FootieBugs Technical Director – Lee Hendrie believes that tonight’s (22/01/13) game is far from over for Aston Villa fans – and admitted they could do their part to ensure a Wembley final becomes a reality.
Lee say’s “Villa boss, Paul Lambert, has already asked the claret and blue supporters to raise the roof tonight, and Hendrie – is sure they can make a difference when it matters.
As a former England man myself I’d like to think that if the 38,000 plus are at Villa Park tonight it will be a massive occasion.
“The place should be rocking tonight that is for sure.
“If we score first I think the fans will take the roof off and then there will be no stopping them.
“I can see us getting three or four top be honest.
“I know the lads didn’t get the result they were hoping for at Bradford, but I have spoke to Gabby today and he and the boys and right up for this.
“I can see it being a Villa win and them going through.”
Through my own experiences I am no stranger to chasing second-leg comebacks for the Villa at Villa Park, I remember back in the 1997/98 season when I was part of the team that nearly knocked out Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.
A 1-0 defeat in the first leg was followed by an early goal conceded in the second, leaving Villa needing three goals to progress.
Although we won 2-1 on the night – but we needed to win 3-1 to go through.
“We didn’t manage it then but it was one of the best games I have ever played in.
“To play for a club like Villa in a game like that – and see Stan (Collymore) score a screamer like he did – which I set him up for – it was great.
“There was 40,000 there that night and it was special, I had a great chance to make it 3-1 as well, but the keeper denied it.
“Even with that it was a game I will always remember because of the fans.
“I was only a young lad but the game was amazing, I think it will be a similar atmosphere tonight.”
