I do some voluntary charity work for the British Heart Foundation, collecting donations and this morning visited the home of one of my early Villa heroes, Jimmy MacEwan. Unfortunately Jimmy is in a care home now and one of his son's was clearing out the house. As I walked through the door I saw a huge collage of Villa photos and immediately recognised Jimmy, " A player who hugged the touchline, cutting in when the ball was being moved along the opposite flank..." I think my Dad wanted me to play like Jimmy when I was a kid. On another wall was a framed 1960's League Cup Final jersey worn by Jimmy. His son recalled waiting in the Villa car park after a game for his Dad playing football with his brother. Jimmy apparently was always the last out. My Dad passed away 16 years ago but he enjoyed me telling him about my visit. Things like this just make your day sometimes.UTV.
Met Jimmy and a few of the 'Old boys' at Nigel Simms book signing. Really nice chap.Got them all to sign the book, but, they were all 'What do your want my autograph for? I'm just a normal chap' 'Because you played for the greatest football team ever' was my reply.
I remember Jimmy playing for us from the early '60's onwards. He came from Raith Rovers and I think he left to join Walsall around '66ish. He had an easily recognisable head down hunched look when he sped down the wing. I believe that he was over 30 when we signed him, but he always put a shift in.
Jimmy was nicknamed Pancho because of his bandy legs.Always gave of his best.I hope the care home looks after him well.