In our quest to uncover the greatest player of all time for each Premier League club, we turn our attention to Aston Villa, a team steeped in history and boasting a loyal fan base. With a rich heritage that includes six English league titles, seven FA Cups, and a European Cup triumph, Villa has been home to some incredible talent over the years.
From the early days of Billy Walker and Pongo Waring to the European Cup-winning heroes of 1982, and more recently, the likes of Jack Grealish, we’ll delve into the careers of some of the club’s most iconic players and ask you to vote for your greatest Aston Villa player of all time.
Aston Villa is one of only six English teams to have been crowned European champions, and their impressive trophy haul is a testament to the club’s proud history. With a loyal fan base, including none other than Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, Villa has a special place in the hearts of many.
The club’s most successful period was in the early 20th century, when they won the league and FA Cup six times apiece by 1920. They then enjoyed a resurgence in the 1980s, winning the league championship in 1981 and the European Cup against Bayern Munich the following year.
John Devey (bottom row, left of the trophies) won five league championships between 1893 and 1900 – including the 1897 Double – during an era in which Aston Villa dominated
John Devey was a dominant force in Villa’s early years, winning five league championships between 1893 and 1900, including the 1897 Double. Not only was he captain and scorer of 182 goals, but he also played first-class cricket for Warwickshire.
Billy Walker took over the mantle between 1914 and 1933, his tally of 244 goals still a club record to this day. Born just a few miles from Villa Park, he helped the club win the FA Cup, beating Huddersfield 1-0 in the final.
Billy Walker’s tally of 244 goals between 1914 and 1933 is still a club record to this day for Villa
Football’s first brilliant maverick was Pongo Waring, who scored at nearly a goal a game in his seven years with Villa between 1928 and 1935. He was the archetypal cult hero, adored by fans despite his indiscretions.
The 1950s saw the emergence of Peter McParland, who scored both goals in the 1957 FA Cup final against Manchester United during the heyday of the Busby Babes. McParland also scored five goals for Northern Ireland’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals the following year.
The 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of Charlie Aitken, Mr. Dependable, who played a record 662 times for the club during his 17-year tenure. Andy Gray was also a standout player, voted PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in the same season.
The end of the decade was notable for the contribution of Peter Withe, who scored 20 goals as Villa won the league championship in 1980-81 and then netted the winner against Bayern Munich to crown them kings of Europe.
Rookie goalkeeper Nigel Spink replaced injured Jimmy Rimmer during that final and stayed at Villa Park for a further 13 years, clocking up 460 appearances.
Perhaps the best-loved member of that immortal side was midfielder Gordon ‘Sid’ Cowans, who had three separate spells at the club. Cowans’ passing range was integral to Villa’s success, and he was even picked ahead of Paul Gascoigne for England’s next competitive fixture after the 1990 World Cup.
Though Villa haven’t hit those European Cup heights since, they’ve still produced exceptional individuals like David Platt, who was the club’s top scorer for three consecutive seasons, and Paul McGrath, who was a huge part of the Villa teams that won the League Cups in 1994 and 1996.
Local lad and boyhood Villa fan Jack Grealish didn’t have the luxury of playing in one of their great sides, but his ability to dribble and glide past defenders earned him a £100 million move to Manchester City in 2021.
Now it’s your turn to decide who is the greatest Aston Villa player of all time. Cast your vote by clicking on the voting button or email [email protected] if you want to choose someone not on the shortlist. We’ll reveal the results of the greatest all-time player for all 20 Premier League clubs before the start of the 2024-25 season.