Villa publicly express interest in safe standing

In mid-January 2012, Aston Villa became the first Premier League club to openly express an interest in safe standing. The Birmingham Mail included the following in their report on the news:

"Villa have held discussions with the Football Supporters’ Federation and Faulkner floated the idea to the club’s fans for the first time at a meeting of their Supporters Consultation Group before Saturday’s draw with Everton at Villa Park.

The suggestion of giving fans the choice to stand received a unanimous thumbs-up from male and female supporters who were present at the forum.

Villa are examining the introduction of ‘rail seats’, which have been used effectively at German club Borussia Dortmund and other stadia across Europe.

These are flip-up seats which are UEFA compliant and can accommodate seated supporters during designated all-seater matches or be stowed away to create a standing area at other times.

At a time when attendances are being hit by the recession, Villa believe there is demand for standing tickets at Villa Park and intend to undertake further consultation with supporters."

You can read the full story here on the Birmingham Mail website.