I WANT FOOTBALL

Aston Villa FC

Formed in 1874, Aston Villa was one of the original members of the Football League. In point of fact one of Villa's directors, one William McGregor was the founding force behind the creation of the League. But that's getting a little ahead. What about Villa's own formation? Well, as was common in the mid to late Victorian period, football clubs were being founded by cricketers who sought something to keep them occupied during the long winter months. Football fitted the bill perfectly.

In the fourteen years between formation and the start of league football, it seems that the Villa were quite busy, what with playing hybrid games, like the first game the club ever played. This was against a local rugby club and the teams agreed that the first half should be played under rugby rules and the second under football rules! Villa won the game by virtue of a scoreless first half and then nicking it by a single goal under their rules in the second half!

By the time the Victorian era ended, Villa were the most successful club, with 5 of their total of 7 league titles coming in this period, and three of their 7 FA Cups (including the double in 1896-97). There followed a period - of around 80 years - of a couple more league championships and the odd FA Cup, but the club's crowning glory came in 1982 when, after winning their seventh title in 1980-81, they scooped the big one, the European Cup in 1982 - Tony Barton, we salute you! Anyway, here's a list: