I was named after Villa and have been a season ticket holder for many years, also attending all away games.
Regarding Doug, I would say that whilst there were many frustrating times in that I felt he could have showed more ambition in taking us to that next level, all in all he must be given credit for the foundations he has built. He will I'm sure look back at missed opportunities when we were sitting high in the league but he didnt back the manager that little bit more to boost the playing squad which resulted in us not being prepared for the gruelling schedule of a league season and falling away - that has always been the fans' main gripe. However fans of Leeds, to name a similar sized club, will probably had rather had a Doug than a Ridsdale for instance. He is an arrogant man and that would also antagonize but I think there is no doubt he is Villa through and through and he did his best.
Aston Bridgwater People seem to forget that Doug saved the club when in financial difficulty and always kept the club in good financial health.
Bill Evans My husband Bill worked for Doug Ellis 1957 to 1959 at the Cannon St Travel Agency. Throughout the whole period we saw only consideration and kindness to us. At that time we only had Vespa travel and he loaned us a car for several weeks prior to our wedding making planning the wedding so much easier. Bill tells the story of driving around France and Spain with Doug in a glorious November in an Alpha Romeo sports valocie car checking on possible new hotels for the business. There was no ill feeling when Bill decided to return to teaching and all we remember again is kindness and consideration. We wish him and his family all the best for the future.
Edwina Norris I have supported Aston Villa since 1959 and remember the takeover in 1968 by Pat Matthews and his consortium. Ellis was brought in as Chairman, as he had experience as a director of Birmingham City FC. Ellis was never an Aston Villa supporter and from that moment only took from Aston Villa, both financially and prestige wise. We tasted the glory of winning the Championship and European Cup in his brief absence and upon his return he led us to years of mediocrity. A sad, self centred figure, who is best forgotten.
John Rastall Really enjoyed your programme on Doug Ellis. I don't think that he was always right but then again who is? David O'Leary wasn't. Neither was John Gregory. They just spent money badly, left with there big severance packages and left others to pick up the mess. I am a Villa Season Ticket Holder and never jumped on the band wagon of the 'Ellis Out' campaign. I'm surprised but pleased that Mr Ellis withstood the abuse he got from some of the Villa faithful. I was sure that he would never hand over the reins of our dear club to just anyone. Mr Lerner has some very big boots to fill. If Mr Ellis made some money from his investment in the club, then I think he more than deserves it. He pulled us from the quagmire more than once and put his money where his mouth is. There aren't too many people like that about. I only pray that when Mr Ellis has to pass to the big football club in the sky (hopefully not for many years), that he watches over the Villa from his claret and blue cloud.
I and my Mum would like to thank Mr Ellis for all that he has done for Aston Villa. We were lucky to have him. And I would like to thank Mrs Ellis who Mr Ellis mentioned had suffered whilst he was with Aston Villa. After all, behind every great man is a great woman.
Dawn Banks
Aston Villa should be grateful that they have had a man like Doug Ellis. Many clubs would love to have a Chairman with such commitment, passion and genuine love for their team.
David, Nottingham | 
Inside Out - West Midlands: Friday January 12, 2007
