Image copyright © 1998 Sports Projects Ltd.

On his day Tony Morley was a classic winger, a player able to weave his way down the flank, beat defenders, and cross accurately - and he could score goals as well as make them. He undoubtedly had his best years with Aston Villa, whom he served for four years. Born in Ormskirk in August 1954, Morley played for Skelmersdale Boys before signing apprentice forms with Preston North End in June 1970, turning professional in 1972. In February 1976, after 99 appearances for Preston, he was transferred to Burnley for £100.000 and 100 games and three years later, moved to Villa Park for £200.000. With Villa he won a First Division Championship medal, European Cup Winners' medal and Super Cup Winners' medal (1981-82). His transfer from Villa took him to West Bromwich Albion in December 1983 for a fee of £75.000, but he never settled at The Hawthorns and want on loan to FC Seiko (Hong Kong) in August 1985, after having been with Birmingham City, also on loan, in November-December 1984. He was in Hong Kong for a season, and was then sold by Albion to the Dutch club FC Den Haag in July 1986. In his first year, he helped his club win promotion to the Dutch First Division as well as gaining a Cup runners-up medal (1987). In August 1987 he was re-signed by his former manager at Villa Park Ron Saunders, who brought him back to the Hawthornes for a second spell with Albion. Morley was a crowd-pleaser, who loved the big occasions. He won England recognition as Youth (seven caps), Under-23 (one cap), 'B' team (one cap) and senior levels (six caps). Morley played for Tampa Bay Rowdies in 1989 and for Hamran Spartans in Malta in 1990.

There haven't been many players who could cause the sort of buzz of anticipation at VP that Tony could. When he recieved the ball (usually deep) and started to run at the defence, you just knew something would happen.

Tony morley also won goal of the season in 1981, for a sweeping move and long range shot away to Everton. A ball was played out of defence, flicked on by Shaw, to Morley who cut in onto his right foot giving the keeper no chance.

Tony Morley was the man that supplied the cross for Peter Withe to scuff into the net, May 26, 1982, Feynoord Stadium va Bayern Munich, thereby assisting the goal that made Aston Villa European Champions. It was a blinding run for about 70 yards.

His achievements won't be forgotten so soon. Several key goals in the European Cup run, including one 70 yards out or more, many more goals and crosses that Withe and Shaw used to thrive on, and several England caps. Ron Saunders used to say he needed a bollocking on occasion, but when he was `on', he was a sight to behold.

Thanks to David Prescott, Andrew Mearman, Glyn Evans, Paul Best and Bruce Smith.