Aston Villa History Thread

[meregreen]

22 minutes ago, DaveAV1 said:

I remember listening to the first leg on the radio and giving up before the end to trudge off to the pub. A mate of mine came in, a Bluenose, and said we’d got one back at the end to make it 3-1 and give us a chance. What a game the second leg was, the final wasn’t bad either. 

I was at Tranmere for that game. Thought we had blown it at 3 nil. When we scored that goal near the end my mate and I looked at each other and smiled. We knew Villa Park would be a cauldron for the second leg, and felt only John Aldridge in the Tranmere team wouldn’t be fazed by it. In the local pub after we could see that the Tranmere fans were gutted that they let that late goal in. The doubts were already beginning to simmer. Football eh . Second leg was something else.

[Brumstopdogs]

 

 

[sheepyvillian]

22 hours ago, MikeMcKenna said:

I don’t think so. It was seated on the top level and standing on the lower level. You can see the Witton Lane stand in this image for the Liverpool v Chelsea FA Cup semi-final in March 1965. It was made an all seater stand for the 66 World Cup.

I seen another picture of the Argentina players expecting the pitch in 66 and it's the little Witton Lane stand. Google Villa Park, you may see it. 

[Hornso]

1 hour ago, Brumstopdogs said:

 

 

Sweet, we can take it easy for the rest of the decade now 

[Five Ken McNaughts]

How fantastic that you were there for the first League Cup final @MikeMcKenna and @briny_ear. I read a nice retrospective piece on the match – with a cracking photo of the old Witton Lane stand – and those comments by match-winner Peter McParland about Villa supporters (yourselves included, no doubt!)

“They are the greatest fans in football,” he said. “Even when we had not scored and were still trying to make up a 2-0 deficit they kept urging us on.”

I hope the club have some plans to make McParland a guest at the final, or at least recognise him in some way. A genuine Villa legend and a part of League Cup and Wembley folklore – not a bad CV! In my daydreams, he is invited to say a few words to the team (naturally, the Villa then go out and play like men possessed).

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-beat-rotherham-win-119952.amp

[DaveAV1]

2 hours ago, Five Ken McNaughts said:

How fantastic that you were there for the first League Cup final @MikeMcKenna and @briny_ear. I read a nice retrospective piece on the match – with a cracking photo of the old Witton Lane stand – and those comments by match-winner Peter McParland about Villa supporters (yourselves included, no doubt!)

“They are the greatest fans in football,” he said. “Even when we had not scored and were still trying to make up a 2-0 deficit they kept urging us on.”

I hope the club have some plans to make McParland a guest at the final, or at least recognise him in some way. A genuine Villa legend and a part of League Cup and Wembley folklore – not a bad CV! In my daydreams, he is invited to say a few words to the team (naturally, the Villa then go out and play like men possessed).

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-beat-rotherham-win-119952.amp

And present Jack with the cup 

[TRO]

On 19/06/2018 at 14:03, terrytini said:

Blimey that’s relief .

I read the Heading  title as “ Aston Villa Are History Thread”.......

just been past....there was no Bulldozers.

Edited February 8, 2020 by TRO

[TRO]

4 hours ago, Five Ken McNaughts said:

How fantastic that you were there for the first League Cup final @MikeMcKenna and @briny_ear. I read a nice retrospective piece on the match – with a cracking photo of the old Witton Lane stand – and those comments by match-winner Peter McParland about Villa supporters (yourselves included, no doubt!)

“They are the greatest fans in football,” he said. “Even when we had not scored and were still trying to make up a 2-0 deficit they kept urging us on.”

I hope the club have some plans to make McParland a guest at the final, or at least recognise him in some way. A genuine Villa legend and a part of League Cup and Wembley folklore – not a bad CV! In my daydreams, he is invited to say a few words to the team (naturally, the Villa then go out and play like men possessed).

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-beat-rotherham-win-119952.amp

A true legend....I have the good fortune to remember him playing,watching him play perched on my Dads shoulders in the Holte.....what a winger, took no prisoners either.

 

Edited February 8, 2020 by TRO

[TRO]

On 28/01/2020 at 22:20, sheepyvillian said:

I seen another picture of the Argentina players expecting the pitch in 66 and it's the little Witton Lane stand. Google Villa Park, you may see it. 

I didn't know Diana Dors was a villa fan?

[Spoony]

I really struggle to enjoy our history in the same way other villa fans do. The whole time I’ve supported them we’ve won the peace cup and the weird trophy John Terry picked up.

[TRO]

On 27/06/2019 at 23:02, OutByEaster? said:

I've heard your story too - I think it's the most common of the origin stories and the one most likely to be true.

I've never heard the Hearts/Rangers thing before.

Although it's here:

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-kits-claret-strip-14463052

 

I guess it would be the William McGregor influence.

[briny_ear]

1 hour ago, Spoony said:

I really struggle to enjoy our history in the same way other villa fans do. The whole time I’ve supported them we’ve won the peace cup and the weird trophy John Terry picked up.

At least you don't have the pain of loss and disappointment that some of us feel... 

[TRO]

3 hours ago, Spoony said:

I really struggle to enjoy our history in the same way other villa fans do. The whole time I’ve supported them we’ve won the peace cup and the weird trophy John Terry picked up.

Don't fret.....you have the privilege of watching one of the best Villa players, right now.

that's how highly, i rate him.

[Spoony]

6 hours ago, TRO said:

Don't fret.....you have the privilege of watching one of the best Villa players, right now.

that's how highly, i rate him.

Grealish. Or...are you Tanzanian?

[DaveAV1]

14 hours ago, Spoony said:

I really struggle to enjoy our history in the same way other villa fans do. The whole time I’ve supported them we’ve won the peace cup and the weird trophy John Terry picked up.

We’ll put that right on March 1st, which is also my birthday. The last time we played in a cup final on my birthday was 1975 when we beat Norwich. I was there with my Mom, who wouldn’t miss her son’s 12th birthday, and Dad. It was also my first, of many visits to Wembley. It’s written in the stars Spoony, a new era of Villa glory is about to dawn! UTV!!

[Robtaylor200]

My memories of Aston Villa

My first match with my old man was against Chelsea at Villa Park Monday 16th May 1965, I remember us getting promoted from the old Third division in the early 70s (I think it was 71) The team kicked footballs into the crowd as I stood on the bank that later became the North Stand 

First away match with pops was at Preston. Pops took me to every home game for years. The first match I went to on my own that I remember was at Villa Park we played Santos in a friendly it was the night Pele played what an incredible night at VP, although Pops said I had been going on my own from about 12 years old

As a youth I enjoyed away games at Blackpool, wearing my Dock Martin boots, short cut oxford bags that showed my Villa socks, purple penny round collar shirt and light blue braces with my scarf tied around my wrist and hair cut to the roots (LOL I thought I looked so cool) catching The Villa special train for Villa fans to away games all over the country. arrested several times for being a nob in the late 70s. Millwall was fun,  up to Newcastle and Sunderland down to Southampton or in a transit van that 14 of us went together. Hit with a bottle at QPR and had beer poured on me at Goodison park from the home fans above us. I remember running on the pitch to join in with the fighting, been to Wembley many times and seen them lift a cup or two in 1975 against Norwich I missed my sisters wedding to be there.. I could fill the pages with my memories of Aston Villa European cup winners 

Then I grew up and had my own kids I took my lad to every game, and occasionally took my old dad even in his 80s

Now I am in my 60s and Pops the greatest Villa fan has gone to a better place passed away in hospital this year with his Villa scarf on the bed. I dont go so often now maybe 6 times a season, my away games days are over (apart from Wembley). I still wear my shirt on a Saturday, never miss a game on TV even when on holiday (left Mrs T on her own on our honeymoon in Egypt to watch a game against the Blues - still not living that down) my lad now takes me and hoping for another 20 years or more supporting the famous Aston Villa 

Its not easy being a die hard Villa fan   Villa till I die Villa till I die 

Edited February 9, 2020 by Robtaylor200

[Robtaylor200]

On 25/01/2020 at 12:05, Brumstopdogs said:

 

 

 

Every one met in the same area. The Cannock lot were situated at the back, left hand side. no matter how you got there you could meet and stand with your mates. Many times I would get there from work and get a lift back from some one with a car 

[TRO]

2 hours ago, Robtaylor200 said:

My memories of Aston Villa

My first match with my old man was against Chelsea at Villa Park Monday 16th May 1965, I remember us getting promoted from the old Third division in the early 70s (I think it was 71) The team kicked footballs into the crowd as I stood on the bank that later became the North Stand 

First away match with pops was at Preston. Pops took me to every home game for years. The first match I went to on my own that I remember was at Villa Park we played Santos in a friendly it was the night Pele played what an incredible night at VP, although Pops said I had been going on my own from about 12 years old

As a youth I enjoyed away games at Blackpool, wearing my Dock Martin boots, short cut oxford bags that showed my Villa socks, purple penny round collar shirt and light blue braces with my scarf tied around my wrist and hair cut to the roots (LOL I thought I looked so cool) catching The Villa special train for Villa fans to away games all over the country. arrested several times for being a nob in the late 70s. Millwall was fun,  up to Newcastle and Sunderland down to Southampton or in a transit van that 14 of us went together. Hit with a bottle at QPR and had beer poured on me at Goodison park from the home fans above us. I remember running on the pitch to join in with the fighting, been to Wembley many times and seen them lift a cup or two in 1975 against Norwich I missed my sisters wedding to be there.. I could fill the pages with my memories of Aston Villa European cup winners 

Then I grew up and had my own kids I took my lad to every game, and occasionally took my old dad even in his 80s

Now I am in my 60s and Pops the greatest Villa fan has gone to a better place passed away in hospital this year with his Villa scarf on the bed. I dont go so often now maybe 6 times a season, my away games days are over (apart from Wembley). I still wear my shirt on a Saturday, never miss a game on TV even when on holiday (left Mrs T on her own on our honeymoon in Egypt to watch a game against the Blues - still not living that down) my lad now takes me and hoping for another 20 years or more supporting the famous Aston Villa 

Its not easy being a die hard Villa fan   Villa till I die Villa till I die 

Like you Rob, I could write a book.....just short of my 70's and started c 1958/59 I remember being upset at Nigel sims breaking his collar bone against Lincoln in the cup and playing on.

my dad used to put me over the turnstiles in witton lane and I'd have to wait, while he went round to the trinity for the adults entrance, that wait was scary as I remember.

my finest Day was in rotterdam, a day i will never forget if i lived 2 lives.

I was very close to one of our stars, I could write a book on that alone.

I am a season ticket holder, so go to every home game....away is a bit too much for me now.

Edited February 9, 2020 by TRO

[DaveAV1]

2 hours ago, Robtaylor200 said:

My memories of Aston Villa

My first match with my old man was against Chelsea at Villa Park Monday 16th May 1965, I remember us getting promoted from the old Third division in the early 70s (I think it was 71) The team kicked footballs into the crowd as I stood on the bank that later became the North Stand 

First away match with pops was at Preston. Pops took me to every home game for years. The first match I went to on my own that I remember was at Villa Park we played Santos in a friendly it was the night Pele played what an incredible night at VP, although Pops said I had been going on my own from about 12 years old

As a youth I enjoyed away games at Blackpool, wearing my Dock Martin boots, short cut oxford bags that showed my Villa socks, purple penny round collar shirt and light blue braces with my scarf tied around my wrist and hair cut to the roots (LOL I thought I looked so cool) catching The Villa special train for Villa fans to away games all over the country. arrested several times for being a nob in the late 70s. Millwall was fun,  up to Newcastle and Sunderland down to Southampton or in a transit van that 14 of us went together. Hit with a bottle at QPR and had beer poured on me at Goodison park from the home fans above us. I remember running on the pitch to join in with the fighting, been to Wembley many times and seen them lift a cup or two in 1975 against Norwich I missed my sisters wedding to be there.. I could fill the pages with my memories of Aston Villa European cup winners 

Then I grew up and had my own kids I took my lad to every game, and occasionally took my old dad even in his 80s

Now I am in my 60s and Pops the greatest Villa fan has gone to a better place passed away in hospital this year with his Villa scarf on the bed. I dont go so often now maybe 6 times a season, my away games days are over (apart from Wembley). I still wear my shirt on a Saturday, never miss a game on TV even when on holiday (left Mrs T on her own on our honeymoon in Egypt to watch a game against the Blues - still not living that down) my lad now takes me and hoping for another 20 years or more supporting the famous Aston Villa 

Its not easy being a die hard Villa fan   Villa till I die Villa till I die 

Stories that will last a lifetime Rob, I have a few myself, including getting nicked at New Street on the way to Rotterdam. I got to the game and added a few more memories, including sobbing my heart out when Withe’s shin made history.

I remember being on the pitch at Highbury and then climbing up into the seats. It was mayhem and they didn’t present us with the League Champions trophy, but we didn’t care!   It makes me laugh when pundits say a joyous pitch invasion at Villa Park is like going back to the 70s/80s. They haven’t got a clue. We’re all a bit daft until the right woman comes along and sorts us out! 

I do feel for lads who don’t have the memories we have been blessed with. Hopefully we will all get some more over the next few years. 

UTV!!!!!

[DaveAV1]

1 hour ago, TRO said:

Like you Rob, I could write a book.....just short of my 70's and started c 1958/59 I remember being upset at Nigel sims breaking his collar bone against Lincoln in the cup and playing on.

my dad used to put me over the turnstiles in witton lane and I'd have to wait, while he went round to the trinity for the adults entrance, that wait was scary as I remember.

my finest Day was in rotterdam, a day i will never forget if i lived 2 lives.

I was very close to one of our stars, I could write a book on that alone.

I am a season ticket holder, so go to every home game....away is a bit too much for me now.

I remember when Alex Cropley broke his leg against The Albion, I think it was Ali Robertson’s tackle. Andy Gray ran straight up to him and put him on the deck. I used to sit downstairs in the trinity road with my Dad then and we all heard his leg snap. 

I met Alex a few years later 1986/7 I think. It was in his pub in Edinburgh, called Cropley’s. He had Villa, Arsenal and Scotland shirts on the wall. He was a lovely bloke and still good mates with Andy Gray. I was working not boozing, but his Mom came out and made us both a cup of tea!