ON THE DL
Meet a regular Dubai Lion every few weeks in this new series. This week, it's Shropshire's finest, Steve Faulkner...

Welcome to ON THE DL, where we meet a new Dubai Lion each month. Through this series, you will get to know us better and for those thinking of joining us on a match day, you can see that we’re (mainly) just normal folk with an abnormal love for all things ASTON VILLA.
This week in ON THE DL, we meet Shropshire born chap, Steve Faulkner (no relation to former Villa CEO, Paul) who, although recently eloping to Berlin on a whim, recounts his penchant for a Wings & Mings night on a Monday, his excitement watching the Championship Playoff final and how his Dingles supporting family have dined out on the last few seasons in Dubai...
HOW DID YOU START FOLLOWING ASTON VILLA?
My Dad’s side of the family were from Perry Barr, and all that side of the family were Villa fans. I still remember getting my first kit for my birthday asking for a goalie top as I was a big fan of Bozzie.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST VILLA GAME - HOME OR AWAY?
My first ever Villa game was a 0-0 draw against Blackburn, it was on Sky and they had sumo wrestlers on the pitch at half time- we went for my brothers 10th birthday so even my Mum a Wolves fan had to go.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASTON VILLA MEMORY?
Ashley Young’s last-minute winner at Everton. I still remember the celebrations in the away end, it was a great day out.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE EVER VILLA PLAYER?
My favourite villa player would probably have to be Ian Taylor, he lived our dream as a fan of the club and you could see with every performance he did everything he could for us. He also won me quite a few quid too as he was always my anytime goalscorer bet, so cheers Tayls!
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE EVER VILLA MANAGER?
Favourite Villa manager Brian Little, we played great football, managed to win a trophy, and gave us a rare victory over Man United, what more can you ask for!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASTON VILLA KIT?
93-95 goalie kit
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO/CONNECTS YOU WITH DUBAI?
I was teaching for 9 years in the UK when I found myself getting bored of the cold weather and was offered a great opportunity to move out to Dubai to teach, I did a quick trip and loved the city so took the job on the spot.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITH DUBAI LIONS?
I have zero roles in the Dubai Lions but am more than happy to help out if ever needed.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER DUBAI LIONS?
As soon as it was all confirmed I was moving I had a look online for Aston Villa fan clubs abroad and came across the Twitter page so knew I would be fine! It was quite funny last year when I went to my first game at the bar having landed about 8 hours earlier with nothing unpacked, but needed to find out what the Easy Company were all about!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AND LEAST FAVOURITE DUBAI LIONS MOMENTS?
Favourite moment would be the playoffs last season. I can’t decide between the obvious of the final and the euphoria of the celebrations or the penalty shoot out with kids in school telling me they stayed up to watch it.
Least favourite- the loss to wolves earlier last season, my Mum was visiting and she was in her element in the bar as we didn’t turn up at all
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE DUBAI LION?
So many great people in Dubai Lions who have made me feel so welcome but I think Luke Doyle would have to be my favourite. He got me involved with playing football out here and is always up for Wings and Mings night!
WHICH DUBAI LION IS THE BIGGEST LIABILITY?
JC after a Bur Dubai brunch!
AND FINALLY…HAVE YOU EVER SUPPORTED A TEAM OTHER THAN ASTON VILLA?
No chance, I go and watch a fair bit of German football and watch Schalke 04 but no English team despite the best efforts of my Mum and Uncles!
Thanks, Faulkner. In no way do we judge you for watching a German team who play in blue and white, Styve, I mean Steve.