Aston Villa and West Ham have been at odds since the Hammers’ failed attempt to buy Colombian Jhon Duran in the Summer. Was it £35 million, £40 or even £45 million that Villa wanted, when West Ham ‘stopped tantalisingly short’ – or ‘ran away’ depending on which source you believe.
We may never know. The rest is history – Duran’s value has doubled and West Ham went off and bought Niclas Fullkrug instead: There’s still a nervous twitch in my eye every time Aston Villa come onto Sky Sports.
Now the two clubs have found another way of falling out, having been drawn against each other in the FA Cup third round match for January. The home side, Aston Villa, are required to provide an allocation of 15% of their gate for away supporters – that fifteen percent making a total of 6,500 tickets.
However West Ham insist that they’ve only been allocated 5,674. The details are highlighted by Claret and Hugh associate editor Sean Whetstone on his twitter x page:
So where, I wonder , are the missing 826 tickets. An honest mistake or foul play?
If they ever get ‘found’, I’ll have one! At least then I can sit and watch through my fingers, waiting for the inevitable Jhon Duran world class strike from the half way line. Inevitable, isn’t it.
Ian Dowie did manage to soar above the other players & power a world class header that practically broke the back of the net.
Unfortunately, at the wrong end.
I remember that – brings a smile ! Thanks for the memory, Hendo.
2 things – one Villa Park’s capacity has been reduced due to the installation of ‘Hospitality’ in all areas of the ground.
Secondly, Duran started v Saints last week and scored. Watkins is now the highest misser of Big chances in the Prem. Emery is moulding Duran into a World beater, his maverick style warranted sub only but he’s come a long way – check his goal v Leipzig – proper team goal.
Oh and you’ll EASILY get a ticket for this match as normal supporters can’t afford £75 minimum a game then another Cup game following week. Don’t expect a full house for this one.
No doubt, if we had of signed him back in the summer, he would now have turned into prime Iain Dowie, and couldn’t of hit a barn door with a banjo
Let’s hope Duran starts the game. Hes rubbish when he starts but scores when he comes off the bench. Thats why his manager keeps him on the bench.
True that .