I don't think there is one set of criteria. However - and perhaps what you allude to in the question - is the the fact that the very term "legend" has become debased through it being conferred on to anyone who manages 100 appearances, a couple of stand out performances and contributes to a decent cup run. The other thing is, rather like lists of greatest ever songs, films etc voted by the public, there is always a bias towards more recent players. I'd quite like it if the club marked the 150th anniversary with the unveiling of a Hall of Fame with, say, twenty five initially inductees from all points of the club's history. Induction would be a carefully considered process and not based on, for example, having a penchant for only scoring against the Blues during the 2010s whilst everything else you did was half-arsed.
The benchmark seems to be Ian Taylor. i'd say cult hero definitely, but not a legend. Legends are what people talk about two generations after they retire.
Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 07, 2021, 11:27:35 AMThe benchmark seems to be Ian Taylor. i'd say cult hero definitely, but not a legend. Legends are what people talk about two generations after they retire.Would you consider Charlie Aitken a Villa legend?
In the modern era I think Brian Little could be the benchmark. Won trophies as a player, another as manager and contributed to the re-build after relegation at board level.
Quote from: Exeter 77 on August 07, 2021, 11:48:21 AMIn the modern era I think Brian Little could be the benchmark. Won trophies as a player, another as manager and contributed to the re-build after relegation at board level. Modern era! I have a little thing I do myself when trying to put the passage of time into perspective, I try to picture a similar gap again back from there. So, Now >> Brian Little's last game as a player >> WW2 still to kick off.