We’re approaching the 40 year anniversary of Aston Villa Football Club’s historic European Cup win over Bayern Munich.
In 1982, the Villa lifted the most prestigious prize in all of club football and it’s a memory that fans have treasured and yet longed for more of ever since.
If you were lucky enough to be alive at the time, you’ll know exactly where you were when Peter Withe netted the one and only goal of the contest past German goalkeeper Manfred Muller.
And if you weren’t alive, you’ll have certainly heard about it enough to make you think you were - and rightly so!
The players that played on that day have their names etched in the Villa history books forever more with most still remaining heroes of the fans that were around to see that incredible moment in illustrious story of the claret and blue.
It’s a landmark that fans dream of reaching once more and it’s a dream current manager Steven Gerrard hopes to achieve during his time as Villa manager.
Whilst things are looking up in the present, it’s time to look back and reminisce on the past for now with a look at where those legends that put on the shirt in Rotterdam are today.
From manager to subs, here’s the 17 names you’ll always remember from that day and where they are now.
If you were lucky enough to be alive at the time, you’ll know exactly where you were when Peter Withe netted the one and only goal of the contest past German goalkeeper Manfred Muller.
5. CB - Allan Evans
Like many of his teammates, Evans went into coaching after his playing career - most recently being the youth team coach at Plymouth Argyle in 2007. He’s still local to the Plymouth area and is now a driving instructor!
6. LB - Gary Williams
Williams, from Wolverhampton, made over 300 appearances for Villa. Since retirement he’s gone into the computer industry in Yorkshire.
7. CM - Dennis Mortimer
The skipper. Used as an analyst on BBC West Midlands for some time after his retirement, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Worcester in 2011 for his “outstanding contribution to football.”
8. CM - Gordan Cowans
Cowans has been heavily involved with Villa throughout the years even having a stint as a temporary assistant Head Coach in 2014. Unfortunately, in 2020, the former midfielder was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease - something he continues to battle.
Photo: JPImedia