What makes a Villa Legend?

[Lambert and Payne]

Gabbys my favourite current player, but the thing is he drifts in and out of form, becoming forgotton at times
We had a thread like this about a year ago I think?

[Bottom Right 89]

IMO Macca is the only one in recent times who can be classed as a Villa legend - we all have a story about him whether its first hand or from a friend of a friend, these will only resemble half truth in 50 years, add in his man of the match performances and his genius defensive ability and the kids will talk about this guy like he was a cross between the terminator and ozzy osbourne. I heard they rebuilt his knee with washing machine spares and injected him with Johnny Walker before the 94 league cup final will be one of the popular myths.

[VillaZogmariner]

Page 3 and I can't believe nobody has mentioned Sir Brian.

[mattjpa]

IMO I can't believe Olof is not on every single list here. He was a long term captain, we had a bloody Sweden day before he left. And buying every single fan a shirt on his last match? Pure class!

[Archie]

Imo a player, in order to become a Villa legend, must:
- play for Villa for at least 4 seasons;
- have a special talent;
- show a special committment to the claret and blue shirt;
- possibly win at least one major trophy;
-  have the capability to  win the games by himself with a masterstroke or with a special  performance when the rest of the team is having a poor performance.

I'd say tha Gabby still is not a Villa legend but, yes, he can become it.

Just supposing Withe had only been at Villa for one season only and had scored that EC winner?

I think that the goal he scores is a legendary goal, no doubt about this, but it's not enough to make him a  Villa legend as player, in my opinion.

[RunRickyRun]

McGrath is the only legend I've seen in a Villa shirt. There's been a few of cult heros since then

I wonder if i'll ever experience that feeling of watching the best player in his position in the world in a Villa shirt ever again.

[Holtenderinthesky]

McGrath is the only legend I've seen in a Villa shirt. There's been a few of cult heros since then

I wonder if i'll ever experience that feeling of watching the best player in his position in the world in a Villa shirt ever again.

I know it's not the same but there are few keepers better than Shay IMO.  Over his career I think he has been one of the best, probably just behind Schmeichel in the all time best Prem keepers.

[saunders_heroes]

I wouldn't give legendary status easily.No way on this earth is Petrov a legend,he's been an average player picking up amazing wages for being mr average.Your legends are players who have won medals(at least one) and played season after season after season.Mcgrath,Cowans,Mortimer and more.Gabby not yet I'm afraid!

And neither are Mellberg and Laursen Villa legends. Christ some of us on here must be easily pleased to class that pair as legends.

[Vanilla]

Ian Taylor. A player who relished the chance to move to the team he supported and you sensed the pleasure he had when playing with the AVFC shirt on. Although perhaps not as gifted as some players, his graft, his desire to get in the opponents box and the fact you felt he always gave 100% means he should be considered.

I remember not so long back he was a pundit for a Radio WM Villa game, and he was talking about the future Villa players he had seen whilst watching recent reserve games. 

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Being scottish and regularly kicking a couple of opposition defenders into the ground to give you a bit of room in the area to bullet a cross in off your bald head is a good prerequisite to qualify as a Villa legend.

[avfc_1874]

I think the word 'Legend' has lost all meaning nowadays as it seems it can be applied to anyone.

[Legion]

Shaw
Withe
Morley
Taylor
Aitken
Little
McGrath
Walker
Cowans
McParland

[PeterWithesShin]

Shaw
Withe
Morley
Taylor
Aitken
Little
McGrath
Walker
Cowans
McParland

Out of interest, what makes Shaw and Morley legends but not Mortimer or Evans?

[Legion]

The eye of the beholder. Hero-worshp from my youth.

[PeterWithesShin]

The eye of the beholder. Hero-worshp from my youth.

Good enough answer for me. It's why i'd have Evans as a legend but not Morley.