Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: dave.woodhall on November 18, 2021, 09:47:28 PM
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As one Villa managerial spell begins, Dave Collett recalls the end of another.
https://heroesandvillains.info/2021/11/18/the-end-of-the-line-tommy-docherty/
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When he was appointed I remember he walked around the ground at the first home game to rapturous applause and was thought of as the best appontment ever. So great was the disappointment.
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The start was fantastic.
Just by being there he increased the crowd for the first game against Norwich from 13k to 20k. Half of them only turned up to see the shirts on a washing line but we won 2-1.
Next up was Cardiff on a frozen pitch with over 40k. 2-0 win and a goal from new boy Brian Tiler who he'd brought from Rotherham.
Then we went and won 1-0 at Carlisle. Bob Stokoe said after the game he would rather sweep the streets than manage a team the way Villa played, the Doc said he would present him with a broom next time they met.
First division QPR at home in the Cup, another 40k crowd and another win.
Then a 1-0 win at home to Huddersfield.
5 wins out of 5, we were never going into division 3 and were probably going to win the Cup too !
Before the end of the season there were two absolutely epic cup games with Southampton. 2-2 at theirs with 7k from Villa in The Dell. Nearly 60k for the 2-1 win in the replay, I can still see little Dave Rudge running down the wing.
We very nearly saw off Tottenham in round 5 before going down 3-2.
Last home game off the season Dave Simmons won it for us against Birmingham and another 50k plus crowd.
It all fell apart from day one of the next season but if you want to find the source of the journey to Rotterdam it's located here . We just had to still take that detour via the likes of Rochdale and Halifax.
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The start was fantastic.
Just by being there he increased the crowd for the first game against Norwich from 13k to 20k. Half of them only turned up to see the shirts on a washing line but we won 2-1.
Next up was Cardiff on a frozen pitch with over 40k. 2-0 win and a goal from new boy Brian Tiler who he'd brought from Rotherham.
Then we went and won 1-0 at Carlisle. Bob Stokoe said after the game he would rather sweep the streets than manage a team the way Villa played, the Doc said he would present him with a broom next time they met.
First division QPR at home in the Cup, another 40k crowd and another win.
Then a 1-0 win at home to Huddersfield.
5 wins out of 5, we were never going into division 3 and were probably going to win the Cup too !
Before the end of the season there were two absolutely epic cup games with Southampton. 2-2 at theirs with 7k from Villa in The Dell. Nearly 60k for the 2-1 win in the replay, I can still see little Dave Rudge running down the wing.
We very nearly saw off Tottenham in round 5 before going down 3-2.
Last home game off the season Dave Simmons won it for us against Birmingham and another 50k plus crowd.
It all fell apart from day one of the next season but if you want to find the source of the journey to Rotterdam it's located here . We just had to still take that detour via the likes of Rochdale and Halifax.
Great summation there ALITA, of a wonderfully exciting time, for those who were lucky enough to have been there to experience it (even as, or perhaps especially as, a 9 year old).
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(https://i.ibb.co/D5k4HNP/2-C9-FBBDF-2-D3-B-4061-9-B9-D-0-FB9-D972764-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D5k4HNP)
The aforementioned 2-0 win on Boxing Day 1968. Brian Tilers debut, 40k plus crowd, me (circled) at 11 being held on an ice cold stanchion by my Dad. Him smelling of whisky, John Player cigarettes and Christmas aftershave. One of my happiest Villa memories.
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(https://i.ibb.co/D5k4HNP/2-C9-FBBDF-2-D3-B-4061-9-B9-D-0-FB9-D972764-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D5k4HNP)
The aforementioned 2-0 win on Boxing Day 1968. Brian Tilers debut, 40k plus crowd, me (circled) at 11 being held on an ice cold stanchion by my Dad. Him smelling of whisky, John Player cigarettes and Christmas aftershave. One of my happiest Villa memories.
Sure that wasn't you? ;D
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Don’t be daft Mister E, I smoked Capstan Full Strength in those days. You’re up early, soiled the bed again? Or are you setting off to VP?
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You’re up early, soiled the bed again? Or are you setting off to VP?
Both ;D ;D ;D
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Great post, ALITA.
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Because He was manager when my dad started taking me down, I’m very fond of The Doc despite his lack of success with us. I don’t remember any of the games just the atmosphere and delicious bovril with pepper at half time.