Thomas Holte
Vital Football Legend
I first came across BFR as a player for Oxford United during my short time in that city in 1964/1965.
So he and I go back a long way.
Happy Birthday!
In 1969 as a 15-year-old kid, I was asked to go for a weeks trial at Oxford United that turned into a couple of months but sadly I never fully made it and they released me in the summer break.
Big Ron was coming to the end of his playing career and when he found out I was from Aston and a Villa fan as well and he took me under his wing so to speak and looked after me.
On several occasions, he stopped me from being bullied by the other senior players as they thought at the time that sort of behavior was perfectly acceptable and normal towards young apprentices.
I've never ever forgotten his kindness and on the odd occasion the good advice he gave me during my short time at Oxford United, therefore, he has always been a man I have respected and I was very proud when he became the Villa manager but not half as proud as Big Ron the Villa fan I'm sure.
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