Alex Cropley RIP

[HK Villan]

RIP Alex Cropley. I was privileged to see him play a few times, and like many others have said, he was one of my favorites. Skillful and fully committed.

Sincere condolences to his family.

[Godfrey Brian]

I notice from Pravda that Geoff Vowden has passed away too. As a kid at the time I vaguely remember him from the Division 3 promotion year. What I do remember is being fascinated by his surname starting with a V. Coming from an Irish background it seemed so exotic.

The equaliser in the 1972 win over Bournemouth in front of 48,000.

Geoff Vowden did a fine job for that Villa side. He was a very experienced player when we signed him and overcame a lot of stick because of who we bought him from. However he scored some really important goals including that one against Bournemouth and, later that season the goal that secured promotion at Mansfield. A good, hard working player who holds an important place in Villa's history.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Alex Cropley....just typing the name creates a vision of a wonderfully gifted, talented player, a delight on the ball, an eye for goal and a tough tackler...a perfect player for any team, but he was ours and every Villa fan who saw him play, loved him.
If not for that incident he would have been our best player, and a regular Scottish international, for many years to come.
Special memories.
Thank you Alex Cropley.
RIP

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

I notice from Pravda that Geoff Vowden has passed away too. As a kid at the time I vaguely remember him from the Division 3 promotion year. What I do remember is being fascinated by his surname starting with a V. Coming from an Irish background it seemed so exotic.

The equaliser in the 1972 win over Bournemouth in front of 48,000.

Geoff Vowden did a fine job for that Villa side. He was a very experienced player when we signed him and overcame a lot of stick because of who we bought him from. However he scored some really important goals including that one against Bournemouth and, later that season the goal that secured promotion at Mansfield. A good, hard working player who holds an important place in Villa's history.

Absolutely GB!
Always think of him as a quiet but significant part of our rise from Div 3!
RIP Geoff.

[FrankyH]

I did see Alex play (including the 5-1 Liverpool game) , but was too young to appreciate his talent. I've always thought Gordon Cowans is the most naturally gifted Villa player I've seen in my time. To hear older supporters say he was better than Sid is some tribute. I'm at the Hibs game next weekend (booked before his passing) so will join in the tribute. RIP Alex.

[Mister E]

I did see Alex play (including the 5-1 Liverpool game) , but was too young to appreciate his talent. I've always thought Gordon Cowans is the most naturally gifted Villa player I've seen in my time. To hear older supporters say he was better than Sid is some tribute. I'm at the Hibs game next weekend (booked before his passing) so will join in the tribute. RIP Alex.

I haven't heard any say he was better than Sid. I don't think he had Sid's passing-range or shooting ability but he certainly shared with the younger man a tenacity and intensity that made them both great players.

[Flamingo Lane]

I notice from Pravda that Geoff Vowden has passed away too. As a kid at the time I vaguely remember him from the Division 3 promotion year. What I do remember is being fascinated by his surname starting with a V. Coming from an Irish background it seemed so exotic.

The equaliser in the 1972 win over Bournemouth in front of 48,000.

Geoff Vowden did a fine job for that Villa side. He was a very experienced player when we signed him and overcame a lot of stick because of who we bought him from. However he scored some really important goals including that one against Bournemouth and, later that season the goal that secured promotion at Mansfield. A good, hard working player who holds an important place in Villa's history.

Indeed he does. 22 goals in 97 league appearances, and very important ones among them.

[Steve67]

I’m told that Alex was similar to Sid? Sadly, I never saw him play but hope he’s at peace. Thanks for being a Villan Alex. RIP.

[Stu82]

My early days watching Villa, Andy Gray, Brian Little, and Alex Cropley were my heroes.

He was tenacious in the tackle, fast and just exciting to watch.

RIP Alex

[Crown Hill]

My dad is 98 and says he’s the best midfielder he’s seen for the Villa. Creative player and dominant like Johnny Giles.

I’m too young to remember really but he did score in my second game against Arsenal.

[Brazilian Villain]

I did see Alex play (including the 5-1 Liverpool game), but was too young to appreciate his talent.

Same here. https://x.com/AvfcArchive/status/2037576735529619652

[Steve kirk]

I saw Alex Cropley play many times, tenacious, fearless with a cultured left foot
RIP Alex

[Dick Edwards]

I’m told that Alex was similar to Sid? Sadly, I never saw him play but hope he’s at peace. Thanks for being a Villan Alex. RIP.

They were similar in that both were slightly built but could tackle harder than you would have expected from their physiques. Both technically wonderful footballers.

[Steve kirk]

I notice from Pravda that Geoff Vowden has passed away too. As a kid at the time I vaguely remember him from the Division 3 promotion year. What I do remember is being fascinated by his surname starting with a V. Coming from an Irish background it seemed so exotic.

The equaliser in the 1972 win over Bournemouth in front of 48,000.

Geoff Vowden did a fine job for that Villa side. He was a very experienced player when we signed him and overcame a lot of stick because of who we bought him from. However he scored some really important goals including that one against Bournemouth and, later that season the goal that secured promotion at Mansfield. A good, hard working player who holds an important place in Villa's history.

Geoff Vowden was a big part of Villa’s fight back following our relegation to division 3 in 1970, scored so many important goals.
RIP Geoff