Timing was of the essence as far as the last point was concerned, about a week later Villa won the title for the first time in 70 years, ironically at Highbury� I was hooked on what one well informed Villain describes as the "most unique and wonderful football club in the whole world."
Some of my personal favourite Villa moments.
That night in Rotterdam. I wasn't old enough to fully appreciate the gravity of what the club achieved. What I do know is that Spink had a blinder and the late Tony Barton cried, as I am sure did lots of Villains. What I also know coming from an area with probably the largest concentration of Spurs and Arsenal fans is that to say your club won the worlds most coveted club tournament is a great leveller in arguments with those who can't boast such an honor. Birmingham, Southampton, Arsenal and Spurs fit rather nicely in to this category.
Swindon away May 87:
Graham Taylor was god for me after this. I can not begin to explain the mental torture I suffered at the hands of some after our embarrassing exit from the old First Division. The eight minutes of extra time played at Ayersome Park were torture but a little known Leicester player by the name of Peter Weir who scored the all-important goals. Relief in abundance was the order of the day.
Bradford home May 87:
My mate and I had scaled the fence at the Holte and were eagerly awaiting any glimpse of my brother in his attempts to achieve the same. His bambi like efforts resulted in one member of the West Midlands constabulary losing his helmet and ultimately failing to apprehend my delinquent 15 year old brother. I think the said copper was slightly pissed off. Maybe he was a blue fan in what was a scene of unbridled claret and blue joy !!!!
Southampton away April 98:
I sat next to Jim Steel(Saints cup winning captain) and Neil Maddison for this game. Saints' relative success of season 97-98 had my saints supporting family members convinced that they could turn us over, in what in European terms was still a big game for the Villa. A trip to the Pensioners arms in Shirley full of Saints did little to dent my optimism. An early strike by Hendrie and a great finish by Yorkie sandwiched a wonderful effort from Le Tiss( the king, I'm informed ????). This was one of the most one sided affairs I saw all season, bar Everon away, but a whole lot more satisfying for me due to the Southampton diatribes regularly endured in an otherwise pleasant little corner of the Home Counties.
Yorkies gone......Julian can walk on water:
Other stories will follow. There are so many to mention that I will only write them as and when I am inspired
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