Brian Little 70 today

[Virgil Caine]

Watched one of his first games for Villa, versus Torquay United at Villa Park. Scored and assisted in two at least, in a 5-1  win. Knew even then that we were in the presence of greatness as even if he had an off day he was still better than all the rest. Happy Birthday HWWOW.

[dave shelley]

Watched one of his first games for Villa, versus Torquay United at Villa Park. Scored and assisted in two at least, in a 5-1  win. Knew even then that we were in the presence of greatness as even if he had an off day he was still better than all the rest. Happy Birthday HWWOW.

That would have been his debut I believe.

[Nunkin1965]

Wednesday 28th August 1974 was my first game at VIlla Park at 8 years old against Hull City.
I would have witnessed Brian scoring Villa's 4th goal but left just after so missed the last two to make it 6-0.
I didn't realise that it was Ron Saunders' first win as Villa manager though.
The start of a fantastic journey.

[Virgil Caine]

Watched one of his first games for Villa, versus Torquay United at Villa Park. Scored and assisted in two at least, in a 5-1  win. Knew even then that we were in the presence of greatness as even if he had an off day he was still better than all the rest. Happy Birthday HWWOW.

That would have been his debut I believe.

I think this has come up before but I think HWWOW came on as a substitute at an away game prior to the Torquay game. Certainly his home debut though (I think!)

[jwarry]

Happy birthday my hero

[Martyn Smith]

And his reward was. to never be picked again

Back then there was serious bias against certain clubs players being picked.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Watched one of his first games for Villa, versus Torquay United at Villa Park. Scored and assisted in two at least, in a 5-1  win. Knew even then that we were in the presence of greatness as even if he had an off day he was still better than all the rest. Happy Birthday HWWOW.

That would have been his debut I believe.

I think this has come up before but I think HWWOW came on as a substitute at an away game prior to the Torquay game. Certainly his home debut though (I think!)

30/10/71 Villa 4 Blackburn 1.. Came on as a 69th minute sub aged 17 for Davie Gibson.
29/4/72  Villa 5 Torquay 1...First start, scored in 31st minute and provided assist for Geoff Vowden in 61st minute, in what was our penultimate 3rd division game that secured the title ahead of Brighton.

[tony scott]

Saw him play really skillfull part ot that great villa trio little Gray and Deehan.

[dcdavecollett]

A truly breath-taking player. Such a shame he was done down by injury.

[dcdavecollett]

...and on the subject of his Greatness's twenty minutes of international football, Brian got his chance after Keegan had thrown a strop and walked out of the squad. BL played really well, making the equaliser and almost scoring himself. I recall Geoffrey Green describing him as 'sharp as a pin'.

What happened next? Keegan decoded he wanted to play for England after all, walked straight back into the team and Our Brian never played for England again, irrespective of his form.

Take a guess what I think of Don Revie.

[olaftab]

Amongst many things I grateful to Brian for is the fact that his birthday is a day before SWMBO's so I can remember to buy a present just in time.

[Dave]

The always enjoyable Quickly Kevin Will He Score podcast has an hour long interview with Sir Brian about the '94 - '98 team, out today.

Not listened to it yet, but can't imagine it'll be anything other than charming.