... and the no 8 on the right blocking off Gary Pendrey is Brian Godfrey. Typical of Docherty's team just after he took over. Winning is everything, style is secondary.
Over 53,000 in the crowd that day and after three very embarrassing defeats since our relegation in 1967, Simmo's goal is still up there in my mental 'Villa Park's greatest moments' gallery.
Joined from Arsenal in February 1969, sold to Colchester on 17th December 1970.
In total he played 13 games and scored seven goals. Not a bad record, which makes me wonder why he didn't play more often, especially as he got five from nine in his first season. Anyone know if he was injured?
I don't recall him having any significant injuries. He was pretty much first choice for the remainder of the 68/69 season after he signed, even though he did not play in every game.
He joined after a straight fight with Bournemouth (where he had been on loan) for his signature.
From the off, he was clearly not a particularly skillful footballer. However he scored some excellent - not to mention important - goals in the great revival towards the end of the 68/69 season.
I recall an excellent strike from a narrow angle against Bury (1-0) and a screamer from distance against Sheffield United (3-1). He also notched a corker of a headed own goal against Brian Clough's Derby (0-1).
There were perhaps a number of reasons why he faded from the picture in the dreaded 69/70 season.
We had bought Chico Hamilton and Bruce Rioch (initially considered a striker) in the close season. With Brian Godfrey (still a striker) also in contention I think it was more a case of falling down the pecking order, especially as defeat followed defeat, the football was dire and the team changed pretty much every week.
He was always the type of player to get the axe after a bad team performance, especially as he was competing for a place against big money signings and one of the manager's favourites.
Vic Crowe, when he succeeded Docherty, quickly bought Andy Lochhead and that pretty much signaled the end of Simmo's Villa career nine months give or take before he actually left for Colchester.
I do remember a last minute equaliser against QPR that season, which was headed in from right under the bar after an outrageous up-and-under. It should have been the goalkeeper's ball all the way, but the visiting team's no. 1 remained strangely rooted to the spot as Simmo steamed in. I'd like to think the keeper valued his wellbeing more than he did his win bonus.
Simmo may not have been in the van Basten class, but he was well liked by the Villa Park gallery, and for good reason.
His would be one of the first names I'd throw at the likes of Sasa Curcic in a 'if only you had just a fraction of this man's attitude and application ..' type of tirade.
So few appearances, yet 38 years later he is still remembered in an instant and with affection by those who were there.
RIP Simmo.
