Sid Cowans leaves Villa

[TonyD]

I had an awesome picture of him in his long white shirt casually holding the European Cup to one side.  It was the wallpaper on my old pc which went belly up.  Have searched but cannot find it!!

[The Edge]

I just hope there is a seat reserved for him at VP - best midfield player I ever saw in the Villa shirt - truly fantastic

If there isn't he could have mine anytime. Fantastic player, great bloke. Thanks for the memories Sid. Proper Villa legend.

[Flamingo Lane]

Gordon Cowans was a wonderful player, representing all the things that are special about Aston Villa.

As a footballer who was ludicrously underrated by those who didn't enjoy the privilege of watching him week in week out, Gordon Cowans could not just pass the ball to a team mate, he could spot and play a killer pass.  Given his slight frame he was not simply brave in the tackle in a foolhardy way, he could properly tackle, and hold his own against the many really hard bastards who played football in the 70s and 80s, not simply by running around and giving the impression of someone who could mix it, but by sheer technique and timing of the tackle.  How many times did we see him track a player who seemed to be getting away with the ball, and slide around his opponent to bring the ball away in a clean and single swoop, leaving his opponent on his arse and changing the entire flow of the game?

Cowans was truly two footed, in a way that should bring most professional footballers to shame.  There is some footage out there on youtube of a goal he scored, hammering the ball into the net and the commentator was brought to exclaim it (wrongly) a rare goal from Cowans with his right foot (his right actually being his natural foot!).

I was there when Gordon Cowans made his full debut at VP, I think v Derby County, and what a performance he gave that night.  My dad, who started going to Villa Park in the 1930s, spoke of no player more highly than he did Gordon Cowans and held no Villa player in greater affection.     

[The Edge]

couldn't half tackle as well

True. No half tackles from Sid!

[aj2k77]

I only saw Sid from the late 80's onwards, the twilight of his career, but even in his 30's he was generally the best midfielder on the pitch. I wish I'd seen him in the flesh during his peak. A great player, a loyal man, a true gentleman of Aston Villa and one of very few genuine legends. Wish him all the best for the future with immense thanks for everything he's put in to the club and gave us back.

Good luck Sid!

[PeterWithe]

Good luck to him, a true Villa man and a gent.

He'll be back.

[Walmley_Villa]

My memories of Sid:

1) Barca, Super Cup, kicked into the back of the net....
2) Everton free-kick in the 3-3
3) who else was at his testimonial v Stoke?

[saunders_heroes]

I remember when he came along to my school with the European Cup in late '82, I asked him how he got that scar on his face and he told me a dog bit him. Not sure if that's the absolute truth but who cares. Brilliant player and a nice person as well. Enjoy your retirement, Sid (if that's his plan)!

[Matt C]

An absolute joy to watch and an education for any aspiring midfielder. As others have said, the term 'legend' is banded around these days but Gordon Cowans is one of small group whom absolutely warrant the title.

[The Man With A Stick]

Saw Sid in the Tesco Express in Shenstone a while back, I was too in awe to say a word but I wish I had done.

[Brend'Watkins]

couldn't half tackle as well

True. No half tackles from Sid!

A word often used for a player of Sid's physique is 'wiry'.  And he most certainly was.  His passing and vision are renowned but his tackling was right up there too.  He had that precise timing which allowed him to tackle by sliding in with one leg bent to block the ball which when won allowed him to immediately spring up and take the ball with him leaving his opponent on the ground bewildered. I've seen no one since anywhere showing such technique on a continual basis.

[Clampy]

I don't remember him first time round. He was great along side Platt when he came back. It's a shame he's moved on but he won't be forgotten.

[dave shelley]

A strong character too and, confident in his own ability.  On the BBC video from back in the eighties; I think Ron Saunders said that he would often be banging on his door wanting to know why he wasn't playing...he was seventeen!  At least I think that's what he said.  I must dig out my copy and watch it again.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Best Villa player I've seen in my life time.

The best of luck to him in whatever he decides to do next.

[Pete3206]

Some belting goals.