failure is a byword. We're almost sick of saying it.
"However, this dark day presents us as supporters with a prime opportunity to bust through the foreboding cloud once more and show the Premier League what they will be missing.
"This proud institution begins her short break from the top table. Join us for 'The Proud History, What Future March,' from The Holte Pub (Trinity Road) at 2.15pm.'
"Lets create the scene that we want our season to be remembered by. One of unity, of passion, of strength. Of a lion roaring, its lungs dry. Then in the ground itself, lets have a party. For the ages.
"We are bringing 2,500 balloons which will be available from 1.40pm at the usual spots along with 74 beach balls which we hope you will join us in releasing on the 74th minute.
"Lets provide Randy Lerner (owner) with the romantic nourishment he so dearly craves. As for AVPG, we hope that this is our last protest.
"We hope that the club is moved on in the summer and that it will be an easy decision for us to let bygones be bygones and concentrate solely on supporting the team on the pitch next season.
"Meanwhile, do not expect that we will be gone, like a poof of smoke in the wind. We will be waiting, watching. Dormant but never too far away to strike.
"This round of protests has in effect been a warning shot across the bow of the SS, Randy Lerner.
"Should he fail in his remit to be a true custodian of this wonderful football club which fills our hearts we will return with renewed vigour. We will leave no stone unturned in our quest for a brighter future.
"Together we are legion. Together we roar. We are 'Prepared.' See you tomorrow! Aston Villa Protest Group."
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