NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Aston Villa F.C

Aston Villa Football Club play at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, West Midlands, England. They currently play in the FA Premier League. Aston Villa were founding members of Football League in 1888 and of the Premier League in 1992. It is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in England. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (557x806, 19 KB) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Villa Park is a football stadium in the district of Aston, in Birmingham England. ... Aston is a district of Birmingham, England, though when both Aston and Birmingham were separate towns, Aston was for some time the larger of the two. ... The city from above Centenary Square. ... This is a list of major football (soccer) stadia, grouped by country and ordered by capacity. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_States. ... Randy Lerner is the owner of the Cleveland Browns franchise in the National Football League. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Northern_Ireland_(bordered). ... Martin Hugh Michael ONeill, OBE, born 1 March 1952, in Kilrea, Northern Ireland, is a former Northern Ireland national football team captain and football manager. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays Premiership or just The Premiership in the UK and as the Barclays English Premier League, the English Premier League, or simply the EPL internationally) is a league competition for football clubs located at the top of the English football league... The 2005-06 season of the FA Premier League saw Chelsea defend and win a back to back title by defeating Manchester United on 29 April. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... Image File history File links left arm of kit template File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... body of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... rightarm of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Image File history File links Kit_shorts. ... socks of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Image File history File links left arm of kit template File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... body of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... rightarm of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Image File history File links Kit_shorts. ... socks of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Aston Villa are a French musical group. ... Villa Park is a football stadium in the district of Aston, in Birmingham England. ... Aston is a district of Birmingham, England, though when both Aston and Birmingham were separate towns, Aston was for some time the larger of the two. ... The city from above Centenary Square. ... The West Midlands refers to western area of The Midlands (central England). ... Motto: (French for God and my right) Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital London Largest city London Official language(s) English Government Constitutional monarchy - Queen Queen Elizabeth II - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP Unification - by Athelstan AD927 Area - Total 130,395 kmÂ² (1st in UK) 50,346 sq mi - Water (%) Population... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays Premiership or just The Premiership in the UK and as the Barclays English Premier League, the English Premier League, or simply the EPL internationally) is a league competition for football clubs located at the top of the English football league... The Football League is an organisation representing 72 professional football clubs in England and Wales, and runs the oldest professional football league competition in the world. ...

History

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (700x625, 180 KB) Licensing This image is in the public domain because its copyright has expired in the United States and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years or less. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (700x625, 180 KB) Licensing This image is in the public domain because its copyright has expired in the United States and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years or less. ...

Formation by Villa Cross Cricketers

Aston Villa Football Club was formed in March 1874 by members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel in Aston, Birmingham. Members of the Aston Villa cricket team were looking for a way to stay fit during the winter months and decided to adopt the new sport of football. The 'Four Founding Fathers' were Jack Hughes, Frederick Matthews, Walter Price and William Scattergood. Aston Villa's first match was against the local Aston Brook St Mary's Rugby team and as a condition of the match, the Villa side had to agree to play the first half under rugby rules and the second half under football rules. Villa managed to hold St Mary's to a scoreless draw up to half time and in the second half won the historic affair by one goal, scored by Jack Hughes. Villa won their first honour, the Birmingham Challenge Cup in 1880, under the captaincy of Scotsman George Ramsay. This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Aston is a district of Birmingham, England, though when both Aston and Birmingham were separate towns, Aston was for some time the larger of the two. ... The city from above Centenary Square. ... For the insect, see Cricket (insect). ... Football (soccer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Rugby football, often just referred to as rugby, refers to sports descended from a common form of football developed at Rugby School in England. ... George Burrell Ramsay (March 1, 1855 in Glasgow, Scotland - October 1935 in Llandrinod Wells) was secretary/manager of Aston Villa Football Club in the most successful period of their history. ...

Rise to prominence

The club won its first FA Cup in 1887, under the captaincy of another Scotsman, Archie Hunter. English football had become professional in 1885. However, the Scottish draper and director of Aston Villa, William McGregor had become frustrated with watching his team in one-sided friendly matches and low attendances for all games but FA Cup ties. He saw that in order to keep interest in the game alive the top teams needed to play each other in a league much like American baseball teams did. So he wrote to the twelve leading clubs in England proposing the formation of a league. The reason the Football League was never called the English League is because McGregor intended Scottish and Welsh teams to join eventually. Welsh teams, most notably Cardiff City, did so but Scottish teams did not. Naturally, Aston Villa were one of the dozen teams that competed in the inaugural Football League in 1888 finishing runners-up. The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... Archie Hunter (Born Joppa, Ayr 23rd September 1859 died Aston, Birmingham, 1894) First captain of Aston Villa to lift the FA Cup (1887). ... Motto: (Latin for No one provokes me with impunity)1 Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital Edinburgh Largest city Glasgow Official language(s) English, Gaelic, Scots2 Government Constitutional monarchy - Queen Queen Elizabeth II - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP - First Minister Jack McConnell MSP Unification - by Kenneth I 843 Area - Total 78... William McGregor (born 1846, Braco, Perthshire; died 1911, Birmingham) William McGregor founder of the Football League Scottish Draper, Director of Aston Villa and founder of the Football League. ... A view of the playing field at Busch Stadium II St. ... Motto: (French for God and my right) Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital London Largest city London Official language(s) English Government Constitutional monarchy - Queen Queen Elizabeth II - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP Unification - by Athelstan AD927 Area - Total 130,395 kmÂ² (1st in UK) 50,346 sq mi - Water (%) Population... The Football League is an organisation representing 72 professional football clubs in England and Wales, and runs the oldest professional football league competition in the world. ... Motto: (Latin for No one provokes me with impunity)1 Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital Edinburgh Largest city Glasgow Official language(s) English, Gaelic, Scots2 Government Constitutional monarchy - Queen Queen Elizabeth II - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP - First Minister Jack McConnell MSP Unification - by Kenneth I 843 Area - Total 78... Motto: (Welsh for Wales for ever) Anthem: Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau Capital Cardiff Largest city Cardiff Official language(s) English, Welsh Government Constitutional monarchy - Queen Queen Elizabeth II - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP - First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM Unification - by Gruffudd ap Llywelyn 1056 Area - Total 20,779 kmÂ² (3rd...

File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... William McGregor (born 1846, Braco, Perthshire; died 1911, Birmingham) William McGregor founder of the Football League Scottish Draper, Director of Aston Villa and founder of the Football League. ... The Football League is an organisation representing 72 professional football clubs in England and Wales, and runs the oldest professional football league competition in the world. ...

Victorian and Edwardian golden age

It didn't take long for Villa to lift their first League Championship trophy, and this was achieved in 1893/94. This would signal the start of Aston Villa's 'Golden Age' and by the start of the First World War the club had won the League Championship six times and the FA Cup five times, including in 1896/97, a League and Cup Double, a feat which would not be repeated for more than 60 years. The captain during this era was John Devey. The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... The Double is a term in football, meaning to win a countrys top division and its main cup competition in the same season. ... John Henry George Devey (born 1866; died 1940) Signed for Aston Villa in March 1891. ...

Villa attracted such big crowds that a new ground was needed. The club could regularly expect 25,000 people to attend home games, at a time when the FA Cup Final would attract only about 20,000. The League and FA Cup winners had previously played at Wilson Road (Birchfields), then in 1878 moved to Perry Barr, where they stayed until 1897. In 1897, they moved to their current home ground, the Aston Lower Grounds. It would be a number of years before it was officially known as Villa Park. Perry Barr constituency shown within Birmingham Perry Barr is an area in north Birmingham, England . ... Villa Park is a football stadium in the district of Aston, in Birmingham England. ...

Footballing Giants of Inter-War Years

Although they remained a major force after the war, winning their sixth FA Cup in 1920, the club began a slow decline. This can be attributed in large part to a complacency which culminated in the unthinkable, the most famous and successful football club in the world being relegated to the Second Division in 1936. However, throughout the 1920's and into the 1930's the club had many fine international players (in 1933/34 Villa had no fewer than fourteen full internationals) and continued to challenge for honours, Villa were FA Cup runners-up in 1924 and second in the League in 1931 and 1933. Throughout this period the Villa Park crowds were entertained with attacking football and goals galore, in season 1930/31 Tom 'Pongo' Waring scored 49 of Aston Villa's 128 league goals, however Villa were denied the title by the sensational Arsenal team of the 30's. The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... Villa Park is a football stadium in the district of Aston, in Birmingham England. ... Thomas (Tom) Pongo Waring (October 12, 1906 - December 20, 1980) was an English footballer. ... Arsenal Football Club (also known as Arsenal, The Arsenal or The Gunners) are an English professional football club based in north London. ...

The unthinkable relegation

The club's decision to appoint their first manager coincided with relegation for the first time in 1935/36. This was largely due a dismal defensive record, they conceded 110 goals, 7 of them coming from Arsenal's Ted Drake in the infamous 1-7 defeat at Villa Park. However 'The Grand Old Man' of football was crowned Second Division Champions in 1937/38 under the guidance of Jimmy Hogan; Aston Villa were back where they belonged by the outbreak of The Second World War. Seven seasons were lost and many careers were finished due to the conflict and Aston Villa went about rebuilding the team under the guidance of former player, Alex Massie. The remainder of the 1940s and the 1950s saw Villa try to re-establish themselves as a top team. However, Villa could only be described as average during this period, although they had some good players and attendances were high. Season 1956/57 saw Villa go on an unexpected FA Cup run that would culminate in them defeating the 'Busby Babes' of Manchester United in the final. It was Aston Villa's first trophy for 37 years. Edward Joseph Ted Drake (August 16, 1912 - May 30, 1995) was an English cricketer and footballer and manager. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... German soldiers at the Battle of Stalingrad World War II was the most extensive and costly armed conflict in the history of the world, involving the great majority of the worlds nations, being fought simultaneously in several major theatres, and costing tens of millions of lives. ... Alex C. Massie (March 13, 1906 - September 20, 1977) was a Scottish international footballer, playing mainly at right-half. ... Manchester United Football Club is a world famous English football club. ...

Mid-century mediocrity

However this success proved to be a false dawn with the team finishing 14th in the league the following season. Eric Houghton was sacked (after refusing to resign) when relegation loomed in 1958/59. His successor Joe Mercer was unable to prevent the club being relegated for the second time in 1959. Again a complacency had set in at the club, the famous Aston Villa had won the FA Cup for a record seventh time, this only served to fuel the belief that Villa were too good to go down. A return to the top flight was assured however in 1960 when Villa were crowned Second Division Champions. Season 1960/61 saw Villa win the inaugural League Cup and finish respectably in the league, this was achieved with an exciting nucleus of youth players who became known as 'Mercer's Minors'. Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Johnny Dixon b. ... Eric Houghton (b. ... Joe Mercer, OBE (August 9, 1914 - August 9, 1990) was an English football player and manager. ...

1960's: Decline and fall

The slow decline continued throughout the 1960s due to a deep seated malaise; the club had failed to adapt to the new football reality, they had a non-existent scouting network, coaching was conducted in the same way as it had been 40 years earlier and the 5 man board contained 3 members over the age of 70. It was the board who decided that they couldn't refuse offers for their two most valuable players, Phil Woosnam and Tony Hateley. Without their goals Villa were in real trouble and were relegated for the third time, under manager Dick Taylor in 1967. The fans' calls for the board to resign became more and more urgent when Villa finished 16th in the Second Division in 1968. In a desperate attempt to avert total disaster, relegation to the Third Division, the manager, Tommy Cummings was given £200,000 to spend on new players, and with supporters boycotting Villa's home games in protest at the board, debts mounted. Events on the pitch came to a head in November 1968, with Villa lying at the bottom of Division Two; the board sacked Cummings and within weeks the entire board resigned due to overwhelming pressure from fans. After much speculation, control of the club was bought by London financier Pat Matthews, he also brought in Doug Ellis as chairman and Tommy Docherty as manager. Tony Hateley (born 13 June 1941 in Derby) is a former footballer who played for numerous English clubs as a striker. ... Dick Taylor (born 28 January 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England) was an early bass player for Rolling Stones. ... Tommy Cummings is a retired former footballer and manager. ... London (pronounced ) is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom. ... Herbert Douglas Ellis OBE (born January 3, 1924 in Chester) is an entrepreneur and long-standing chairman of Aston Villa Football Club. ... Thomas Henderson Docherty (born Gorbals, Glasgow on 24 August 1928), usually known as Tommy Docherty or the Doc, is a Scottish former footballer and football manager. ...

However, despite breathing new life into the club and initial success, Docherty was unable to lift the team out of the danger zone and he was sacked after just a year in charge. His successor Vic Crowe, was unable to prevent Aston Villa from being relegated to the Third Division for the first time in its history. Amazingly the following season Villa reached the League Cup final after beating Manchester United in the semi-final. They were eventually defeated in the final by two late Tottenham goals. Victor Herbert Crowe (born Abercynon, Glamorgan, 31 January 1932) was a Welsh footballer. ... The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ... Manchester United Football Club is a world famous English football club. ... Tottenham Hotspur Football Club are an English football club who play in the FA Premier League. ...

Vic Crowe rescues Villa

The only way was up for Villa and in 1971/72 they were crowned Third Division champions at the end of a season which saw Third Division record attendances at Villa Park. The team narrowly missed out on a second successive promotion when they finished third on their return to Second Division football in 1972/73. However the following season Villa struggled and Doug Ellis sacked Crowe replacing him with Ron Saunders. Herbert Douglas Ellis OBE (born January 3, 1924 in Chester) is an entrepreneur and long-standing chairman of Aston Villa Football Club. ... Ron Saunders (Born Birkenhead 6th November 1932) As a player Ron Saunders was a hard-shooting centre forward. ...

Two cups in three years

Aston Villa's centenary season provided the double success of a League Cup final victory over Norwich and promotion to the First Division after an absence of eight seasons in 1974/75. Villa were back and due to their League Cup success were in Europe for the first time. Although Villa were knocked out in the first round by Antwerp, Saunders was assembling a team that would go on to win the European Cup seven years later. Villa won the League Cup again in 1977 by beating Everton after two final replays. The following season saw Villa reach the quarter-final of the UEFA Cup where they held their own against Spanish giants, Barcelona. That night, at the Nou Camp, the nightmare of the previous 10 years were finally laid to rest ; Aston Villa were back amongst the footballing elite. Norwich City Football Club is a football club based in Norwich, Norfolk, England, founded in 1902. ... The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ... R. Antwerp F.C. is a Belgian football club, from the city of Antwerp in Antwerp (province). ... The UEFA Champions League (known colloquially as the European Cup) is an annual club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for the most successful football clubs in Europe. ... The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ... Everton Football Club is a football club based in the city of Liverpool in Merseyside, England. ... UEFA Cup logo The UEFA Cup is a football competition for European club teams. ... Futbol Club Barcelona, popularly known as BarÃ§a, is a sports club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. ... The Camp Nou (Catalan for new field, sometimes reversed in other languages to become Nou Camp) is a football stadium in Barcelona, Spain (, ). With a capacity of 98,787 it is the largest football stadium in Europe. ...

Title triumph in '81

Villa won their first League Championship for 71 years, fighting off competition from Liverpool and Ipswich, in 1980-81 under the managership of Ron Saunders. It was a side brimming with talent such as midfield dynamo Gordon Cowans; skillful winger Tony Morley; Captain Dennis Mortimer; and the skrikeforce partnership of Peter Withe and local lad, Gary Shaw. To everyone's surprise, Saunders quit halfway through the 1981-82 season, (after falling out with the chairman), with Villa in the quarter final of the European Cup. He was replaced by his softly-spoken assistant manager Tony Barton. Liverpool Football Club (usually known simply as Liverpool) are a professional football club based in Liverpool, in the north west of England. ... Ipswich Town Football Club is the professional football club of Ipswich, Suffolk, England. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards and make it more accessible to a general audience, this article may require cleanup. ... Ron Saunders (Born Birkenhead 6th November 1932) As a player Ron Saunders was a hard-shooting centre forward. ... Gordon Cowans (born October 27, 1958 in County Durham) is an English football player and coach. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Dennis Mortimer (born 1952 in Liverpool, England) was an English footballer and distinguished captain of Aston Villa. ... Peter Withe (born 30 August 1951, Liverpool) is a much-travelled English footballer of the 70s and 80s golden era. ... Gary Shaw was an expolsive striker with Aston Villa and his goals helped them win the League in 1980 and the European Cup the following year. ... Tony Barton (1936-1993) was an English football manager. ...

Champions of Europe

In May 1982, just three months after being appointed manager, Barton guided Villa to a 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the European Cup final in Rotterdam. Villa remain to this day one of only four English teams to have won the European Cup, along with Liverpool F.C., Manchester United F.C. and Nottingham Forest F.C.. While Peter Withe scored the winner in the 67th minute, the key player that night was Nigel Spink, the 23-year-old reserve goalkeeper who had only played one match for the club in five years since joining from Chelmsford. First-choice keeper Jimmy Rimmer suffered a shoulder injury and was substituted after just 10 minutes. But Spink went on to make a number of fine saves in the game from the lethal Bayern strikeforce, which included Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Other key players in this Villa side included Des Bremner and Gordon Cowans. Barton remained in charge for two seasons after the European Cup triumph, but was sacked at the end of 1983-84 despite Villa having finished tenth in the First Division and having reached the semi-finals of the League Cup. In came Shrewsbury Town manager Graham Turner as his successor. Image File history File links Mortimer. ... Image File history File links Mortimer. ... FC Bayern Munich (German: FC Bayern MÃ¼nchen) is a German football club based in Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria. ... Liverpool Football Club (usually known simply as Liverpool) are a professional football club based in Liverpool, in the north west of England. ... Manchester United Football Club is a world famous English football club. ... Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English football club, based at the City Ground, which is just outside the official boundary of Nottingham on the south side of the River Trent. ... Peter Withe (born 30 August 1951, Liverpool) is a much-travelled English footballer of the 70s and 80s golden era. ... Nigel Spink (born Chelmsford, England, July 8, 1958) was a football goalkeeper who made his name at Aston Villa F.C. and also made one appearance for England at international level. ... Chelmsford City Football Club play in the Ryman League Premier Division which is also well known as the Isthmian Premier League. ... John James Jimmy Rimmer (born February 10, 1948) is an English former football goalkeeper. ... Karl-Heinz Kalle Rummenigge (born September 25, 1955) is a former German football player. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Gordon Cowans (born October 27, 1958 in County Durham) is an English football player and coach. ... Shrewsbury Town F.C. are an English football team currently playing in Football League Two after being promoted in 2004 from the Nationwide Conference. ... Graham Turner (born 1947) is an former English footballer, who made over 600 Football League appearances and is a current football manager. ...

Relegation

Turner was unable to reverse the decline, and in 1986 they narrowly avoided relegation to the Second Division. A terrible start to the following season saw Turner sacked halfway through September. Billy McNeill's reign at Villa Park was even more difficult and short lived than Turner's reign. He was unable to save Villa from relegation and they went down to the Second Division in bottom place, just five years after winning the European Cup. McNeill handed in his notice and moved to Celtic just after the end of the season. Chairman Doug Ellis persuaded Watford manager Graham Taylor to take over the reins and set about bringing good fortunes back to the club. William Billy McNeill MBE (born March 2, 1940) is a former Scottish footballer and manager. ... Watford Football Club is an English Football League team located in Watford, Hertfordshire. ... Graham Taylor may refer to one of the following individuals: Graham Taylor (football manager) (born 1944) Graham Taylor (author) (born 1961), British novelist and part-time priest Graham Taylor (clergyman) (1851â€“1938), American clergyman and reformer in Chicago Graham Taylor (The Dude) (born 1987) This human name article is a...

Taylor revives Villa

Taylor's first season at Villa ended in automatic promotion as Second Division runners-up, being pipped to the title by Millwall. A key player in the promotion-winning side was 22-year-old midfielder David Platt, a former Manchester United reserve who had been signed from Crewe Alexandra for £200,000 just after Taylor's arrival. Platt's impressive goalscoring record and Taylor's managerial know-how ensured that Villa avoided relegation in their first season back in the top flight, and the following season (1989-90) they emerged as surprise contenders for the title. For a few weeks during the second half of the season, Villa led the league but eventually finished in second place - nine points behind champions Liverpool. Taylor then departed for the England manager's job and was succeeded by Czech coach Jozef Venglos - the first foreign manager in the First Division. Jozef VengloÅ¡ is a Slovakian football coach. ...

Venglos disappoints

Venglos spent one season as manager of Aston Villa (1990-91). Having finished second in Division 1 the season previous, Villa went on to qualify for the UEFA Cup, and in turn be one of the first English clubs to enter European competition following the lifting of the ban following the Heysel disaster. Furthermore, they were the first English club to play in mainland Europe in competitive competition (against Banik Ostrava). The second round also brought arguably Villa's best result since the 1982 European Cup Final, by beating a star-studded Inter Milan side 2-0 at Villa Park. However this lead was overturned by Inter in the return leg 3-0, and Villa were out. Venglos stepped down after they finished just two places above the First Division relegation zone and David Platt was sold to Italian side Bari for £5 million. Aston Villa's new manager was Ron Atkinson, who had achieved considerable success with West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United and more recently Sheffield Wednesday. Villa progressed to finish sixth in 1991-92 and book their place in the new Premier League. UEFA Cup logo The UEFA Cup is a football competition for European club teams. ... The Heysel Stadium disaster took place at the 1985 football European Cup final at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium. ... FC Baník Ostrava is a Czech football club from the Moravian city of Ostrava. ... Champions League Logo The UEFA Champions League is an annual international inter-club football competition between Europes most successful clubs, regarded as the most prestigious club trophy in the sport. ... Football Club Internazionale Milano (commonly, but incorrectly, known as Inter Milan) is an Italian football club, playing in the Serie A (first division). ... David Andrew Platt (born June 10, 1966 in Chadderton, Oldham) is an English footballer, regarded as one of the most industrious and complete midfield players the country has produced with a goalscoring ability the envy of most strikers. ... Associazione Sportiva Bari is an Italian football club based in Bari, Apulia. ... Ronald Frederick Big Ron Atkinson, born 18 March 1939 in Liverpool, England is a British former football player and manager. ... West Bromwich Albion Football Club is an English football club formed in 1878 by workers from Salters Spring Works in West Bromwich (then in Staffordshire, now part of the West Midlands). ... Manchester United Football Club is a world famous English football club. ... Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club in the English Football League, based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. ...

Title bid and Wembley triumph

Atkinson spent heavily, making expensive additions to the squad including Earl Barrett, Dean Saunders, Andy Townsend, Dalian Atkinson, Kevin Richardson, Ray Houghton and Shaun Teale. The policy nearly paid off in 1993 when Aston Villa finished runners-up to Manchester United (Atkinson's old club) in the inaugural Premier League. During that season, the strike partnership of Saunders and Atkinson was an instant hit with the Villa Park faithful and established itself as one of the most feared partnerships in the Premiership. Earl Barrett (born April 28, 1967 in Huddersfield) is a former English footballer, most famous for his stints with Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and manchester City FC. He played mainly at right back though could also adapt to a central defensive role. ... Dean Saunders (born 21 June 1964 in Swansea) was a Welsh footballer and was a prolific forward. ... Andrew David Townsend (born July 23, 1963, Maidstone) was a professional footballer now turned television pundit and can currently be seen as part of ITVs live coverage and hosting talkSPORTs Weekend Sports Breakfast programme, alongside Mike Parry. ... Dalian Atkinson (born 21 March 1968 in Shrewsbury, England) is an English footballer who played at centre-forward. ... Kevin Richardson (born December 4, 1962) is an English former football player. ... Ray Houghton (born January 9, 1962 in Glasgow) was an industrious footballer best known for his spell with the last great Liverpool team of the 1980s and his goals in big international fixtures for the Republic of Ireland. ... Shaun Teale (born March 10, 1964 in Southport) is a former English footballer, most famous for his stint with Aston Villa. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays Premiership or just The Premiership in the UK and as the Barclays English Premier League, the English Premier League, or simply the EPL internationally) is a league competition for football clubs located at the top of the English football league...

Villa gained their revenge over United with a 3-1 League Cup final victory the following season (which prevented United from winning a unique domestic treble) to secure a second successive UEFA Cup campaign. It was fine compensation for Atkinson's men, who had finished tenth after a slump in league form. Atkinson was dismissed (many believe prematurely) in November 1994 following a poor start to the season, just 18 months after they had almost won the league championship, secured a UEFA Cup place secured their first trophy in a decade. The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ...

League Cup triumph

Atkinson's successor Brian Little did well to keep a demoralised team in the Premiership and in the summer of 1995 reshaped the squad by selling most of the club's older players and buying in many younger players. New arrivals included Alan Wright, Gary Charles, Ian Taylor, Mark Draper, Savo Milosevic, Gareth Southgate and Tommy Johnson. Several home grown players were also progressing well, especially striker Dwight Yorke and defender Ugo Ehiogu. Brian Little (born on 25 November 1953, Horden, County Durham) is an English football player and manager. ... Alan Wright (born 28 September 1971) is an English professional footballer who currently plays for Sheffield United. ... Gary Charles (born April 13, 1970) is an English former footballer, who played at full back. ... Ian Colin Taylor MBE (born April 18, 1945) is a politician in the United Kingdom. ... Mark Draper (born 11 November 1970 in Long Eaton) is an English former football player. ... . Savo Milošević (born September 2, 1973 in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia) is a Serbian football striker, the all-time leading scorer and cap leader for the Serbia and Montenegro national football team. ... Gareth Southgate (born September 3, 1970 in Watford, Hertfordshire) is a former English footballer, most famous for his penalty miss against Germany at Euro 96 that saw his team go out of the tournament. ... Dwight Eversley Yorke (born November 3, 1971 in Canaan, Tobago) is a Trinidad and Tobago football player. ... Ugo Ehiogu (born October 6, 1972) is an English association football player. ...

Aston Villa made huge progress in 1995-96 under Brian Little. They won the League Cup, reached the FA Cup semi finals and finished fourth in the Premiership. Dwight Yorke was now established as a world class striker and other players like Ugo Ehiogu and Gareth Southgate were already gaining international recognition. Villa's form dipped slightly in 1996-97 and they finished fifth, but still qualified for the UEFA Cup.

Wembley finalists and UEFA Cup participants

Brian Little quit in February 1998 with Villa standing 15th in the Premiership, and his successor John Gregory, a former Aston Villa coach who had left to take charge of Wycombe Wanderers 18 months earlier, revitalised the club's fortunes and they finished seventh in the Premiership and qualified for the UEFA Cup; due to the progress of other teams in the top seven it was the first time that a seventh placed club has automatically qualified for the UEFA Cup. John Charles Gregory (born November 5, 1954 in Scunthorpe) is a former player and football manager of Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth F.C., Aston Villa, Derby County and other clubs. ... Wycombe Wanderers Football Club are an English football team from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, currently playing in Football League Two. ...

Despite the £12.6million sale of Dwight Yorke to Manchester United in August 1998, John Gregory had guided Aston Villa to the top of the Premiership by the middle of the 1998-99 season. New signings Paul Merson and Dion Dublin were proving to be worth the money, while 18-year-old defender Gareth Barry was easily the most competent young player in the Premiership that season. But Villa's form slipped during the final weeks and they finished sixth - not even enough for a UEFA Cup place. Paul Charles Merson (born Harlesden, 20 March 1968) is a retired English football player, and former player-manager of Walsall. ... Dion Dublin (born 22 April 1969 in Leicester) is an English footballer. ... Gareth Barry (born February 23, 1981 in Hastings, England) is an English footballer and midfielder for Aston Villa F.C.. An ex-England under-18 captain, he joined Aston Villa from Brighton and Hove Albion F.C. as a trainee in 1997, and played his first match for the team...

Villa reached the FA Cup final in 2000 (for the first time since 1957), but lost 1-0 to Chelsea in a poor game. 2000-01 saw Villa finish eighth in the Premiership, although they did eventually qualify for the UEFA Cup after a successful campaign in the Intertoto Cup over the summer of 2001. Gregory quit the club in January 2002 with Villa occupying an increasingly familiar place around the middle of the Premiership. Chelsea Football Club (also known as The Blues or previously as The Pensioners), founded in 1905, are an English Premier League football team. ...

Taylor returns

Chairman Doug Ellis made a surprise decision to appoint Graham Taylor as manager for the second time after Gregory's sudden resignation in January 2002. Villa finished the 2001-02 season in eighth place, which was similar to most of their other Premiership finishes. Herbert Douglas Ellis OBE (born January 3, 1924 in Chester) is an entrepreneur and long-standing chairman of Aston Villa Football Club. ... Graham Taylor OBE (born September 15, 1944, Worksop, Nottinghamshire) is a football manager and a former player. ...

Taylor quit as manager for the second time after the end of the 2002-03 season. Villa had just finished 16th in the Premiership, losing twice to arch rivals Birmingham City. Only their fine home form had saved them from relegation.

O'Leary fails to succeed

David O'Leary, who had taken Leeds United to the semi-finals of the 2000-01 Champions League, was drafted in as Taylor's replacement. After a poor start to the season, O'Leary transformed the team's fortunes and by Spring 2004 they were in contention for a UEFA Champions League place. But a 2-0 home defeat against Manchester United saw them finish sixth in the Premiership and narrowly miss out on a UEFA Cup place. Since then, though, Aston Villa's fortunes have dipped and they only finished 10th in 2004-05. David Anthony OLeary is an Irish football manager and former player. ... The UEFA Champions League (known colloquially as the European Cup) is an annual club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for the most successful football clubs in Europe. ... Manchester United Football Club is a world famous English football club. ... UEFA Cup logo The UEFA Cup is a football competition for European club teams. ...

Pacy striker Darius Vassell moved to Premiership side Manchester City on 27 July, 2005, for a reported fee of £2 million, and was replaced within a month by Euro 2004 Golden Boot winner Milan Baros, who arrived from Liverpool for a fee of £6.5 million (with a further £0.5 million dependent on appearances). Influential winger Nolberto Solano left the club prior to the transfer deadline to return to Newcastle United. James Milner was a part of the transfer and was on loan at the club for the 2005/2006 season -- a decision on whether to make the move permanent is pending and is looking in doubt due to the stalling of the £1 million sale of Mathieu Berson to Auxerre after their manager was sacked. Off the field, the club's future is uncertain, and elderly chairman Doug Ellis, who was treated for cancer in 2005, is seeking to sell his stake. Manchester City F.C. is a football club based in Manchester, United Kingdom. ... The Golden Boot is the award given to the top goalscorer in a football (soccer) tournament. ... The title given to this article is incorrect due to technical limitations. ... Liverpool Football Club (usually known simply as Liverpool) are a professional football club based in Liverpool, in the north west of England. ... Solano re-signing for Newcastle United F.C., August 2005 Nolberto Nobby Albino Solano Todco (born December 12, 1974 in Callao, PerÃº) is a Peruvian football player who currently plays for Newcastle United in the English Premiership. ... James Milner(-1730) was Seigneur of Sark from 1723 to 1730. ... Herbert Douglas Ellis OBE (born January 3, 1924 in Chester) is an entrepreneur and long-standing chairman of Aston Villa Football Club. ...

Frustration within the club appears to be coming to a head. On 14 July, a group of Villa players took the unprecedented step of criticising the chairman's alleged parsimony and lack of ambition in an interview with a local newspaper. The club immediately dismissed the report as "ridiculous", but it emerged over the following few days that a group of senior players had indeed instigated the move, possibly with O'Leary's backing.

The following week, David O'Leary left the club by mutual consent after three years as Aston Villa manager and his assistant Roy Aitken became caretaker manager. Alan Curbishley, a former Villa player, was linked the managerial vacancy but said that he wasn't interested. Martin O'Neill's name had also come up among the possible candidates. Martin Hugh Michael ONeill, OBE, born 1 March 1952, in Kilrea, Northern Ireland, is a former Northern Ireland national football team captain and football manager. ...

O'Neill - 'Deadly's 14th and final manager

Doug Ellis introduced Martin O'Neill to over a thousand jubilant fans and the press as the Aston Villa manager at a press conference on 4th August 2006. It is believed O'Neill only agreed to sign before the impending takeover because he was aware of the urgent need to assess the strengths and weaknesses of his squad ahead of the 2006/2007 season. Martin Hugh Michael ONeill, OBE, born 1 March 1952, in Kilrea, Northern Ireland, is a former Northern Ireland national football team captain and football manager. ...

John Robertson and Steve Walford also joined the managerial team as assistant manager and coach respectively.

At the press conference O'Neill stated "It's absolutely fantastic to be back and with a club such as this. This is a fantastic challenge. I am well aware of the history of this football club. Trying to restore it to its days of former glory seems a long way away - but why not try? It is nearly 25 years since they won the European Cup but that is the dream."[3]

Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... See also: 2006 in sports 8 July 2006 (Saturday) Rugby union: 2006 Tri Nations Series New Zealand defeat Australia 32â€“12 at Jade Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. ...

The Takeover

After 23 years as chairman and single biggest shareholder (apx 38%), Doug Ellis finally decided to sell his stake in Aston Villa. This was a decision welcomed by many Villa fans, who felt that fresh blood and better investment was needed to recapture the glory years. The decision was likely to have been prompted by Ellis' ill-health. In September 2005, the club was put up for sale. There followed 10 months of little serious interest, save for an aborted bid by local businessman and self-professed life-long Villa fan Michael Neville, who formed a consortium backed by Irish property developers the Comer brothers. Herbert Douglas Ellis OBE (born January 3, 1924 in Chester) is an entrepreneur and long-standing chairman of Aston Villa Football Club. ... Aston Villa Football Club play at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. ... A consortium is an association of two or more individuals, companies, organisations or governments (or any combination of these entities) with the objective of participating in a common activity or pooling their resources for achieving a common goal. ...

After the consequences of the infamous "Villa Statement" in July 2006 saw the dismissal of David O'Leary, Villa reiterated their desire to sell the club, stating that there were several interested parties, "which may or may not lead to an offer for the club". The hunt for a new manager was put on the back burner as the bidding started. Neville, once more, stated his desire to buy the club, but he was joined by the AV06 consortium of QC Nicholas Padfield, a group put together by Sven-Göran Eriksson's agent Athole Still, and the owner of NFL franchise, the Cleveland Browns, Randy Lerner. David Anthony OLeary is an Irish football manager and former player. ... QC can stand for: Quezon City, a highly urbanized city in the Republic of the Philippines. ... Nicholas Padfield is a British lawyer, QC, and is currently deputy High Court judge. ... (IPA pronunciation: , born February 5, 1948) is a Swedish football manager and prominent socialite. ... NFL logo For other uses of the abbreviation NFL, see NFL (disambiguation). ... City Cleveland, Ohio Team colors Seal Brown, Orange, and White Head Coach Romeo Crennel Owner Randy Lerner General manager Phil Savage Mascot CB, Chomps, TD, and Trapper League/Conference affiliations All-America Football Conference (1946-1949) Western Division (1946-1948) National Football League (1950-present) American Conference (1950-1952) Eastern... Randy Lerner is the owner of the Cleveland Browns franchise in the National Football League. ...

Lerner appeared to be the front-runner but initially broke off talks with the club over certain terms attached to the sale. However, he was lured back to the table and on On 14 August 2006, it was announced that Lerner would participate in a £62.6m stock exchange deal, effectively taking control of the club. In the meantime, Ellis had persuaded much sought-after manager Martin O'Neill to take the reins at Villa Park, initially on a one-year rolling contract. August 14 is the 226th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (227th in leap years), with 139 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Martin Hugh Michael ONeill, OBE, born 1 March 1952, in Kilrea, Northern Ireland, is a former Northern Ireland national football team captain and football manager. ...

The conclusion of the Lerner deal became a formality on 25 August when it was announced that he had secured 59.69% of the club's shares, effectively ending the Doug Ellis era at Villa Park. The 21 day period for shareholders to sell their shares expired on 4 September, and it was announced that Lerner had acquired just over 85% of the club's shares. The offer period was extended until 18 September in order to give Lerner an opportunity to obtain his desired 90% share. August 25 is the 237th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (238th in leap years), with 128 days remaining. ... Herbert Douglas Ellis OBE (born January 3, 1924 in Chester) is an entrepreneur and long-standing chairman of Aston Villa Football Club. ... Villa Park, in Birmingham, England; is the stadium at which Aston Villa Football Club play their home games. ... September 4 is the 247th day of the year (248th in leap years). ... September 18 is the 261st day of the year (262nd in leap years). ...

Although he would no longer have any power at the club, Ellis was given a President Emeritus (Life President) role. Emeritus (IPA pronunciation: or ) is an adjective that is used in the title of a retired professor, bishop or other professional. ...

Club colours & crest

The club colours are claret shirt with sky blue sleeves, white shorts with claret and blue trim, sky blue socks with claret and white trim. They were the original wearers of these famous colours and other teams, notably West Ham and Burnley, adopted the same colours. Villa's colours at the outset were generally comprised of plain shirts, either white or grey or a shade of blue, with either white or black shorts. For a few years after that (1877-79) The team wore several different kits from all white, blue and black, red and blue to plain green. By 1880 black jerseys with a red lion embroidered on the chest were introduced by William McGregor. Some believe Villa legend George Ramsay played a part in the introduction of the Scottish 'Rampant Lion'. This remained the first choice strip for six years. On Monday, 8 November 1886, an entry in the club's official minute book states: Proposed and seconded that the colours be chocolate and sky blue shirts and that we order two dozen. Proposed and seconded that Mr McGregor be requested to supply them at the lowest quotation. The chocolate colour later became claret. West Ham United Football Club is a professional English football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. ... Burnley Football Club is a professional football club based in Burnley, in north-east Lancashire, England. ... George Burrell Ramsay (March 1, 1855 in Glasgow, Scotland - October 1935 in Llandrinod Wells) was secretary/manager of Aston Villa Football Club in the most successful period of their history. ...

No-one is quite sure why claret and blue became the club's adopted colours. Several theories abound. One such theory suggests that a meeting of the club's directors took place in the Barton's Arms public house in Newtown, Birmingham. One item on the agenda was the club's colours. The directors could not decide but noticed that the pub had blue and red tiles on the wall. These colours were adopted with the red changing slightly to claret. The tiles can still be seen in the pub to this day. Another theory suggests that the Scottish connection with the early years of the club being so great (e.g. George Ramsay and William McGregor) that the club adopted the colours on the coat of arms of the Duke of Edinburgh (claret and blue).

Local rivalries

Aston Villa's key rivals are Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City. As of season 2006-07 Villa will be the only Premiership club in the Midlands. The club's nearest Premiership rivals will be Sheffield United, who play approximately 62 miles away. Birmingham City (BCFC) is one of Birminghams two professional soccer teams (the other is Aston Villa F.C.). Originally known as The Small Heath Alliance, they became in 1905 and Birmingham City F.C. in 1945. ... West Bromwich Albion Football Club is an English football club formed by workers from Salters Spring Works in West Bromwich, West Midlands in 1878. ... Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. is a Wolverhampton-based football club playing at Molineux. ... Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues due to the traditional colour of their strip (which itself is sky blue in honour of the sky blue cloth traditionally made in the city), are a football team based in Coventry, England. ... The midlands of a territory are its central regions. ... Sheffield United F.C. are a football club in The Football League. ...

Current First Team Squad

Image File history File links Flag_of_Denmark. ... A goalkeeper. ... Thomas LÃ¸vendahl SÃ¸rensen (born June 12, 1976 in Fredericia, Denmark) is a Danish professional football goalkeeper, who currently plays for Aston Villa in the English Premiership. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Wales_(bordered). ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Mark Delaney (born May 13, 1976 in Haverfordwest) is a Welsh footballer who currently plays for Aston Villa F.C. as a defender. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Jlloyd Samuel (born March 29, 1981 in Trinidad and Tobago) is an English football defender, who currently plays for Aston Villa F.C.. As a youth, he played for sunday league team Senrab and West Ham United, and was released from the East London club on the same day as... Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Erik Olof Mellberg (IPA: []) (born September 3, 1977 in AmnehÃ¤rad, GullspÃ¥ng) is a Swedish football player who currently plays club football for Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Denmark. ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Martin Laursen (born July 26, 1977 in FÃ¥rvang, Denmark) is a Danish professional football player who plays as a defender for Aston Villa F.C.. Laursen has been capped 41 times for the Denmark national football team, scoring a single goal in the process. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Gareth Barry (born February 23, 1981 in Hastings, England) is an English footballer and midfielder for Aston Villa F.C.. An ex-England under-18 captain, he joined Aston Villa from Brighton and Hove Albion F.C. as a trainee in 1997, and played his first match for the team... The team captain of a football (soccer) team, sometimes known as the skipper, is a team member chosen to be the on-pitch leader of the team: it is often one of the older or more experienced members of the squad. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Lee Hendrie (born May 18, 1977 in Birmingham, England) is an English footballer and midfielder for Aston Villa F.C.. Hendrie made his Aston Villa debut as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers F.C. on December 23, 1995 and achieved the accolade of the... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Gavin McCann (born in Blackpool 10th January 1978) is a combative midfielder with Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Colombia. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Juan Pablo Ãngel (born October 24, 1975 in MedellÃn) is a Colombian football striker, who currently (as of 2005) is playing for Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Czech_Republic_(bordered). ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Milan BaroÅ¡ (born 28 October 1981 in Vigantice, Czech Republic) is going to win the world cup. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Bulgaria_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Stiliyan Petrov (Bulgarian: ) (born July 5, 1979 in Montana, Bulgaria) is a Bulgarian football player who currently plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League and the Bulgarian national team. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Northern_Ireland_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... A goalkeeper. ... Stuart Taylor (born November 28, 1980 in Romford) is an English football goalkeeper. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Cameroon. ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Eric Djemba-Djemba Eric Djemba-Djemba (born May 4, 1981 in Douala, Cameroon) is a football player who currently plays as a defensive midfielder for Aston Villa and the Cameroonian national team. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Gabriel Agbonlahor (born 13 October 1986) is an English striker for English football club Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Netherlands. ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Wilfred Bouma (born June 15, 1978 in Helmond, the Netherlands) is a Dutch soccer player who currently plays for English club Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Pete Whittingham (born September 8, 1984 in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England) is an English footballer and left-sided midfielder for Aston Villa F.C.. He made his debut on April 21, 2003 against Newcastle United F.C., a second-half substitution for Gareth Barry, and made an immediate impact, seeing a... Image File history File links Flag_of_Northern_Ireland_(bordered). ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Aaron Hughes (born November 8, 1979 in Cookstown, County Tyrone) is a Northern Irish football player. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Liam Ridgewell (born July 21, 1984 in London) is an English footballer and defender for Aston Villa F.C.. Ridgewell was part of the Aston Villa team who won the FA Youth Cup final in May 2002 against Everton F.C., but did so having transferred from West Ham United... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Categories: Possible copyright violations ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Luke Moore (born February 13, 1986 in Birmingham, England) is an English football player who currently plays for Aston Villa as a forward. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Czech_Republic_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Patrik Berger (born 10 November 1973 in Prague) is a Czech football (soccer) player. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Austria. ... A goalkeeper. ... Robert Olejnik (born November 26, 1986 in Vienna) is an Austrian goalkeeper playing for Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Craig Gardner is an English footballer, who plays for the English Premiership club Aston Villa F.C. as a midfielder. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_France. ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Didier Agathe (born August 16, 1975 in Saint-Pierre, RÃ©union) is a professional footballer who is currently without a club. ...

Reserve Players

Image File history File links Flag_of_Ireland. ... A goalkeeper. ... Stephen Henderson, (born February 5, 1988 in Cork), is an Irish goalkeeper playing for Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Ireland. ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Stephen OHalloran (born November 29, 1987) is an Irish defender playing for Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Playing for reserves against Manchester United. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Belgium_(civil). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Christian Tshimanga Kabeya (born June 16, 1987 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo) is a Belgian midfielder playing for Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Scott Bridges born 3 May 1988 in Oxford is a professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Isiah Osbourne born 15 November 1987 in Birmingham is a professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Wales_(bordered). ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Sam Williams (born June 9, 1987) is a English football player who currently plays for Aston Villa as a forward. ...

Youth Team Squad

For recent transfers, see the "Transfer Deals" section of 2006-07 in English football. Image File history File links Flag_of_Ireland. ... A goalkeeper. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... A goalkeeper. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Ireland. ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Australia. ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The Bolton player in white closest to the camera is a defender in this case, trying to prevent the Fulham forward in blue from crossing the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Switzerland. ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Switzerland. ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Australia. ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... In football (soccer), a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Wales_(bordered). ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Ireland. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Northern_Ireland_(bordered). ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Hungary. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... The 2006-2007 season will be the 127th season of competitive football in England. ...

Management and Coaching Staff

Image File history File links Flag_of_Northern_Ireland_(bordered). ... Martin Hugh Michael ONeill, OBE, born 1 March 1952, in Kilrea, Northern Ireland, is a former Northern Ireland national football team captain and football manager. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... John Robertson (born 20 January 1953 in Uddingston) is a former Scottish footballer. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Steve Walford (born 5 January 1958) is a former English footballer turned manager. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Alan Smith (born 1950, in Middlesbrough) is a former English footballer turned physiotherapist. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Eric Steele is a former English footballer turned coach. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Kevin MacDonald (born January 1, 1966 in Inverness, Scotland) was a football player who formed part of the Liverpool double winning side of 1986. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Gordon Cowans (born October 27, 1958 in County Durham) is an English football player and coach. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Tony McAndrew (born 11 April 1956, in Glasgow) is a former Scottish footballer turned coach. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ...

Club Officials

Majority Shareholder

Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_States. ... Randy Lerner is the owner of the Cleveland Browns franchise in the National Football League. ...

Current Board (Outgoing)

Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Herbert Douglas Ellis OBE (born January 3, 1924 in Chester) is an entrepreneur and long-standing chairman of Aston Villa Football Club. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ...

Company Secretary

Marion Stringer Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ...

Incoming Board (From September 19th 2006)

Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_States. ... Randy Lerner is the owner of the Cleveland Browns franchise in the National Football League. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_States. ... General Charles Chandler Krulak (born March 4, 1942) served as the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps from July 1, 1995 to June 30, 1999. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_States. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_States. ...

Life President

Club Honours

Champions League Logo The UEFA Champions League is an annual international inter-club football competition between Europes most successful clubs, regarded as the most prestigious club trophy in the sport. ... The European Super Cup is at stake in an annual football game between the reigning champions of the UEFA Cup and the Champions League. ... The Inter-Toto Cup is a mini tournament which allows clubs to apply to participate in the hope of qualifying for the UEFA Cup. ... The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... From the 1992-93 to the 2003-04 season, the Football League Third Division was the third-highest division of The Football League and the fourth-highest division in the overall English football league system. ... The Football Association Youth Challenge Cup is an English football competition run by The Football Association for under-18 sides. ...

Greatest Players

Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Paul Charles Merson (born Harlesden, 20 March 1968) is a retired English football player, and former player-manager of Walsall. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Dion Dublin (born 22 April 1969 in Leicester) is an English footballer. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Colombia. ... Juan Pablo Angel (born October 24, 1975 in Medellin) is a Colombian football striker, who currently (as of 2005) is playing for Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Czech_Republic_(bordered). ... The title given to this article is incorrect due to technical limitations. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... David James may refer to: David James - Manchester City & England goalkeeper The Rt. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Darius Vassell (born 13 June 1980 in Sutton Coldfield) is an English international footballer who plays club football in the Premiership at Manchester City. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Northern_Ireland_(bordered). ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Peru. ... Solano re-signing for Newcastle United F.C., August 2005 Nolberto Nobby Albino Solano Todco (born December 12, 1974 in Callao, PerÃº) is a Peruvian football player who currently plays for Newcastle United in the English Premiership. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ... Erik Olof Mellberg (IPA: []) (born September 3, 1977 in AmnehÃ¤rad, GullspÃ¥ng) is a Swedish football player who currently plays club football for Aston Villa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England_(bordered). ... Gareth Barry (born February 23, 1981 in Hastings, England) is an English footballer and midfielder for Aston Villa F.C.. An ex-England under-18 captain, he joined Aston Villa from Brighton and Hove Albion F.C. as a trainee in 1997, and played his first match for the team...

Managers

George Burrell Ramsay (March 1, 1855 in Glasgow, Scotland - October 1935 in Llandrinod Wells) was secretary/manager of Aston Villa Football Club in the most successful period of their history. ... Jimmy McMullan (Born Denny, Stirlingshire, 26th March 1895 Died Sheffield, 28th November 1964) Won 16 Scotland caps as a player at half-back. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Alex C. Massie (March 13, 1906 - September 20, 1977) was a Scottish international footballer, playing mainly at right-half. ... George Martin was a football manager and player. ... Eric Houghton (b. ... Joe Mercer, OBE (August 9, 1914 - August 9, 1990) was an English football player and manager. ... Dick Taylor (born 28 January 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England) was an early bass player for Rolling Stones. ... Tommy Cummings is a retired former footballer and manager. ... Thomas Henderson Docherty (born Gorbals, Glasgow on 24 August 1928), usually known as Tommy Docherty or the Doc, is a Scottish former footballer and football manager. ... Victor Herbert Crowe (born Abercynon, Glamorgan, 31 January 1932) was a Welsh footballer. ... Ron Saunders (Born Birkenhead 6th November 1932) As a player Ron Saunders was a hard-shooting centre forward. ... Tony Barton (1936-1993) was an English football manager. ... Graham Turner (born 1947) is an former English footballer, who made over 600 Football League appearances and is a current football manager. ... William Billy McNeill MBE (born March 2, 1940) is a former Scottish footballer and manager. ... Graham Taylor OBE (born September 15, 1944, Worksop, Nottinghamshire) is a football manager and a former player. ... Jozef VengloÅ¡ is a Slovakian football coach. ... Ronald Frederick Big Ron Atkinson, born 18 March 1939 in Liverpool, England is a British former football player and manager. ... Brian Little (born on 25 November 1953, Horden, County Durham) is an English football player and manager. ... John Charles Gregory (born November 5, 1954 in Scunthorpe) is a former player and football manager of Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth F.C., Aston Villa, Derby County and other clubs. ... Graham Taylor OBE (born September 15, 1944, Worksop, Nottinghamshire) is a football manager and a former player. ... David Anthony OLeary is an Irish football manager and former player. ... Martin Hugh Michael ONeill, OBE, born 1 March 1952, in Kilrea, Northern Ireland, is a former Northern Ireland national football team captain and football manager. ...

Captains

George Burrell Ramsay (March 1, 1855 in Glasgow, Scotland - October 1935 in Llandrinod Wells) was secretary/manager of Aston Villa Football Club in the most successful period of their history. ... Archie Hunter (Born Joppa, Ayr 23rd September 1859 died Aston, Birmingham, 1894) First captain of Aston Villa to lift the FA Cup (1887). ... John Henry George Devey (born 1866; died 1940) Signed for Aston Villa in March 1891. ... James William Crabtree (Jimmy) (1871 - 1908) Was a gifted English footballer of the end of the 19th century. ... Howard Spencer Born 23 August 1875, Edgbaston, Birmingham Died January 1940, Sutton Coldfield. ... Joseph William Bache (Joe) (Born: 8 February 1880 in Stourbridge, Died: 11 October 1960) Joe Bache was a prolific centre forward for Aston Villa Football Club from 1900-1919. ... Andy Ducat (Born 1886 in Brixton, London, Died: 1942 in Marylebone, London) A gifted wing-half, whose career was unfortunately cut in two by the First World War. ... Frank Edward Moss (September 23, 1911 â€“ January 29, 2003) was a moderate Democratic United States Senator from Utah. ... Billy Walker (29 October 1897 - 28 November 1964) Was a prominent English footballer of the 1920s and 1930s. ... Eric Houghton (b. ... Alex C. Massie (March 13, 1906 - September 20, 1977) was a Scottish international footballer, playing mainly at right-half. ... Before Dr. Hook, George Cummings was in the Chocolate Papers during the mid-1960s. ... Richard Dorsett born 3 December 1919 in Brownhills. ... Robert Dennis Blanchflower, known as Danny Blanchflower (February 10, 1926 in Belfast - December 9, 1993) was a footballer, football manager, and journalist who captained Spurs during their double-winning season of 1961. ... Johnny Dixon b. ... Victor Herbert Crowe (born Abercynon, Glamorgan, 31 January 1932) was a Welsh footballer. ... Charles Alexander Aitken (Charlie) Born 5th January 1942 in Edinburgh, Scotland. ... Chris Nicholl (born 1946) was a Southampton player during the 1970s. ... Ian Ross (born 26 November 1947 in Glasgow, Scotland) was a professional footballer and football manager. ... Chris Nicholl (born 1946) was a Southampton player during the 1970s. ... Dennis Mortimer (born 1952 in Liverpool, England) was an English footballer and distinguished captain of Aston Villa. ... Allan Evans, (born 12 October 1956 in Dunfermline, Scotland) is a former Scottish footballer who played for Dunfermline Athletic and Aston Villa. ... Paul McGrath (born December 4, 1959 in Ealing, England) is a former international football (soccer) defender, a long-time member of the Republic of Ireland national team. ... Kevin Scott Richardson (born October 3, 1971 in Lexington, Kentucky) is a member of The Backstreet Boys. ... Gareth Southgate (born September 3, 1970 in Watford, Hertfordshire) is a former English footballer, most famous for his penalty miss against Germany at Euro 96 that saw his team go out of the tournament. ... Stephen Staunton (born 19 January 1969 in Drogheda, Republic of Ireland) is a cultured defender who enjoyed a distinguished career with Liverpool F.C. and Aston Villa F.C. and became the Republic of Irelands most capped player. ... Paul Charles Merson (born Harlesden, 20 March 1968) is a retired English football player, and former player-manager of Walsall. ... Erik Olof Mellberg (IPA: []) (born September 3, 1977 in AmnehÃ¤rad, GullspÃ¥ng) is a Swedish football player who currently plays club football for Aston Villa. ... Gareth Barry (born February 23, 1981 in Hastings, England) is an English footballer and midfielder for Aston Villa F.C.. An ex-England under-18 captain, he joined Aston Villa from Brighton and Hove Albion F.C. as a trainee in 1997, and played his first match for the team...

Appearance Records

Charles Alexander Aitken (Charlie) Born 5th January 1942 in Edinburgh, Scotland. ... Billy Walker (29 October 1897 - 28 November 1964) Was a prominent English footballer of the 1920s and 1930s. ... Gordon Cowans (born October 27, 1958 in County Durham) is an English football player and coach. ... Joseph William Bache (Joe) (Born: 8 February 1880 in Stourbridge, Died: 11 October 1960) Joe Bache was a prolific centre forward for Aston Villa Football Club from 1900-1919. ... Allan Evans, (born 12 October 1956 in Dunfermline, Scotland) is a former Scottish footballer who played for Dunfermline Athletic and Aston Villa. ... Nigel Spink (born Chelmsford, England, July 8, 1958) was a football goalkeeper who made his name at Aston Villa F.C. and also made one appearance for England at international level. ... Johnny Dixon b. ... Dennis Mortimer (born 1952 in Liverpool, England) was an English footballer and distinguished captain of Aston Villa. ...

All-Time Leading Goalscorers

Billy Walker (29 October 1897 - 28 November 1964) Was a prominent English footballer of the 1920s and 1930s. ... Joseph Harry Hampton (April 21, 1885 - March 15, 1963). ... John Henry George Devey (born 1866; died 1940) Signed for Aston Villa in March 1891. ... Joseph William Bache (Joe) (Born: 8 February 1880 in Stourbridge, Died: 11 October 1960) Joe Bache was a prolific centre forward for Aston Villa Football Club from 1900-1919. ... Eric Houghton (b. ... Thomas (Tom) Pongo Waring (October 12, 1906 - December 20, 1980) was an English footballer. ... Johnny Dixon b. ... Born in Newry, won FA cup with Aston Villa in 1957. ...

Season-By-Season Record

The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... The Football League is an organisation representing 72 professional football clubs in England and Wales, and runs the oldest professional football league competition in the world. ... The 1888-1889 season was the eighteenth season of competitive football (soccer) in England. ... The Football League is an organisation representing 72 professional football clubs in England and Wales, and runs the oldest professional football league competition in the world. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... The Football League is an organisation representing 72 professional football clubs in England and Wales, and runs the oldest professional football league competition in the world. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... The Football League is an organisation representing 72 professional football clubs in England and Wales, and runs the oldest professional football league competition in the world. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... The Football League is an organisation representing 72 professional football clubs in England and Wales, and runs the oldest professional football league competition in the world. ... The Football League is an organisation representing 72 professional football clubs in England and Wales, and runs the oldest professional football league competition in the world. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... This article needs cleanup. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... This article needs cleanup. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The Double is a term in football, meaning to win a countrys top division and its main cup competition in the same season. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... This article needs cleanup. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... This article needs cleanup. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... This article needs cleanup. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... Ypres, 1917, in the vicinity of the Battle of Passchendaele. ... The 1919-1920 season was the 45th season of competitive football (soccer) in England, and the first following the end of World War I. Honours Category: ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... In the sports leagues — especially soccer leagues — of many countries, relegation (or demotion) means the mandated transfer of the worst team(s) (often the bottom three) of a higher league into a lower league at the end of the season. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... This article needs cleanup. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... German soldiers at the Battle of Stalingrad World War II was the most extensive and costly armed conflict in the history of the world, involving the great majority of the worlds nations, being fought simultaneously in several major theatres, and costing tens of millions of lives. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The 1954-1955 season was the 75th season of competitive football in England, from August 1954 to May 1955: // Overview Chelsea win the League Championship for the first time. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... In the sports leagues — especially soccer leagues — of many countries, relegation (or demotion) means the mandated transfer of the worst team(s) (often the bottom three) of a higher league into a lower league at the end of the season. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... This article needs cleanup. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The 1963-1964 season was the 84th season of competitive football in England, from August 1963 to May 1964: // Overview Liverpool won the League Championship. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... // Overview After a three-way tussle for the League title between Manchester United, Leeds United and Chelsea, Manchester United came out on top and were crowned champions. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... In the sports leagues — especially soccer leagues — of many countries, relegation (or demotion) means the mandated transfer of the worst team(s) (often the bottom three) of a higher league into a lower league at the end of the season. ... The 1967-68 season the 88th season of competitive football in England. ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... The 1968-69 season the 89th season of competitive football in England. ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... The 1969-70 season the 90th season of competitive football in England. ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... In the sports leagues — especially soccer leagues — of many countries, relegation (or demotion) means the mandated transfer of the worst team(s) (often the bottom three) of a higher league into a lower league at the end of the season. ... // First Division Arsenal won the league championship at the end of a season which would soon be followed by their FA Cup final tie with Liverpool. ... From the 1992-93 to the 2003-04 season, the Football League Third Division was the third-highest division of The Football League and the fourth-highest division in the overall English football league system. ... // First Division Brian Clough, 37, won the first major trophy of his managerial career by guiding Derby County to their first ever league championship. ... From the 1992-93 to the 2003-04 season, the Football League Third Division was the third-highest division of The Football League and the fourth-highest division in the overall English football league system. ... This article needs cleanup. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... The 1973-74 season the 94th season of competitive football in England. ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... // First Division David Mackay guided Derby County to their second league title in four years having overcome strong competition from Liverpool, Ipswich Town, Everton, Stoke City, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough in a title race which went right to the wire. ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ... // First Division Liverpool won their first major trophy under Bob Paisley by narrowly winning the league title after heated competition from Queens Park Rangers. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... // First Division Liverpool retained their league championship trophy and won their first European Cup to confirm Bob Paisley as a successful replacement for Bill Shankly in his third season at the helm. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ... The 1977-1978 season was the 98th season of competitive football (soccer) in England, from August 1977 to July 1978: // Overview Wimbledon play their first season in the Football League, replacing Workington. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... // First Division Bob Paisley won his third league title in Liverpool and his conquering side fought off competition from the likes of Nottingham Forest and West Bromwich Albion to achieve their triumph. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... // First Division Bob Paisleys Liverpool retained their league championship trophy after fighting off a determined challenge by Dave Sextons Manchester United. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards and make it more accessible to a general audience, this article may require cleanup. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... This article needs cleanup. ... The 1991-92 season was the 101st season of competitive football in England. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... Champions League Logo The UEFA Champions League is an annual international inter-club football competition between Europes most successful clubs, regarded as the most prestigious club trophy in the sport. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards and make it more accessible to a general audience, this article may require cleanup. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The European Super Cup is at stake in an annual football game between the reigning champions of the UEFA Cup and the Champions League. ... // First Division Liverpool had a great first season under the management of Joe Fagan as they wrapped up their third successive league title and the 15th in their history. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... // First Division Howard Kendalls world class Everton side beat neighbours Liverpool to the league championship, while Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United followed closely behind. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... // First Division The championship crown went to Liverpool for the 16th time in their history at the end of their first season under the management of Kenny Dalglish, but they had to fight off some very stiff competition to get the big prize. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... // First Division The 1986-87 First Division championship went to Everton in their final season under the management of Howard Kendall before his departure to Atletico Bilbao. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... In the sports leagues — especially soccer leagues — of many countries, relegation (or demotion) means the mandated transfer of the worst team(s) (often the bottom three) of a higher league into a lower league at the end of the season. ... // First Division Liverpool won the league title with a comfortable nine-point margin and just two defeats all season. ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... // First Division Arsenal won the league title on goal difference with the last kick of the season, as they beat Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield to claim the championship trophy and deny Kenny Dalglishs men a unique second double. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... // First Division Liverpool overhauled a greatly improved Aston Villa side to win their 18th league championship trophy and their fifth major trophy in as many seasons under Kenny Dalglishs management. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The 1991-92 season was the 112th season of competitive football in England. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The 1991-92 season was the 112th season of competitive football in England. ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The 1992-1993 season was the 113th season of competitive football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The 1993-1994 season was the 114th season of competitive football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ... The 1994-1995 season was the 115th season of competitive football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The 1995-1996 season was the 116th season of competitive football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ... The 1996-1997 season was the 117th season of competitive football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... // Premier League Arsenal overhauled Manchester Uniteds lead during the final weeks of the season to win the Premiership title. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The 1998-1999 season was the 119th season of competitive football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The 1999-2000 season was the 120th season of competitive football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The 2000-2001 season was the 121st season of competitive football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The 2001-2002 season was the 122nd season of competitive football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The UEFA Intertoto Cup is a summer football competition for European clubs that have not qualified for one of the main UEFA competitions (the Champions League and the UEFA Cup). ... The 2002-2003 season was the 123rd season of competitive football (soccer) in England, from August 2002 to July 2003: // England national team Key: ECQ = 2004 European Championship qualifiers, F = Friendly; scores are written England first European club competitions UEFA Champions League Manchester United - Quarter finals Arsenal - Second group phase... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The 2003-2004 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The 2004-2005 season was the 125th season of competitive football (soccer) in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... The 2005-2006 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ...

Trivia

Villa Park is a football stadium in the district of Aston, in Birmingham England. ... Perry Barr constituency shown within Birmingham Perry Barr is an area in north Birmingham, England . ... Bodymoor Heath is the training ground of Aston Villa Football Club. ... Warwickshire (pronounced either /ËˆwÉ”ËÉ¹ÉªkËŒÊƒÉ™/ or /ËˆwÉ”ËÉ¹ÉªkËŒÊƒÉªÉ™/) is a landlocked non-metropolitan county in central England. ... This is a list of football clubs located in England and the leagues and divisions they play in (though note that not all play in the English football league system). ... The UEFA Champions League (known colloquially as the European Cup) is an annual club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for the most successful football clubs in Europe. ... May 26 is the 146th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (147th in leap years). ... Rotterdam Location Flag Country The Netherlands Province South Holland Population 588,718 (2006) Coordinates 51Â° 55 N.; 4Â° 30 E. Website www. ... FC Bayern Munich (German: FC Bayern MÃ¼nchen) is a German football club based in Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria. ... Peter Withe (born 30 August 1951, Liverpool) is a much-travelled English footballer of the 70s and 80s golden era. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays Premiership or just The Premiership in the UK and as the Barclays English Premier League, the English Premier League, or simply the EPL internationally) is a league competition for football clubs located at the top of the English football league... Arsenal Football Club (also known as Arsenal, The Arsenal or The Gunners) are an English professional football club based in north London. ... Chelsea Football Club (also known as The Blues or previously as The Pensioners), founded in 1905, are an English Premier League football team. ... Everton Football Club is a football club based in the city of Liverpool in Merseyside, England. ... Liverpool Football Club (usually known simply as Liverpool) are a professional football club based in Liverpool, in the north west of England. ... Manchester United Football Club is a world famous English football club. ... Tottenham Hotspur Football Club are an English football club who play in the FA Premier League. ... Everton Football Club is a football club based in the city of Liverpool in Merseyside, England. ... Goodison Park is the home ground of Everton F.C. in Liverpool. ... The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... First international Scotland 0 - 0 England (Partick, Scotland; 30 November 1872) Largest win Ireland 0 - 13 England (Belfast, Ireland; 18 February 1882) Worst defeat Hungary 7 - 1 England (Budapest, Hungary; 23 May 1954) World Cup Appearances 12 (First in 1950) Best result Winners, 1966 European Championship Appearances 7 (First in... 1895 (MDCCCXCV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... For more on the FA Cup and trivia about the finals and champions, see the main FA Cup article The FA Cup Final is the last match in the FA Cup, the oldest football tournament in the world. ... Archie Hunter (Born Joppa, Ayr 23rd September 1859 died Aston, Birmingham, 1894) First captain of Aston Villa to lift the FA Cup (1887). ... First international Scotland 0 - 0 England (Partick, Scotland; 30 November 1872) Largest win Ireland 0 - 13 England (Belfast, Ireland; 18 February 1882) Worst defeat Hungary 7 - 1 England (Budapest, Hungary; 23 May 1954) World Cup Appearances 12 (First in 1950) Best result Winners, 1966 European Championship Appearances 7 (First in... Graham Taylor OBE (born September 15, 1944, Worksop, Nottinghamshire) is a football manager and a former player. ... Jozef VengloÅ¡ is a Slovakian football coach. ... Villa Park is a football stadium in the district of Aston, in Birmingham England. ... The World in plate carrÃ©e projection The World In English, world is rooted in a compound of the obsolete words were, man, and eld, age; thus, its oldest meaning is age or life of man. Its primary modern meaning is the planet Earth, especially when capitalized: the World. ... Income, generally defined, is the money that is received as a result of the normal business activities of an individual or a business. ... Arsenal Football Club (also known as Arsenal, The Arsenal or The Gunners) are an English professional football club based in north London. ... The Emirates Stadium is a football stadium currently under construction, for Arsenal Football Club in Ashburton Grove, Islington, north London, England. ... August 19 is the 231st day of the year (232nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Erik Olof Mellberg (IPA: []) (born September 3, 1977 in AmnehÃ¤rad, GullspÃ¥ng) is a Swedish football player who currently plays club football for Aston Villa. ...

Famous Fans

Never the most fashionable of clubs, Aston Villa have traditionally drawn their famous supporters from locally-born celebrities:

Nigel Kennedy (born December 28, 1956 in Brighton, England) is a violinist and violist. ... Jamelia, real name Jamelia Davis (born October 1, 1981), is a British R&B singer. ... Ian Lavender (born 16 February 1946) is a film and television actor best known for his role as Private Frank Pike in the BBC comedy series Dads Army. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah is a British Rastafarian writer and dub poet, and is well known in contemporary English literature. ... Pauline McLynn (born 10th July 1962) is an Irish actress best known for playing Mrs Doyle in the TV series Father Ted and in adverts for the Inland Revenue. ... UB40 UB40 are a dub / reggae pop music band formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England. ... Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne Ozzy Osbourne (born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948 in Aston, Birmingham, England) is the lead singer of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, and is a popular solo artist and reality television star. ... Tony Iommi Frank Anthony Tony Iommi (born February 19, 1948) is a guitarist from Birmingham, England, who is best known as a member of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. ... Geezer Butler Terence Michael Joseph Geezer Butler (born 17 July 1949 in Aston, Birmingham, England) is the founding bassist for heavy metal legends Black Sabbath. ... Bill Ward Bill Ward (born May 5, 1948, Birmingham, England), is the drummer for the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath. ... For other uses, see Black Sabbath (disambiguation). ... Heart 106. ... Born in Birmingham in 1970, Emma Bs real surname is Battersby. ... Floella Benjamin OBE (born September 23, 1949) is known to a generation of Britons as a presenter of popular childrens programmes such as Play School and Playaway. ... Lisa Clayton is the first British woman to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world. ... Mark Barney Greenway, born 1969, is a British death metal vocalist, who has been a member of Napalm Death, Extreme Noise Terror and Benediction. ... Napalm Death is a grindcore/death metal band formed in the village of Meriden near Birmingham, England in 1982 by Nicholas Bullen and Miles Ratledge. ... Simon Inglis (born Birmingham, England) is a writer and broadcaster, most famously about football and stadiums. ... Neds Atomic Dustbin is a British Grebo rock band that formed in Stourbridge in West Midlands, England in November 1987. ... Ocean Colour Scene (often abbreviated to OCS) are a rock band from Birmingham, England. ... Oliver Martyn John Phelps was born 13 minutes before his twin brother, James Andrew Eric Phelps, on February 25, 1986 in Sutton Coldfield, England, United Kingdom. ... Jane Sixsmith (born on September 5, 1967) is a former field hockey player, who was a member of the British squad that won the bronze medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. ... Martin Shaw - Actor, Pilot and Animal Welfare Campaigner Martin Shaw (born January 21, 1945) is an English actor. ... Taylors first solo recording was a hit single for the 9Â½ Weeks movie soundtrack. ... Duran Duran are a British New Wave band notable for a long series of catchy, synthesizer-driven hit singles and vivid music videos. ... HRH Prince William of Wales William Arthur Philip Louis His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales (William Arthur Philip Louis Mountbatten-Windsor) (born June 21, 1982) is a member of the British Royal Family, grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and first son of Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales. ... Highgrove is the country home of HRH The Prince of Wales, in Gloucestershire. ... Thomas Jeffrey Hanks (born July 9, 1956) is a two-time Academy Award-winning American actor who starred in family-friendly and screwball comedies before achieving notable success as a dramatic actor. ... David William Donald Cameron (born 9 October 1966) is a British politician, Leader of the Conservative Party, and Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons. ... Sir William Dugdale (September 12, 1605 - February 10, 1686) was an English antiquary. ... Rt. ... The Right Honourable Peter Norman Fowler, Baron Fowler, PC (born 1937) usually known as Norman Fowler before he was given his peerage, and probably now best known as Lord Fowler, is a British Conservative politician who was from 1981 to 1990 a member of Margaret Thatchers Cabinet. ... Map sources for Sutton Coldfield at grid reference SP1395 Sutton Coldfield constituency shown within Birmingham Sutton Coldfield is a part of the City of Birmingham, England. ... 100. ...

Contents

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