League Championship side Aston Villa is just one of an "increasing number of European football clubs that have been the subject of Chinese investment but they are the most interesting for the outside observer," according to Jonathan White of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. That is because club Owner Tony Xia "is the most public and vocal of all those who have taken the plunge so far." Xia decided to embrace Twitter and "he uses it in the manner of a non-league, fan-owned club." He has "weighed in on everything that he can in 140 characters or less." He interacts with fans on matters from ticketing policy to policing to pre-match entertainment. Whether it is "congratulating fans on birthdays, weddings or offering trials, nothing is too much and he even explains his absence from Villa Park." It is an approach that "not everyone has taken to but Xia seems to have a genuine fondness for his club," even if that is something that has "only been formed since he took the Villa Park side over earlier this year." He said following Aston Villa's loss to Bristol City, "Shame for the 2nd half! Need BIG talk again!!!" Only relegated from the Premier League last season, Villa is "in real danger of dropping down another division" if it keeps up the form with which it has started this season. This comes despite spending more than £50M ($63.7M) on players in the summer. Xia’s public profile "may be at odds with other Chinese owners in the West Midlands," but aside from that he has followed a similar path in trying to stabilize the club and has "either retained or brought in local upper management" (SCMP, 10/4).
TWITTER SPAT: In London, Danny Gallagher reported following the news of Roberto Di Matteo's sacking as manager of Aston Villa, Virgin Trains "sensed the opportunity to have a jibe" at the expense of the Birmingham-based club. Little did it know, however, that Aston Villa "would respond with the perfect comeback" (DAILY MAIL, 10/4).
