Chris heck launches aston villa 'rant' and says 'it's not ending any time soon'

CHRIS HECK IS LEAVING ASTON VILLA AT THE END OF THE SEASON 11:51, 22 May 2025Updated 11:53, 22 May 2025 During his farewell speech at Aston Villa’s awards ceremony, Chris Heck listed 76

accomplishments he was proud his team had completed during his time at the club. The American, who joined in May 2023, will leave the club at the end of the season and will be succeeded by

Juventus’ Francesco Calvo. Heck has contributed to boosting Villa’s revenue streams during his tenure, but he has also faced significant criticism for the ticket pricing strategy for

Champions League matches and other stadium-related issues. Speaking at the Lower Grounds at Villa Park on Wednesday night, Heck took the microphone to bid farewell to players, staff, and

fans in attendance. “I must say that this experience over the last few years has been something I didn’t quite know what to expect. In many ways, it was unfamiliar - but in other ways, I

felt very comfortable. “We've now reached a point where we have a strong staff here, and in my last few minutes speaking to you, I want to talk a bit about them. Article continues below

“Tonight is absolutely about our players - their world-class talent - but also their world-class dedication. I have the privilege of watching them work around the clock every day. There are

no off days. “I also want to recognise the business side of the club - it also reflects on Damian, Unai, Monchi and everyone else on the football side. The tireless work they do is for the

club, for the fans, and for a vision that involves making tough decisions on the business side. “But it’s all with the goal of doing something exceptional - of changing the direction of this

club and taking it to the elite in the world. That is it. “It’s not about being second tier. It’s about being at the top of England, the United Kingdom, and among the very best in Europe

and the world. Listen, this is the golden age. “I know the numbers. I know the history. And what these players and coaches have done is nothing short of spectacular. And it’s not ending any

time soon. “So enjoy it. Embrace it. Be positive. That’s what I’m asking of you. Because I do love this club now, and I love the people I work with. That will remain true for a long time.

“Now, I just want to rant here about what I wrote down on the train the other day, when I told the staff that I was leaving to go back to my home. “This is about them and what they have

achieved since I have been here. It is truly about them and the group. I just wrote down a bunch of things that were important. So I’m going to read them… * Lower Grounds * Villans * Corner

Flag * 150 Club * The Aston * Sports Pub * Trophy Suite * Chairman’s Suite * 82 Champions Club * Legends * Oak Room * The Cells * Star Lion * Upgraded crest and new club branding * Fanzone *

New Superstore * Stadium LED * Renovated bathrooms * adidas * Batano * Carlsberg * New women’s facilities at Bodymoor * New academy facility at Bodymoor * Soon-to-be-completed player hotel

at Bodymoor * Stadium branding * Villa TV pre-game show * Villa podcast * Global content * Transportation shuttle buses * Concerts: Pink, Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Guns N’ Roses, Ozzy and

Black Sabbath * Aston Villa Foundation and community every day * Business offices at Bodymoor * Warehouse vision and construction * Lion statue * 150th anniversary celebrations * USA tours

(twice—and soon to be three times) * Times Square * Players tunnel * Players’ family lounge * Bus wrap * Rail seating * New seats * New matchday presentation * New concourses * North Stand *

Grounds crew of the year * Team of the year * Top 20 revenue club in the world * 20 million social media followers * adidas global flagship stores * Bullring store * Anniversary kits *

England national team game * London office * Champions League tifos * Fireworks * “Crazy Train” * JD Sports * adidas elite club status * Nemiroff * Acorns kits * 150 Game * Fan wall * Brick

murals * Custom adidas trainers * CAA Icon * Legends * Oak View Group * Levy+ * Kendrick Lamar * Red Bull deal (soon to be announced) * Coca-Cola deal (soon to be announced) * Guinness deal

(soon to be announced) * North Stand expansion approved * Witton Station upgrades approved * Best staff in the game Article continues below “And that’s just keeping up with what our teams

do. Excel every day and expect greatness. That’s what this club deserves.” WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF HECK'S COMMENTS? TELL US HERE