Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Malandro on September 07, 2016, 12:13:56 PM
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On the OS now.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2016/09/07/cowans-leaves-villa
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The word 'Legend' is used far too often, but Gordon Cowans, you are an Aston Villa LEGEND
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Never seen anyone spray the ball about like Sid. What would he be worth today I wonder?
Great Player, lovely bloke, Legend.
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Basically Gordon Cowans has had the push. I expect Kevin MacDonald will be following him shortly.
Talk about a new brush sweeps clean.
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Whatever the reasons for him leaving, good luck to my favourite player ever. I was thrilled when he re-signed in 1988, as being nine/ten, I'd only seen videos of him up until then, so getting to watch him every week was a privilege.
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Basically Gordon Cowans has had the push. I expect Kevin MacDonald will be following him shortly.
Talk about a new brush sweeps clean.
Unfortunately i think you're right...A new broom etc. I hold no malice toward RDM he wants his own team which is fair enough.
There are always casualties in any take over.
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I would like to think given Sid's status within our club that this is him leaving on his own terms to pursue an opportunity elsewhere. I only really saw him the second time round when his majestic control of the midfield and pin point passes helped us finish runners up to Liverpool in 1990. Whatever he does next I wish him the best, what a servant he has been on and off the field.
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Can never choose between him and Andy Gray as my favourite all time Villa player - as has been said before - true Villa legend and a really nice chap - was fortunate enough to meet him twice (once in a pub on the Chester Road in Streetly (name just fails me at the moment) in 1978 and I also met him at a function for Dennis Mortimer in 1985 - lovely person to talk to. Hope we'll see him regularly as a supporter from now on.
All the very best Sid and thanks.
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Along with Brian Little the best player I have ever seen in a Villa shirt!
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The good doctor tweeted that he doesn't know about this but trusts Steve. I hope he has been well looked after. He's 57, a bit early to retire happily.
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Really sad to see him leave. I thought he was doing a vital job with the kids?
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Good luck Sid, my favourite ever Villa player and one of the most graceful footballers I've ever had the pleasure of watching.
Before we start having a pop at the club about his departure, maybe he'd just had enough. It can't have been easy working at the club during the last few years.
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My favourite all time Villa player, even named my dog after him SID!
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My favourite all time Villa player, even named my dog after him SID!
And I named my rabbit (RIP) after him. (Also Sid, Gordon would be a ridiculous name for a rabbit).
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2nd only to McGrath for me as the best player to wear the shirt in my supporting time.
Yes Legend for Villa he certainly will always be.
How much would he be worth nowadays - god knows. £40-50m?
All the Best, Sid.
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Good luck Sid, my favourite ever Villa player and one of the most graceful footballers I've ever had the pleasure of watching.
Before we start having a pop at the club about his departure, maybe he'd just had enough. It can't have been easy working at the club during the last few years.
No, and he might not be what the new management team are looking for. It appears from his short interview that things ended amicably enough or at least that's he wants to go out. But what we don't know is how good a coach he was despite us all knowing how wonderful a player he was.
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My favourite all time Villa player, even named my dog after him SID!
And I named my rabbit (RIP) after him. (Also Sid, Gordon would be a ridiculous name for a rabbit).
You should have had a pet Gopher instead
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I just hope there is a seat reserved for him at VP - best midfield player I ever saw in the Villa shirt - truly fantastic
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I remember he played in the Blackburn midfield in 1993 and was the reason they beat us that night. BFR bought him back for his 3rd spell. A genuine legend and a genuine fan of the club. Wish him all the best for the futre. He deserves it.
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The good doctor tweeted that he doesn't know about this but trusts Keith. I hope he has been well looked after. He's 57, a bit early to retire happily.
he's been in football for over 40 years... most people are happy to retire after 40 years!
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Legend, pure and simple. Fantastic servant to our club. I was lucky enough to see him play. Would of won more caps if he had played for a London team, I personally thought he was head and shoulders above Glenda Hoddle, he could pass, score goals AND tackle, but didn't play down south. Thanks Sid. UTV
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By 1982, Sid was my favourite player, along with Zico. Slight but tough, with an eye for a defence splitting pass like no other Villa player I've ever seen. Criminally overlooked nationally, but then that's always the way with this country and the midlands.
Wish him well.
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Fantastic player, vastly underrated outside Villa Park, I sincerely hope it was amicable as Sid has been a great servant and inspiration to so many. See you down the Jockey even more now!All the best and thanks for some great memories
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One of my all time favourites.
Signed for Villa 3 times in his career.
Remember him scoring this great free kick at that classic at Everton, SGTs last game.
I hope he enjoys his time now as a supporter, and look forward to seeing him at VP for years to come.
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One of the few who truly deserve the title of professional footballer. My memory is not as good as it used to be but I can never remember Sid bad mouthing any club, colleague or rival, feigning injury, moaning about managers or his treatment by whichever club he represented. He kept himself fit, never partied late or was involved in any lurid headline. Even now he is showing more dignity and respect than the bunch of wasters who have dragged the club downwards. As a player, for me, he had no equal as a midfielder, with the ability to strike the ball with either foot, tackle and recover and never attempt to get an opposing player booked or sent off. His deadball technique was superb and his vision was without comparison- Platt was asked what ambition he had and his reply sums up the majesty of Gordon 'Sid' Cowans. 'My ambition is to make a run that Gordon Cowans doesn't spot'.
Good Luck Sid
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One of the few who truly deserve the title of professional footballer. My memory is not as good as it used to be but I can never remember Sid bad mouthing any club, colleague or rival, feigning injury, moaning about managers or his treatment by whichever club he represented. He kept himself fit, never partied late or was involved in any lurid headline. Even now he is showing more dignity and respect than the bunch of wasters who have dragged the club downwards. As a player, for me, he had no equal as a midfielder, with the ability to strike the ball with either foot, tackle and recover and never attempt to get an opposing player booked or sent off. His deadball technique was superb and his vision was without comparison- Platt was asked what ambition he had and his reply sums up the majesty of Gordon 'Sid' Cowans. 'My ambition is to make a run that Gordon Cowans doesn't spot'.
Good Luck Sid
This...Absolutely
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My favourite all time Villa player, even named my dog after him SID!
Mine is mostly called Sit
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Bye Sid...Thanks for the last 30+ years. And Good Luck.
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Can never choose between him and Andy Gray as my favourite all time Villa player - as has been said before - true Villa legend and a really nice chap - was fortunate enough to meet him twice (once in a pub on the Chester Road in Streetly (name just fails me at the moment) in 1978 and I also met him at a function for Dennis Mortimer in 1985 - lovely person to talk to. Hope we'll see him regularly as a supporter from now on.
All the very best Sid and thanks.
I reckon the pub was the Buccaneer - my barber from the Scott Arms used to drink in there and had a few anecdotes he got from Sid, wo was a weekend regular.
A wonderful player, who combined skill and graft, two qualities not always present in players.
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Along with Paul McGrath, the best footballer I have ever seen in the flesh be they Villa or the opposition. I'd love the Club to give him an Ambassadorial role along with the other European Cup winners (should he/they want such roles, of course). A class act in every single sense.
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There should now be a special DVD of Gordon's great moments published by the Villa. For those who never saw him, this was a midfield player who never got the recognition he deserved. As David Platt said when asked what his ambition was, he replied "I want to make a run that Gordon Cowans does not see". The facts speak for themselves. Four years without missing a single game, and we won the League, the European Cup and the Super Cup. Great team, but in the engine room was Gordon, truly the gopher. Nothing ever escaped him.
But more than that, a true gentleman like Peter MacParland. To meet him is to meet a genuine person whose modesty is not false. He simply gets on with things and never puts himself forward. It is time that the club takes the effort to remind us what a wonderful player he was with a DVD of the great moments of a great playing career.
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Acc to Murphy,
Gordon Cowans' departure from @AVFCOfficial has nothing to do with Steve Round's arrival. Gordon is relaxed about going - 58 next birthday.
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was fortunate enough to meet him twice (once in a pub on the Chester Road in Streetly (name just fails me at the moment)
It would be the Parson and Clerk, Buccaneer or Hardwick Arms. I think he lived in Streetly, I saw him in the video shop once. I was too overawed to do anything but nod and smile.
Sid was a world class player, but there are few beyond us who know it. I agree with Cannock Villa above:
The word 'Legend' is used far too often, but Gordon Cowans, you are an Aston Villa LEGEND
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Great player and always comes across as an approachable, humble bloke, happy to pose for photos in the pub after a game.
Good luck to him in his retirement.
Has anyone seen much of his son playing? Be nice if we could have a Cowans about the club for a few years yet!
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was fortunate enough to meet him twice (once in a pub on the Chester Road in Streetly (name just fails me at the moment)
It would be the Parson and Clerk, Buccaneer or Hardwick Arms. I think he lived in Streetly, I saw him in the video shop once. I was too overawed to do anything but nod and smile.
Sid was a world class player, but there are few beyond us who know it. I agree with Cannock Villa above:
The word 'Legend' is used far too often, but Gordon Cowans, you are an Aston Villa LEGEND
Thanks Pete - that's it - it was The Buccaneer - and for anyone that remembers as far back as December 1978 it was at the start of that very harsh winter when there was deep snow on the ground and sub zero temperatures for the best part of 8-9 weeks.
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Thanks Sid. So many cherished memories from our golden period.
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Legend, pure and simple. Fantastic servant to our club. I was lucky enough to see him play. Would of won more caps if he had played for a London team, I personally thought he was head and shoulders above Glenda Hoddle, he could pass, score goals AND tackle, but didn't play down south. Thanks Sid. UTV
He looked class in his first nine England games, then suffered a horrible leg-break. I think it was that that curtailed his international career. He was reall beginning to establish himself and looking better than Hoddle, Robson et al.
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One of favourite ever players in a Villa Shirt. For my 30th I was treated to Lunch at VP and Seats in the North Stand along with a couple of old school friends - one being a certain Billy Walker from this parish. It was 2001 and we beat Bolton 3-1 with Ricketts scoring for them and I think JPA scored for us. At half time I went off to the bar and to put a bet on and at the Bookies was Sid with a friend. He was a friendly bloke and always seemed to have the time of day and wished us all happy birthday as we re-took our seats.
I do hope he has left on good terms and enjoys his well earned retirement.
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Along with Paul McGrath, the best footballer I have ever seen in the flesh be they Villa or the opposition. I'd love the Club to give him an Ambassadorial role along with the other European Cup winners (should he/they want such roles, of course). A class act in every single sense.
And McGrath says that -apart from Bryan Robson- our Sid is the best player he's ever played alongside.
Which considering he played with the likes of Brady, Whelan, Whiteside, Keane and co gives you some idea of his quality.
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Great player and always comes across as an approachable, humble bloke, happy to pose for photos in the pub after a game.
Good luck to him in his retirement.
Has anyone seen much of his son playing? Be nice if we could have a Cowans about the club for a few years yet!
Wasn't he loaned out to Stevenage this window?
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Wikipedia says yes! Hadn't noticed that. Hopefully he'll do well.
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I remember he played in the Blackburn midfield in 1993 and was the reason they beat us that night. BFR bought him back for his 3rd spell. A genuine legend and a genuine fan of the club. Wish him all the best for the futre. He deserves it.
Interesting suggestion. I was working a couple of weeks ago with a guy who played after leaving school for the Albion and then moved to Sunderland where he played for 3 -4 seasons. To this day, he still receives a season ticket every season from Sunderland despite him living in Scotland. Does anyone know if we do the same for ex players ?
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Thanks for everything you have done for the club Sid, as a player as a coach and an ambassador for the club.
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Cowans inherited the "tiny but talented scrap of a player who tackled without a shred of fear" mantle from Alex Cropley. He exemplified what could be done when you allied ability with attitude. Take note young Grealish.
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I've watched him play at all levels for the Villa. A true legend; a true professional and a true gentleman. Happy retirement Sid.
Gosh! I feel my past slipping away.
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I love Sid. A few years ago before a game I was walking across the North Stand to get to Witton Lane to sell the fanzine and a car stopped and the driver waved for me to walk across in front of him. It was Sid and remains a great moment in my life!
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Sid i love that man sorry to see him go hope whatever he does next is a big success
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I hope someone suggests to him that he should write his autobiography- he has been at Villa through the great and bad times and I can't think of any of the European Cup winning team that has wrote one. I reckon he has got a great story to tell.
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Sid Cowans was not just a great player in his own right but was responsible for making other players perform well because of his intelligence. David Platt would not have been the success he was without Sid having the nous and ability to find his late runs from deep.
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Cowans was one of that special class of 81/82 who will simply never be forgotten and will be forever in the history of Aston villa.
I'm sure it was a question asked to Dave platt that what would he like to do that he hasn't done yet
The reply "make a run into the box that Gordon cowans doesn't see"
True legend
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I see, Gabby stays and Sid is shown the door??
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Always thought he would be manager one day.
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couldn't half tackle as well
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Cowans inherited the "tiny but talented scrap of a player who tackled without a shred of fear" mantle from Alex Cropley. He exemplified what could be done when you allied ability with attitude. Take note young Grealish.
I agree with your comparison with Alex Cropley. He was a huge asset to the team, but his game was supplemented with effort, aggression and perspiration as well as his skill. Cowans by comparison was also blessed with great vision and was satisfyingly silky smooth once he had won the ball. One of his great assets was certainly winning the ball in midfield and I'm sure that when an opposing player spotted the diminutive figure of Cowans closing him down he would underestimate Cowans' skill and determination and was often robbed of the ball before he knew what had happened. He'd then watch helplessly as Cowans delivered a killer pass.
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I see, Gabby stays and Sid is shown the door??
It's hardly comparable is it?
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Excellent player, and wish him luck in the future.
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was fortunate enough to meet him twice (once in a pub on the Chester Road in Streetly (name just fails me at the moment)
It would be the Parson and Clerk, Buccaneer or Hardwick Arms. I think he lived in Streetly,
Home from Uni at Christmas during the 1986-87 season I worked at the Buccaneer. On Boxing Day I went to see us beat Charlton for one of the few wins of that campaign, then got on the 113 at Perry Barr straight to work my shift serving in the lounge. Early evening and in came Sid, home from Italy, accompanied by his wife and Tony Morley. He chatted to a couple of people at the bar and he'd evidently also been to Villa Park that afternoon. He then gave me his order, which I served and despite reckoning myself a 22-year-old-man-of-the-world became a tongue-tied idiot in the presence of two of the Lions of Rotterdam. I just about managed to ask him for the money and, when I gave him his change, say, "You need to come back, we need you." I like to think that he reflected long and hard on those words, was wracked with guilt for not saying that I could keep the change and paying me back in kind was in the forefront of his mind when Graham Taylor called him, but I suspect not.
The Streetly-connection is because that's where his wife, Jackie, lived. Before they were married she was actively involved in the Youth/Sports Club - which came in useful on the night Ron Saunders resigned. A group of us played badminton on a Tuesday night at the Sports Club under the eye of one of the teachers from school. Another lad - an Albion fan - came running in saying Saunders had resigned, which we all thought was a wind-up, but he was adamant and obviously in those pre-internet/rolling sports news days there was no way of us checking. However, Jackie happened to be working on the reception desk on that night so our teacher, who was a big Villa fan, got her to ring Sid who confirmed that the story was, indeed, true. That scuppered the badminton for the rest of the session...
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I can only echo the tributes already written.
Always makes my all time Villa XI, one of the few creative midfielders who never ducked a tackle.
Good luck Sid.
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I've watched him play at all levels for the Villa. A true legend; a true professional and a true gentleman. Happy retirement Sid.
Gosh! I feel my past slipping away.
I too saw him play for us at all levels and agree with most of what you say. Unfortunately I haven't met him, yet. Sid was two footed, had balance, his passing was legendary, he was hard as nails for someone who weighed eight stone wringing wet and, he wasn't all that bad at heading the odd ball. Enjoy your retirement Sid, if that's what you decided to do.
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I see, Gabby stays and Sid is shown the door??
What a stupid way to spin this. Can we not tarnish a thread about great legend without a dig being thrown in somewhere?
All the best Sid, thanks for all the memories and service.
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I had an awesome picture of him in his long white shirt casually holding the European Cup to one side. It was the wallpaper on my old pc which went belly up. Have searched but cannot find it!!
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I just hope there is a seat reserved for him at VP - best midfield player I ever saw in the Villa shirt - truly fantastic
If there isn't he could have mine anytime. Fantastic player, great bloke. Thanks for the memories Sid. Proper Villa legend.
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Gordon Cowans was a wonderful player, representing all the things that are special about Aston Villa.
As a footballer who was ludicrously underrated by those who didn't enjoy the privilege of watching him week in week out, Gordon Cowans could not just pass the ball to a team mate, he could spot and play a killer pass. Given his slight frame he was not simply brave in the tackle in a foolhardy way, he could properly tackle, and hold his own against the many really hard bastards who played football in the 70s and 80s, not simply by running around and giving the impression of someone who could mix it, but by sheer technique and timing of the tackle. How many times did we see him track a player who seemed to be getting away with the ball, and slide around his opponent to bring the ball away in a clean and single swoop, leaving his opponent on his arse and changing the entire flow of the game?
Cowans was truly two footed, in a way that should bring most professional footballers to shame. There is some footage out there on youtube of a goal he scored, hammering the ball into the net and the commentator was brought to exclaim it (wrongly) a rare goal from Cowans with his right foot (his right actually being his natural foot!).
I was there when Gordon Cowans made his full debut at VP, I think v Derby County, and what a performance he gave that night. My dad, who started going to Villa Park in the 1930s, spoke of no player more highly than he did Gordon Cowans and held no Villa player in greater affection.
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couldn't half tackle as well
True. No half tackles from Sid!
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I only saw Sid from the late 80's onwards, the twilight of his career, but even in his 30's he was generally the best midfielder on the pitch. I wish I'd seen him in the flesh during his peak. A great player, a loyal man, a true gentleman of Aston Villa and one of very few genuine legends. Wish him all the best for the future with immense thanks for everything he's put in to the club and gave us back.
Good luck Sid!
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Good luck to him, a true Villa man and a gent.
He'll be back.
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My memories of Sid:
1) Barca, Super Cup, kicked into the back of the net....
2) Everton free-kick in the 3-3
3) who else was at his testimonial v Stoke?
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I remember when he came along to my school with the European Cup in late '82, I asked him how he got that scar on his face and he told me a dog bit him. Not sure if that's the absolute truth but who cares. Brilliant player and a nice person as well. Enjoy your retirement, Sid (if that's his plan)!
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An absolute joy to watch and an education for any aspiring midfielder. As others have said, the term 'legend' is banded around these days but Gordon Cowans is one of small group whom absolutely warrant the title.
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Saw Sid in the Tesco Express in Shenstone a while back, I was too in awe to say a word but I wish I had done.
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couldn't half tackle as well
True. No half tackles from Sid!
A word often used for a player of Sid's physique is 'wiry'. And he most certainly was. His passing and vision are renowned but his tackling was right up there too. He had that precise timing which allowed him to tackle by sliding in with one leg bent to block the ball which when won allowed him to immediately spring up and take the ball with him leaving his opponent on the ground bewildered. I've seen no one since anywhere showing such technique on a continual basis.
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I don't remember him first time round. He was great along side Platt when he came back. It's a shame he's moved on but he won't be forgotten.
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A strong character too and, confident in his own ability. On the BBC video from back in the eighties; I think Ron Saunders said that he would often be banging on his door wanting to know why he wasn't playing...he was seventeen! At least I think that's what he said. I must dig out my copy and watch it again.
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Best Villa player I've seen in my life time.
The best of luck to him in whatever he decides to do next.
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Some belting goals.
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Gordon thank you and my best wishes for the future.
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Some wonderful memories of watching Sid play, I've never seen any other footballer slide tackle & ping a pass in the next movement, the way he used to. The finest midfielder to play for us over the 40 years I've been watching. One of the few genuine legends.
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One of the few who truly deserve the title of professional footballer. My memory is not as good as it used to be but I can never remember Sid bad mouthing any club, colleague or rival, feigning injury, moaning about managers or his treatment by whichever club he represented. He kept himself fit, never partied late or was involved in any lurid headline. Even now he is showing more dignity and respect than the bunch of wasters who have dragged the club downwards. As a player, for me, he had no equal as a midfielder, with the ability to strike the ball with either foot, tackle and recover and never attempt to get an opposing player booked or sent off. His deadball technique was superb and his vision was without comparison- Platt was asked what ambition he had and his reply sums up the majesty of Gordon 'Sid' Cowans. 'My ambition is to make a run that Gordon Cowans doesn't spot'.
Good Luck Sid
This...Absolutely
Correct.
A true Villa great - in my time and that of Aston Villa Football Club.
All the very best Sid.
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Good luck Sid in the future a true Villa great :)
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Gordon Cowans is one of my all-time Villa heroes. Great player and a true gentleman. Lovely to talk to at the Old Stars fixtures. Got a great pic of him with me. As an aside Ben Petty has also been released from the coaching staff. He has moved on to Leicester City.
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Only just catching up on this. Have a long and happy retirement.
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I see, Gabby stays and Sid is shown the door??
It's hardly comparable is it?
Not in the slightest.
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My first memory of sid was in the late 70's against West Ham when he put a penalty past Phil Parkes. I was a little boy then and i remember him sending me the wrong way never mind the keeper with that little body shimmy before planting the ball in the bottom corner in front of the Holte.
I've met sid twice, once at vp for a reunion of the 82 squad and more recently at Barwell FC where i had the honour of playing in the same side as a guest with the likes of Morley, Bremner Gibson, Spink and of course Sid in a legends game.
In the changing rooms before the game i was next to Sid by chance and just spoke briefly with him, he was wetting his boots in the toilets at the time. It was one of those moments where it was just better to say little and just watch, after all this was my hero and i was about to play a game with him!
As for the game, i was crap but at least i exchanged a couple of passes with the great man!
That will be with me forever...
Utv sid
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I always wondered why he never (apparently) fancied making the step up and having a go as a manager. Happy doing what he was doing I suppose is the obvious answer, but one of our greatest players as a successful Villa manager would have been nice.
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I got an autograph from Sid at an Old Stars game in Streetly. In my time I've met loads of famous people - mostly musicians admittedly - but that was the only time I couldn't utter a word for excitement.
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I got an autograph from Sid at an Old Stars game in Streetly. In my time I've met loads of famous people - mostly musicians admittedly - but that was the only time I couldn't utter a word for excitement.
I was, and still am, like it for the 80-82 side. I've dealt with loads of authors, actors etc with no problems but it comes to them and i'm useless. Used to see loads of them when selling on Witton Lane, never said a word. I'd just stare and probably look like a nutter. I remember Colin Gibson walking past one day and as usual I just stared trying to think of anything to say other than "fuck me it's Gibbo!" and he stared back and sped up until he was safely in the North Stand car park.
Some months ago saw Gary Shaw at the local Tesco, again I had to resist saying some crap like "it's Gary fucking Shaw!"
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I got an autograph from Sid at an Old Stars game in Streetly. In my time I've met loads of famous people - mostly musicians admittedly - but that was the only time I couldn't utter a word for excitement.
I was, and still am, like it for the 80-82 side. I've dealt with loads of authors, actors etc with no problems but it comes to them and i'm useless. Used to see loads of them when selling on Witton Lane, never said a word. I'd just stare and probably look like a nutter. I remember Colin Gibson walking past one day and as usual I just stared trying to think of anything to say other than "fuck me it's Gibbo!" and he stared back and sped up until he was safely in the North Stand car park.
Some months ago saw Gary Shaw at the local Tesco, again I had to resist saying some crap like "it's Gary fucking Shaw!"
I was sat a few rows away from Gary Shaw at the 96 League Cup final.
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I got an autograph from Sid at an Old Stars game in Streetly. In my time I've met loads of famous people - mostly musicians admittedly - but that was the only time I couldn't utter a word for excitement.
My cousin trained his daughter in banking. I met him in the Aston Tavern on a Halloween night party a couple of years back. I bought a strip of raffle tickets and one of them was the number ten. I didn't give a monkeys about winning the raffle I just wanted him to sign the back of my number 10 ticket, which he did. He seemed quite a softly spoken and humble guy. I think he had had a few drinks but given how much I was drinking at that time I am the last person to to judge. I think the only other time I have been in total awe of a Villa player was Paul McGrath at Dwight Yorke's 21st birthday party at Villa Park in 1992. He lived next door to my female cousin in Shustoke/Coleshill (Dwight not Paul) so I went as her 'plus one' as her boyfriend lived up North at the time and didn't want to go. Mark Bosnich was a nice guy to chat to but Kevin Richardson didn't impress me as he was rude and arrogant to the bar staff.
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I got an autograph from Sid at an Old Stars game in Streetly. In my time I've met loads of famous people - mostly musicians admittedly - but that was the only time I couldn't utter a word for excitement.
I was, and still am, like it for the 80-82 side. I've dealt with loads of authors, actors etc with no problems but it comes to them and i'm useless. Used to see loads of them when selling on Witton Lane, never said a word. I'd just stare and probably look like a nutter. I remember Colin Gibson walking past one day and as usual I just stared trying to think of anything to say other than "fuck me it's Gibbo!" and he stared back and sped up until he was safely in the North Stand car park.
Some months ago saw Gary Shaw at the local Tesco, again I had to resist saying some crap like "it's Gary fucking Shaw!"
I was sat a few rows away from Gary Shaw at the 96 League Cup final.
Gary Shaw was friends with my next door neighbours who, along with his dad and younger brother took me to Villa games in the late seventies and eighties. I met him at my neighbours 21st in the January of the title winning season. I'm pretty sure we won 2-1 away to Coventry and he may have scored. He was introduced to me (I was ten at the time) and asked me to look after his jacket while he danced. I thought that was a nice touch as he must have known how much that meant to a ten year old Villa fan. Afterwards he shook my hand, thanked me and said we were friends for life. He lied, I have never had a phone call, birthday card or Christmas card from him. But to be fair he made a ten year old lad feel ten feet tall for one night.
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I think we all tried to be him in the school playground... trying those long passes that only he could look so easy.
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I think we all tried to be him in the school playground... trying those long passes that only he could look so easy.
I tried to be Harry Styles in the school playground today. I'm in court next month. I knew I should have grown my hair longer.
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End of an era.
My very best wishes to Sid and my thanks for everything he has given to the Villa. I saw him play for us many times. Just, what a talent and what a presence on the field.
Lately, what an inspiration to our younger players.
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Tony Morley was my hero but Sid and Gary Shaw and Peter Withe were right up there. I actually thought Steve Foster was great as well. (It was the eighties,( I was in my early teens and he wore a headband-(it seemed 'cool' at the time).
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His deadball technique was superb and his vision was without comparison- Platt was asked what ambition he had and his reply sums up the majesty of Gordon 'Sid' Cowans. 'My ambition is to make a run that Gordon Cowans doesn't spot'.
That's a great quote. I haven't been able to find the interview but I remember Sir Graham paying tribute to Sid's incredible talent around that time. SGT said that when the team were practising free kicks on the training ground he could turn his back and he'd know exactly which kick was Sid's because of the sweet ping you heard when he struck the ball.
What a wonderful player he was. Good luck, Sid, and thankyou.
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Tony Morley was my hero but Sid and Gary Shaw and Peter Withe were right up there. I actually thought Steve Foster was great as well. (It was the eighties,( I was in my early teens and he wore a headband-(it seemed 'cool' at the time).
We were watching at the same time.
I loved the headband!
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A true humble gentleman and one of a very few who deserves the title of LEGEND, meet Sid a good number of times, with two other greats Gary Shaw and Tony Morley, use to work with Tony a number of years after he had stopped playing, we were selling insurance.
Lasting memory not football related was having a soda water fight with Gary Shaw and Tony in the Elbow room. Sid was the quiet one , but can still be found in the Social now and again after a match.
Thank you Sid for how you performed over the years for Aston Villa.
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All the best Sid. Used to love the way opposition midfielders would imagine he couldn't tackle because of his size and then spend the game trying to get the ball back off him. A Villa great and criminally neglected by England bar the odd selection.
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Brian Little, John Gidman and Sid are my real star players.
Sid's range of passing and sheer tenacity in the tackle made him almost unique in football: a ball-winning ball-player. He and Hoddle should have dominated Enlgand's team for years together; shame he got picked late and then got injured.
Best game? - 4-1 away at Spurs, where he completely outshone the new Argies of Ardiles and Villa in their home debut; August 1978.
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Some think Hoddle was the best English midfielder of his era.
He wasn't. It's that simple.
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So many great quotes and memories posted. I will just add that legend is an easily banded word for players but should be reserved for the likes of Sid. A wonderful, wonderful player, it was a pleasure to watch him play for Villa.
All the best Gordon, we will never forget you.
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So what's the real reason for him leaving?
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Some think Hoddle was the best English midfielder of his era.
He wasn't. It's that simple.
I have this battle here in Cambridge about Hoddle and Sid....he wasn't in my opinion even the 2nd best...that was our Tone....and as much as it hurts me to say it even Brooking was better.
in my opinion of course....:)
UTV
The Doc
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So what's the real reason for him leaving?
Not enough of the recent youth making the required grade possibly?
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So what's the real reason for him leaving?
Not enough of the recent youth making the required grade possibly?
It would be hard to argue with that. Things seem to have gone stale all throughout the club and a fresh look at everything is fine with me.
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All the best Legend many a great time watching you play.
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Just heard the news
Good luck Sid , absolute legend
maybe he will get to play more golf now in his retirement
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How many years in total has he been with us?
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So what's the real reason for him leaving?
Not enough of the recent youth making the required grade possibly?
It would be hard to argue with that. Things seem to have gone stale all throughout the club and a fresh look at everything is fine with me.
I think a fair few people on here said more or less this at the end of last season, especially after KMacs first team interventions, that a root and branch review may see the entire youth set-up out, including Sid sadly. If that is what has happened, then it looks like it's been handled sensitively and they may have even come to a mututal decision that it's what's best for the club. Ben Petty and Tony McAndrew have also gone, and I presume KMac will follow?
As for Sid, its a shame but hoepfully the club will use him in some ambassadorial role going forward, and always have a seat available for him. He is indeed an absolute legend and the superlatives on here about how good he was are fully justified. Like someone said, he was at least an equal to Hoddle in his pomp if not better (he was certainly a better team player).
I always be grateful that I was born in such a time that my teen years allowed me to watch the like of Sid, Sir Brian and Gary Shaw (my particular hero!) and follow the adventures in 80-82. Sadly I fear our younger generations will never see the like and experience such times.
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So what's the real reason for him leaving?
Not enough of the recent youth making the required grade possibly?
I'd think so - I was having a conversation with someone earlier this week that included the observation that, for all his great service as a player in particular, and the fact that he's a great bloke and Villa legend through and through, he probably needed replacing in the academy as the youth development has not been up the standards of many other clubs. That goes for the coaching at all levels in the club. for the last few years at least.
Still love the bloke though and hope he can continue in some kind of club PR or ambassador style role.
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Some belting goals.
When you look at his honours it tells you all you need to know about one of our legends
My favourite memories was his tackling - he was the first player I ever saw chase behind an opposition player in full flight and launch his wirey body at him, wrap his foot around the ball, player goes flying and he came away with it - totally brilliant.
Enjoy the rest mate - you have deserved it
Oh and note to the likes of Gabby - if you had put half the effort in mate as this guy you would be thought of like this also rather than a tosser than spunked his career away
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Two memories of Sid, one was seeing him at Alton Towers in the early 80's, first time I had seen a Villa player off the field.
The second still sticks in my mind, he played a ball forward between two defenders seemingly going nowhere, the whole ground moaned. Then it suddenly curved to a Villa player and the whole ground gave it a standing ovation, couldn't tell you when it was or who it was against.
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How many years in total has he been with us?
I seem to remember he made is debut at Maine Road - 7th February 1976 - reason I remember ?
We had two away games in succession - Man City on Saturday 7th Feb 1976 and Sheffield United the week after - as an 18 year old, I knew I could only afford to go to one of the two - so chose the Sheffield United game.
Coincidently, we scored first in both games, but went on to lose 2-1.
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The "top three" discussions on here are Sid, Gabby and Jack Grealish.....3 promising youngsters from 3 different eras...
.one will always be loved on here,
one has tarnished himself - probably forever
and one it at a crossroads in his career....If you EVER get to read this Jack...make sure you are a SID not a Gabby
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I think given that this will probably be the last time Sid will be involved with the club in a professional capacity that it would now be right for the club to mark the occasion in some way. At least we should be able to thank him for his contributions to the club at either the Forest or Brentford games. I doubt we will ever see another player clock up 500 appearances in a Villa shirt so deserves some sort of permanent recognition maybe an area of the ground named after him - Sid10 has a nice ring to it for potential safe standing area.
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a 50ft high statue outside the Holte End will do.
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The "top three" discussions on here are Sid, Gabby and Jack Grealish.....3 promising youngsters from 3 different eras...
.one will always be loved on here,
one has tarnished himself - probably forever
and one it at a crossroads in his career....If you EVER get to read this Jack...make sure you are a SID not a Gabby
I hope you don't mind, serbentoflight, but I tweeted this to Jack.
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How many years in total has he been with us?
I seem to remember he made is debut at Maine Road - 7th February 1976 - reason I remember ?
We had two away games in succession - Man City on Saturday 7th Feb 1976 and Sheffield United the week after - as an 18 year old, I knew I could only afford to go to one of the two - so chose the Sheffield United game.
Coincidently, we scored first in both games, but went on to lose 2-1.
33 years service, on and off, since he arrived as an apprentice in 1974 at the age of 15.
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How many years in total has he been with us?
I seem to remember he made is debut at Maine Road - 7th February 1976 - reason I remember ?
We had two away games in succession - Man City on Saturday 7th Feb 1976 and Sheffield United the week after - as an 18 year old, I knew I could only afford to go to one of the two - so chose the Sheffield United game.
Coincidently, we scored first in both games, but went on to lose 2-1.
33 years service, on and off, since he arrived as an apprentice in 1974 at the age of 15.
Almost 43 years!!
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How many years in total has he been with us?
I seem to remember he made is debut at Maine Road - 7th February 1976 - reason I remember ?
We had two away games in succession - Man City on Saturday 7th Feb 1976 and Sheffield United the week after - as an 18 year old, I knew I could only afford to go to one of the two - so chose the Sheffield United game.
Coincidently, we scored first in both games, but went on to lose 2-1.
33 years service, on and off, since he arrived as an apprentice in 1974 at the age of 15.
Almost 43 years!!
and how many years was his father Walter Cowans with us?
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Didn't he have a blinder for Blackburn when they smashed us 3-0 in about 1993?
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I once met a Bari fan who insisted on telling me how much better Sid was than Platt. Pretty sure he's in a small minority of Bari fans, but it was the right thing to say for reasons more important than the truth.
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Didn't he have a blinder for Blackburn when they smashed us 3-0 in about 1993?
He ran the game against a Villa midfield which included Kevin Richardson and Ray Houghton (but not Andy Townsend). 21st April 1993, we pretty much conceded the title that night.
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Did Sid recommend Bari to Platt or were other clubs in for him too? Always struck me as strange that a small unfashionable club in the south of Italy were able to spend a record (British transfer amount?) on Platt.
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From the Oracle (and you don't get much more Delphic than this):
Dr. Tony Xia @Dr_TonyXia 5h5 hours ago
Dr. Tony Xia Retweeted Phil Harris
Checked. Sid wanted to retire 4himself but he'll help the club all the time. Regretful that 1Tony came 1left!#UTVDr. Tony Xia added,
Phil Harris @PhilHs10
@Dr_TonyXia I am concerned that Sid has gone, very sad day. Can you confirm he wasn't sacked & that he will be looked after #avfc #UTV
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Did Sid recommend Bari to Platt or were other clubs in for him too? Always struck me as strange that a small unfashionable club in the south of Italy were able to spend a record (British transfer amount?) on Platt.
I think a few clubs wanted him. Bari were pretty flush at the time, but so was most of Italian football compared to most of Europe - it was a bit like West Ham buying Payet these days or something. How times change.
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couldn't half tackle as well
True. No half tackles from Sid!
A word often used for a player of Sid's physique is 'wiry'. And he most certainly was. His passing and vision are renowned but his tackling was right up there too. He had that precise timing which allowed him to tackle by sliding in with one leg bent to block the ball which when won allowed him to immediately spring up and take the ball with him leaving his opponent on the ground bewildered. I've seen no one since anywhere showing such technique on a continual basis.
I can visualise those perfectly timed tackles as if it was yesterday. There is nobody in professional football at any level today who pulls off that skill. He could run up alongside a player go to ground and drag the ball from under the player who would inevitably fall flat on his face. Sid would rise to his feet in one smooth movement and ping the ball straight onto the toe of whoever he picked out. Truly poetry in motion. Thanks for the memories Sid VTID
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Garry Parker was quite good at that kind of tackle.
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Did Sid recommend Bari to Platt or were other clubs in for him too? Always struck me as strange that a small unfashionable club in the south of Italy were able to spend a record (British transfer amount?) on Platt.
I think a few clubs wanted him. Bari were pretty flush at the time, but so was most of Italian football compared to most of Europe - it was a bit like West Ham buying Payet these days or something. How times change.
IIRC they never paid all the money....think Doug said so in his book
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I got an autograph from Sid at an Old Stars game in Streetly. In my time I've met loads of famous people - mostly musicians admittedly - but that was the only time I couldn't utter a word for excitement.
I was, and still am, like it for the 80-82 side. I've dealt with loads of authors, actors etc with no problems but it comes to them and i'm useless. Used to see loads of them when selling on Witton Lane, never said a word. I'd just stare and probably look like a nutter. I remember Colin Gibson walking past one day and as usual I just stared trying to think of anything to say other than "fuck me it's Gibbo!" and he stared back and sped up until he was safely in the North Stand car park.
Some months ago saw Gary Shaw at the local Tesco, again I had to resist saying some crap like "it's Gary fucking Shaw!"
I was like that and couldn't utter a word but for different reasons. It was after the Tottenham game a few years ago, I think it was the last home game of the season when we drew 1-1. We were in an executive box so the day started with breakfast and drinks on Broad St at about 10am. On to the game and the hospitality etc and then after the game we moved to the 82 suite. My mate's son was being coached by Morley at the time so we started having a chat with him then after a few more drinks there he said they were all off to the Adventurers and would we like to join them. It all started to get a bit hazy after that and a few days later I was talking to my brother in law who was with us at the match but was a bit less worse for wear than me. I said to him that I remember being at the bar with Sid but can't for the life of me remember what we were talking about. He burst out laughing and said "Talking? You just kept buying him drinks, hugging him and kissing him on the top of his head."
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I got an autograph from Sid at an Old Stars game in Streetly. In my time I've met loads of famous people - mostly musicians admittedly - but that was the only time I couldn't utter a word for excitement.
I was, and still am, like it for the 80-82 side. I've dealt with loads of authors, actors etc with no problems but it comes to them and i'm useless. Used to see loads of them when selling on Witton Lane, never said a word. I'd just stare and probably look like a nutter. I remember Colin Gibson walking past one day and as usual I just stared trying to think of anything to say other than "fuck me it's Gibbo!" and he stared back and sped up until he was safely in the North Stand car park.
Some months ago saw Gary Shaw at the local Tesco, again I had to resist saying some crap like "it's Gary fucking Shaw!"
I was like that and couldn't utter a word but for different reasons. It was after the Tottenham game a few years ago, I think it was the last home game of the season when we drew 1-1. We were in an executive box so the day started with breakfast and drinks on Broad St at about 10am. On to the game and the hospitality etc and then after the game we moved to the 82 suite. My mate's son was being coached by Morley at the time so we started having a chat with him then after a few more drinks there he said they were all off to the Adventurers and would we like to join them. It all started to get a bit hazy after that and a few days later I was talking to my brother in law who was with us at the match but was a bit less worse for wear than me. I said to him that I remember being at the bar with Sid but can't for the life of me remember what we were talking about. He burst out laughing and said "Talking? You just kept buying him drinks, hugging him and kissing him on the top of his head."
LOL. Your a legend!
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An absolutely gifted footballer . Sid was the first Villa player I watched live and I instantly knew had that very special talent , that is only bestowed on a few.I saw Brian Little play , but wasn't really old enough to appreciate his obvious talent.
I always remember watching Sid in the warm up at Villa Park and loved his little trick of flicking the ball on to his boot then turning 360 with the ball balanced on his left or right foot.
Met him a couple of times and made the mistake once of telling him he was a left footer, he soon put me right ! A great player , great bloke and an Aston Villa legend.
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Gutted sid is leaving villa park. he is villa through and through and surely we need people like that on board. I had hopes he would be the manager one day!!
good luck in all you do sid and thanks for the memories - you made the team tick.
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Gutted sid is leaving villa park. he is villa through and through and surely we need people like that on board. I had hopes he would be the manager one day!!
good luck in all you do sid and thanks for the memories - you made the team tick.
He may have left the job but I can guarantee you that he hasn't left villa park. He's already said he's looking forward to going the games purely as a fan.
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"The Gordon Cowans Stand" - that has a nice ring to it - and would be entirely appropriate.
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"The Gordon Cowans Stand" - that has a nice ring to it - and would be entirely appropriate.
We should rebuild the stadium into a 13 sided arena, then we could name each stand after the 11 that started the European Cup final, Spinksy coming on as sub and the manager.
And it will be a disgrace if we don't.
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No matter how many sides we build there should never be a place for a Doug Ellis Stand though.
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I started going to villa in the late 1970s and was a regular up to the mid 1990s so i'm sure Sid is the player i have seen play more than any other. If pushed to name a favourite player i would say Sid. I met him a couple of times at charity games.
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"The Gordon Cowans Stand" - that has a nice ring to it - and would be entirely appropriate.
Na, renaming stands after ex players is so "wolves". Just call it the Witton Lane!
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We have had some outstanding players at Villa over the years but Gordan Cowans, for me, in my lifetime, was the very best of all of them. Thanks Sid.
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An out and out Villa legend. Everything a villa player or ex-player still involved with the club should aim to be. Thank-you Gordon for all your wonderful years of survice. The very best of luck to you for the future dear sir :)
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From an era when playing for the team and playing for the club meant something. A true professional. He didn't have his best season when we won the league but still added to the best midfield I have seen in my lifetime watching Villa.
Sits alongside Brian Little as a true Villa great clubman.
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"The Gordon Cowans Stand" - that has a nice ring to it - and would be entirely appropriate.
Na, renaming stands after ex players is so "wolves". Just call it the Witton Lane!
Hear hear
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Some belting goals.
When you look at his honours it tells you all you need to know about one of our legends
My favourite memories was his tackling - he was the first player I ever saw chase behind an opposition player in full flight and launch his wirey body at him, wrap his foot around the ball, player goes flying and he came away with it - totally brilliant.
Enjoy the rest mate - you have deserved it
Oh and note to the likes of Gabby - if you had put half the effort in mate as this guy you would be thought of like this also rather than a tosser than spunked his career away
👏👏
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"The Gordon Cowans Stand" - that has a nice ring to it - and would be entirely appropriate.
We should rebuild the stadium into a 13 sided arena, then we could name each stand after the 11 that started the European Cup final, Spinksy coming on as sub and the manager.
And it will be a disgrace if we don't.
You on drugs?
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"The Gordon Cowans Stand" - that has a nice ring to it - and would be entirely appropriate.
Na, renaming stands after ex players is so "wolves". Just call it the Witton Lane!
You shouldn't have asked him how he got his scar, schoolboy or not.
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"The Gordon Cowans Stand" - that has a nice ring to it - and would be entirely appropriate.
We should rebuild the stadium into a 13 sided arena, then we could name each stand after the 11 that started the European Cup final, Spinksy coming on as sub and the manager.
And it will be a disgrace if we don't.
You on drugs?
Why, have you got some?
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"The Gordon Cowans Stand" - that has a nice ring to it - and would be entirely appropriate.
We should rebuild the stadium into a 13 sided arena, then we could name each stand after the 11 that started the European Cup final, Spinksy coming on as sub and the manager.
And it will be a disgrace if we don't.
You on drugs?
Why, have you got some?
I've just taken two paracetamol.......does that count?
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"The Gordon Cowans Stand" - that has a nice ring to it - and would be entirely appropriate.
We should rebuild the stadium into a 13 sided arena, then we could name each stand after the 11 that started the European Cup final, Spinksy coming on as sub and the manager.
And it will be a disgrace if we don't.
You on drugs?
Why, have you got some?
I've just taken two paracetamol.......does that count?
Suppository?
-
"The Gordon Cowans Stand" - that has a nice ring to it - and would be entirely appropriate.
We should rebuild the stadium into a 13 sided arena, then we could name each stand after the 11 that started the European Cup final, Spinksy coming on as sub and the manager.
And it will be a disgrace if we don't.
You on drugs?
Why, have you got some?
Spudgun?
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"The Gordon Cowans Stand" - that has a nice ring to it - and would be entirely appropriate.
We should rebuild the stadium into a 13 sided arena, then we could name each stand after the 11 that started the European Cup final, Spinksy coming on as sub and the manager.
And it will be a disgrace if we don't.
You on drugs?
Why, have you got some?
I've just taken two paracetamol.......does that count?
Suppository?
You know where you can shove that kind of language!