Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Villa Memories => Topic started by: Dave P on October 17, 2012, 07:17:50 PM
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I was at Hillsborough in 1998 when a 17 year old Gareth Barry made his debut.
Also my dad went to Charlie Aitkin's debut which I'm sure he said was Johnny Dixon's last game for Villa.
Any famous Villa debut's you have attended ?
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Eric Djemba-Djemba's at Fulham in 2005, but hardly famous... we missed 2 penalties that night and conceded a last minute goal to draw 1-1, unbelievable.
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I was at Gareth Barry's home debut, can't remember who we were playing but I was incredibly young - probably about 4 or something?
The only other one that really springs to mind is Bent's, where he scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Man City on a cold January night under the floodlights.
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I dread to think how many i'll have seen over the years. Most of them i've forgotten it was their debut. A guaranteed early sign you are getting old is when players you saw making their first team breakthrough retire through old age.
One thing I do know, is i've seen every Villa managers home debut from Barton - Lambert. It's possible I saw Super Ron's but I was way too young to remember if I was there or not. The one that sticks in my mind the most was when Brian became manager. As my first Villa hero I loved seeing him walk to the dugout as manager. Only about 25K there that day IIRC.
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I was at Hillsborough in 1998 when a 17 year old Gareth Barry made his debut.
Also my dad went to Charlie Aitkin's debut which I'm sure he said was Johnny Dixon's last game for Villa.
Any famous Villa debut's you have attended ?
Quite right.
I was there for Brian Little, Andy Gray and I think Gordon Cowans are probably my most famous
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Milan Baros, against Blackburn when he scored the winner 1-0.
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Yep, Dixon's last/Aitken's debut game was the last of the 60/61 season. Dixon also scored. As a nice touch it was also against Sheffield Wednesday. I am fairly sure that Dixon also left the field early with a burst blood vessel, probably an excuse for a the solo ovation he deserved.
It was also Gerry Hitchens' last game for the club. He got a couple.
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Milan Baros, against Blackburn when he scored the winner 1-0.
My first Villa hero.
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Barry, Merson, Baros ;D Dublin, Alan Thompson ;D
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Too many to recall. Nigel Sims. Gerry Hitchens. Jackie Sewell. Trevor Ford. Danny Blanchflower. John Gidman. Derek Dougan. Doc Pace. Both Andy Grays. John Gregory as both a player and manager. Sir Brian in the youth team.
The one which sticks in my mind with greatest clarity was Sid. It was a filthy night and he stood like a dripping wet bag of bones with his shirt and shorts hanging off off him like a clothes horse. He started to run with that flat footed style of his, barely lifting his feet like a skater who has forgotten to put on his skates. Then he made a tackle and there was a collective intake of breath all around the ground. We knew that a legend was among us.
That memory and the memory of Tottenham's Bobby Smith trying to shoulder charge Nigel Sims over his goal line are probably the last ones which will depart my ancient brain.
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I was at David Platt's home debut vs Plymouth Argyle in 1988 - 5:2 victory (he had already scored on his away debut and also scored vs Plymouth).
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I do recall Mr Cowans full home debut in 1977 v Derby (I do believe) and a 4-0 win. He looked like a streak of piss but scored. He kept his place for the rest of the season in perhaps on one the finest front six we have ever paraded.
Cowans, Cropley. Mortimer, Deehan, Little and Gray.
All these played on the last game of the 1976-77 season when we stuffed the Baggies 4-0 at home. A lovely way to start the summer.
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Dean Saunders home debut in 92 against Liverpool. What a day on the Holte that was...especially when Rosenthal hit the bar!!! In fact, what a season that was!! Happy days.
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Ugo's debut at home to Norwich.*
*...and counting....
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Gary Penrice's debut against Luton. We lost 2-1.
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I do recall Mr Cowans full home debut in 1977 v Derby (I do believe) and a 4-0 win. He looked like a streak of piss but scored. He kept his place for the rest of the season in perhaps on one the finest front six we have ever paraded.
Cowans, Cropley. Mortimer, Deehan, Little and Gray.
All these played on the last game of the 1976-77 season when we stuffed the Baggies 4-0 at home. A lovely way to start the summer.
Andy Gray hat-trick?
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Lee Hendrie's debut against QPR, lasted 15 mins or so before being red carded.
Dean Saunders home debut in 92 against Liverpool. What a day on the Holte that was...especially when Rosenthal hit the bar!!! In fact, what a season that was!! Happy days.
Yep, on a packed Holte and I could see Rosenthal round Spink but could not see the most of the goal due to my position close to the edge. Then I just saw the ball lift up and strike the bar before the view of the pitch was lost to a sea of raised arms gesturing about Nescafe.
Ugo's debut at home to Norwich.
Didn't he have a disaster that game?
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I mustve been at others but the one i recall is Gabby scoring our one on his debut in an awful 4-1 defeat at Everton. It stands out more for me for my Preston supporting husband starting the O'Leary out chants! What do we want? When do we want it?
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Big Ron's debut at Sheffield Wednesday. came back to win it from 2-0 down. Debutant Regis, debutant Atkinson (D), a disallowed effort from a young Yorke and an emphatic winner from debutant Staunton.
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Dennis Mortimer, 4-1 West Ham. We were terrific, West Ham supine and I freely confess I thought he was no more than tidy and wondered what the fuss was about, as I'd known nothing of him at Coventry.
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Mortimer's was a Boxing Day night wasn't it, or around that time? Anyway it was a Christmas treat for me as a kid.
Then there was Cascarino's debut, at the Baseball Ground I think. Such anticipation, quickly followed by the sound of lots of money trickling away.
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Sasa Curcic against Derby. He was brilliant.
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The Grays at Bradford.
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Big Ron's away at Sheffield Wednesday, superb! Deano's at Villa Park was brilliant, them were the days!
Cascarino, Derby away, remember thinking he "looked crap" as we know he was!
Tommy Johnson puking on the pitch he was so nervous home to Spuds!
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Dion Dublin scoring two against Spurs on his debut at Villa Park. Think Merson might have scored on his home debut that season against Derby as well.
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Just how many debuts did Ugo have?
Anyway, Didier Six. Stunning debut. Man Utd trounced 3-0
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I was at Pompey for the Heskey debut :D I can always say I was there when he had a goal a game strike rate for us (or any club for that matter). Also there for Stan's debut at West Ham. He was brilliant, shame that was his best performance for the season.
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Eric Djemba-Djemba's at Fulham in 2005, but hardly famous... we missed 2 penalties that night and conceded a last minute goal to draw 1-1, unbelievable.
I stood behind what we thought were family memebers of Djemba as they had Man U shirts with Djemba on the back Or they could have just been fans. JPA if I remember, took the ball of Barry for the 2nd penalty miss. Lee clark scored their equalizer.
Yeah, I haven't forgotten that game in a hurry
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I was at Hillsborough in 1998 when a 17 year old Gareth Barry made his debut.
Talking of Hillsborough, how many made their debut in 1991?
Let's see: Steve Staunton, Dalian Atkinson, Paul Mortimer, Cyrill Regis, Shawn Teale.......any more?
Of course Big Ron made his debut as manager as well.
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Luc Nilis against Chelsea. Thought it was the start of something very special, but sadly wasn't to be. That goal was pure class though.
Remember seeing us getting twonked at home to Liverpool when we unveiled JPA. I seem to recall a youngster being thrown in but I don't remember his name.
EDIT- John McGraph. And forgot that Tommy Hitz made his debut in that game too.
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Too many to remember, although the first one would have been that of John Phillips' debut as Villa keeper. Don't remember anything about it really.
Andy Gray's debut sticks out in my mind, as does Brian Little's.
Big Ron's debut at Sheffield Wednesday. came back to win it from 2-0 down. Debutant Regis, debutant Atkinson (D), a disallowed effort from a young Yorke and an emphatic winner from debutant Staunton.
I was there; a classic game and what a performance from the away fans.
Dennis Mortimer, 4-1 West Ham. We were terrific, West Ham supine and I freely confess I thought he was no more than tidy and wondered what the fuss was about, as I'd known nothing of him at Coventry.
Yep, remember that welll, and I likewise was a little underwhelmed with the debutant.
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I was at Hillsborough in 1998 when a 17 year old Gareth Barry made his debut.
Talking of Hillsborough, how many made their debut in 1991?
Let's see: Steve Staunton, Dalian Atkinson, Paul Mortimer, Cyrill Regis, Shawn Teale.......any more?
Of course Big Ron made his debut as manager as well.
Kevin Richardson?
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Think I saw Paul McGrath's at Forrest away (and Kent Nielsen) ? He made have played the week before in the friendly against Hibs at Villa Park.
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I remember my first real way game being Man City, many moons ago.
I am sure that it was Sid's debut game.
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The Ugo "debut" v Norwich wasn't actually his debut but yes that was a mind blowing performance.
The Grays at Bradford - unforgettable.
Nigel Callaghan scored on his debut ?
Platt at Blackburn - scored in front of us.
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Last time we beat Man U at home, August 95 (Hanson "You'll never win anything with kids" etc) Savo, Draper and Southgate made their debuts as did a young Ricky Scimeca coming on late for Yorkie.
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Ian Taylor's home debut v Chelsea when he scored a header at the Holte. Carew and Young's home debut v West Ham, Carew scored the winner. Milner scored on his home debut v Spurs? Phillips scored on his debut v Bolton as well.
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Crouch debut scored
Zat Knight v Chelsea scored
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Gareth Barry, Dion Dublin, Alan Thompson, David James
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Almost forgot Luc Nilis (however its spelt) home debut and his brilliant goal vs Chelsea. Oh what might have been...
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Too many to remember, although the first one would have been that of John Phillips' debut as Villa keeper. Don't remember anything about it really.
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0-0 at home to Small Heath in the old second division. 54,000 crowd, god awful game.
Tony Hately was in the Small Heath team, and also Dick Edwards pocket.
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Didier Six's was probably the most high profile debut I've seen
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Eric Djemba-Djemba's at Fulham in 2005, but hardly famous... we missed 2 penalties that night and conceded a last minute goal to draw 1-1, unbelievable
There was a bloke in the Villa end at Fulham that night in a man united shirt with Djemba Djemba on the back
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The first one I can remember was Mark Walters coming on as a sub towards the end of the '81-'82 season in a 4-1 home defeat to Leeds. Ones that stand out since then are Curbishley signing from Blues then coming on as a sub to make his debut against them on Easter Monday, McMahon v Albion, Didier v Man U, the two Gray's at Bradford, Platt at Blackburn, Callaghan (he scored) and Ormondroyd at home to Sheff Wed, Cascarino at Derby and the six debuts in BFR's first game. Everyone talks about Deano's home debut but I remember he actually had one dissalowed at Leeds in his first game. Then of course there was Benteke's debut a few weeks back. Oh, and Mark Lillis and Malcolm Allen at Leicester in '87!
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Eric Djemba-Djemba's at Fulham in 2005, but hardly famous... we missed 2 penalties that night and conceded a last minute goal to draw 1-1, unbelievable
There was a bloke in the Villa end at Fulham that night in a man united shirt with Djemba Djemba on the back
I posted that earlier. We must have been standing right by each other
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I was back home for Ian Taylors debut. Didier Six's is debut that I remember most.
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I was at Villa's European Cup Final debut ;)
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I was at Dwight Yorke's debut game for Villa Reserves against Liverpool. I think he scored two in a 4-2 win (but my memory of those sort of details is rubbish). Remember seeing him hit the post Bobby Charlton style from about 30 yards. The shot didn't get above 3ft off the ground, it was like an Exocet. What a legend he should be at the Villa. Probably the second best player I've seen in my 40 years going to VP.
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Benito Carbone.
Can't remember who gainst but he was absolutely world class.
I was also at Ugo's against Norwich. That really was the stuff of nightmares. I would loved to have seen OPTA stats on his pass completion that day.
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Sir Grahams promotion season we won a great match at Bradford 4-2. The first time I can remember `My old man` being sung.
I am sure two new signings made their debut that day but cannot for the life of me remember who they were.
P.S. Like Big Dick Edwards, I was also at Villa's European Cup Final debut, but also at Royal Antwerp for our European debut.
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I can vaguely remember Ugo against Narrch. As bad as I can vaguely remember that he was I think his crappness has grown over the years. I've seen worse performances under TSM.
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Wasn't that bradford 4 - 2 game when Platt and Stuart gray made their debuts?
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Both Grays.
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Like a good few posters on here I've seen many over the years but I remember being at Shrewsbury for a mid-week match in 1972 which I think may have been Chris Nicholl's debut. Not too sure though.
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Andy Gray (the black one) & Stuart Gray. Was at the game, Andy scored a nice 25 fizzer and Stuart curled in a beauty. Was a cracking game.
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Collymore at home to Blackburn, couldn't wait to see him in Claret & Blue, lost 4-1 if I remember right!!
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Like a good few posters on here I've seen many over the years but I remember being at Shrewsbury for a mid-week match in 1972 which I think may have been Chris Nicholl's debut. Not too sure though.
I was there for that one. I think he scored.
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I was at Hillsborough in 1998 when a 17 year old Gareth Barry made his debut.
Also my dad went to Charlie Aitkin's debut which I'm sure he said was Johnny Dixon's last game for Villa.
Any famous Villa debut's you have attended ?
I was at Johhny Dixons last game against Sheff Wed. I think the score was 4-1 and the great Mr Dixon scored
Yes and it was Charlie Aitkens debut for us.
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Didnt Dalian score on his debut in that epic opening day 3-2 win at Hillsborough
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Didnt Dalian score on his debut in that epic opening day 3-2 win at Hillsborough
Yes and Steve Staunton
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Oh yes forgot that. Was on holiday in Cornwall at the time, driving listening to radio5. Almost totalled the car a few times.
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Benito Carbone.
Can't remember who gainst but he was absolutely world class.
I was also at Ugo's against Norwich. That really was the stuff of nightmares. I would loved to have seen OPTA stats on his pass completion that day.
Ugo's debut may have been many things but it wasn't against Norwich.
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Ugo's debut was Arsenal away I believe. A few weeks before the Norwich "show"
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Dion's debut is one that sticks out for me, met him in the VP car park the day before.
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Wasn't that bradford 4 - 2 game when Platt and Stuart gray made their debuts?
No. David Platt made his debut on Sat 20th February, 1988 away at Blackburn. He scored in a 3-2 defeat. I was there with my wife, who was expecting our elder son at the time. We sat in the seats on the side and what I remember most is the incredibly narrow passageway behind the, principally wooden, stand and thinking what if there were a fire (per Bradford nearly three years earlier).
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Chris Nicholl's debut was a 2-0 win at Rotherham. The Shrewsbury game must have been shortly after.
I was at Ugo's debut too, the 3-1 vs Arsenal. It was the first game I took my kids to.
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I was at JPAs at Old Trafford, he was shit.
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Yeah i remember being at Rotherham when Chris Nicholl made his debut. I can see him now running out in our yellow and blue kit and looking like he was 8 feet tall.
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Must have seen hundreds of debuts over the years but the one that stands out is Exeter City away September 25th 1985 .Simon Stainrod made his debut and scored all 4 goals in a league cup win. Pleased that i was one of the 5,325 there that night
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Anyone recall Mark Kinsella's debut ?
Me neither.
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Dwight Yorke at Crystal Palace in 1990. I was filmed for the 9 o'clock news, stood right in front of the camera outside the ground beforehand. Chatted to Yorkie outside afterwards about cricket as well. Dreadful game though.
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Benito Carbone.
Can't remember who gainst but he was absolutely world class.
I was also at Ugo's against Norwich. That really was the stuff of nightmares. I would loved to have seen OPTA stats on his pass completion that day.
Ugo's debut may have been many things but it wasn't against Norwich.
Not sure when Ugo's debut was, but I do remember reporters and commentators across the land having all kinds of problems with his surname when he first came on the scene.
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I was at Pompey for the Heskey debut :D I can always say I was there when he had a goal a game strike rate for us (or any club for that matter).
I was actually at Reading V Wolves with a Portsmouth fan that night!
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One that sticks in my mind is Nigel Spink at the City Ground on Boxing Day 1979. He didn't make another appearance until the European Cup Final. On my way back to the south-east I stopped off at a cinema in Leicester Square to watch a newly-released film called "Life of Brian". Also on a Boxing day, I saw Brian Tiler score against Cardiff on his debut in 1968 at the start of the Docherty revolution. Many of you will remember the 3-1 win against Man U in 1995 when Mark Draper (who scored), Gareth Southgate and Savo made their league debuts. Oh, and I saw Emile Heskey score a rare goal on his debut at Pompey.
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Chris Nicholl's debut was a 2-0 win at Rotherham. The Shrewsbury game must have been shortly after.
I was at Ugo's debut too, the 3-1 vs Arsenal. It was the first game I took my kids to.
Re-Chris Nicholl's debut, you are correct about it being at Rotherham because I was there also. I was at the Shrewsbury game too and for some unknown reason I was thinking that it was there he made his debut. I'm losing it!
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I was at JPAs at Old Trafford, he was shit.
I was there too, but to be honest, I thought that he looked very promising. I remember thinking that this guy has a good footballing brain and can unlock defences, but do we have players that can match him. I didn't think that he looked liked someone to be in the box but more outside threading balls in. I was also pretty drunk that day.
It was funny seeing a few folk wearing Angel wings
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I remember Willie Andersons home debut vs Spurs in (I think) early 1967. 3-3 draw in which Mike England kicked everyone in a Villa shirt all over the park.
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Cascarino at Derby. Shilton pulled of a great save to deny him a debut goal that would have got him off and running.
Staunton, Regis, Atkinson at Sheffield Wednesday. One of the best days out ever and they all scored.
Didier Six at home to Man Utd. One good run and cross should have been the start, it ended up being the only thing of note he produced.
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I remember Willie Andersons home debut vs Spurs in (I think) early 1967. 3-3 draw in which Mike England kicked everyone in a Villa shirt all over the park.
His debut was a few weeks earlier at Chelsea. But he did score his first Villa goal in that draw with Spurs.
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Benito Carbone.
Can't remember who gainst but he was absolutely world class.
Pretty sure it was Wimbledon and Neil Sullivan put in one of the best goalkeeping displays I've seen
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Peter schmeichel against someone shit in the intertoto cup
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Cascarino at Derby. Shilton pulled of a great save to deny him a debut goal that would have got him off and running.
Staunton, Regis, Atkinson at Sheffield Wednesday. One of the best days out ever and they all scored.
Didier Six at home to Man Utd. One good run and cross should have been the start, it ended up being the only thing of note he produced.
Cascarino and running in the same sentence doesnt seem right. Des Bremner and David Geddis making their debuts at home to Arsenal always sticks in my mind. They were both absolutely shocking and I thought Sir Ron had lost the plot.
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Didnt Dalian score on his debut in that epic opening day 3-2 win at Hillsborough
Yes and Steve Staunton
And Cyrille Regis
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Peter schmeichel against someone shit in the intertoto cup
Slaven Belupo!?
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The league debut of Luc Nilis against Chelsea (I think his actual debut was in Europe), I honestly thought after that game he'd go on to become a Villa legend.
Football can be cruel sometimes.
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Dennis Mortimer, 4-1 West Ham. We were terrific, West Ham supine and I freely confess I thought he was no more than tidy and wondered what the fuss was about, as I'd known nothing of him at Coventry.
Boxing day 1975, a balloon fest on the Holte.
Ivor Linton in 1977 v Stoke - the first black player for the Villa (I believe?).
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Brian Little made his debut on this day in 1971 according to the OS. any H and V posters there?
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Ivor Linton in 1977 v Stoke - the first black player for the Villa (I believe?).
Stan Horne in the sixties played six games for us but sadly he's largely forgotten.
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Emment Kapengwe and Freddy Mwila?
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Ugo, Norwich november 1992. also my debt on the Holte and also on MOTD.....
great day, great memories, bloody good game also.
lost 3-2
I always look forward to the norwich home fixture
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Brian Little made his debut on this day in 1971 according to the OS. any H and V posters there?
Me
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Dennis Mortimer, 4-1 West Ham. We were terrific, West Ham supine and I freely confess I thought he was no more than tidy and wondered what the fuss was about, as I'd known nothing of him at Coventry.
Boxing day 1975, a balloon fest on the Holte.
Ivor Linton in 1977 v Stoke - the first black player for the Villa (I believe?).
Bloody hell, that boxing day game was my first ever match. I didn't realise it was Mortimers debut.
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Ivor Linton in 1977 v Stoke - the first black player for the Villa (I believe?).
Stan Horne in the sixties played six games for us but sadly he's largely forgotten.
I was not aware of this. According to Wiki quite an improtant figure for 3 current Prem teams:
Stan Horne (born 17 December 1944) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Horne was the first black player in the history of his first three teams - Aston Villa, Manchester City and Fulham.
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Brian Little made his debut on this day in 1971 according to the OS. any H and V posters there?
"Little joined as an apprentice in 1969. He scored on his full debut in April 1972 as Villa hammered Torquay 5-1 at Villa Park on their way to the Third Division title."
Am I right in thinking this game was televised - very vaguely remember it on Star Soccer??
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I do recall Mr Cowans full home debut in 1977 v Derby (I do believe) and a 4-0 win. He looked like a streak of piss but scored. He kept his place for the rest of the season in perhaps on one the finest front six we have ever paraded.
Cowans, Cropley. Mortimer, Deehan, Little and Gray.
All these played on the last game of the 1976-77 season when we stuffed the Baggies 4-0 at home. A lovely way to start the summer.
Wasn't that the game Andy Gray got his hat trick to win the Golden boot?
How we laughed...
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I do recall Mr Cowans full home debut in 1977 v Derby (I do believe) and a 4-0 win. He looked like a streak of piss but scored. He kept his place for the rest of the season in perhaps on one the finest front six we have ever paraded.
Cowans, Cropley. Mortimer, Deehan, Little and Gray.
All these played on the last game of the 1976-77 season when we stuffed the Baggies 4-0 at home. A lovely way to start the summer.
Wasn't that the game Andy Gray got his hat trick to win the Golden boot?
How we laughed...
I remember that game v West Brom very well. We were brilliant, I think the game was played on a Friday night.
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I do recall Mr Cowans full home debut in 1977 v Derby (I do believe) and a 4-0 win. He looked like a streak of piss but scored. He kept his place for the rest of the season in perhaps on one the finest front six we have ever paraded.
Cowans, Cropley. Mortimer, Deehan, Little and Gray.
All these played on the last game of the 1976-77 season when we stuffed the Baggies 4-0 at home. A lovely way to start the summer.
Wasn't that the game Andy Gray got his hat trick to win the Golden boot?
How we laughed...
I remember that game v West Brom very well. We were brilliant, I think the game was played on a Friday night.
Ian,
In my head it was played on a Monday night. No idea which of us is correct but there was an unbelievable atmosphere and Andy Gray was stupendous that night. A fantastic way to end the season.
Longest ever version I have heard of "I do like to be beside the seaside" with the fuck off West Brom going on for ages.
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David Ginola, August 2000 against Benfica. It was Alpay's debut too.
ASTON VILLA - James; Stone, Alpay, Southgate and Wright; Boateng, Hendrie, Barry and Merson; Ginola and Dublin.
2-2 draw but we played them off the pitch. I really thought we were going on to great things after that game.
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Kevin Phillips and Carlton Cole!!!
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I do recall Mr Cowans full home debut in 1977 v Derby (I do believe) and a 4-0 win. He looked like a streak of piss but scored. He kept his place for the rest of the season in perhaps on one the finest front six we have ever paraded.
Cowans, Cropley. Mortimer, Deehan, Little and Gray.
All these played on the last game of the 1976-77 season when we stuffed the Baggies 4-0 at home. A lovely way to start the summer.
Wasn't that the game Andy Gray got his hat trick to win the Golden boot?
How we laughed...
I remember that game v West Brom very well. We were brilliant, I think the game was played on a Friday night.
Ian,
In my head it was played on a Monday night. No idea which of us is correct but there was an unbelievable atmosphere and Andy Gray was stupendous that night. A fantastic way to end the season.
Longest ever version I have heard of "I do like to be beside the seaside" with the fuck off West Brom going on for ages.
Pat, you're right, though I was on the right lines. Due to a fixture pile up that resulted from our cup exploits that season, we ended uo playing 7 league games in May, the last three at home on Monday 16 Stoke (W 1-0), Friday 20 QPR (1-1) and Monday 23 West Brom (W 4-0).
One interesting stat from that season, Brian Little played in all 56 competitive games.
Re Gordon Cowans' debut - having dug out my old programmes I'm pretty sure his full debut for Villa was the FA Cup 4th round tie v West Ham, January 22, 1977 (W 3-0). His first goal was scored a few weeks later v Derby at home (W 4-0).
Great days.
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Cheers Ian. Nice to know some of the old brain cells are working.....
Do you recall if Sid scored v QPR on that Friday game? I seem to remember being in the Witton Lane stand on a Friday eve ( the eve of the cup final i think, as i recall those programmes were on sale in the kiosk and until maybe 1998 I did not venture back into that stand) ) with Sid scoring v QPR but I would have put that as 1976.
Age shall not wither them, eh?!
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Sid did indeed score v QPR, Pat, and that was 1977.
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Merson's against Wimbledon where he missed the penalty and got it on the rebound
The Fonz against Zilina (I think) in the Uefa
Zat Knight against Chelsea (sat in North Lower next to the divade where the Chelsea fans were still one of my fave ever games)
Beye's against Wigan opening day 09 10
Clark against Fulham 2009
Osbourne's against Fulham as a sub in 2006/07
Almost forgot was at Everton opening day this season for my first game since Baggies 2010 for Lambert's new signing. Took me brother for his birthday as he hadn't been since Brighton in the FA Cup, all excited for the new season and then it hit the 2 min mark.
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Sid did indeed score v QPR, Pat, and that was 1977.
Ian, you are now my official go to person for Villa stats!
Funny, as I really thought the cup final programme on sale at Villa Park that night was for the Southampton v Man U final. Non Villa stuff really isn't my forte.....
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Sid did indeed score v QPR, Pat, and that was 1977.
Ian, you are now my official go to person for Villa stats!
Funny, as I really thought the cup final programme on sale at Villa Park that night was for the Southampton v Man U final. Non Villa stuff really isn't my forte.....
I dug out the match night programme for the QPR game last night, including Ron Saunders' column confidently predicting a United victory in the cup final.
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Sid did indeed score v QPR, Pat, and that was 1977.
Ian, you are now my official go to person for Villa stats!
Funny, as I really thought the cup final programme on sale at Villa Park that night was for the Southampton v Man U final. Non Villa stuff really isn't my forte.....
I dug out the match night programme for the QPR game last night, including Ron Saunders' column confidently predicting a United victory in the cup final.
If only he had been as good at predicting the Bendalls.....
I remember that QPR game for Sid's goal, my dad buying me a pint in the stand before the game (I was 14 and he was working after a year unemployed) and the old bloke next to us who could not stop commenting on the "pigeon chested" Dave Clement. If only I had the same memory for chasing contacts about work....
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Brian Little made his debut on this day in 1971 according to the OS. any H and V posters there?
Yup. 4-1 shellacing of Blackburn. He came on as sub. We were missing a few defenders that day and I thought we'd struggle. Neil Rioch played centre half and scored twice.
We thought we'd found George Curtis' replacement until 7 days later we blew a 4-2 lead at Port Vale. Sammy Morgan played and scored for Vale.
I don't think Little played again until his goalscoring full debut near the end of the season.
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Robert Hopkins against Norwich in midweek, some time in the `80s, he came on, and scored with his first touch, dunno if it still is, but it was the fastest debut goal of all time for years.
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Must have seen quite a few over the years but for some reason I remember Darren Byfield's debut at Elland Roadas well as Gareth Barry at Sheffield Wednesday and the first match of Big Ron's reign when we had a few debutants at Hillsborough.
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Christian Benteke. In years to come when he's world player of the year for the 10th year running 100,000 will claim to have been at that Swansea game.
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I remember my first real way game being Man City, many moons ago.
I am sure that it was Sid's debut game.
I thoughts Sids debut was against Norwich City but my minds going!
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My minds gone .It was Man City at VP . We lost 2-1!
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Didier Six.
And Callaghan's and stix Ormondroyd in 1989. A 2-0 win against Wednesday?
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My minds gone .It was Man City at VP . We lost 2-1!
It was Man City away - 7th February 1976 - and we did lose 2-1 having taken the lead. We couldn't hold onto leads then either!
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I'm sure I saw Simon Stainrod's first game for Villa at Exeter City in pre-season friendly, and score three?
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I'm sure I saw Simon Stainrod's first game for Villa at Exeter City in pre-season friendly, and score three?
Four. And it was a league cup tie
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Nobby Solano away to Leicester when we won 5-0 and Ian Walker chucked the fan off the pitch. (Was it Nobby's debut?)
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Nobby Solano away to Leicester when we won 5-0 and Ian Walker chucked the fan off the pitch. (Was it Nobby's debut?)
Wasnt it Leeds at Villa park?
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I was at Hillsborough in 1998 when a 17 year old Gareth Barry made his debut.
Also my dad went to Charlie Aitkin's debut which I'm sure he said was Johnny Dixon's last game for Villa.
Any famous Villa debut's you have attended ?
That was the game where some wag threw his season ticket at Big Ron in the Wednesday dug out, & Fernando Nelson begged Draper to take a free kick, which only clipped the crossbar (much closer than one of Draper's normal efforts).
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I was at Hillsborough in 1998 when a 17 year old Gareth Barry made his debut.
Also my dad went to Charlie Aitkin's debut which I'm sure he said was Johnny Dixon's last game for Villa.
Any famous Villa debut's you have attended ?
That was the game where some wag threw his season ticket at Big Ron in the Wednesday dug out, & Fernando Nelson begged Draper to take a free kick, which only clipped the crossbar (much closer than one of Draper's normal efforts).
Draper would have probably knocked it sideways anyway
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I was there for Matt Lowton's debut against Everton.
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Been to lots of them but like many I can only really remember Didier Six's. The reason I remember is nothing to so much about the game but that I seen him driving his club supplied 'Montego' along the fly over at Lancaster Circus about 2 hours after the game had finished.
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David Platt away at Blackburn always sticks in my mind. The away end was still standing in those days before they redeveloped Ewood Park.
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David Platt away at Blackburn always sticks in my mind. The away end was still standing in those days before they redeveloped Ewood Park.
Was there, he scored in front of us.
Sadly we lost .
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It wasn't his debut but I was there to see Platt score one of the best goals Ive seen from a Villa player. A chip of the keeper from the edge of the box away at Bournemouth. There were thousands there tht day in a terrible away end.
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Nobby Solano away to Leicester when we won 5-0 and Ian Walker chucked the fan off the pitch. (Was it Nobby's debut?)
Wasnt it Leeds at Villa park?
According to Wikipedia it was Leicester away.
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Remember that fine win at Leicester. Didn't it also end a wretched run of away form where we hadn't won in a year or something equally stupid? Crouch got two that day as I remember and was at his debut where he scored (against Newcastle I think).
Remember Bent's against Man City fairly recently - a fine 1-0 win which, not for the first time in following the Villa, I felt with some certainty would signal the beginning of a new dawn only to be proven very wrong.
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it could have been. I had not seen us win away in years (about 5 or 6 games a season) until that game. Then I went to Fulham away 1-2 and Charlton away when they missed a penalty with the last kick of the game. those were the days.
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it could have been. I had not seen us win away in years (about 5 or 6 games a season) until that game. Then I went to Fulham away 1-2 and Charlton away when they missed a penalty with the last kick of the game. those were the days.
That CHarlton game was fab. I was there with Chico and Robbo 1874 and Jensen missing that last minute penalty was celebrated like a goal for us. I have never celebrated a penalty miss as much ( except Bolton at Wembley in 2000). We were at the Fulham game too and as usual had a cracking night out.
Funny to remember that run of form under DOL - we were absolutely flying.
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it could have been. I had not seen us win away in years (about 5 or 6 games a season) until that game. Then I went to Fulham away 1-2 and Charlton away when they missed a penalty with the last kick of the game. those were the days.
That CHarlton game was fab. I was there with Chico and Robbo 1874 and Jensen missing that last minute penalty was celebrated like a goal for us. I have never celebrated a penalty miss as much ( except Bolton at Wembley in 2000). We were at the Fulham game too and as usual had a cracking night out.
Funny to remember that run of form under DOL - we were absolutely flying.
I was right in line with the penalty miss and was going mental. It really did seem like the ref blew up straight afterwards. I think that JLloyd scored as well. The Fulham game, we actually missed their goal walking by the main stand. Christ, it seems unbelievable when you say it out loud.
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Of recent times, Darren Bents debut was a good evening. Touched the ball 19 times in 96 mins but 1 very very important touch.
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Probably quite a few, but the one that sticks in my memory was Brian Tiler. He scored with a header at the Holte End.
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Probably quite a few, but the one that sticks in my memory was Brian Tiler. He scored with a header at the Holte End.
Was that Cardiff on Boxing Day? I was at that one too as a wee nipper with my dad and grandad.
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I was there for that one too, not sure it was Boxing Day, though it could have been. It was certainly around Christmas time.
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Do you mean Carl Tiler ?
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No, definintely Brian Tiler RIP. Signed by Tommy Doc from Rotherham 1968.
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Deano's home debut would be the big one from my generation. I was 7 and my dad had just brought me the new strip for my birthday which I wore to the match. At the time out season tickets were in the Witton Lane stand.
That game was really special and really kicked off a wonderful season. Even though I was only 7 I didnt miss a home game and went to my first proper aways. Forest away 1-0 Macca. My mum went mental as me and my dad missed my grandads 80th Birthday to go to the game. And Arsenal away 1-0 Tony Daley. I owe a lot to my dad for taking me to big games at such a young age.
my the time I was 10 I would have been to nearly all of the league grounds in the Premier!
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David Geddis v Arsenal in 1979. Didn't do a lot in that game and never really established himself as first choice for any length of time but was one of the glorious 14 and made a vital contribution in the championship year particularly against the blues and Southampton and,I think, was on the bench in Rotterdam.
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I was there for that one too, not sure it was Boxing Day, though it could have been. It was certainly around Christmas time.
Boxing day vs Cardiff. Bone hard frozen pitch.
Tiler put one in his own net too but it was disallowed.
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I was there for that one too, not sure it was Boxing Day, though it could have been. It was certainly around Christmas time.
Boxing day vs Cardiff. Bone hard frozen pitch.
Tiler put one in his own net too but it was disallowed.
I remember it well. Was down the front of the Holte for a change as my Dad decided to go to the game. BT ran late into the box to plant it into the roof of the net with a bullet header. Cardiff were top of the division at that time.
We had a chant for BT to the tune of "I Am A Tiger" by the Scottish songstress Lulu.
One of my most vivid memories from that game was the roar when the attendance was announced over the P.A.: in excess of 40,000.
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I was there for that one too, not sure it was Boxing Day, though it could have been. It was certainly around Christmas time.
Boxing day vs Cardiff. Bone hard frozen pitch.
Tiler put one in his own net too but it was disallowed.
I remember it well. Was down the front of the Holte for a change as my Dad decided to go to the game. BT ran late into the box to plant it into the roof of the net with a bullet header. Cardiff were top of the division at that time.
We had a chant for BT to the tune of "I Am A Tiger" by the Scottish songstress Lulu.
One of my most vivid memories from that game was the roar when the attendance was announced over the P.A.: in excess of 40,000.
.....at a time when 20,000 was considered pretty good. If I remember rightly a lot of matches had been called off due to the weather & our crowd was boosted a bit by Coventry & Wolves fans?
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Deano's home debut would be the big one from my generation
I went to Elland Road to see his full debut. Seem to remember it was a nil nil draw on a sunday afternoon?
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Deano's home debut would be the big one from my generation
I went to Elland Road to see his full debut. Seem to remember it was a nil nil draw on a sunday afternoon?
That's right. He had one disallowed which was blatantly onside and had two stonewall penalties turned down by the ref. Leeds had a good team back then been champs the previous season and we played them off the park.
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Loads.
Dennis Mortimer 4-1 vs West ham boxing day 1975 (balloons etc) stands out.
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savo, southgate and draper. 3-1 v united.
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Bosko Balaban coming on as a sub, cant for the life of me remember who against. Bloke next to me said, 'Go on, make a name for yourself Son'. Er.......
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Der Hammer had a good debut if my memory is correct , didn't score but played well
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Yep, Dixon's last/Aitken's debut game was the last of the 60/61 season. Dixon also scored. As a nice touch it was also against Sheffield Wednesday. I am fairly sure that Dixon also left the field early with a burst blood vessel, probably an excuse for a the solo ovation he deserved.
It was also Gerry Hitchens' last game for the club. He got a couple.
In a season when he bagged over 40 goals as well
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David Geddis v Arsenal in 1979. Didn't do a lot in that game and never really established himself as first choice for any length of time but was one of the glorious 14 and made a vital contribution in the championship year particularly against the blues and Southampton and,I think, was on the bench in Rotterdam.
I believe that it was also the full debut of Des Bremner and the home debut of Mike Pejic?. Pejic made his debut in a 0-0 at Palace the week before (they were going to be the team of the 80's under Venables) and if I recall correctly we had just sold Gray and Gidman and this was the start of putting the final touches to the League/European Cup winning side. If he had stayed fit, he only played about 15 games for us, I reckon Pejic would have gone down as one of our all time great left backs.
As someone also said, Dennis Mortimer's debut on Boxing Day 1975 was fantastic. 51,000 in the groiund and a 4-1 win and a superb performance from Little and Deehan. I think Dave W wrote that that was the last time we had upwards of 50k Villa fans inside Villa Park as there were only a few hundred from West Ham.
I would love to go back to the mid to late 70's. My happiest days watching the Villa from the Old Witton End.
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I was at that game too; and I'm trying to remember did we go a goal down to a Trevor Brooking goal before putting on a performace that did truly bode well for the future, or am I thinking of another game against WHU when that happened?
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Was anyone at Bristol for Gary Shaw's debut?
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I was.
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I was at that game too; and I'm trying to remember did we go a goal down to a Trevor Brooking goal before putting on a performace that did truly bode well for the future, or am I thinking of another game against WHU when that happened?
Another game I think Dave. I know the goal you mean a left foot curler from the edge of the Holte End penalty area. I know it was a different one because I saw that from the Holte and I didn't go in there until about 1977.
Great days !!!
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That's the one Dave, I thought I'd got it wrong. I was definitely at both though and can remember being thoroughly entertained.
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Deano's home debut is the big one for me. I think we'll be able to add Benteke's debut against Swansea too the list soon.
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Stefan Moore against Charlton when he looked like he was going to be a world-beater.
Ditto Carlton Cole against Southampton.
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Carlton Cole started out very well but lived up to his reputation as a lazy player and managed just 4 goals all season, that is the trouble with loan players IMHO.
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Jimmy Cumbes in the 6-0 win at Oldham.
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Jimmy Cumbes in the 6-0 win at Oldham.
Was he any good?!
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Jimmy Cumbes in the 6-0 win at Oldham.
Can't remember if he had anything to do that day.
He had a good kick on him. Shrewsbury at home. Huge goal kick towards the Witton. The ball only bounced once before Andy Lochhead had put it in the net.
Was he any good?!
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Eric Djemba-Djemba's at Fulham in 2005, but hardly famous... we missed 2 penalties that night and conceded a last minute goal to draw 1-1, unbelievable.
I stood behind what we thought were family memebers of Djemba as they had Man U shirts with Djemba on the back Or they could have just been fans. JPA if I remember, took the ball of Barry for the 2nd penalty miss. Lee clark scored their equalizer.
Yeah, I haven't forgotten that game in a hurry
I think I was at that game too- was it Barry missed them, or someone else?
Was also at hendries qpr debacle- its about the only thing I remember of the whole day, the sending off.
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I was at highfield rd when nii lamptey was there with Brian Lara - cant remember if he played or not though or was just being paraded to the fans after signing for us. He was meant to be the next pele or something
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Jimmy Cumbes in the 6-0 win at Oldham.
The week before this result we lost in the 1st rd of the FA Cup to Southend!!!!
I was at both!!!!
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Ron Saunders debut as our Manager at Osnabruck.
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Eric Djemba-Djemba's at Fulham in 2005, but hardly famous... we missed 2 penalties that night and conceded a last minute goal to draw 1-1, unbelievable.
I stood behind what we thought were family memebers of Djemba as they had Man U shirts with Djemba on the back Or they could have just been fans. JPA if I remember, took the ball of Barry for the 2nd penalty miss. Lee clark scored their equalizer.
Yeah, I haven't forgotten that game in a hurry
I think I was at that game too- was it Barry missed them, or someone else?
Was also at hendries qpr debacle- its about the only thing I remember of the whole day, the sending off.
JPA missed the first, then took the ball off Barry and missed the 2nd
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Brian Little made his debut on this day in 1971 according to the OS. any H and V posters there?
Yes if it was home to Torquay - I think he scored and so did Lochead we won 5-1 and wrapped up the championship (of the third division)
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I was at that one too.
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(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s532/villajk/1c05ccd0afac15ca97cb0eb12871bec5_zpsf82b037c.jpg)
I was there as well. This picture of Brian's first league goal for Villa is from the Chesterfield programme.
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Peter schemeichel against some shit team in the inter toto at villa park
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I was at that one too.
Me too. It was wet and muddy and fucking brilliant.
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I was at that one too.
Me too. It was wet and muddy and fucking brilliant.
Spent the night before lying awake in bed listening to the torrential rain and praying it wouldn't be postponed...I was 8
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The only debut I can remember is that of Alan O'Neill - signed from Sunderland IIRC - made his debut against the Blues at home - scored twice in a 6-2 win
Oct 22 1960
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I was at that one too. Also on the Insignificant Players thread we were discussing, another debut I was at was, Cammie Fraser!
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I was at Brian Little's debut vs Torquay. Scored one & set up Andy Lochead's opener. Also saw Willie Anderson's vs Spuds 3-3 in which he scored with a thunder bolt shot.