Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Villa Memories => Topic started by: bertlambshank on November 01, 2011, 10:53:41 PM
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Some crackers in this lot. http://www.flickr.com/photos/myoldscans/4058579337/in/photostream/
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I remember that day clear as anything. I was seven, not at the match, but in our garden in Hall Green. I vividly remember my dad coming out and gesturing 2 nil with his hands at the end of play.
To think, six years later, we won the league. If only that sort of thing could happen these days.
In fact, thinking about it, from 1972 to 1987, we went from the third division, back to the first, won the league cup twice, won the first division, were champions of Europe, and then went back to the second division.
That must be the most rollercoaster-like non-boring spell any football club has ever undergone.
Willl it ever be that exciting again?
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I remember that day clear as anything. I was seven, not at the match, but in our garden in Hall Green. I vividly remember my dad coming out and gesturing 2 nil with his hands at the end of play.
To think, six years later, we won the league. If only that sort of thing could happen these days.
In fact, thinking about it, from 1972 to 1987, we went from the third division, back to the first, won the league cup twice, won the first division, were champions of Europe, and then went back to the second division.
That must be the most rollercoaster-like non-boring spell any football club has ever undergone.
Willl it ever be that exciting again?
Man City fans have gone from being relegated to the third tier to where they are now in 13 years, potentially on the verge of League and European Honours. About as close as you are going to get to that, but nowhere near as thrilling.
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We were already promoted and if my memory serves me well the win over Sunderland meant that Norwich got third place. We then went to Carrow Road the following week and beat them 4-1.
Then on our first away game in the 1st Division off we went to Carrow Road and got beat 5-3.
And that pic of The Holte End with those AV floodlights is awesome.
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That was my first game in the Holte End, so with 57,000 there we had obviously failed to get a seat. I was too small to see anything, we were standing behind the left side floodlight and I must have moaned like hell, as my dad (not exactly tall himself) took me out at half time and we listened to the 2nd half on the car radio....
Great pics! If I had taken any that day, they would have been the back of people's knees.
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I was at that 4-1 game, and at the 5-3 game (wasnt that a midweek game) as I lived in East Anglia at the time, I think Ted McDougall got a hat-trick and Little scored a beauty. Somehow found myself in the opposite end with a claret and blue silk scarf round my wrist (!!!) surrounded by green and yellow, thank god we lost! I remember our end being packed and feeling very proud we took so many.
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I was in the Holte as usual. Sunderland had taken the Witton end and had another 5000 in Aston park. I think result was 2-1 to us after they took the lead thru Pop Robson. Ian Ross equalised with a pen and some one dragged in a second half winner. Following Wednesday we went to Norwich and beat them 4-1. Great days.
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I'm 99.9% certain it was 2-0
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Great pictures.
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Another site I can't access in China but I remember the Sunderland game well. It was definitely 2-0 and I was a 12 year old in the Witton End with my dad in our usual spot, though there must have been 12-14 thousand Sunderland fans there. They were as good as gold - we stopped them getting promoted and although I went mental for each of our goals not a word or look was sent my way.
Oh for that optimism....
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I'm in that picture. What agreat season it was.
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Have any of you flicked through the rest of those photos? Some fantastic old stuff in there.
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I'm 99.9% certain it was 2-0
WW, you'r right it was2-0. Also, Gazza1982, the 5-3 was a Saturday- the 3rd game back in Divsion 1 having lost 2-1 at home to Leeds and 2-0 away to Man City. We didn't win at all away that season.
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Have any of you flicked through the rest of those photos? Some fantastic old stuff in there.
I'm still going through them, as you say, some great stuff there. And there are the occasional Villa ones as well.
I like this one of the North Stand being built.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/myoldscans/5801401938/
And this one of the Trinty, which seems to be the last (or first) pic in the stream.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/myoldscans/5801725060/
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It was 2-0, I was there what a day.
I've looked at lots of the other photos you've made available to us on your link. Great stuff.
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Great Pics , remember getting on the pitch & taking a little bit of it home.
& the other pics ,
Ed Doolans escort estate, great paint job,
Bristol Bloodhound, spent ages trying to make an Airfix model of one,
Talbot Samba, so you had the other one,
& Gary Glitter !
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Another site I can't access in China but I remember the Sunderland game well. It was definitely 2-0 and I was a 12 year old in the Witton End with my dad in our usual spot, though there must have been 12-14 thousand Sunderland fans there. They were as good as gold - we stopped them getting promoted and although I went mental for each of our goals not a word or look was sent my way.
Oh for that optimism....
Pat, my brother and I left the Aston Tavern to walk to the ground as about 30 coachloads of Sunderland supporters were leaving the Serpentine car park. We were dressed from head to foot in claret & blue and walked in the middle of them down to the Witton Lane Holte End turnstile and didn't get so much as a dirty look. After the game while we were celebrating in the ground thousands of them were marched back up Witton Lane past the Holte End and were applauding us. Amazing sportsmanship under any circumstances but particularly so since we had cheered when the Norwich result was announced. Always had a soft spot for Mackems ever since
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Brilliant pictures. I was there that day and stood on the Witton End with all of the Sunderland fans. As people have said, there must have been 15k plus of them in the ground. We couldn't stand in our normal place, just over half way up to the right of the goal as you look from the Holte End, so we ended up standing by the corner flag by the tunnel. I believe that Ian Ross scored the pen we had that day and it was nice because, if I remember correctly, he was the only outfield player that hadn't scored in that season. I think Brian got the other one rolling a shot into the corner of the goal at the Holte End?. I reckon I must be in the picture as well, because I was by the tunnel on the pitch at the end. Buggered if I can find myself though.
It's funny, but as I have become more and more disenchanted with modern day Football, I find myself looking back at these days and they are the happiest of my Villa supporting days. I think a little bit of Villa Park died the day they demolished the old Witton End and replaced it with the crap that is still there now. All it needed, in them days, was a roof to mirror the Holte and it would have been fine. However, I suppose they got 30 odd more boxes in the ground and made more money from them than the ordinary folk on the Witton?.
Thanks for the memories anyway.
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Another site I can't access in China but I remember the Sunderland game well. It was definitely 2-0 and I was a 12 year old in the Witton End with my dad in our usual spot, though there must have been 12-14 thousand Sunderland fans there. They were as good as gold - we stopped them getting promoted and although I went mental for each of our goals not a word or look was sent my way.
Oh for that optimism....
Pat, my brother and I left the Aston Tavern to walk to the ground as about 30 coachloads of Sunderland supporters were leaving the Serpentine car park. We were dressed from head to foot in claret & blue and walked in the middle of them down to the Witton Lane Holte End turnstile and didn't get so much as a dirty look. After the game while we were celebrating in the ground thousands of them were marched back up Witton Lane past the Holte End and were applauding us. Amazing sportsmanship under any circumstances but particularly so since we had cheered when the Norwich result was announced. Always had a soft spot for Mackems ever since
I know what you mean about the Mackems, Willywombat - always very decent and loyal supporters, and good value for a chat about the game in general.
Were you also at the Villa v Sunderland game on the opening day of the 1982-83 season? The youth team did a pre-match lap of the pitch with the European Cup and when they came to the Sunderland fans in the Witton End + Witton Lane stand to a man they stood up and applauded the Villa for our achievement. Very sporting of them.
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One of the very best days ever at Villa Park, brilliant support all round the game. Coming at the end of a great few days with away wins at Blackpool and Wednesday. Some mates from school were locked out and said there were thousands of Villa and Sunderland in the park trying to keep up with the game.
I got talking to a Mackem a few years ago and saying how great their support was and he reckons he's never seen anything as impressive as the Holte in full swing that day.
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Fantastic season with great memories.
It was a very strong division with Man U there as well. I can remember going to watch mid week away wins at Millwall and Portsmouth. The big old terrace at Blackpool being turned into a mini Holte End, the pitch invasion at the end at Sheffield Wednesday, and of course 3rd place Norwich being blown away 4-1 at Carrow Road with Brian Little and Ray Graydon sitting it out in the stands.
Checked the records, we won the last 8 league games on the trot scoring 26 and conceding 3.
Plus we won the League Cup too. Again seeing off that mouthy wind up merchant John Bond after two great semi finals against Chester.
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Was the 1-4 game at Carrow Road a night game??, I was there,just cant remember ,I was sure Little scored a beaut after dribbling past 3/4 players and us taking thousands and thousands.
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Was the 1-4 game at Carrow Road a night game??, I was there,just cant remember ,I was sure Little scored a beaut after dribbling past 3/4 players and us taking thousands and thousands.
It was a night game. Brian Little scored quite a few goals dribbling past 3/4 players but not this one, as I said he was in the stands.
The game was played Wed 30th April . Cumbes Robson Aitken Ross Nicholl Gidman McDonald Pimblett Leonard Hamilton Carrodus.
The goals were shared by Leonard, Gidman, McDonald, and Carrodus. Crowd was 35,999.
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Wow, your Villa knowledge is awesome,maybe Little scored a great goal in the 5-3 loss at Norwich (?)....thanks.
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Clearly the main photo is after the Sunderland game which I was lucky enough to attend, but the action photos in the rest of the stream which the guy says are of the Sunderland match definitely aren't because not only is the crowd clearly way less than capacity but also Ray Graydon who is photographed actually missed the final games of that season which is why Brian Little was able to end up as our top league goalscorer.
My guess is the action photos are from Villa v York 14 December 1974.
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Ray Graydon who is photographed actually missed the final games of that season which is why Brian Little was able to end up as our top league goalscorer.
Spot on.
With 7 games remaining Graydon was well out in front on 19 league goals, he started the next 2 games being substituted ( injury?) and missed the remaining 5 and finished on that total of 19.
Brian Little was on 10 goals and scored another 10 in the next 6 games. He scored the second goal after an Ian Ross penalty in that 2-0 win over Sunderland to finish top scorer. 20 league goals, none from penalties, in 33 appearances.
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Wow, your Villa knowledge is awesome,maybe Little scored a great goal in the 5-3 loss at Norwich (?)....thanks.
He did.
I was at that game. It was a cracker, Little had one disallowed too. Went to Gt Yarmouth afterwards, a very memorable day out.
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I'm 99.9% certain it was 2-0
WW, you'r right it was2-0. Also, Gazza1982, the 5-3 was a Saturday- the 3rd game back in Divsion 1 having lost 2-1 at home to Leeds and 2-0 away to Man City. We didn't win at all away that season.
Your memory is letting you down, we lost to Leeds then the first away game was at QPR on the Tuesday night 1-1 draw. First win was at home to Man City, after the Norwich game.
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I'm 99.9% certain it was 2-0
WW, you'r right it was2-0. Also, Gazza1982, the 5-3 was a Saturday- the 3rd game back in Divsion 1 having lost 2-1 at home to Leeds and 2-0 away to Man City. We didn't win at all away that season.
Your memory is letting you down, we lost to Leeds then the first away game was at QPR on the Tuesday night 1-1 draw. First win was at home to Man City, after the Norwich game.
I'm sure you're right Chris. Maybe I'm getting the Man City match mixed up with another season, I'm sure I remember going of there on a warm August evening to see a 2-0 defeat- probably a year or two later.
Off to take my tablets before I forget.
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Look at the picture of the 1940's expansion plans for Villa Park.Damn you Hitler! http://www.flickr.com/photos/28812435@N04/4343005519/in/photostream/
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The Holte pub in all it's M&B glory. http://www.pbase.com/beppuu/image/69569846
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Oh my
(http://i.pbase.com/u33/beppuu/large/35673017.HolteRd2.jpg)
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Anyone remember away to Ipswich in late 70's, all the Villa boys standing on the fence seperating the 2 sets of supporters and some of the Ipswich fans doing the same and they were all leaning over lamping each other?, sure it was near Christmas as that was definately '5 Ken McNaughts' and a 'Jimmy Rimmer as a goalie 'song. Think we lost 2-1.
Also remember beating Ipswich 6-1 at Villa Park in 1978 a week before they won the cup.I actually knew their goalie a little (Paul Overton)as he was 2 years above me at school, it was his professional debut, he never played for them in the first team again after that drubbing.
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I'm 99.9% certain it was 2-0
WW, you'r right it was2-0. Also, Gazza1982, the 5-3 was a Saturday- the 3rd game back in Divsion 1 having lost 2-1 at home to Leeds and 2-0 away to Man City. We didn't win at all away that season.
Your memory is letting you down, we lost to Leeds then the first away game was at QPR on the Tuesday night 1-1 draw. First win was at home to Man City, after the Norwich game.
I'm sure you're right Chris. Maybe I'm getting the Man City match mixed up with another season, I'm sure I remember going of there on a warm August evening to see a 2-0 defeat- probably a year or two later.
Off to take my tablets before I forget.
Bernie, I am pretty certain the 2-0 away defeat to Man City was the beginning of the 1976-77 season. There was a furore around that game as a Villa fan was stabbed at Maine Rd and a fair number of fans exacted revenge on Man City when they came to play us in the league cup a few weeks alter.
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Thanks Pat McM. That sounds about right, I remember a fair bit of trouble on the night. I think we beat them 3-0 in the League Cup at the start of the journey that led to Wembley-Hillsbrough-Old Trafford
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The game against Albion ,which I think was @ Easter was one I always remember.
We won 3-1 & I think we had a freak blizzard during the second half.
Also recall after a goalmouth scramble at the Holte, John Wile turning round & giving us a double Harvey Smith,
Would have been a 3 match ban today.
,
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Another site I can't access in China but I remember the Sunderland game well. It was definitely 2-0 and I was a 12 year old in the Witton End with my dad in our usual spot, though there must have been 12-14 thousand Sunderland fans there. They were as good as gold - we stopped them getting promoted and although I went mental for each of our goals not a word or look was sent my way.
Oh for that optimism....
Pat, my brother and I left the Aston Tavern to walk to the ground as about 30 coachloads of Sunderland supporters were leaving the Serpentine car park. We were dressed from head to foot in claret & blue and walked in the middle of them down to the Witton Lane Holte End turnstile and didn't get so much as a dirty look. After the game while we were celebrating in the ground thousands of them were marched back up Witton Lane past the Holte End and were applauding us. Amazing sportsmanship under any circumstances but particularly so since we had cheered when the Norwich result was announced. Always had a soft spot for Mackems ever since
I know what you mean about the Mackems, Willywombat - always very decent and loyal supporters, and good value for a chat about the game in general.
Were you also at the Villa v Sunderland game on the opening day of the 1982-83 season? The youth team did a pre-match lap of the pitch with the European Cup and when they came to the Sunderland fans in the Witton End + Witton Lane stand to a man they stood up and applauded the Villa for our achievement. Very sporting of them.
Yes I do remember that now you come to mention it
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Anyone remember away to Ipswich in late 70's, all the Villa boys standing on the fence seperating the 2 sets of supporters and some of the Ipswich fans doing the same and they were all leaning over lamping each other?, sure it was near Christmas as that was definately '5 Ken McNaughts' and a 'Jimmy Rimmer as a goalie 'song. Think we lost 2-1.
Also remember beating Ipswich 6-1 at Villa Park in 1978 a week before they won the cup.I actually knew their goalie a little (Paul Overton)as he was 2 years above me at school, it was his professional debut, he never played for them in the first team again after that drubbing.
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I think this game was early December 1977 - I remember going and the 12 days of Christmas song - I thought we lost 2-0 and Colin Viljoen (WHO ??) returned for them after a bit of an absence.
I also remember the 6-1 drubbing we gave them at VP in 1978 - and when they made it 6-1 - the sarcastic chants of "one-six" - to the tune of Amazing Grace.
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Can anyone else view the pics on a iPad keeps saying error when I try to click on the link.
What a day though vp packed to the rafters party time before during and after
I to thought how good the Sunderland fans was before and after the game always liked them over the geordies
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I'm 99.9% certain it was 2-0
WW, you'r right it was2-0. Also, Gazza1982, the 5-3 was a Saturday- the 3rd game back in Divsion 1 having lost 2-1 at home to Leeds and 2-0 away to Man City. We didn't win at all away that season.
I was 16 at the time and got knocked out by a man in his 30's - and to make matters worse I got grounded for a week and missed Everton on the Saturday our first away win back in Division 1
Your memory is letting you down, we lost to Leeds then the first away game was at QPR on the Tuesday night 1-1 draw. First win was at home to Man City, after the Norwich game.
I'm sure you're right Chris. Maybe I'm getting the Man City match mixed up with another season, I'm sure I remember going of there on a warm August evening to see a 2-0 defeat- probably a year or two later.
Off to take my tablets before I forget.
Bernie, I am pretty certain the 2-0 away defeat to Man City was the beginning of the 1976-77 season. There was a furore around that game as a Villa fan was stabbed at Maine Rd and a fair number of fans exacted revenge on Man City when they came to play us in the league cup a few weeks alter.
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110% sure I am right Everton was our first away league win back in the top division didn't Little score both, not that I went, also missed our second away league win Andy Gray scoring at Sunderland.
Got to say back in 1975-80 it was madness at some grounds. White Hart lane was on top the year they went down, Middlesborough every visit, Man Utd, Chelsea on their promotion back to Div 1 and of course Anfield and Goodison.
Away days then were not for the faint hearted.
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Some crackers in this lot. http://www.flickr.com/photos/myoldscans/4058579337/in/photostream/
Help! It won't open!
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Some crackers in this lot. http://www.flickr.com/photos/myoldscans/4058579337/in/photostream/
Help! It won't open!
and there I was thinking it was just me !
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Some crackers in this lot. http://www.flickr.com/photos/myoldscans/4058579337/in/photostream/
Help! It won't open!
and there I was thinking it was just me !
They are not there anymore. They were scanned and uploaded to a Flicker account and the OP was dated November 2011.
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a picture from the 1975 League Cup Final...
(http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article312646.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/BL917700@.jpg)
UTV
The Doc
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a picture from the 1975 League Cup Final...
(http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article312646.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/BL917700@.jpg)
UTV
The Doc
that day in the Greyhound aged 14 was the first time i ever got served alcohol in a pub
anyone remember the LP
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On their way to Wembley.
(http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article7723155.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/27th-February-1975-Aston-Villa-Manager-Ron-Saunders-with-his-team-leave-Birmingham-for-Wembley.jpg)
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On their way to Wembley.
(http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article7723155.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/27th-February-1975-Aston-Villa-Manager-Ron-Saunders-with-his-team-leave-Birmingham-for-Wembley.jpg)
Cracking photo, Johnny Gidman looks pretty cool as does Ron
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On their way to Wembley.
(http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article7723155.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/27th-February-1975-Aston-Villa-Manager-Ron-Saunders-with-his-team-leave-Birmingham-for-Wembley.jpg)
Cracking photo, Johnny Gidman looks pretty cool as does Ron
as does Chico and Brian Little
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On their way to Wembley.
(http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article7723155.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/27th-February-1975-Aston-Villa-Manager-Ron-Saunders-with-his-team-leave-Birmingham-for-Wembley.jpg)
Cracking photo, Johnny Gidman looks pretty cool as does Ron
as does Chico and Brian Little
Not forgetting Sammy Morgan, John Robson, Bobby McDonald, and you can just see Jimmy Brown poking his curly head into the picture.
I will also have a guess that it's Fred Pedley the physio just above Gidmans head.
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Can't have been too many times when Ron and Giddy were next to one another and smiling at the same time!
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On their way to Wembley.
(http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article7723155.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/27th-February-1975-Aston-Villa-Manager-Ron-Saunders-with-his-team-leave-Birmingham-for-Wembley.jpg)
Cracking photo, Johnny Gidman looks pretty cool as does Ron
as does Chico and Brian Little
Not forgetting Sammy Morgan, John Robson, Bobby McDonald, and you can just see Jimmy Brown poking his curly head into the picture.
I will also have a guess that it's Fred Pedley the physio just above Gidmans head.
whos that in the glasses then above jimmy brown by rons shoulder , looks a bit like rolf harris
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I just sat and stared at that picture for ages with tears in my eyes
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On their way to Wembley.
(http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article7723155.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/27th-February-1975-Aston-Villa-Manager-Ron-Saunders-with-his-team-leave-Birmingham-for-Wembley.jpg)
Cracking photo, Johnny Gidman looks pretty cool as does Ron
as does Chico and Brian Little
Not forgetting Sammy Morgan, John Robson, Bobby McDonald, and you can just see Jimmy Brown poking his curly head into the picture.
I will also have a guess that it's Fred Pedley the physio just above Gidmans head.
whos that in the glasses then above jimmy brown by rons shoulder , looks a bit like rolf harris
It might be Eric Houghton.
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My first time at Wembley and apologies for comments that already may have gone. Bobby McDonald was my man of the match, but that penalty from my hero Ray Graydon, what a keeper Kevin Keelan was
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a picture from the 1975 League Cup Final...
(http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article312646.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/BL917700@.jpg)
UTV
The Doc
that day in the Greyhound aged 14 was the first time i ever got served alcohol in a pub
anyone remember the LP
I think that photo is from the town hall celebrations on the Sunday midday and not inside Wembley. I didn't go into town as that was when the highlights were shown on itv and no such things as videos in those days so it was my only chance to watch the game. My mom and sisters went though.
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My first time at Wembley and apologies for comments that already may have gone. Bobby McDonald was my man of the match, but that penalty from my hero Ray Graydon, what a keeper Kevin Keelan was
yes it was nice to see the penalty again on saturday at half time
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a picture from the 1975 League Cup Final...
(http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article312646.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/BL917700@.jpg)
UTV
The Doc
that day in the Greyhound aged 14 was the first time i ever got served alcohol in a pub
anyone remember the LP
I think that photo is from the town hall celebrations on the Sunday midday and not inside Wembley. I didn't go into town as that was when the highlights were shown on itv and no such things as videos in those days so it was my only chance to watch the game. My mom and sisters went though.
Yes it is - there'as corporation bus stop front centre. We went to Victoria Square and then across to Villa Park for the Sunday afternoon lap of honour.
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a picture from the 1975 League Cup Final...
(http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article312646.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/BL917700@.jpg)
UTV
The Doc
that day in the Greyhound aged 14 was the first time i ever got served alcohol in a pub
anyone remember the LP
I think that photo is from the town hall celebrations on the Sunday midday and not inside Wembley. I didn't go into town as that was when the highlights were shown on itv and no such things as videos in those days so it was my only chance to watch the game. My mom and sisters went though.
Yes it is - there'as corporation bus stop front centre. We went to Victoria Square and then across to Villa Park for the Sunday afternoon lap of honour.
many apologies, I was led to believe that it was from that day at Wembley 75....
UTV
The Doc
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On their way to Wembley.
(http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article7723155.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/27th-February-1975-Aston-Villa-Manager-Ron-Saunders-with-his-team-leave-Birmingham-for-Wembley.jpg)
Cracking photo, Johnny Gidman looks pretty cool as does Ron
as does Chico and Brian Little
Not forgetting Sammy Morgan, John Robson, Bobby McDonald, and you can just see Jimmy Brown poking his curly head into the picture.
I will also have a guess that it's Fred Pedley the physio just above Gidmans head.
whos that in the glasses then above jimmy brown by rons shoulder , looks a bit like rolf harris
It might be Eric Houghton.
It's John "Pop" Ward, who was the club's general factotum and lucky mascot.
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http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/aston-villa-manager-ron-saunders-allows-john-pop-ward-to-lead-the-picture-id509142470
Aston Villa manager Ron Saunders (centre) allows John 'Pop' Ward (suit) to lead the players onto the field at Wembley Stadium during their pre-match visit prior to the League Cup Final against Norwich City, 27th February 1975. The League Cup Final will be played on March 1st 1975. John 'Pop' Ward had supported the club since the 1920's and worked at the Bodymoor Heath training ground, and in the home dressing-room on matchdays. While 'Pop' was always modest about the importance of his role at the club, manager Saunders saw him as a talismanic figure with the players - there with a kind word, an arm around the shoulder or a joke to lighten the mood.
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Fantastic picture. I am ashamed to say I can't name the guy between Brian and Sir Ron. Help please?
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http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/aston-villa-manager-ron-saunders-allows-john-pop-ward-to-lead-the-picture-id509142470
Aston Villa manager Ron Saunders (centre) allows John 'Pop' Ward (suit) to lead the players onto the field at Wembley Stadium during their pre-match visit prior to the League Cup Final against Norwich City, 27th February 1975. The League Cup Final will be played on March 1st 1975. John 'Pop' Ward had supported the club since the 1920's and worked at the Bodymoor Heath training ground, and in the home dressing-room on matchdays. While 'Pop' was always modest about the importance of his role at the club, manager Saunders saw him as a talismanic figure with the players - there with a kind word, an arm around the shoulder or a joke to lighten the mood.
Great shout! Pop Ward was pictured in the programme on many occasions. He is also in a lot of the after match on pitch celebrations photographs .Started as kit man in 1968 ,until Sid's dad took over.Died aged 85 in 1978.
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a picture from the 1975 League Cup Final...
(http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article312646.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/BL917700@.jpg)
UTV
The Doc
that day in the Greyhound aged 14 was the first time i ever got served alcohol in a pub
anyone remember the LP
I think that photo is from the town hall celebrations on the Sunday midday and not inside Wembley. I didn't go into town as that was when the highlights were shown on itv and no such things as videos in those days so it was my only chance to watch the game. My mom and sisters went though.
Yes it is - there'as corporation bus stop front centre. We went to Victoria Square and then across to Villa Park for the Sunday afternoon lap of honour.
many apologies, I was led to believe that it was from that day at Wembley 75....
UTV
The Doc
That's what I though as well Doc at first.That "Super Saunders' banner was photographed so many times at Wembley and I think made it onto a book cover once (?). It's an icon of sorts.
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Fantastic picture. I am ashamed to say I can't name the guy between Brian and Sir Ron. Help please?
Bobby Mcdonald ,
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I know we sold him to Coventry - the rumour about Bobby McDonald was he liked his drink. What would Barry Hole have to say about that one ha
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Thanks conman. Looks a bit too pale for Bobby McD I remember but probably sun bouncing of his face!
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I know we sold him to Coventry - the rumour about Bobby McDonald was he liked his drink. What would Barry Hole have to say about that one ha
yeah he used to drink in the yenton up erdington
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(http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/aston-villa-manager-ron-saunders-allows-john-pop-ward-to-lead-the-picture-id509142470)
Jimmy Brown, Willie Anderson, Robbo, Chico, Fred Pedley, Frank Upton, Pop Ward, Jimmy Cumbes, Ian Ross, Saunders, Charlie Aitken, Alun Evans, Bobby Mac, Keith Leonard, Sir Brian, Giddy.
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(http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/aston-villa-manager-ron-saunders-allows-john-pop-ward-to-lead-the-picture-id509142470)
Jimmy Brown, Willie Anderson, Robbo, Chico, Fred Pedley, Frank Upton, Pop Ward, Jimmy Cumbes, Ian Ross, Saunders, Charlie Aitken, Alun Evans, Bobby Mac, Keith Leonard, Sir Brian, Giddy.
Close, it's Leighton Phillips 2nd left, and Roy Maclaren is directly behind "Pop" not Frank Upton.
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Chris Nicholl prob taking the pic
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That's what I though as well Doc at first.That "Super Saunders' banner was photographed so many times at Wembley and I think made it onto a book cover once (?). It's an icon of sorts.
Here you go.
(http://www.antiikinvuoksi.fi/tuotekuvat/450x450/The_Aston_Villa_Story.JPG.jpg)
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(http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/aston-villa-manager-ron-saunders-allows-john-pop-ward-to-lead-the-picture-id509142470)
Jimmy Brown, Willie Anderson, Robbo, Chico, Fred Pedley, Frank Upton, Pop Ward, Jimmy Cumbes, Ian Ross, Saunders, Charlie Aitken, Alun Evans, Bobby Mac, Keith Leonard, Sir Brian, Giddy.
Close, it's Leighton Phillips 2nd left, and Roy Maclaren is directly behind "Pop" not Frank Upton.
Of course it is ! Willie Anderson had left by then.
In fact the only players who don't seem to be in the picture are the two who had the biggest bearing on the result.
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(http://www.midlandsmemorabilia.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/the-players-official-aston-villa-football-league-cup-final-brochure-1975.jpg)
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(http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article7927533.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/Ron-Saunders-parades-the-League-Cup-after-the-final-victory-over-Norwich-in-1975.jpg)
(http://cache1.asset-cache.net/gc/98748426-aston-villa-goalkeeper-jim-cumbes-smiling-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=9QMziWNtBI6whP66vhs4ofU%2FEzdVodiOXIoRDlgC53KSBPAW3Wns2nIuRHOjVL%2FyoRg64XIo9WQeNLnPeaTtTg%3D%3D)
and its
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(http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/football-league-division-two-26th-april-aston-villa-2-v-sunderland-0-picture-id79031017)
26th April, 1975, Villa 2 Sunderland 0. In the dressing room after Villa have won promotion to the First Division.
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Magical magical times to be a villa fan
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That second half of the 74-75 season will always be amongst my all time favourite times of supporting Villa.
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I've said on here before and I'll say it again. IMO, if that season had three or four more games to play, we would have overhauled Manure and won the league. We were really tanking at the end of that season.
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Our league record after New Year was W15 D2 L1. Who was the 1 defeat to, without looking it up!
And chuck in 6 cup games after New Year as well, W4 D1 L1.
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Wasn't it fecking Leyton Orient, or am I raving again?
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(http://i1332.photobucket.com/albums/w604/billyreams1/winnerwinner_black_zpsa29ce757.gif)
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Whoo Hoo! Incredible when you think about it and all the teams we put to the sword the second half of that season. 2-0 at home to Manure was a great performance. I'll never forget the Charlie Aitken header.
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Spooky.
I was up in our loft 2 hours ago and came across the programme for this game. I recall a lot of games from this era but not this one. Coincidence I theN come on here and see the goals from the game.
As an aside Keith Leonard was awesome that season
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(http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/football-league-division-two-26th-april-aston-villa-2-v-sunderland-0-picture-id79031017)
26th April, 1975, Villa 2 Sunderland 0. In the dressing room after Villa have won promotion to the First Division.
Doug is probably saying 'you want how much'?
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Andy Grays goal in that is one of my favourite Villa goals.
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Wasn't it fecking Leyton Orient, or am I raving again?
cant remember but i was there , all i remember was the football special , chaos on the tube to and from the ground from euston , and on the pitch after the match
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Andy Grays goal in that is one of my favourite Villa goals.
In division two?
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Villa vs Man U, 3-2, Div 1, 1976
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Wasn't it fecking Leyton Orient, or am I raving again?
cant remember but i was there , all i remember was the football special , chaos on the tube to and from the ground from euston , and on the pitch after the match
Load of West Ham there looking for trouble iirc. A few of us ran across the pitch from the open end, into the enclosure, just before kick off.
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Wasn't it fecking Leyton Orient, or am I raving again?
March 22nd
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Our league record after New Year was W15 D2 L1. Who was the 1 defeat to, without looking it up!
And chuck in 6 cup games after New Year as well, W4 D1 L1.
On the day of the defeat at Orient we had a school trip to Wembley to see England schoolboys v Holland, and won 4-0. I was excited to be going to Wembley but asked my dad if we could jump on the tube to orient instead and he was having none of it.
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It was 41 years ago on Tuesday just gone since we beat west brom 3-1 as part of that unbelievable surge to promotion - up until this they'd been a bit of a bogey team they beat us 2-0 (a) and 3-1 (h) the previous season as well as beating us 2-0 earlier in 74-75, when we went a goal down, we must have feared the worst but what a second half performance. This was the first time I'd seen us beat the olbion. Any other memories ?
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That stripey shite game at vp was atmosphere wise on a par with the quarter final last year. The way we roared the lads on after going a goal down was unbelievable and I know I've said it before but that was tackle by Ian Ross on tony brown when he was through on goal was superb
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Memories likewise, up until that 3-1 win v West Brom I'd only seen us lose to them. Living amongst them in Oldbury wasn't good at the time and the belief that flowed from winning that game was tangible.
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It was 41 years ago on Tuesday just gone since we beat west brom 3-1 as part of that unbelievable surge to promotion - up until this they'd been a bit of a bogey team they beat us 2-0 (a) and 3-1 (h) the previous season as well as beating us 2-0 earlier in 74-75, when we went a goal down, we must have feared the worst but what a second half performance. This was the first time I'd seen us beat the olbion. Any other memories ?
I was just 10. Forgotten I went until I found the programme in the loft
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Wasn't aware of any trouble at Orient as we drove there. However, at the midweek game at Millwall I made the mistake of wearing my Villa scarf as I thought I was safe in the main stand. Got battered at half-time as stewards looked on. As Villa eased to a 3-1 win, we decided to leave a few minutes before the end pretending to look disconsolate as we walked past the locals waiting outside.
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West Brom Easter Saturday game I was on a Duke of Edinburgh camp in Dartmoor, remember the scruffs scoring first (saw the game on Match of the day). Didnt make Blackpool or Hillsborough either. Made up for it though in later years.
Ipswich away Christmas game - the poster was right about the 5 Ken McNaught song. The trouble started nearly every season their when the farmers started signing IRA (for them Ipswich Republican Army) for a lot of Brummies bad memories.
Maine Road night game 1976 (first away of the season) has got a mention. All I remember about that night was we were crap and I got sparked outside the main entrance by some brave scum bag. I was only 15 at the time. My ma barred me from going to Everton on the Saturday (our first away victory back in Div 1) never forgiven her ha ha.