Geordie Armstrong- A Piece of History Forgotten

[Virgil Caine]

Some help required by me, fellow H&Vers.

I met a contact of mine today, Dave Seager, author of the biographical book on the late George (Geordie ) Armstrong the Arsenal winger from the 1970's. I was surprised to find out that Ron Saunders recruited Armstrong as Head Coach in 1980 and that Tony Barton reported to him as Coaching Assistant. In the world of if's, buts and maybe's it is likely that Armstrong would have been ahead of Tony Barton in the new Manager pecking order when Ron Saunders left, had he not gone to Norway to manage Mjolner.

Although Armstrong's tenure at Villa was relatively short he was highly regarded and the book details interviews with Sid, Ken McNaught and Kenny Swain which are highly complimentary.
 
I am rather ashamed that I had either forgotten or never knew Armstrongs involvement but there is an argument to suggest that the fitness of  'The 14' was directly influenced by him. Was credit ever given to him? Can others remember his involvement?

[dave.woodhall]

Some help required by me, fellow H&Vers.

I met a contact of mine today, Dave Seager, author of the biographical book on the late George (Geordie ) Armstrong the Arsenal winger from the 1970's. I was surprised to find out that Ron Saunders recruited Armstrong as Head Coach in 1980 and that Tony Barton reported to him as Coaching Assistant. In the world of if's, buts and maybe's it is likely that Armstrong would have been ahead of Tony Barton in the new Manager pecking order when Ron Saunders left, had he not gone to Norway to manage Mjolner.

Although Armstrong's tenure at Villa was relatively short he was highly regarded and the book details interviews with Sid, Ken McNaught and Kenny Swain which are highly complimentary.
 
I am rather ashamed that I had either forgotten or never knew Armstrongs involvement but there is an argument to suggest that the fitness of  'The 14' was directly influenced by him. Was credit ever given to him? Can others remember his involvement?

He wasn't here very long. There was a BRMB phone-in when Saunders was getting a bit of stick (which would date it probably to early 1980, if not earlier) from a caller who said that he knew a player or someone on the coaching staff and while Armstrong was good he'd soon be gone "because he isn't one of Ron Saunders' yes men." In one of those daft ways where you can't remember the date, the context or the people involved I can recall that phrase clearly.

[Ron Manager]

I cannot remember George Armstrong being at Villa Park at all. He himself was a very good winger for Arsenal with a creditable work ethic. To be honest I didnt even realise he had passed on.

[dave shelley]

I remember him being here and, being quite surprised by it, after all he'd been a member of the Arsenal side that had completed the double.

As Dave has said, he didn't stay too long and died young.  RIP.

[dave.woodhall]

Actually, while I wouldn't contradict someone who knows more about the subject than I do, I thought Tony Barton was first chief scout then became manager's assistant. I wasn't aware he was ever on the coaching side.

[Damo70]

I never knew he was at the Villa for a while. Mind you, as a kid you don't take much notice of coaches. I don't think I had heard of Tony Barton until he was made caretaker manager.

[Virgil Caine]

Actually, while I wouldn't contradict someone who knows more about the subject than I do, I thought Tony Barton was first chief scout then became manager's assistant. I wasn't aware he was ever on the coaching side.

Have to say Dave that was my recollection- although Dave Seager has done extensive research I would suggest that his knowledge of the hierarchy of the Villa coaching staff of 1980 may be open to question. I think what worries me more than anything is that I have no recollection whatsoever of Armstrong being involved. What is true is that Armstrong was a very popular , highly respected player/ coach and Dave Seagers book is a fitting tribute.

[Mister E]

... I think what worries me more than anything is that I have no recollection whatsoever of Armstrong being involved ...

that's an age thing, MLF.
... although I forget that Armstrong was involved. What does that say?!

[Pat McMahon]

I remember Armstrong being here but could not remember his rexact ole, though I knew he was on the coaching staff. Like Dave I recall Tony Barton being chief scout as I have memories of programme articles on him doing scouting assignments for European games around 1977-8 IIRC

From that eraDave Sexton is another name that seems to have been overlooked. Was he a coach, or a scout?

[dave.woodhall]

I remember Armstrong being here but could not remember his rexact ole, though I knew he was on the coaching staff. Like Dave I recall Tony Barton being chief scout as I have memories of programme articles on him doing scouting assignments for European games around 1977-8 IIRC

From that eraDave Sexton is another name that seems to have been overlooked. Was he a coach, or a scout?

BFR's assistant after Andy Gray.

[Pat McMahon]

Cheers Dave. I honestly thought it was earlier than that.

[dave.woodhall]

There's a photo somewhere of George Armstrong with the players. He's short, got a Trevor Hockey-type beard and I seem to remember he's wearing a hood. It might be in the Ron Saunders scrapbook.

[Virgil Caine]

There's a photo somewhere of George Armstrong with the players. He's short, got a Trevor Hockey-type beard and I seem to remember he's wearing a hood. It might be in the Ron Saunders scrapbook.

The book I mentioned previously has a team photo with Armstrong prominent as one of the coaching staff.

[pooligan]

Must admit i had forgot all about Geordie Armstrong being at the Villa until i read this thread.

[Oscar Arce]

I remember him.
He was, of course, an Arsenal double winning legend, he actually died after an Arsenal coaching session, he was only in his mid fifties I think.
Ron Saunders had him as coach for a couple of seasons, remember he cut a Captain Haddock figure, a stocky man with a full beard.
I think he managed/coached in Scandinavia before he came to us in 1979, Saunders had Keir Leonard, Bill Shorthouse and Roy McLaren as his other coaches at the time, Tony Barton was the Manager's Assistant.