Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Legion on August 26, 2014, 10:05:54 AM

Title: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Legion on August 26, 2014, 10:05:54 AM
My Villa hero.

Happy 60th Birthday!

(http://www.2uptop.com/sites/www.2uptop.com/uploads/images/Article%20Pics/villa_birmingham/at_morely.jpg)

Title: Re: Tony Morley
Post by: Richard E on August 26, 2014, 10:15:48 AM
This wasn't too shabby either:-

www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9ZEM4R0jFk
Title: Re: Tony Morley
Post by: Tayls_7 on August 26, 2014, 10:18:36 AM
My hero growing up. I played left wing for years pretending to be Tony. Happy Birthday.
Title: Re: Tony Morley
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on August 26, 2014, 10:21:04 AM
I paniced whe I saw this thread. Phew

Happy Birthday
Title: Re: Tony Morley
Post by: ez on August 26, 2014, 10:21:21 AM
One of the most exciting players i've seen play for us. Still plays charity games for the Lions and Legends.
Title: Re: Tony Morley
Post by: JUAN PABLO on August 26, 2014, 10:23:21 AM
Happy birthday Tony


What a player
Title: Re: Tony Morley
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on August 26, 2014, 10:24:29 AM
Happy Birthday Tony. I hope your pressies are better wrapped than these.
Title: Re: Tony Morley
Post by: Gerrin on August 26, 2014, 10:24:48 AM
This wasn't too shabby either:-

www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9ZEM4R0jFk

Interesting anecdote on the Champions DVD. He was totally pumped up for that game as friends and family were going to be there, only for Saunders to tell him on the morning of the game he wasn't playing.
Title: Re: Tony Morley
Post by: eamonn on August 26, 2014, 10:58:55 AM
Thought you were gonna say he was on his way out...

More specific thread titles please!
Title: Re: Tony Morley
Post by: olaftab on August 26, 2014, 11:03:03 AM
Thought you were gonna say he was on his way out...

More specific thread titles please!
I agree  as I thought he was ill or something!
Happy Birthday Tony and thanks again for giving us the Championship and the European cup.
Title: Re: Tony Morley
Post by: Legion on August 26, 2014, 11:09:43 AM
Sorry. Will amend.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Legion on August 26, 2014, 11:10:41 AM
Better?
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Damo70 on August 26, 2014, 11:37:08 AM
My favourite ever Villa player and a really nice bloke as well.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Dr Butler on August 26, 2014, 11:52:24 AM
Happy Birthday Tone..... a great player, I personally loved the European goal(v Dynamo MoscowBerlin ?) where he ran the length of the pitch.

FOUND IT !!!



UTV
The Doc
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: robbo1874 on August 26, 2014, 12:10:31 PM
He was my hero growing up too- fantastic winger. Busy feet as they say, clearly evident in that youtube clip. Walters was the only one near his quality we've had since, in my view.

Happy 60th Tony.

Villa legend.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Legion on August 26, 2014, 12:14:17 PM
Happy Birthday Tone..... a great player, I personally loved the European goal(v Dynamo Moscow ?) where he ran the length of the pitch.

UTV
The Doc

Can't find it on YT.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: manic-road on August 26, 2014, 12:30:25 PM
Happy birthday Tony, a real Villa legend.

I know he has been coaching some of junior footballers in Mere Green a top bloke.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Dr Butler on August 26, 2014, 12:35:49 PM
Happy Birthday Tone..... a great player, I personally loved the European goal(v Dynamo Moscow ?) where he ran the length of the pitch.

UTV
The Doc

Can't find it on YT.

modified my post Lee....:)
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Legion on August 26, 2014, 12:37:55 PM
No wonder I couldn't find it! Nice one.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Villan For Life on August 26, 2014, 12:53:44 PM
Happy Birthday, Tony.

Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: darren woolley on August 26, 2014, 01:00:34 PM
Happy Birthday Tony legend.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 26, 2014, 03:33:17 PM
Happy Birthday Tone..... a great player, I personally loved the European goal(v Dynamo MoscowBerlin ?) where he ran the length of the pitch.

FOUND IT !!!



UTV
The Doc

I still get nervous watching that. Just before he puts the ball in the back of the net the ball bobbles on that dodgy pitch. That was such an important win and the experience gained I really believe gave us the belief to go all the way. Who'd have thought the lad we signed from Burnley would turn out the way he did.

Happy birthday, Tony.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: The Left Side on August 26, 2014, 04:29:15 PM
Happy Birthday Tone..... a great player, I personally loved the European goal(v Dynamo MoscowBerlin ?) where he ran the length of the pitch.

FOUND IT !!!



UTV
The Doc

I still get nervous watching that. Just before he puts the ball in the back of the net the ball bobbles on that dodgy pitch. That was such an important win and the experience gained I really believe gave us the belief to go all the way. Who'd have thought the lad we signed from Burnley would turn out the way he did.

Happy birthday, Tony.

Just thinking that, loved his reaction to the first goal.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Exeter 77 on August 26, 2014, 04:33:22 PM
quote author=Dr Butler link=topic=52572.msg2663519#msg2663519 date=1409050344]
Happy Birthday Tone..... a great player, I personally loved the European goal(v Dynamo MoscowBerlin ?) where he ran the length of the pitch.

FOUND IT !!!



[/quote]

My favourite ever Villa goal by one of my two favourite ever Villa players (Paul McGrath being the other)Tony's other goal in that game was a bit special as well - a volley from 18 yards.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on August 26, 2014, 05:28:33 PM
Damn, I bet that penalty/penalty save was a brown trouser moment.

I used to live in Kingstanding in the early 80s, and every time we went to Sutton Park we'd look for Tony Morley's house - we heard he lived somewhere on Westwood Road.

Never saw him though.  Happy birthday, Tony!
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: BC54 VFC on August 26, 2014, 07:02:11 PM
My hero from that era, also. When I used to stand on the Holte I regularly had arguments with the father of a schoolmate of mine as to how good he was, as he didn't rate him, although I'm not sure to this day whether he was just winding me up.

No 66, TS.

Many Happy Returns, Tony.

   
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: class-of-82 on August 26, 2014, 07:02:41 PM
Happy birthday super tony
You were part of the team that took us on the most amazing journey ever that started with the first game of the season in 1980 and ended in Rotterdam in 1982 a truly magical time that I hope can one day be repeated.
God bless you a true villa legend
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: exigo on August 26, 2014, 07:05:02 PM
My first hero. The player I wanted to be when I grew up. I have so many happy memories of kicking a ball around the back garden pretending to be him.

Have a great birthday Tony.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: The Left Side on August 26, 2014, 07:06:22 PM
Happy Birthday Tony
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: silhillvilla on August 26, 2014, 07:10:39 PM
The goal at Goodison in 80/81 is one of my top 5 of all time.

Happy 60th Tony
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: simboy on August 26, 2014, 07:41:33 PM
A great player and a decent man. One of my true heroes when i watched him.

And, 30 years or so later, his lad played in the same kids team as mine. Always happy to chat about old times when asked and still a real class act with the ball at his feet even in his wellies!

Happy birthday Tony
 
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: oldtimernow on August 26, 2014, 07:49:44 PM
Happy birthday Tony

Welcome to the Oldtimers Brigade!
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: dave shelley on August 26, 2014, 07:50:56 PM
We got into Goodison just as they kicked off, found ourselves cramped and moved up along the side towards th Gladwys Road end when he let rip with that shot.  I swear to God, it was still picking up speed when it hit the net.

Happy Birthday Tony, and thanks for being nice to me when I met you.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Steve kirk on August 26, 2014, 08:34:11 PM
The best winger I have ever seen play for Villa and one of my all time favourite players, great close control, quick feet, loads of pace and such a dynamic player, most of his Villa goals were spectacular, I also loved his up yours celebrations which I'm guessing were always aimed at our Ron, Happy Birthday Tony
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: olaftab on August 26, 2014, 08:41:37 PM
Steady on Steve Tony was good but no where near as good as Willie Anderson ;)
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: olaftab on August 26, 2014, 08:46:31 PM
Better?
A bit SSN. Can you amend it back to just "Tone"?
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Steve kirk on August 26, 2014, 08:59:34 PM
Steady on Steve Tony was good but no where near as good as Willie Anderson ;)


Willie Anderson was one of early heroes when I started going in 67 Olaftab, loved watching him dribble down the wing with that Beatle mop top haircut, really good but not quite as good as Tony :)
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Louzie0 on August 26, 2014, 09:04:51 PM
Happy birthday Tony and many happy returns!

Wishing for many happy returns on the pitch, as well, gosh if that were only possible!
Thanks for many happy memories, anyway.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Holte L2 on August 26, 2014, 09:15:01 PM
Happy Birthday Tony!
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: RichardBatchelor on August 26, 2014, 09:22:21 PM
Happy Birthday Tony - my all-time Villa hero. Great bloke too, still talks about Villa with great enthusiasm.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: ez on August 26, 2014, 09:23:14 PM
Does anyone else remember Morley being sent off at half time against west brom, then he sat in the dugout with his back to the game for the second half?
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Gregorys Boy on August 26, 2014, 10:54:16 PM
Could certainly show our current bunch of wingers a trick or two.  one of the all time greats.  Happy Birthday Tony.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on August 26, 2014, 10:59:42 PM
Happy Birthday Tony Morley!

A real Villa hero!

And still talks of The Villa as "we" and "us".
Sometimes sounds a bit weird coming with the Scouse accent, but he's one of ours, no problem!
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Rudy65 on August 26, 2014, 11:26:58 PM
One of my favourites as well

Always wanted a perm like his back in 82 but never had the guts.

He tried chatting my girlfriend up ( now my wife) in the Belfry in 1984. I had to step in and told him to behave. He was well pissed.

He was in The Crown at four Oaks last night

Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: oldham_villa on August 27, 2014, 12:14:57 AM
A player with flair and vision.

How much would he cost and be able to command in wages these days.

An utter legend. Have a great birthday Tony.

Thanks for the memories,
Nick
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: pbavfckuwait on August 27, 2014, 05:04:58 AM
Belated Happy Birthday Tony, a great player and a very nice person, have known Tony personally for a long time, Evertonian supporter before he found out about the mighty AVFC, now he is one of us.
Tells a great story that he must be the only player booed by the team he was playing for own supporters, before he even got on the pitch when making his debut as a sub for the stripey filth.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: old man villa fan on August 27, 2014, 11:32:34 PM
Great player and it is amazing to look back and think that we signed him as a right winger from Burnley who had Leighton James on the other wing at the time.  Morley struggled in his first season and was out of the side for a long spell during the middle of the season.

It was not until Saunders brought him back in on the left wing towards the end of the season that he started to show what a good player he was.  Saunders made two positional changes which were instrumental in Villa going on to be so successful, the one being Morley and the other Kenny Swain.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: dcdavecollett on August 30, 2014, 09:25:08 PM
You might consider Allan Evans as a third.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: old man villa fan on August 31, 2014, 05:56:29 PM
You might consider Allan Evans as a third.

Yes he could be considered another but Saunders bought him as centre forward from Dunfermline but always had in his mind to player him as a defender.  I was helping my Dad with a job at Trevor Gill's house at the time and Trevor, who was club President, told us about flying up to Scotland to sign this young Scottish player that they had high hopes for as a centre half.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: dave shelley on August 31, 2014, 05:59:11 PM
And they weren't wrong were they, OMVF?
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 31, 2014, 06:13:35 PM
Used to see him all the time at Penns Hall as he knew my Mum and Dad. Still lives in Walmley I think.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 26, 2024, 09:29:30 AM
Another milestone for the great man as he turns 70 today. Happy Birthday, Tony!
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Witton Warrior on August 26, 2024, 09:35:42 AM
What a winger! What a character! Happy Birthday
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 60th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Billy Walker on August 26, 2024, 09:53:36 AM
Happy Birthday to one of my heroes! Many happy returns Tony.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 26, 2024, 01:12:02 PM
Top player and good bloke.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: sid1964 on August 27, 2024, 05:57:32 AM
Remember before the Charity Shield game, seeing Tony on the pitch with his bleached blond hair, fantastic footballer and one of our true heroes.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 27, 2024, 12:15:51 PM
Very lucky to have a drink with him quite often. Even gave his son a magic lesson recently.
A top top bloke.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Rudy65 on August 28, 2024, 01:44:42 PM
Remember before the Charity Shield game, seeing Tony on the pitch with his bleached blond hair, fantastic footballer and one of our true heroes.
Always wanted a perm  (already had the blonde hair) like TM in 81/82. Just didn’t have the bottle, literally
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Whiney MacWhineface on August 28, 2024, 05:27:16 PM
I remember Match of the Day, hosted by Jimmy Hill with him highlighting the way Tony chested upwards an enormous cross field pass, and comparing it with the way he was taught, downwards. His point being Tony’s skill.

I was there for one of his early matches, Crystal Palace?, and he looked all at sea. The next time I saw him he was brilliant. And continued to be so.

Happy Birthday Tony!
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Scovilla on August 28, 2024, 06:00:01 PM
One of my fabourite along with Garry Shaw.
Happy birthday Tony.
Nice man. He accepted to have a photo taken with my son on the day we beat Derby to win promotion.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: dave shelley on August 28, 2024, 06:23:01 PM
Three highlights of the great man's Villa career in no specific order:

1) His goal against Dynamo Berlin in our European Cup winning run.

2) His goal against Everton that won goal of the season in the 80/81 league winning season.

3) His pass to Peter Withe for the winner in the European Cup Final.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: ez on August 28, 2024, 07:15:03 PM
My favourite Tony Morley goal was his second against Dynamo Berlin. It was 85 minutes into the game which makes that sprint even more impressive.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Exeter 77 on August 29, 2024, 09:21:40 AM
My favourite Tony Morley goal was his second against Dynamo Berlin. It was 85 minutes into the game which makes that sprint even more impressive.
That is probably my favourite ever Villa goal by one of my favourite ever Villa players.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: sid1964 on August 29, 2024, 10:07:16 AM
I think he scored on his debut for us away at Bolton? - he did struggle in that 1st season, but the 2nd season he was superb.

As others have mentioned the Berlin away game - his goal was so special, but one of his most important goals for us was against Anderlecht at Villa Park
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on August 29, 2024, 10:35:40 AM
I heard this story from a reliable source so I’m sticking with it. Apparently, after we won the European Cup, the players were allowed to “borrow” it for a few days so Morley took it to his local in Ormskirk(?) where him and his mates got plastered and decided to piss in it, eventually filling the trophy to the brim. I always thought of that when I saw subsequent European Champions drinking champagne out of the cup.

Villa’s Cup, Fill it Up!
.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Steve kirk on August 29, 2024, 10:37:56 AM
For me Tony Morley was the greatest winger I ever saw play for Villa, he had 4 seasons with us but it was 80-82 when he was at his peak, a very short period really but wow what a dynamic pacey player he was when we won the title and the European cup, at 68 I’m not far behind him, happy belated birthday Tony.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Villan For Life on August 29, 2024, 10:47:14 AM


One of my favourite Villa goals, his first goal wasn’t bad either.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: eamonn on August 29, 2024, 11:04:18 AM
Loving the anecdotes on this thread from people with a personal connection to our Tone. Such a world removed from the modern-day footballers. Their lives will be forever cosseted. A bit sad really.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: Morleys left boot on August 29, 2024, 02:43:01 PM
What a great player
That goal at Everton will never be forgotten ,he was a brilliant signing for Villa and a nice guy too
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: dcdavecollett on August 30, 2024, 12:55:48 AM
IIRC, his first goal for us was the winner in the home game against Brighton.

After that, he didn't make much impression until we got near the end of the season.
Title: Re: Wishing Tony Morley a very happy 70th Birthday from all at H&V
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 30, 2024, 01:17:25 AM
He scored a couple of games later at Everton. After 6 games he was out injured for 5 months.
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