15 years ago today

[Risso]

We tore Leeds a new one 3-0 in the League Cup final.  On the one hand it really doesn't seem that long ago, on the other I reckon our next cup triumph could be another 15 years at this rate.


I can still see Savo's shot hitting the back of the net like it was yesterday.

[PaulTheVillan]

A day I'll never forget. Wembley was rockin' that day.

[The Left Side]

Great day all round, only one team looked like winning and wasn't it fantastic to see Brian Little win a trophy again for the Villa.

[Risso]

Great day all round, only one team looked like winning and wasn't it fantastic to see Brian Little win a trophy again for the Villa.

It was indeed.  It's possibly the most relaxed I've ever felt in an important game involving Villa.  I was sat behind ex-Palace manager Alan Smith as well.

[Holte L2]

Csn't believe it was 15 years ago.  Sat in the Olympic Gallery, amazing day! my Dad even let me have the day oof school the following day, due to the fact we arrived home so late

[eamonn]

Perfect perfomance.
Our misfiring striker won over a lot of detractors with one of the best goals the old stadium has ever seen. Our ''one of us'' midfielders got the second and the world class fella we had up front, 'im with the permanent smile on his face, in the form of his life deservedly put the cherry on the icing on the cake in the dying moments.
Oh for a day like that again.

[luke25]

Such a 1 sided final but the relief when Yorke got the 3rd was massive

[KevinGage]

Thought we were nailed on to lose (felt Leeds were approaching it with the same mindset we were in 1994, it was all or nothing for them) but as Risso says it was comfortable.

Wish we'd kept a bit in the tank for the following Sunday, though in fairness I still don't know how the Redscouse won that one 3-0.

[Bottom Right 89]

When I think about this game I just see Dwight Yorke knocking in the third with a big grin on his face and then looking round all I can see is a thriving mass of Villa fans falling over each other with expressions that have never been since - a glorious day.

I would have to say that collectively 96 was one of my favourite Villa teams - quality all over the field, the best defensive unit in the league, goals from everywhere and all leaders of men except for Tommy Johnson and Mark Draper who you were just pleased if they turned up at Villa Park and remembered to bring their boots.

[Rotterdam]

I had a tenner on Savo to score. Glory days.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

A walk in the park.

[TopDeck113]

One of those perfect days that comes along so rarely. 

The only think that spoilt it was playing in shorts whose trim matched that blue away shirt.

[KevinGage]

I would have to say that collectively 96 was one of my favourite Villa teams - quality all over the field, the best defensive unit in the league, goals from everywhere and all leaders of men...

Shows how quickly things can turn in football.

A little over 10 months previous, the bulk of that side had to go to Norwich on the last day of the season uncertain whether they'd be able to retain their top flight status.

I can't be absolutely certain, but I'm sure there were plenty of cries of 'no heart! no fight!/ modern players don't care' even back then.

[Bottom Right 89]

The only think that spoilt it was playing in shorts whose trim matched that blue away shirt.

Gok Wan is a Villa fan 

[bob]

Wonderful day.

I can still very clearly remember the coach journey there and back with my Dad. Wembley was fantastic. Savo's strike was unbelievable!

If you've been watching the YouTube videos from the posted in Villa Memories theres a few from around 96. Seems so different to today.