Exclusive Interview: Dion Dublin talks to AVillaFan.Com
Dion Dublin is more known for his time on Match of the Day or Homes Under the Hammer but many of us will remember him for his impressive football career including six years at Aston Villa between 1998 and 2004.
Dublin spoke to AVillaFan.Com exclusively through Boyle Sports who offer the latest Premier League odds.
During your time, I am sure you don’t need reminding but you picked up that horrible injury. How was it during the long period you were out of the game? Did Villa give you the support you deserved?
“It was an odd one with it being my neck as I could walk and get about. I wasn’t hindered but I could have been forced to sit down for the rest of my life. My physio, Jim Walker, held my head still for about 20 minutes at the side of the pitch before putting a board against my head.
I remember every second of it, even now. Without the help of Dr Barry Smith, the late Andre Jackowski and Jim Walker, I’d be in a wheelchair.
I was back within three and a half months, which is no time at all for a broken neck! I’m fine now and still have a bit of titanium in the back of my neck. The fans were great despite being frustrated. When I talk about it, you always think ‘How lucky am I?’
It was completely my fault, I ran into Gerald Sibon thinking he would move but he didn’t.”
How would you compare the side you played in, that reached an FA Cup final to the current side?
“I think the team I played in actually had better players. We had the likes of Paul Merson, David Ginola, George Boateng, Ian Taylor, Gareth Southgate, the late Ugo Ehiogu, Jlloyd Samuel god rest his soul, Mark Delaney, Lee Hendrie, Gareth Barry, David James and Peter Schmeichel. We were up there.
But as a team, I think the current side is better collectively. Unai Emery has coached them to become better, look at John McGinn. He’s a great leader and a great example of where Villa are.
When everyone’s fit, you’ve got power, pace and great finishing. The defensive unit looks settled, too. It’s a very good Villa side to watch. [Ezri] Konsa has come on leaps and bounds, [Diego] Carlos also looks like a unit.
In a one-off match, I think the current side would beat us as it seems they are currently achieving more than we did. It would be a good game, though!
Hang on… I’ll go for a 2-2 draw haha!”
Who would you like to have played with from the current team?
“The way I played the game, playing with Ollie Watkins would have been good fun. I would have been able to give him more space and he could do what he wants. Similar to what Darius Vassell did when I played with him.”
What happened with the Robbie Savage headbutt?
“It’s a moment that will live long in football history. I was in the wrong and I shouldn’t have done it. But the red mist descended and I couldn’t stop myself. He said he didn’t say anything wrong. He was just being himself to get players sent off.
But we laugh about it now and I’ve always apologized. Sorry, Rob!”
We would like to thank Dion Dublin and Boylesports for the opportunity for the interview.