Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Aston Villa’s golden era began with stars like Billy Walker, who scored an impressive 244 goals between 1914 and 1933, a record that still stands today.
Then there was Pongo Waring, known for his flamboyant style and almost a goal per game between 1928 and 1935.
Moving to the mid-20th century, Peter McParland shone brightly.
His two goals in the 1957 FA Cup final against Manchester United were crucial, even if one involved a dramatic shoulder-charge.
The crowd still remembers his contribution to Villa’s success.
In the 1970s, Charlie Aitken was a stalwart for Villa, amassing a record 662 appearances and helping the club win the League Cup in 1975.
The late 70s and early 80s saw another surge of talent, with Andy Gray and Peter Withe making their mark.
Withe’s winning goal against Bayern Munich in the 1982 European Cup final is still celebrated, and a banner at Villa Park proudly displays the commentator’s famous call: “Oh, it must be… It is… Peter Withe!”
The Modern Era
In the 1990s, David Platt became a household name, leading Villa’s attack before starring for England at the 1990 World Cup.
Paul McGrath, despite battling knee issues, was a key player in the League Cup victories of 1994 and 1996.
His name still echoes in the club’s chants.
Recent Stars
Finally, Jack Grealish, a local hero who rose through the ranks, became England’s first £100 million player when he joined Manchester City in 2021.
His departure helped Villa reinvest in the team, leading to new successes under Unai Emery.
Cast Your Vote!
Now that you’ve had a walk through Villa’s storied past, it’s time to decide who you think is the greatest player of all time. Click on the voting button below or send your pick to greatest@dailymail.co.uk.
We’ll unveil the top player for each Premier League club before the start of the 2024-25 season.
TDPel Media
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