I was there when the Witton lane End was topped by a ball-shaped kiosk, and no roof. I was there when the ground forced 70,000 into the ground to see Santos with the great pele. The atmosphere was always exciting, loud and often bloody. I remember the charity shield against Manchester City where as a 12 year old I stood transfixed in the Witton lane End with my 8 year old brother and my grandfather, and saw ghastly scenes of young villa fans slashed by razor blades. The past is not always a better place. I remember standing half way up the Holte with Millwall fans rushing passed me with a machete. I like the new game much better. The atmosphere is not ruined by violence or massed police. We have a rowdy but mostly safe fandom and i am grateful for that.