Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Villa Memories => Topic started by: Toronto Villa on May 30, 2013, 01:59:41 PM

Title: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 30, 2013, 01:59:41 PM
So I'm driving home yesterday, about 11pm your time, 6, my time, and I'm listening to a football show on satellite radio out here. They are interviewing the manager of Orlando City FC, some bloke called Adrian Heath. Yep that Adrian Heath, and I said to myself, he played for us didn't he? I remember Heath as Sharp's partner at Everton under Howard Kendall and doing really well. Then I recalled he came to us from some club in Spain and did the square root of fuck all before he left for Man City. I know we've had plenty of players who are irrelevant, but they might have been as irrelevant before they played for us. But it got me thinking is Adrian Heath, a player with a decent reputation in the game when he joined us, one of the most insignificant players in Aston Villa history?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Clampy on May 30, 2013, 02:02:25 PM
Stephen Ireland might run him close.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: RickySlade on May 30, 2013, 02:06:49 PM
David Unsworth must be up there.  Did he even play for us before his wife threw a tantrum?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: fbriai on May 30, 2013, 02:08:40 PM
It's an interesting classification. Should we put Frank McAvennie and Warren Aspinall in there with him as well?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: fbriai on May 30, 2013, 02:09:13 PM
David Unsworth must be up there.  Did he even play for us before his wife threw a tantrum?

He played a friendly or an Intertoto Cup game, didn't he?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on May 30, 2013, 02:09:35 PM
Hassan Kachloul
Mark Kinsella
Paul Mortimer
Gary Penrice
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Brend'Watkins on May 30, 2013, 02:10:40 PM
I think I remember Adrian Heath scoring for us, come to think of it, it could have been that the ball hit the back of the net rebounded out and he then put it in the net.  I'm sure he has scored for us though.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 30, 2013, 02:14:44 PM
So I'm driving home yesterday, about 11pm your time, 6, my time, and I'm listening to a football show on satellite radio out here. They are interviewing the manager of Orlando City FC, some bloke called Adrian Heath. Yep that Adrian Heath, and I said to myself, he played for us didn't he? I remember Heath as Sharp's partner at Everton under Howard Kendall and doing really well. Then I recalled he came to us from some club in Spain and did the square root of fuck all before he left for Man City. I know we've had plenty of players who are irrelevant, but they might have been as irrelevant before they played for us. But it got me thinking is Adrian Heath, a player with a decent reputation in the game when he joined us, one of the most insignificant players in Aston Villa history?

Stephen Ireland might run him close.

no chance. Any player, irrespective of the reason that wins player of the year is immediately discounted. History will resign Ireland to the irrelevant bin, but I don't think he's insignificant.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Irish villain on May 30, 2013, 02:14:47 PM
Boulding?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 30, 2013, 02:16:17 PM
ta for moving
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: villasjf on May 30, 2013, 02:22:19 PM
Isiah Osborne, Mustapha Salifou, Marlon Harewood, Habib Beye, Ivo Stas, Franz Carr, Neale Cooper Eric Djemba Djemba the list is endless
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: PGW on May 30, 2013, 02:23:43 PM
David Unsworth must be up there.  Did he even play for us before his wife threw a tantrum?

He played a friendly or an Intertoto Cup game, didn't he?
Didnt he play in friendly at Wycombe
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 30, 2013, 02:24:41 PM
Isiah Osborne, Mustapha Salifou, Marlon Harewood, Habib Beye, Ivo Stas, Franz Carr, Neale Cooper Eric Djemba Djemba the list is endless

Irrelevant. Just to clarify it is a player that comes to us with some kind of a reputation and does literally nothing. I'd say someone like Sasa Curcic comes to mind.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: E I Adio on May 30, 2013, 02:28:29 PM
Oscar Arce
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: freethinker on May 30, 2013, 02:31:44 PM
It's an interesting classification. Should we put Frank McAvennie and Warren Aspinall in there with him as well?

That's a bit harsh on Warren Aspinall. I remember seeing him play for us a fair bit back in 1987/88 in the old second division. A quick google shows he played 44 games for us and scored 14 goals and if my memory serves me correctly, one of them was away at West Brom in a midweek match.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: fbriai on May 30, 2013, 02:33:11 PM
David Unsworth must be up there.  Did he even play for us before his wife threw a tantrum?

He played a friendly or an Intertoto Cup game, didn't he?
Didnt he play in friendly at Wycombe

That rings a bell. Especially with the Gregory link.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: ez on May 30, 2013, 02:34:31 PM
Isiah Osborne, Mustapha Salifou, Marlon Harewood, Habib Beye, Ivo Stas, Franz Carr, Neale Cooper Eric Djemba Djemba the list is endless
Salifou was with us four seasons... why???
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: fbriai on May 30, 2013, 02:35:04 PM
It's an interesting classification. Should we put Frank McAvennie and Warren Aspinall in there with him as well?

That's a bit harsh on Warren Aspinall. I remember seeing him play for us a fair bit back in 1987/88 in the old second division. A quick google shows he played 44 games for us and scored 14 goals and if my memory serves me correctly, one of them was away at West Brom in a midweek match.

Fair point, mate. In light of Toronto's clarification, I'll swap him for Didier Six.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on May 30, 2013, 02:40:09 PM
Berson
De Bilde
Bakke
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: tricky59 on May 30, 2013, 03:06:31 PM
Tommy Craig.  My recollection of him was as a very fine player, who just did not completely fit in with the Villa's style of play.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: andyh on May 30, 2013, 03:06:37 PM
Mervyn Day
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Chipsticks on May 30, 2013, 03:11:52 PM
Makoun's gotta be up there. Over 50 caps for his national side, having played Champions League football and gaining a solid reputation while at Lille and Lyon before moving to us for over £6 million at age 27 - supposedly his prime.

What a flop.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 30, 2013, 03:16:22 PM
Makoun's gotta be up there. Over 50 caps for his national side, having played Champions League football and gaining a solid reputation while at Lille and Lyon before moving to us for over £6 million at age 27 - supposedly his prime.

What a flop.

yep entirely agree. He'll be known more for his flashy jumper and being sent off at Blackpool. Came with a good reputation and a cracking CL goal vs Real Madrid I think.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: eamonn on May 30, 2013, 03:21:06 PM
Balaban, he was no Jankovich.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Villan For Life on May 30, 2013, 03:58:40 PM
Nigel Callaghan.

What a waste of a transfer fee. I recall that he arrived around the same time as Heath. IIRC he ended up as an overweight club DJ in Ibiza
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: IFWaters on May 30, 2013, 03:59:58 PM
This site is worth a trawl for that info, brings back memories

http://astonvillaplayerdatabase.com/

Reminds me of a bloke I used to know called Andy Comyn who played 12 games for us in 1990. His first games was 3rd round of the FA Cup at home against Liverpool in front of 48,000. He got turned inside out by John Barnes at his best.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: damon loves JT on May 30, 2013, 04:13:50 PM
Am I imagining John Fashanu in a Villa shirt?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: mattjpa on May 30, 2013, 04:17:25 PM
What about the guy in the tracksuit bottoms? so insignificant I dont even remember his name, just that he came to us on a loan and played in tracksuit bottoms every game. I remember thinking he had a decent reputation beforehand and hoped that if he did well it might turn into a permanent move. From memory he was completely toilet.....
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Chipsticks on May 30, 2013, 04:22:46 PM
What about the guy in the tracksuit bottoms? so insignificant I dont even remember his name, just that he came to us on a loan and played in tracksuit bottoms every game. I remember thinking he had a decent reputation beforehand and hoped that if he did well it might turn into a permanent move. From memory he was completely toilet.....

Are you thinking of Gabor Kiraly? Loaned goalkeeper in 2006/07. I remember we played him in an FA Cup tie at Old Trafford, which we lost in the last few minutes after a shot from OGS went straight through him.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 30, 2013, 04:23:11 PM
Am I imagining John Fashanu in a Villa shirt?

excellent call on John Fashanu Mr Terry
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on May 30, 2013, 04:28:25 PM
Warren Aspinall was an important part of our promotion team and his goals, particularly the one at home to Shrewsbury, were vital. Two less significant names from that season spring to mind though. David Hunt and Malcolm Allen. And a few years later, Alan Mcloughlin.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on May 30, 2013, 04:43:45 PM
Michael Bradley
Bosko Balaban
Eirik Bakke
Mathieu Berson

And that's just the B's
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Chris Jameson on May 30, 2013, 04:44:24 PM

Reminds me of a bloke I used to know called Andy Comyn who played 12 games for us in 1990. His first games was 3rd round of the FA Cup at home against Liverpool in front of 48,000. He got turned inside out by John Barnes at his best.

I'm sure he played in the 2-0 home win over Inter. I might have imagined that.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Chris Jameson on May 30, 2013, 04:45:50 PM
Michael Bradley
Bosko Balaban
Eirik Bakke
Mathieu Berson

And that's just the B's

Breitkrutz, he looked a decent player whenever I saw him in the reserves. Forgotten the name of the other German player with the mullet and moustache, he was a striker.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on May 30, 2013, 04:48:09 PM
Stefan Beinlich - he actually had a decent career and went on to play for the German national team.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: andyh on May 30, 2013, 04:52:20 PM
Simon Dawkins, definitely Simon Dawkins.
Has he gone yet ?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on May 30, 2013, 04:53:30 PM

Reminds me of a bloke I used to know called Andy Comyn who played 12 games for us in 1990. His first games was 3rd round of the FA Cup at home against Liverpool in front of 48,000. He got turned inside out by John Barnes at his best.

I'm sure he played in the 2-0 home win over Inter. I might have imagined that.

I think you are right. Paul McGrath didn't play. If I remember right the official story was an injury, but rumours it wasn't as simple as that were confirmed in his book.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: garyshawsknee on May 30, 2013, 04:54:09 PM
Michael Bradley
Bosko Balaban
Eirik Bakke
Mathieu Berson

And that's just the B's

I always thought Berson looked quite a good player in his brief appearances, hopefully Sylla has broken the curse of French signings. 
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on May 30, 2013, 05:03:41 PM
To be fair to the selection who started this thread off, Adrian Heath wasn't even our most insignificant signing that summer. Not all non league signings called Spink go on to play as many games as Nigel. Dean, first team appearances 0.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 30, 2013, 05:09:30 PM
To be fair to the selection who started this thread off, Adrian Heath wasn't even our most insignificant signing that summer. Not all non league signings called Spink go on to play as many games as Nigel. Dean, first team appearances 0.

see, Dean Spink was irrelevant. Unheard of before and very much after. Adrian Heath was a relatively prominent player at the time, and did the sum total of nothing for us in a brief uneventful spell.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Richie on May 30, 2013, 05:14:27 PM
Neale Cooper - came down from Aberdeen as the next big thing.

Got injured, didn't play his first game until after Christmas. Played about 5 times for the team that got relegated and about another 3 at the start of the season in Second Division.

SGT sussed he was a waste of space and got rid.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Chris Jameson on May 30, 2013, 05:22:01 PM
Neale Cooper - came down from Aberdeen as the next big thing.


When I lived in Newcastle I went to watch our reserves against them and Cooper was playing, all I can remember about the game was an old bloke near me just constantly shouting 'I'm watching you Cooper, you dirty bastard'.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: midgeavfc on May 30, 2013, 05:27:46 PM
Has anyone mentioned Nii lamptey!!! Big ron signing if I remember dubbed the new PELE!!
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: montague on May 30, 2013, 06:22:59 PM
Andy Blair was a big disappointment for someone who got a EC winners medal
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Rupert on May 30, 2013, 06:31:28 PM
Simon stainrod what waster.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Rupert on May 30, 2013, 06:32:49 PM
Sorry  a waster
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: newtonsballs on May 30, 2013, 07:44:26 PM
Oscar Arce

Think you've hit the jackpot. I think he made two appearances for the reserves and was released. Ex-Argentina International. Was he earning his fair back home - who knows!?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Darlo Dave on May 30, 2013, 07:58:30 PM
Am I imagining John Fashanu in a Villa shirt?

Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: peter w on May 30, 2013, 07:59:59 PM
Alan McLoughlin

Tony Cascarino

Andy Blair part 2

Mike Pejic

Frank McAvennie

Guy Whittingham

Rob Edwards

Mark Burke

Ivor Linton

Jake Findlay

Lee Butler

Ronnie Johnsen

Oyvind Leonhardsen

I could go on...
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: TheSandman on May 30, 2013, 08:08:22 PM
Nicky Shorey?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Fasth56 on May 30, 2013, 08:31:03 PM
Phil Bardsley
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Exeter 77 on May 30, 2013, 08:43:49 PM
Steve Foster
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: ldavfc4eva on May 30, 2013, 09:05:05 PM
Najwan gharayib? John Gregory signing, supposed to be Alan wrights replacement at left back, can remember him ever playing though?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Chris Jameson on May 30, 2013, 09:41:44 PM
Saw him play against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, it was a midweek game just after (I think) the FA Cup semi final.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: johnboy on May 30, 2013, 09:44:34 PM
Bosko BAlaban, IVo Staas, do they actually ever play a game?
Oscar ARce did play once or twice and I'm sure that he was sent off.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: PGW on May 30, 2013, 09:47:44 PM
Najwan gharayib? John Gregory signing, supposed to be Alan wrights replacement at left back, can remember him ever playing though?
He played 1 league game and 1 LC game plus 4 sub appearances
Yup a pretty crap signing.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Dio1874 on May 30, 2013, 10:53:29 PM
Aston Villa [edit]
Balaban failed to find any form for Aston Villa, making just nine appearances, seven as a substitute, in two and a half years.[3] He was loaned back to Dinamo Zagreb for the 2002–03 season, scoring 15 times in 24 appearances.
In December 2003, Aston Villa released Balaban from his contract and he signed for Club Brugge on a free transfer.[3]
On 4 July 2007, Times Newspapers ranked Balaban as one of their 50 worst footballers.[ 4] Made me think, so borrowed this from that wiki lot. Sure I saw him come on as a sub & he was that bad that the rest of the players didn't bother passing to hm.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: E I Adio on May 30, 2013, 11:36:16 PM
Bosko BAlaban, IVo Staas, do they actually ever play a game?
Oscar ARce did play once or twice and I'm sure that he was sent off.

Oscar never actually managed to play a single game for Villa.

Neither did his brother Hector, before they both scuttled back to argieland, presumably a little richer.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 31, 2013, 02:00:04 AM
Oyvind Leonhardsen
Ronny Johnsen
Peter Schmeichel
The other Andy Gray
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Chris Harte on May 31, 2013, 07:45:45 AM

The other Andy Gray
You mean the guy we signed from Palace? As I remember he was very much involved in our promotion season of 1987-88. Hardly what I'd call insignificant.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Lastfootstamper on May 31, 2013, 07:58:34 AM

Tony Cascarino


I wouldn't describe him as insignificant. Quite the opposite, in fact. Made a very telling contribution in claret and blue.

Just not in a good way.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: fbriai on May 31, 2013, 08:25:42 AM
Reminds me of a bloke I used to know called Andy Comyn who played 12 games for us in 1990. His first games was 3rd round of the FA Cup at home against Liverpool in front of 48,000. He got turned inside out by John Barnes at his best.

We signed him from Alvechurch though, so I don't think we can say he was a household name when we signed him.

Didn't he quit football when he left us as he had just became a qualified accountant?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: levico on May 31, 2013, 10:17:44 AM
Freddie Mwila or Emment Kapengwe.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Dave Cooper please on May 31, 2013, 11:40:44 AM
Neil Tarrant. Had scored bucket loads of goals for Ross County before we bought him, did fuck all in the reserves for a couple of seasons and then went on a grand tour of obscure north-east non-league clubs.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: TonyDaleysHair on May 31, 2013, 01:53:23 PM
What about the guy in the tracksuit bottoms? so insignificant I dont even remember his name, just that he came to us on a loan and played in tracksuit bottoms every game. I remember thinking he had a decent reputation beforehand and hoped that if he did well it might turn into a permanent move. From memory he was completely toilet.....

Are you thinking of Gabor Kiraly? Loaned goalkeeper in 2006/07. I remember we played him in an FA Cup tie at Old Trafford, which we lost in the last few minutes after a shot from OGS went straight through him.

yep I was at that night game, didn't Baros score to make it 1-1 before pyjama pants had a late doors mare? I think he was an 'emergency loan' as well if I recall.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on May 31, 2013, 02:41:38 PM
Bobby Park.Scottish forward in the mid sixties....totally useless.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Irish villain on May 31, 2013, 04:46:22 PM
Neil Tarrant. Had scored bucket loads of goals for Ross County before we bought him, did fuck all in the reserves for a couple of seasons and then went on a grand tour of obscure north-east non-league clubs.

I remember the Teletext headline when we signed him: 'Tarrant set to become a Villionaire'. Talk about over-hyped!
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: E I Adio on May 31, 2013, 04:47:56 PM
Bobby Park.Scottish forward in the mid sixties....totally useless.

He was described by the manager (Dick Taylor/Tommy Cummins???) as the most enthusiastic player on the books. Sadly, his football stood out as awful in an awful team.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Irish villain on May 31, 2013, 04:51:09 PM
Thinking back, they do tend to be 'Bs': Gustavo Bartelt anybody??
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on May 31, 2013, 07:14:21 PM
I've already stuck up for Aspinall and I will stick up for Cascarino and Andy Gray II as well. Andy Gray played a big part in our promotion side and was sold for about three times what we paid for him, and Cascarino set up a couple of vital goals in the title race season and scored some very important goals against our relegation rivals Derby and Sunderland the following year.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: andyaston on May 31, 2013, 10:37:19 PM
I've already stuck up for Aspinall and I will stick up for Cascarino and Andy Gray II as well. Andy Gray played a big part in our promotion side and was sold for about three times what we paid for him, and Cascarino set up a couple of vital goals in the title race season and scored some very important goals against our relegation rivals Derby and Sunderland the following year.
Well said!
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Des Little on May 31, 2013, 11:28:36 PM
Didier Agathe. Fucking horse shit he was
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: DeKuip on June 01, 2013, 12:18:09 AM
Didier Agathe. Fucking horse shit he was
On the cobbles or did he put it in a carrier bag first?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Steve R on June 01, 2013, 04:07:15 AM

Reminds me of a bloke I used to know called Andy Comyn who played 12 games for us in 1990. His first games was 3rd round of the FA Cup at home against Liverpool in front of 48,000. He got turned inside out by John Barnes at his best.

I'm sure he played in the 2-0 home win over Inter. I might have imagined that.

Comyn had a very good game vs Inter. It was a bit of a shame that he looked so ordinary against everyone else.

Insignificant to me really means you have to scratch your head at the thought that they were once on or books. Either because you hadn't noticed or had long since forgotten.

Tord Grip.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: willywombat on June 01, 2013, 05:17:59 AM


Mike Pejic




Bit harsh, looked the business when he first came then got a career ending injury so far as I remember
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Deano's Mullet on June 01, 2013, 07:25:46 AM
David Curtolo?
Stefan Beinlich
Matthias Breitkreutz
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 01, 2013, 10:45:30 AM
Apart from being the last player we signed from Small Heath, from a playing point of view Alan Curbishley was insignificant. At least we got rid of Hopkins as part of the deal.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: WarszaVillan on June 01, 2013, 11:29:24 AM
David Hunt - the worst Villa player I have ever seen
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave shelley on June 01, 2013, 11:39:19 AM
I mentioned this lad on a similar thread a while back, John Inglis, I got his first name wrong then but this was one awful player, the worst I have ever seen for the Villa and believe me, I've seen some shit in my time.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: *shellac* on June 01, 2013, 11:42:17 AM
Daveeed Ginola
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 01, 2013, 11:45:29 AM
David Norton, Dean Glover, Darren Bradley, Ray Walker and Paul Kerr. Surely Graham Turner set a record there for the most number of insignificant Villa players in one team.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Exeter 77 on June 01, 2013, 11:57:35 AM
Phil Robinson - scored probably the most insignificant goal in Villa history at Old Trafford in the 1-3 defeat after relegation in 1987.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Irish villain on June 01, 2013, 01:21:48 PM
Daveeed Ginola

Man of the Match when we relegated Coventry I think?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on June 01, 2013, 01:38:58 PM
I mentioned this lad on a similar thread a while back, John Inglis, I got his first name wrong then but this was one awful player, the worst I have ever seen for the Villa and believe me, I've seen some shit in my time.

I was going to name Inglis but I think Bobby Park just edged him out..
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 01, 2013, 01:44:28 PM
The national press gave Ginola the man of the match plaudits for the Coventry game. Apparently him coming on for Staunton turned the game. I was there and thought it was Merson who turned the game and was MOTM.

Bobby Park sounds like a Melchester Rovers player.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave shelley on June 01, 2013, 04:25:08 PM
I mentioned this lad on a similar thread a while back, John Inglis, I got his first name wrong then but this was one awful player, the worst I have ever seen for the Villa and believe me, I've seen some shit in my time.

I was going to name Inglis but I think Bobby Park just edged him out..

It was a toss-up between the two Ron but, Inglis edged it because Park at least managed to score a couple.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: E I Adio on June 02, 2013, 11:05:53 AM
I mentioned this lad on a similar thread a while back, John Inglis, I got his first name wrong then but this was one awful player, the worst I have ever seen for the Villa and believe me, I've seen some shit in my time.

I was going to name Inglis but I think Bobby Park just edged him out..

It was a toss-up between the two Ron but, Inglis edged it because Park at least managed to score a couple.

There is a fine line between insignificance and being a very poor footballer. I think Bobby Park probably qualifies more towards the latter.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 02, 2013, 03:21:06 PM
If we are going for the double of insignificance and poor footballer then my vote goes to David Hunt.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on June 02, 2013, 04:34:23 PM
For the older more discerning Villians.

Gentlemen I give you

Cammie Fraser!!  He was scottish you know...as is Alan Hutton...and possibly even worse at right back.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave shelley on June 02, 2013, 04:37:10 PM
For the older more discerning Villians.

Gentlemen I give you

Cammie Fraser!!  He was scottish you know...as is Alan Hutton...and possibly even worse at right back.

I can actually remember Villa signing him.  Signed and played the same evening, you could do that back then.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave shelley on June 02, 2013, 04:40:52 PM
Again, for us old fogey's, another I've posted about on here, Dave Pountney; he of the milk bottle legs, and just as quick!
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on June 02, 2013, 04:59:45 PM
For the older more discerning Villians.

Gentlemen I give you

Cammie Fraser!!  He was scottish you know...as is Alan Hutton...and possibly even worse at right back.

I can actually remember Villa signing him.  Signed and played the same evening, you could do that back then.

Dave who did he replace? Ive been thinking it was Stan Lynn but was it Jock Winton?.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 02, 2013, 05:54:58 PM
I didn't realise Cammie played for us. Unbelievable Jeff!
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on June 02, 2013, 06:19:07 PM
Oyvind Leonhardsen
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 02, 2013, 06:23:27 PM
Oyvind Leonhardsen

I've always wanted to hear his name dramatically announced by the voiceover bloke from the X factor. Oooyyyvviiinniiind Leeeooonhhaaardseeennnnn!
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave shelley on June 02, 2013, 06:32:29 PM
For the older more discerning Villians.

Gentlemen I give you

Cammie Fraser!!  He was scottish you know...as is Alan Hutton...and possibly even worse at right back.

I can actually remember Villa signing him.  Signed and played the same evening, you could do that back then.

Dave who did he replace? Ive been thinking it was Stan Lynn but was it Jock Winton?.

I think it was Stan Lynn Ron but, I'm not  100%.  It was possibly around 1962ish, I'll have to check.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: E I Adio on June 02, 2013, 08:11:49 PM
Again, for us old fogey's, another I've posted about on here, Dave Pountney; he of the milk bottle legs, and just as quick!

Didn't he play left half after Alan Deakin broke his leg?

Seem to remember we called him "Passback Poutney" after his favourite manouvre.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave shelley on June 02, 2013, 08:19:46 PM
Again, for us old fogey's, another I've posted about on here, Dave Pountney; he of the milk bottle legs, and just as quick!

Didn't he play left half after Alan Deakin broke his leg?

Seem to remember we called him "Passback Poutney" after his favourite manouvre.

That's the one.  Dire.

Regarding Cammie Fraser Ron, I was right about 1962.  Check out Wiki, it says on there that he went on to help relegate the Noses, I forgot about that so he can't be all that bad!
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Can Gana Be Bettered!?!? on June 02, 2013, 08:23:13 PM
Steve Watson. Ferndo Nelson. Andy Marshall. Stephen Ireland. To name but a few.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: gervilla on June 02, 2013, 10:23:25 PM
Eirik Bakke
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave.woodhall on June 02, 2013, 10:49:09 PM
To be a truly insignificant player they can't have been so bad they became infamous, or a loan signing. An insignificant player must have cost not very much, been here a while, done absolutely nothing, had no effect on the team, played in no great games and been forgotten the day after they left, never to be discussed again.

Terry Bullivant, Adrian Heath,  Nicky Shorey, Colin Calderwood, Joe Ward, Willie Young.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: gervilla on June 02, 2013, 11:09:47 PM
That sounds like Paul Mortimer then.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: SirSteveUK on June 03, 2013, 06:30:03 PM
Again, for us old fogey's, another I've posted about on here, Dave Pountney; he of the milk bottle legs, and just as quick!

Didn't he play left half after Alan Deakin broke his leg?

Seem to remember we called him "Passback Poutney" after his favourite manouvre.

That's the one.  Dire.

Regarding Cammie Fraser Ron, I was right about 1962.  Check out Wiki, it says on there that he went on to help relegate the Noses, I forgot about that so he can't be all that bad!

Actually bridging the gap between Stan the Wham and Cammie Fraser was Gordon Lee IIRC (later Everton boss) ??

Cammie debuted 17.11.62  Stans last game was at Blackburn 16.9.61 (Charlie's 2nd game)

Not sure if mentioned earlier - I give you Frank Pimblett - barely made it into double figures in 2 seasons - score a couple mind...
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on June 03, 2013, 07:56:58 PM
Again, for us old fogey's, another I've posted about on here, Dave Pountney; he of the milk bottle legs, and just as quick!

Didn't he play left half after Alan Deakin broke his leg?

Seem to remember we called him "Passback Poutney" after his favourite manouvre.

That's the one.  Dire.

Regarding Cammie Fraser Ron, I was right about 1962.  Check out Wiki, it says on there that he went on to help relegate the Noses, I forgot about that so he can't be all that bad!

Actually bridging the gap between Stan the Wham and Cammie Fraser was Gordon Lee IIRC (later Everton boss) ??

Cammie debuted 17.11.62  Stans last game was at Blackburn 16.9.61 (Charlie's 2nd game)

Not sure if mentioned earlier - I give you Frank Pimblett - barely made it into double figures in 2 seasons - score a couple mind...

Another senior moment!  I thought Gordon Lee played at left back. Im wrong. I also thought he had died several years ago but he hasnt.
Hes 78 and living in Lytham St Annes.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave shelley on June 03, 2013, 08:08:33 PM
With apologies to the "youngsters" on here but, please indulge us "oldies".  Lads, do you also remember John Neale who played right back for us around the same time?  He went on to manage Middlesborough and Chelsea amongst others, reasonably well iirc.

Sorry for deviating from the thread as John Neale and Gordon Lee were far from insignificant.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on June 03, 2013, 08:13:37 PM
and Stan Lynn was super significent.. John Neal was passable.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Pete3206 on June 03, 2013, 09:16:21 PM
Stefan Beinlich
Mattaius Brietkruetz

Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: eric woolban woolban on June 03, 2013, 09:43:52 PM
Mark Kinsella unless he's been mentioned previously.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 04, 2013, 10:15:26 AM
Again, for us old fogey's, another I've posted about on here, Dave Pountney; he of the milk bottle legs, and just as quick!

Didn't he play left half after Alan Deakin broke his leg?

Seem to remember we called him "Passback Poutney" after his favourite manouvre.

That's the one.  Dire.

Regarding Cammie Fraser Ron, I was right about 1962.  Check out Wiki, it says on there that he went on to help relegate the Noses, I forgot about that so he can't be all that bad!

Actually bridging the gap between Stan the Wham and Cammie Fraser was Gordon Lee IIRC (later Everton boss) ??

Cammie debuted 17.11.62  Stans last game was at Blackburn 16.9.61 (Charlie's 2nd game)

Not sure if mentioned earlier - I give you Frank Pimblett - barely made it into double figures in 2 seasons - score a couple mind...

Another senior moment!  I thought Gordon Lee played at left back. Im wrong. I also thought he had died several years ago but he hasnt.
Hes 78 and living in Lytham St Annes.

Gordon Lee was interviewed for the Villa job in 1984. Steve Stride described this in his book as being such a boring event to endure, he and Doug dreaded to think what his team talks were like.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: joe_c on June 04, 2013, 01:00:03 PM
To be a truly insignificant player they can't have been so bad they became infamous, or a loan signing. An insignificant player must have cost not very much, been here a while, done absolutely nothing, had no effect on the team, played in no great games and been forgotten the day after they left, never to be discussed again.

Terry Bullivant, Adrian Heath,  Nicky Shorey, Colin Calderwood, Joe Ward, Willie Young.

I think that's just about perfect as a criteria for insignificance but I would be inclined to include loan signings and Michael Bradley would certainly fit the bill.

Alternatively, Ronny Johnsen must be worthy of inclusion and Wayne Routledge too, can't imagine the printers in the club shop sticking their names and numbers to many shirts.

Maybe even Carl Tiler but I'm pretty sure he scored for us which might rule him out as may also be the case with Franz Carr whose only goal was an enormously signinficant one.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 04, 2013, 09:20:27 PM
I think you needed to have some reputation before playing for us yet are infamous for being utterly insignificant during the time with us. That's why Adrian Heath came to mind because he did have a standing in the game yet did absolutely fuck all for us. To me that's where the line is between insignificant and irrelevant. There are lots of irrelevant players in our history that came from nothing, did nothing for us and disappeared up their own arses. However, when I think of Nigel Callaghan as an example, I think of a player signed by Sir Graham, played quite well at Watford, and yet couldn't be fucking arsed when he came and played for us. I just think to myself, did he really play for us?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: saunders_heroes on June 04, 2013, 10:01:33 PM
To be a truly insignificant player they can't have been so bad they became infamous, or a loan signing. An insignificant player must have cost not very much, been here a while, done absolutely nothing, had no effect on the team, played in no great games and been forgotten the day after they left, never to be discussed again.

Terry Bullivant, Adrian Heath,  Nicky Shorey, Colin Calderwood, Joe Ward, Willie Young.

I think that's just about perfect as a criteria for insignificance but I would be inclined to include loan signings and Michael Bradley would certainly fit the bill.

Alternatively, Ronny Johnsen must be worthy of inclusion and Wayne Routledge too, can't imagine the printers in the club shop sticking their names and numbers to many shirts.

Maybe even Carl Tiler but I'm pretty sure he scored for us which might rule him out as may also be the case with Franz Carr whose only goal was an enormously signinficant one.

I thought Ronnie Johnsen did a decent job for us while he was here.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: bilsim on June 05, 2013, 01:14:18 AM
To be a truly insignificant player they can't have been so bad they became infamous, or a loan signing. An insignificant player must have cost not very much, been here a while, done absolutely nothing, had no effect on the team, played in no great games and been forgotten the day after they left, never to be discussed again.

Terry Bullivant, Adrian Heath,  Nicky Shorey, Colin Calderwood, Joe Ward, Willie Young.

I think that's just about perfect as a criteria for insignificance but I would be inclined to include loan signings and Michael Bradley would certainly fit the bill.

Alternatively, Ronny Johnsen must be worthy of inclusion and Wayne Routledge too, can't imagine the printers in the club shop sticking their names and numbers to many shirts.

Maybe even Carl Tiler but I'm pretty sure he scored for us which might rule him out as may also be the case with Franz Carr whose only goal was an enormously signinficant one.

I thought Ronnie Johnsen did a decent job for us while he was here.

He did, I think he scored for us aswell?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Irish villain on June 05, 2013, 12:30:15 PM
Colin Calderwood trumps Johnsen in the insignificant stakes surely?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Pat McMahon on June 06, 2013, 12:39:35 AM
To be a truly insignificant player they can't have been so bad they became infamous, or a loan signing. An insignificant player must have cost not very much, been here a while, done absolutely nothing, had no effect on the team, played in no great games and been forgotten the day after they left, never to be discussed again.

Terry Bullivant, Adrian Heath,  Nicky Shorey, Colin Calderwood, Joe Ward, Willie Young.

I think that's just about perfect as a criteria for insignificance but I would be inclined to include loan signings and Michael Bradley would certainly fit the bill.

Alternatively, Ronny Johnsen must be worthy of inclusion and Wayne Routledge too, can't imagine the printers in the club shop sticking their names and numbers to many shirts.

Maybe even Carl Tiler but I'm pretty sure he scored for us which might rule him out as may also be the case with Franz Carr whose only goal was an enormously signinficant one.

I thought Ronnie Johnsen did a decent job for us while he was here.

He did, I think he scored for us aswell?

I agree - he played well for us. I was disappointed he didn't get a second season
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: pooligan on June 06, 2013, 01:10:05 AM
Malcolm Beard from the Noses,i am sure he played a few games for us.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: pooligan on June 06, 2013, 01:18:03 AM
Surely the most Insignificant player for Villa must be Jim Herriott,we signed him on loan from the Noses in 1971 and i am pretty sure he never actually played a game for us
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: SteveN on June 06, 2013, 08:24:41 AM
Malcolm Beard from the Noses,i am sure he played a few games for us.

I'm not going to look it up but around the same time did we have Geoff Vowden from them as well?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: pooligan on June 06, 2013, 09:39:44 AM
Geoff Vowden did indeed play for us around the same time,but he did play 97 games and score 22 goals .I use to like him as i can remember he use to get some awful stick from a lot of the Villa fans just for having come from the noses
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: ACVilla on June 06, 2013, 10:37:24 AM
Charles N'Zogbia
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: SteveN on June 06, 2013, 12:45:39 PM
Colin Calderwood trumps Johnsen in the insignificant stakes surely?

Bt... was it Calderwood who squared up to Phil Thomson on the Anfield touchline and Thomson reversed backwards at lightning speed?  If so surely not insignificant.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: SirSteveUK on June 07, 2013, 03:37:44 PM
Surely the most Insignificant player for Villa must be Jim Herriott,we signed him on loan from the Noses in 1971 and i am pretty sure he never actually played a game for us

Quite correct - he had to go to Durban City to get a game apparently....
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: E I Adio on June 07, 2013, 04:43:50 PM
Geoff Vowden did indeed play for us around the same time,but he did play 97 games and score 22 goals .I use to like him as i can remember he use to get some awful stick from a lot of the Villa fans just for having come from the noses


We had Vowden and Beard towards the end of their careers, both of whom, especially Beard, were past their best, but I liked them both before and after they joined us. Malcolm Beard later became our youth coach.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: willywombat on June 08, 2013, 09:05:00 AM
Met my bro in law  in the Queslett once, he was having a drink with a bloke I'd never met before. He was a real character and had me in stitches. I didn't find out until he left that it was Mal Beard. Top bloke
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: saunders_heroes on June 08, 2013, 10:00:18 AM
Colin Calderwood trumps Johnsen in the insignificant stakes surely?

Bt... was it Calderwood who squared up to Phil Thomson on the Anfield touchline and Thomson reversed backwards at lightning speed?  If so surely not insignificant.

Yes I was at Anfield that day and I've never forgotten Calderwood telling Thompson to fuck off back to the bench (which he did). He really went up in my expectations that day and I've had a soft spot for him ever since. Thompson was like a scolded child. Brilliant.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave.woodhall on June 08, 2013, 11:31:41 AM
Surely the most Insignificant player for Villa must be Jim Herriott,we signed him on loan from the Noses in 1971 and i am pretty sure he never actually played a game for us

Quite correct - he had to go to Durban City to get a game apparently....

But became very significant in TV history.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: PGW on June 08, 2013, 11:37:18 AM
Geoff Vowden did indeed play for us around the same time,but he did play 97 games and score 22 goals .I use to like him as i can remember he use to get some awful stick from a lot of the Villa fans just for having come from the noses


We had Vowden and Beard towards the end of their careers, both of whom, especially Beard, were past their best, but I liked them both before and after they joined us. Malcolm Beard later became our youth coach.
Dont forget Trevor Hockey as well!!!
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Risso on June 08, 2013, 11:51:49 AM
Gilles de Bilde.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Chris Jameson on June 08, 2013, 12:03:48 PM
I can remember seeing a headline about a 'big' Villa signing and being pretty underwhelmed to discover it was Gary Penrice. He was fairly insignificant.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Risso on June 08, 2013, 03:07:11 PM
Oyvind Leonhardsen.  I remember when SGT bought him, all he could think to say was "I'd forgotten about him!"
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 08, 2013, 11:03:08 PM
Did we not sign Johnsen and Leonhardsen because SGT was trying to strengthen the squad on a limited budget and they were both free transfers? They were a step up from Steve Sims and David Hunt to be fair. Jim Walker once said that Steve Sims was the only footballer he ever dealt with who had worse knees that Paul McGrath. Almost certainly the only time Sims and God have been seriously compared with each other.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: saunders_heroes on June 09, 2013, 10:34:09 AM
Did we not sign Johnsen and Leonhardsen because SGT was trying to strengthen the squad on a limited budget and they were both free transfers? They were a step up from Steve Sims and David Hunt to be fair. Jim Walker once said that Steve Sims was the only footballer he ever dealt with who had worse knees that Paul McGrath. Almost certainly the only time Sims and God have been seriously compared with each other.

Sims and Hunt did their bit in the promotion season though (well Sims more than Hunt anyway)
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 09, 2013, 10:36:46 AM
Oyvind Leonhardsen.  I remember when SGT bought him, all he could think to say was "I'd forgotten about him!"

He scored a few though, didn't he end up with something like a 1 in 5 scoring rate for us?

Edit: looked it up, it was 3 in 19, so 1 in 6.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on June 09, 2013, 11:28:41 AM
Geoff Vowden did indeed play for us around the same time,but he did play 97 games and score 22 goals .I use to like him as i can remember he use to get some awful stick from a lot of the Villa fans just for having come from the noses


We had Vowden and Beard towards the end of their careers, both of whom, especially Beard, were past their best, but I liked them both before and after they joined us. Malcolm Beard later became our youth coach.

Yes I liked Malcom Beard he was a class act one of the two they had. The other being Terry Hennesey
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 09, 2013, 12:20:04 PM
Did we not sign Johnsen and Leonhardsen because SGT was trying to strengthen the squad on a limited budget and they were both free transfers? They were a step up from Steve Sims and David Hunt to be fair. Jim Walker once said that Steve Sims was the only footballer he ever dealt with who had worse knees that Paul McGrath. Almost certainly the only time Sims and God have been seriously compared with each other.

Sims and Hunt did their bit in the promotion season though (well Sims more than Hunt anyway)

Sims gave us experience at the back for the first half of the season while Alan Evans was injured. Unfortunately, my main memories of him are taking all our free kicks that were awarded deep in our own half, kicking the ball out for a throw, then examining his boots to find out why this had occurred.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: saunders_heroes on June 09, 2013, 01:29:19 PM
Did we not sign Johnsen and Leonhardsen because SGT was trying to strengthen the squad on a limited budget and they were both free transfers? They were a step up from Steve Sims and David Hunt to be fair. Jim Walker once said that Steve Sims was the only footballer he ever dealt with who had worse knees that Paul McGrath. Almost certainly the only time Sims and God have been seriously compared with each other.

Sims and Hunt did their bit in the promotion season though (well Sims more than Hunt anyway)

Sims gave us experience at the back for the first half of the season while Alan Evans was injured. Unfortunately, my main memories of him are taking all our free kicks that were awarded deep in our own half, kicking the ball out for a throw, then examining his boots to find out why this had occurred.

I'll always have a soft spot for the players that did their bit to get us back up in '87. They've been almost forgotten over the years but Christ did they help get us out of the hole we had dug ourselves into.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: E I Adio on June 10, 2013, 12:49:57 AM
Geoff Vowden did indeed play for us around the same time,but he did play 97 games and score 22 goals .I use to like him as i can remember he use to get some awful stick from a lot of the Villa fans just for having come from the noses

We had Vowden and Beard towards the end of their careers, both of whom, especially Beard, were past their best, but I liked them both before and after they joined us. Malcolm Beard later became our youth coach.

Yes I liked Malcom Beard he was a class act one of the two they had. The other being Terry Hennesey

Agree about Hennessy. He probably was too good for them. Silly sods sold him to Forest. They did have a class forward around that time though that they bought from Tommy Doc's Chelsea, who only cared to score goals if he could do so in a thrillingly spectacular style, but his name escapes me at the moment.



*Got it! Barry Bridges.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 10, 2013, 04:33:00 PM
Did we not sign Johnsen and Leonhardsen because SGT was trying to strengthen the squad on a limited budget and they were both free transfers? They were a step up from Steve Sims and David Hunt to be fair. Jim Walker once said that Steve Sims was the only footballer he ever dealt with who had worse knees that Paul McGrath. Almost certainly the only time Sims and God have been seriously compared with each other.

Sims and Hunt did their bit in the promotion season though (well Sims more than Hunt anyway)

Sims gave us experience at the back for the first half of the season while Alan Evans was injured. Unfortunately, my main memories of him are taking all our free kicks that were awarded deep in our own half, kicking the ball out for a throw, then examining his boots to find out why this had occurred.

I'll always have a soft spot for the players that did their bit to get us back up in '87. They've been almost forgotten over the years but Christ did they help get us out of the hole we had dug ourselves into.

To be fair to Steve Sims, after the wait for other results to be confirmed that all of us who were in the corner of The County Ground in Swindon that day will remember very well, SGT said he had bumped into a player in the dressing room area who was pacing up and down and praying it would be OK. That man was Sims, who had barely played since Christmas and was only in for the last two games because Keown was injured and must have known he wasn't part of the future plans. So fair play.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Matt C on June 10, 2013, 04:41:10 PM
Fabio Ferrassi
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on June 10, 2013, 05:26:35 PM
Billy Kellock
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 10, 2013, 05:47:08 PM
Billy Kellock

Now there's a name! Didn't he play loads of games for a lower league club like Halifax or Peterborough and then have a spell at Wolves? And then you hear or read that he started at Villa. I think there was a bloke called Campbell who played for Bradford who followed the same path.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Dave Cooper please on June 10, 2013, 06:28:38 PM
Billy Kellock

Now there's a name! Didn't he play loads of games for a lower league club like Halifax or Peterborough and then have a spell at Wolves? And then you hear or read that he started at Villa. I think there was a bloke called Campbell who played for Bradford who followed the same path.

Bobby Campbell. A Bradford legend and I believe he is there all-time top goalscorer.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on June 10, 2013, 08:23:32 PM
Billy Kellock

Now there's a name! Didn't he play loads of games for a lower league club like Halifax or Peterborough and then have a spell at Wolves? And then you hear or read that he started at Villa. I think there was a bloke called Campbell who played for Bradford who followed the same path.

Billy Kellock went to Cardiff. I lost track of him after that.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: SirSteveUK on June 11, 2013, 02:45:22 PM
Remember who played alongside BL in the 1972 Youth Cup ??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Betts (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Betts)
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on June 18, 2013, 02:00:59 PM
From the Mail - Villa's one game wonders!

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-special-feature-mat-4389097

Quote
IF Derrick Williams completes his move away this summer the rookie defender will join the elite Aston Villa ‘One- Game Wonders’ club.

Williams, who is in line for a switch to Bristol City in League One, has made a solitary appearance for Villa, playing 24 minutes as a substitute in the Premier League draw at QPR last December.

But he is not alone. Since World War II 21 players, including Williams, will have departed after competitively pulling on the famous claret and blue colours just once.

Here we remember the One Game Wonders and offer them this consolation – at least you played more times than homesick here-today-gone-tomorrow David Unsworth!

The list kicks off with a player who played the very first game after the war, but never kicked a ball for Villa again, TOMMY DODDS.

The inside forward, from South Shields, started the 1-0 opening- day home defeat to Middlesbrough on August 31, 1946, but left to join Swansea the following January as part of the deal which brought prolific scorer Trevor Ford to Villa.

A debut against Leicester at Villa Park on November 6, 1954, put the ‘proud’ in ARTHUR PROUDLER, but the 5-2 Division One defeat under manager Eric Houghton was to be the former Halesowen Town wing-half’s only action for Villa before he left to join Crystal Palace.

JOHN WILLIS tasted disappointment in his only appearance in a Villa shirt, losing 4-0 at Wolves on September 17, 1958, in the season they were relegated to Division Two. He returned to former club Mossley.

Also that year BILL BEATON was heavily beaten when his claret and blue career lasted just 90 minutes.

With regular goalkeeper Nigel Sims unavailable, the Scottish stopper let in six goals in his one and only appearance for Villa during a 6-3 defeat at Leicester on November 15, 1958. He then joined Airdrie.

RALPH BROWN’S first game turned out to be his final game in two senses of the word.

His debut came in the first leg of the League Cup final in its inaugural year in 1961 but, having started the 2-0 defeat to Rotherham, ‘Bomber Brown’ bombed. He was dropped for the return leg as Villa won 3-0 to clinch the trophy with an aggregate win and he never played again, moving on to Notts County.

There was another one-game wonder that season, ALLAN JONES, who played in a 3-1 Division One defeat at home to Fulham on October 7, 1961, as Villa went on to finish seventh under Joe Mercer.

It was a similar story for winger JOHN MARTIN, who appeared in a 3-1 Division One loss at Blackpool on September 12, 1964, but never appeared again and was allowed by Dick Taylor to join Colchester.

BARRY ANSELL can claim to have played alongside European Cup winning legend Peter Withe – but not at Villa. The Small Heath-born left-back’s one game for the claret and blues was a 3-0 Division Two defeat at Cardiff on Boxing Day 1967, long before Withe arrived.

In fact, the former Waverley Grammar School pupil was a team-mate of Withe’s at Arcadia Shepherds in the early 1970s after moving to South Africa to kick-start his career.

BRIAN ROWAN’S one and only Villa game must have put him in the shop window because even though they lost 3-0 at Watford on September 13, 1969, he subsequently joined the Hornets, with the Glaswegian left-back going on to play for Toronto Metros and New York Cosmos.

Villa’s next fleeting first-teamer was out of Africa – FREDDIE MWILA. The Zambian midfielder impressed Tommy Docherty when he played against Villa for Atlanta Chiefs during the tour to the United States in the summer of 1969.

Mwila became the third black player to play for Villa following Emment Kapengwe, who arrived with him, and Stan Horne, who made his debut in 1963.

Mwila’s one appearance came in a 0-0 draw at home to Blackpool in Division Two on 15 November, 1969. He left Villa after nine months and was named Zambia’s youngest player-coach at the age of just 24 for a friendly series.

STUART RITCHIE could not even get a game in Villa’s relegation season of 1986-87. Until, that is, their demotion to Division Two was confirmed, Billy McNeill was sacked and caretaker boss Frank Upton handed him a substitute cameo in the 3-1 last day defeat at Manchester United on May 9, 1987.

He replaced Andy Gray in the Scottish striker’s final game for Villa. Until recently Ritchie was combining managing non-league AFC Totton with driving for Parcel-force.

Another one-game wonder to have carved out a new career after giving up the day job at Villa is DARRELL DUFFY.

After coming through the ranks as an English schoolboy player at Lilleshall, the Brummie defender’s only Villa appearance was a 2-1 Division One defeat at Derby on May 6. 1989. He joined Moor Green and also turned out for West Midlands Police, among other non-league clubs, after becoming a copper and rising to the rank of Detective Constable.

Playing for Villa was the zenith of ALAN McLOUGHLIN’S playing days – kind of. The Republic of Ireland international midfielder’s only appearance of a loan spell from Southampton was in the Zenith Data Systems Cup win at Coventry on October 23, 1991. He could hardly be described as a career fly-by-night though, playing more than 300 times for his next club Portsmouth.

CHRIS BODEN appeared for just seven minutes in the 1-1 Premier League draw at Leicester on December 3, 1994, after coming off the bench to replace Phil King. Boden was sold to Derby for £150,000 and went on to play for Hereford, Barnsley and Shrewsbury before injury cut short the Wolverhampton-born utility player’s career.

The 1998-99 season produced a record number of OGWs (that’s one-game wonders, to you and me!).

First up was FABIO FERRARESI, the 19-year-old Italian ‘wonderkid’, who had supposedly snubbed AC Milan to join Villa. Apparently he had starred in Cesena’s promotion push the previous season, but it transpired he had been an unused substitute and hadn’t kicked a ball.

Such inactivity was common for him at Villa too – a 20 minute run out as a replacement for Ian Taylor in a 3-0 UEFA Cup win at Stromsgodset on September 29, 1998, was his only action before he returned to Cesena.

TOMMY JASZCZUN might score highly as a word in Scrabble, but he didn’t score highly at Villa, replacing Alan Wright for the last 16 minutes of a 4-1 League Cup defeat at Chelsea on October 28 before carving out a career at Blackpool, Northampton, Rochdale, Cambridge and Kettering.

The heartening tale of many of the one game wonders is that they left Villa and made plenty of appearances elsewhere. Goalkeeper ADAM RACHEL left Villa and played just one game at his next club Blackpool too, although did go on to play regularly at Moor Green after that.

His taste of Villa action was as a sub for the last 35 minutes of a 2-1 loss at Blackburn on December 26, 1998, after Michael Oakes got sent off. He conceded a late winner.

Villa have often been linked with Joleon, but his big brother AARON LESCOTT enjoyed just 24 minutes of action for the claret and blues.

The former Four Dwellings School pupil from Quinton came on as a substitute for Lee Hendrie in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Hull at Villa Park on January 2, 1999. Lescott then left to play for Sheffield Wednesday, Stockport, Bristol Rovers, Walsall and Halesowen Town.

Goalkeeper NEIL CUTLER’S love affair with Villa was restricted to a brief Valentine’s Day date at Middlesbrough in 1999. Villa won 4-0 and Cutler kept a clean sheet for six minutes after replacing David James as an 84th minute substitute.

Last but not least – well it is least, actually. In terms of time on the pitch, anyway, as JONATHAN BEWERS surely boasts the shortest playing career in the club’s history.

Bewers was once hailed as the new Gareth Barry, but whereas Barry made 422 starts and 18 substitute appearances for Villa, Bewers played for less than a minute.

His cameo came as a last gasp substitute for Mark Delaney in Villa’s 4-2 victory over Spurs at White Hart Lane on April 15, 2000. Bewers’ career fizzled out with unremarkable spells at Notts County and Walsall before turning to non-league.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ger Regan on June 18, 2013, 09:38:43 PM
Carl tiler would be one for me.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: peter w on June 18, 2013, 09:54:12 PM
Ray Walker
Richard Walker
Paul Kerr
Dean Glover
David Norton
Pat Heard
Terry Bullivant
Tommy Craig
Malcolm Allen
Adrian Heath
Lee Butler
David Farrell
Simon Dawkins
Steve Foster
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 18, 2013, 10:19:05 PM
From the Mail - Villa's one game wonders!

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-special-feature-mat-4389097

Quote
IF Derrick Williams completes his move away this summer the rookie defender will join the elite Aston Villa ‘One- Game Wonders’ club.

Williams, who is in line for a switch to Bristol City in League One, has made a solitary appearance for Villa, playing 24 minutes as a substitute in the Premier League draw at QPR last December.

But he is not alone. Since World War II 21 players, including Williams, will have departed after competitively pulling on the famous claret and blue colours just once.

Here we remember the One Game Wonders and offer them this consolation – at least you played more times than homesick here-today-gone-tomorrow David Unsworth!

The list kicks off with a player who played the very first game after the war, but never kicked a ball for Villa again, TOMMY DODDS.

The inside forward, from South Shields, started the 1-0 opening- day home defeat to Middlesbrough on August 31, 1946, but left to join Swansea the following January as part of the deal which brought prolific scorer Trevor Ford to Villa.

A debut against Leicester at Villa Park on November 6, 1954, put the ‘proud’ in ARTHUR PROUDLER, but the 5-2 Division One defeat under manager Eric Houghton was to be the former Halesowen Town wing-half’s only action for Villa before he left to join Crystal Palace.

JOHN WILLIS tasted disappointment in his only appearance in a Villa shirt, losing 4-0 at Wolves on September 17, 1958, in the season they were relegated to Division Two. He returned to former club Mossley.

Also that year BILL BEATON was heavily beaten when his claret and blue career lasted just 90 minutes.

With regular goalkeeper Nigel Sims unavailable, the Scottish stopper let in six goals in his one and only appearance for Villa during a 6-3 defeat at Leicester on November 15, 1958. He then joined Airdrie.

RALPH BROWN’S first game turned out to be his final game in two senses of the word.

His debut came in the first leg of the League Cup final in its inaugural year in 1961 but, having started the 2-0 defeat to Rotherham, ‘Bomber Brown’ bombed. He was dropped for the return leg as Villa won 3-0 to clinch the trophy with an aggregate win and he never played again, moving on to Notts County.

There was another one-game wonder that season, ALLAN JONES, who played in a 3-1 Division One defeat at home to Fulham on October 7, 1961, as Villa went on to finish seventh under Joe Mercer.

It was a similar story for winger JOHN MARTIN, who appeared in a 3-1 Division One loss at Blackpool on September 12, 1964, but never appeared again and was allowed by Dick Taylor to join Colchester.

BARRY ANSELL can claim to have played alongside European Cup winning legend Peter Withe – but not at Villa. The Small Heath-born left-back’s one game for the claret and blues was a 3-0 Division Two defeat at Cardiff on Boxing Day 1967, long before Withe arrived.

In fact, the former Waverley Grammar School pupil was a team-mate of Withe’s at Arcadia Shepherds in the early 1970s after moving to South Africa to kick-start his career.

BRIAN ROWAN’S one and only Villa game must have put him in the shop window because even though they lost 3-0 at Watford on September 13, 1969, he subsequently joined the Hornets, with the Glaswegian left-back going on to play for Toronto Metros and New York Cosmos.

Villa’s next fleeting first-teamer was out of Africa – FREDDIE MWILA. The Zambian midfielder impressed Tommy Docherty when he played against Villa for Atlanta Chiefs during the tour to the United States in the summer of 1969.

Mwila became the third black player to play for Villa following Emment Kapengwe, who arrived with him, and Stan Horne, who made his debut in 1963.

Mwila’s one appearance came in a 0-0 draw at home to Blackpool in Division Two on 15 November, 1969. He left Villa after nine months and was named Zambia’s youngest player-coach at the age of just 24 for a friendly series.

STUART RITCHIE could not even get a game in Villa’s relegation season of 1986-87. Until, that is, their demotion to Division Two was confirmed, Billy McNeill was sacked and caretaker boss Frank Upton handed him a substitute cameo in the 3-1 last day defeat at Manchester United on May 9, 1987.

He replaced Andy Gray in the Scottish striker’s final game for Villa. Until recently Ritchie was combining managing non-league AFC Totton with driving for Parcel-force.

Another one-game wonder to have carved out a new career after giving up the day job at Villa is DARRELL DUFFY.

After coming through the ranks as an English schoolboy player at Lilleshall, the Brummie defender’s only Villa appearance was a 2-1 Division One defeat at Derby on May 6. 1989. He joined Moor Green and also turned out for West Midlands Police, among other non-league clubs, after becoming a copper and rising to the rank of Detective Constable.

Playing for Villa was the zenith of ALAN McLOUGHLIN’S playing days – kind of. The Republic of Ireland international midfielder’s only appearance of a loan spell from Southampton was in the Zenith Data Systems Cup win at Coventry on October 23, 1991. He could hardly be described as a career fly-by-night though, playing more than 300 times for his next club Portsmouth.

CHRIS BODEN appeared for just seven minutes in the 1-1 Premier League draw at Leicester on December 3, 1994, after coming off the bench to replace Phil King. Boden was sold to Derby for £150,000 and went on to play for Hereford, Barnsley and Shrewsbury before injury cut short the Wolverhampton-born utility player’s career.

The 1998-99 season produced a record number of OGWs (that’s one-game wonders, to you and me!).

First up was FABIO FERRARESI, the 19-year-old Italian ‘wonderkid’, who had supposedly snubbed AC Milan to join Villa. Apparently he had starred in Cesena’s promotion push the previous season, but it transpired he had been an unused substitute and hadn’t kicked a ball.

Such inactivity was common for him at Villa too – a 20 minute run out as a replacement for Ian Taylor in a 3-0 UEFA Cup win at Stromsgodset on September 29, 1998, was his only action before he returned to Cesena.

TOMMY JASZCZUN might score highly as a word in Scrabble, but he didn’t score highly at Villa, replacing Alan Wright for the last 16 minutes of a 4-1 League Cup defeat at Chelsea on October 28 before carving out a career at Blackpool, Northampton, Rochdale, Cambridge and Kettering.

The heartening tale of many of the one game wonders is that they left Villa and made plenty of appearances elsewhere. Goalkeeper ADAM RACHEL left Villa and played just one game at his next club Blackpool too, although did go on to play regularly at Moor Green after that.

His taste of Villa action was as a sub for the last 35 minutes of a 2-1 loss at Blackburn on December 26, 1998, after Michael Oakes got sent off. He conceded a late winner.

Villa have often been linked with Joleon, but his big brother AARON LESCOTT enjoyed just 24 minutes of action for the claret and blues.

The former Four Dwellings School pupil from Quinton came on as a substitute for Lee Hendrie in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Hull at Villa Park on January 2, 1999. Lescott then left to play for Sheffield Wednesday, Stockport, Bristol Rovers, Walsall and Halesowen Town.

Goalkeeper NEIL CUTLER’S love affair with Villa was restricted to a brief Valentine’s Day date at Middlesbrough in 1999. Villa won 4-0 and Cutler kept a clean sheet for six minutes after replacing David James as an 84th minute substitute.

Last but not least – well it is least, actually. In terms of time on the pitch, anyway, as JONATHAN BEWERS surely boasts the shortest playing career in the club’s history.

Bewers was once hailed as the new Gareth Barry, but whereas Barry made 422 starts and 18 substitute appearances for Villa, Bewers played for less than a minute.

His cameo came as a last gasp substitute for Mark Delaney in Villa’s 4-2 victory over Spurs at White Hart Lane on April 15, 2000. Bewers’ career fizzled out with unremarkable spells at Notts County and Walsall before turning to non-league.

I was at Highfield Road for Alan McLoughlin's appearance. I think we won 2-1 and Coventry player manager Terry Butcher got sent off. I remember watching the Boxing Day Adam Rachel appearance at Blackburn in the pub. I had no idea Aaron Lescott played for us. The Cutler and Bewers appearances totally passed me by too.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Pat McMahon on June 18, 2013, 10:29:23 PM
Ray Walker
Richard Walker
Paul Kerr
Dean Glover
David Norton
Pat Heard
Terry Bullivant
Tommy Craig
Malcolm Allen
Adrian Heath
Lee Butler
David Farrell
Simon Dawkins
Steve Foster

There is a very inept team in there but Pat Heard should be excluded purely because of his absolute stunner of a winner at the Hawthorns in 1982, a couple of weeks before Rotterdam.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: not3bad on June 19, 2013, 01:31:48 PM
Michael Bradley
Phil Bardsley
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: RussellC on June 19, 2013, 01:38:36 PM
Don't know if either have been said but Carl Tiler and Frank McAvenie have got to be fairly high on the list.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: russon on June 19, 2013, 07:41:02 PM
David Hunt is a very good call for this category.

John Fashanu is perhaps another. Came in with a fanfare, did absolutely nothing and we're still shaking our heads wondering what on earth prompted us to buy him. Absolutely inexplicable signing.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: danno on June 19, 2013, 07:44:27 PM
didier agathe.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: *shellac* on June 23, 2013, 09:02:02 AM
Scott Murray
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ad@m on June 23, 2013, 09:10:17 AM
John Fashanu is perhaps another. Came in with a fanfare, did absolutely nothing and we're still shaking our heads wondering what on earth prompted us to buy him. Absolutely inexplicable signing.

I'd genuinely forgotten he'd ever played for us!
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on June 23, 2013, 10:05:35 AM
Franz Carr (with the exception of his goal at Forest).
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: danno on June 23, 2013, 04:29:56 PM

John Fashanu is perhaps another. Came in with a fanfare, did absolutely nothing and we're still shaking our heads wondering what on earth prompted us to buy him. Absolutely inexplicable signing.

Big Ron was a massive gladiators fan, and wanted Jet's phone number?!?
Its the only sane explanation... Either that or he wanted Fash to teach him karate.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on June 23, 2013, 05:04:23 PM
Giles De Bilde
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: TheTimVilla on June 23, 2013, 06:42:27 PM
Mathie Berson
Isaiah Osborne
Alan Lee
Jamie Ward
Hassan Kachloul
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: LeeB on June 23, 2013, 07:11:17 PM
I've already stuck up for Aspinall and I will stick up for Cascarino and Andy Gray II as well. Andy Gray played a big part in our promotion side and was sold for about three times what we paid for him, and Cascarino set up a couple of vital goals in the title race season and scored some very important goals against our relegation rivals Derby and Sunderland the following year.

Cascarino was like Pele away at Forest that year, tore Des Walker apart, think that bastard Hodge equalised late on.

He was shit though, on the whole.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on June 23, 2013, 10:22:54 PM
Mark Lillis.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on June 27, 2013, 06:21:18 PM
A David Hunt goal for Notts County against Spurs in 1983 was shown on The Big Match Revisited the other day. I don't think it made the goal of the season shortlist
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: silhillvilla on June 28, 2013, 11:34:16 PM
Time to name and shame those not mentioned so far

Alpay
Hadji

Controvsial maybe but Collymore ?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Big Dick Edwards on June 29, 2013, 10:25:43 AM
Mark Lillis.

Mark Lillis did a great job for us given the mess we were in at the time.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Virgil Caine on June 29, 2013, 11:04:03 AM
Neale Cooper? Apologies if already mentioned
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on June 29, 2013, 03:01:45 PM
Hassan Kachloul
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: supertom on July 01, 2013, 05:07:19 PM
Michael Bradley. His name came up the other day on another thread and it was like a complete bolt out of the blue. Had virtually wiped him from my mind.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on July 01, 2013, 05:40:28 PM
Martin Carruthers. I seem to remember seeing him make his debut at Maine Road.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on July 01, 2013, 09:46:54 PM
Harry Gregory was fairly forgetable.

Surprising as according to Wikipedia he made a club record 102 appearances in the 3rd division promotion season.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Gregory_(footballer_born_1943)
 
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave shelley on July 01, 2013, 09:55:53 PM
HARRY GREGORY         
           
 Born: Hackney  d.o.b: 24 October 1943
           
 Position:  Midfield       
           
 Teams  Seasons  Apps.  Gls.
 Source : Juniors         
 Leyton Orient  62-66  79  12
 Charlton Athletic  66-71  149  24
 Aston Villa  70-72  24  2
 Hereford United  72-75  73  6
 to Chelmsford City         
           
    Totals  325  44


As per www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com 

With thanks to Dave Woodhall
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: E I Adio on July 01, 2013, 09:59:00 PM
Harry Gregory was fairly forgetable.

Surprising as according to Wikipedia he made a club record 102 appearances in the 3rd division promotion season.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Gregory_(footballer_born_1943)
 

That number of appearances in that one season is obviously absolute nonsense.




It actually says 107.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on July 02, 2013, 09:25:00 AM
Richard Walker
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: SteveN on July 02, 2013, 01:10:29 PM
Richard Walker

Indeed, I saw him against Celta Viga at the Hawthorns and thought he was shite* and never saw him again or rarely heard of him.

*To be fair they played us off the park and the whole team were made to look pretty shite.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Pat McMahon on July 02, 2013, 04:07:44 PM
HARRY GREGORY         
           
 Born: Hackney  d.o.b: 24 October 1943
           
 Position:  Midfield       
           
 Teams  Seasons  Apps.  Gls.
 Source : Juniors         
 Leyton Orient  62-66  79  12
 Charlton Athletic  66-71  149  24
 Aston Villa  70-72  24  2
 Hereford United  72-75  73  6
 to Chelmsford City         
           
    Totals  325  44


As per www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com 

With thanks to Dave Woodhall

I think I remember him scoring v Preston on the opening day in 1972 and running behind the Witton End goal and knocking a copper's helmet off. I may be delusional....
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave shelley on July 02, 2013, 04:12:32 PM
You may be delusional Pat but, your memory is in good order. ;)  I recall he did that and I was there.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: itbrvilla on July 02, 2013, 04:15:45 PM
David Hugh(e)s?
CB I think from the 90's?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on July 02, 2013, 04:26:01 PM
Richard Walker

Also, Ray Walker. Although he did score an FA cup goal for Port Vale in a win over Spurs that excited Tony Gubba. Also the only Villa player I have ever heard my mum to describe as 'good looking'.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Steve R on July 03, 2013, 07:54:06 AM
Preston - Villa on the opening day of 72/73 was at Deepdale :)

I thought Gregory had departed before then. He started the 71/72 season as captain after Godfrey had left for Bristol, but soon fell out of favour after bitch slapping our goalie (Tommy Hughes?) in a league cup game at Wexham. There were rumours that the players refused to come out in the second half if he was in the team.

I can remember him scoring with a half volley from the edge of the area in an Easter game in 71, which may have been either Wrexham or Swansea, but can't for the life of me remember his other goal. Maybe Doncaster away.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: andyaston on July 03, 2013, 03:34:09 PM
Andrew Greaves  :)
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: E I Adio on July 04, 2013, 12:49:14 AM
Preston - Villa on the opening day of 72/73 was at Deepdale :)

I thought Gregory had departed before then. He started the 71/72 season as captain after Godfrey had left for Bristol, but soon fell out of favour after bitch slapping our goalie (Tommy Hughes?) in a league cup game at Wexham. There were rumours that the players refused to come out in the second half if he was in the team.

I can remember him scoring with a half volley from the edge of the area in an Easter game in 71, which may have been either Wrexham or Swansea, but can't for the life of me remember his other goal. Maybe Doncaster away.

I think that was the year when the first Mrs. A and I were on holiday in the Lakes, so we popped over to Preston for that game.

My only ever trip to Deepdale.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on July 04, 2013, 07:46:57 AM
I spent a weekend in Preston once. It was supposed to be Blackpool but my fiancé at the time booked us into a hotel in Preston because she thought that was close enough. Which was worrying, as she worked as a travel agent at the time.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on July 04, 2013, 10:15:20 AM
I was sick in an alleyway in Preston once.

Went to see a mate who was at East Lancs Poly about 20 odd years ago and got absolutely twisted. Couldn't focus for about 3 days afterwards.  Strange, I can remember having a row with a Blues fan in a pub up there as well.

Anyway, how about Michael Oakes?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave shelley on July 04, 2013, 01:22:14 PM
I was sick in Preston once too, it was the season we got relegated to the third division when they got a winner somewhere between the sixth and eighth minute of stoppage time added on by that wanker of a referee Pat Partridge.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: PGW on July 04, 2013, 06:27:18 PM
Preston - Villa on the opening day of 72/73 was at Deepdale :)

I thought Gregory had departed before then. He started the 71/72 season as captain after Godfrey had left for Bristol, but soon fell out of favour after bitch slapping our goalie (Tommy Hughes?) in a league cup game at Wexham. There were rumours that the players refused to come out in the second half if he was in the team.

I can remember him scoring with a half volley from the edge of the area in an Easter game in 71, which may have been either Wrexham or Swansea, but can't for the life of me remember his other goal. Maybe Doncaster away.

I think that was the year when the first Mrs. A and I were on holiday in the Lakes, so we popped over to Preston for that game.

My only ever trip to Deepdale.
I was at that one with all my Northfield mates and we went in 'their end' after a bit of a ruckus we were escorted to the other end!!!!! Willie Anderson got the winner - a header to boot!!!!
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: TheSandman on July 05, 2013, 01:43:20 AM
Anybody said Stuart Taylor yet?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on July 05, 2013, 07:44:12 AM
Anybody said Stuart Taylor yet?

See also Lee Butler and Stefan Postma. I would say Andy Marshall but I think he was close to becoming the only player in history to qualify for a testimonial without playing a competitive game.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: *shellac* on July 06, 2013, 05:48:48 AM
That Hungarian bloke in pyjama pants, Kiraly or something.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Pat McMahon on July 06, 2013, 10:37:35 PM
You may be delusional Pat but, your memory is in good order. ;)  I recall he did that and I was there.
I have checked and it was actually 1973-74.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Broughty-Villian on July 10, 2013, 09:17:19 PM
Ivo stas

Steve foster

They get my votes.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave shelley on July 10, 2013, 09:37:23 PM
You may be delusional Pat but, your memory is in good order. ;)  I recall he did that and I was there.
I have checked and it was actually 1973-74.

Wherever and whenever it was Pat, I know I was there.  Us Oldgiterati have to stick together.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: LeeB on July 18, 2013, 07:49:09 PM
Just had one pop into my head:

Ronny Johnson.

He was bloody good when he played as well.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Pat McMahon on July 18, 2013, 10:38:38 PM
Just had one pop into my head:

Ronny Johnson.

He was bloody good when he played as well.

He was far too good to be insignificant. Helped us finish 6th.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: LeeB on July 19, 2013, 08:07:49 PM
Just had one pop into my head:

Ronny Johnson.

He was bloody good when he played as well.

He was far too good to be insignificant. Helped us finish 6th.

Was it that season? I thought it was the year under Taylor?

To be honest, the years 2000-2006 just blend together in a sea of mediocrity in my mind.

Anyway, you're right, he was far to good but I'd completely forgotten about him for years till last night.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on July 20, 2013, 06:51:56 PM
Chris Sutton doesn't evoke too many memories if I'm honest.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: gervilla on July 20, 2013, 10:52:53 PM
Chris Sutton doesn't evoke too many memories if I'm honest.

Just the one to be honest, his header v Everton from a ball in by a contender for this thread, Isiah Osbourne.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: danno on July 27, 2013, 01:00:52 PM
Is it too early to nominate Holman?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: LeeB on July 27, 2013, 06:39:03 PM
Is it too early to nominate Holman?

No, but he's queing behind Ireland.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on July 28, 2013, 10:56:22 AM
Habib Beye
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: rob_bridge on July 29, 2013, 01:55:54 PM
David Hughes
Carl Tiler
Franz Carr
Ray Walker
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: jimmygreen on July 29, 2013, 07:01:23 PM
Phil Robinson - scored probably the most insignificant goal in Villa history at Old Trafford in the 1-3 defeat after relegation in 1987.
Robinson scored the most lamely greeted goal of that season at home to Wednesday. Birchy scored the insignificant goal at Old Trafford, set up by the equally insignificant Stuart Richie, who went on to have an extremely insignificant career. Stuart Richie (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Ritchie)  He still played for The Villa though so he's one up on most of us.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Chipsticks on July 29, 2013, 07:19:29 PM
Is it too early to nominate Holman?

He's currently playing in the UAE Arabian Gulf League; I had no idea.

In fairness to him he did score one very good goal for us at Loftus Road.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: richl on July 29, 2013, 07:26:54 PM
Ivo stas

Steve foster

They get my votes.

One of my best mates, who is a sports (mainly football) insurance broker is a close friend/Business associate of Steve Foster. Apparently he hated his time at the Villa.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Sunny Villa on August 01, 2013, 11:18:02 PM
David Hughes
Carl Tiler
Franz Carr
Ray Walker

Franz Carr his screamer at the Forest Quarter final , that got us to our first Semi after so many so closes , nah Always remembered fondly as will Graham Fenton and Mr King , all significant moments
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on August 01, 2013, 11:32:18 PM
Has Lee Turnbull had a mention yet?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on August 02, 2013, 01:43:20 AM
Andy Marshall
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: The Left Side on August 02, 2013, 04:06:19 AM
Andy Marshall

I don't think he ever made an appearance, did he?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on August 02, 2013, 02:58:04 PM
Andy Marshall

I don't think he ever made an appearance, did he?

Burton Albion last pre season was his only start I think. I was hoping he would be the first player to get a testimonial without making a competitive first team appearance. What a trivia question that would have made.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on August 03, 2013, 12:13:15 AM
Patrik Berger
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on August 03, 2013, 10:54:20 AM
Patrik Berger

If I remember right he was practically invisible until a few months before his contract was due to run out.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on August 03, 2013, 11:26:17 AM
Has Lee Turnbull had a mention yet?

In what position did he play?
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on August 03, 2013, 11:30:28 AM
Striker. One of SGT's first signings. I think we gave Middlesbrough Poole or Kerr in exchange. never played a game and slunk out to Doncaster after a few months I think.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: UK Redsox on August 03, 2013, 04:20:23 PM
Najwan Ghrayib - cost £1m and played 5 games


EDIT - I see that he's already been mentioned. However, my search of the thread didn't turn him up because I'm the first to spell his name correctly  :)
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: UK Redsox on August 03, 2013, 04:30:24 PM
I see that Jonathan Hogg (6 Villa games) signed for Hudderfield this week
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on August 04, 2013, 11:26:34 AM
Richard Walker
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on August 04, 2013, 12:34:18 PM

Big Ron   http://www.astonvillaplayerdatabase.com/53.html

George Graham    http://www.astonvillaplayerdatabase.com/522.html
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: eamonn on August 04, 2013, 08:52:09 PM
Najwan Ghrayib - cost £1m and played 5 games


EDIT - I see that he's already been mentioned. However, my search of the thread didn't turn him up because I'm the first to spell his name correctly  :)

Our stout scout at the time, Ross McLaren, eulogised over Najwan, some quote about him being the best left-back he'd seen. Tottenham pulled out of a move for him over worries about water on the knee. That synovial fluid issue perhaps prevented him playing more for us. Or maybe he was shite all along. Must admit I had high hopes for him. At the time Gregory was going all England XI on our asses. An Israeli with a dodgy knee seemed the very height of exotic intrigue.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on August 06, 2013, 11:19:30 PM
Scott Murray
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2013, 11:28:27 PM

Big Ron   http://www.astonvillaplayerdatabase.com/53.html

George Graham    http://www.astonvillaplayerdatabase.com/522.html

"I played with Ron in 100 reserve games. And according to Ron he was man of the match in at least 99 of them." - Dennis Jackson.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on August 08, 2013, 08:14:56 AM
Evan Williams.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Damo70 on August 08, 2013, 05:44:08 PM

Big Ron   http://www.astonvillaplayerdatabase.com/53.html

George Graham    http://www.astonvillaplayerdatabase.com/522.html

"I played with Ron in 100 reserve games. And according to Ron he was man of the match in at least 99 of them." - Dennis Jackson.

I believe he always voted himself man of the match in training five a sides. Often before they began. I am sure more than one player denied  going easy on him to keep on his good side. They argued it was a case of getting out of his way before being injured by his size and clumsiness at that stage of his life.
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: Ron Manager on August 08, 2013, 07:16:39 PM
Saw BFR score a tremendous headed goal for Oxford on a rare visit to our friends across the city. He probably weighs less now!
Title: Re: Insignificant Villa players in history
Post by: barrysleftfoot on August 08, 2013, 08:17:25 PM

 How is Dennis Jackson dave?..I heard he was'nt very well.
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