Alan Little RIP

[steamer]

I remember him playing a big part in that great FA Youth Cup winning team, 1971/72? He had a decent career in the lower leagues, 410 appearances and 48 goals.

It was 71/72. Alan and Brian played in pretty well all the games. Starting with a 7-0 1st round win against Boldmere  St Michaels in front of a couple of thousand and culminating in winning the trophy against Liverpool at Anfield in the second leg final.
That Villa side also had John Gidman, Bobby McDonald, Jimmy Brown, Jake Findlay, and Tony Betts. The 4th round was two games against Birmingham (Francis and Burns were in their team). There were 5th round and semi-finals against Arsenal and Chelsea By this stage all the home games were attracting crowds of 15-20K. Not bad for a 3rd division clubs youth team!

I went to all of those home games, plus away to Blues and Liverpool.
Also, still think of him as a kid
Deepest condolences to Brian and the family.

[Small Rodent]

An old friend used to play with the Little brothers in games arranged by their mother to highlight their talent.

Here's a photo of them having won a schools trophy.

Alan, bottom left, Brian holding the trophy.