Home:

Aston Villa F.C.

Founded by cricket enthusiasts of the Villa Cross Chapel, they were one of first clubs to founded in Birmingham in 1873. A scot by the name of George Ramsay lead Villa to their most successful period ever, becoming the country's top team by the end of the 1800's. They managed to the win the League Championship four times in five years at the end of the 19th century, and the double in 1897. Villa never have replicated that success again.

They never won a trophy from 1920 to 1957, and were relegated to the second division in 1936. After the 1957 FA Cup victory they were relegated twice, once in 1959 and 1967. The club was generally in turmoil during this period, and for the first time was relegated to the Third Division in 1970. Ron Saunders was the manager to bring major success back to the club. A long standing manager who was appointed in 1973, he eventually won the first division title in 1981. Though he quit halfway through the season, Villa in 1982 went on to win the European Cup against Bayern Munich.

This game possibly stands as the greatest achievement in the clubs history. They joined a select group of only four English clubs to ever win the competition. This was a pinnacle in the clubs fortunes however, the club fell into decline for the rest of the 1980s and were relegated once again in 1987. Since then only once has Villa come close to winning the league again. Under Ron Atkinson in 1992-93 they finished runners up to Manchester United. For the majority of the season they looked odds on to win the title, but lost their nerve as the season neared it's end.

A disappointing home result versus struggling Oldham sealed their fate. They did manage to win two league cups since 1993, but all the major honours have alluded them. The club has appeared content to rank mid table, a sad fact for the biggest club in England's second city. Martin O'Neill is the current manager, and Villa's best hope since Ron Atkinson of bringing the glory days back to this great club.