David Platts drömelva
Här får vi veta vilka 11 Villalegender som Platt favoriserat till sin absolut egna drömelva.
1. NIGEL SPINK: It says much about Nigel that his second appearence for Villa was in a European Cup final. He was calm, had presence and his distribution was accurate, long and quick. He was 10 years in front of himself as he had all the characteristics of a modern day goalkeeper.
2. KEVIN GAGE: Kevin was never given the credit he deserved. A winner, with good techniques, he could play in a variety of positions. Full-backs need to be able to pass the ball and get forward as well as defend - and he could do that.
3. STUART GRAY: As with Gagey, he had the characteristics of a full back, but he could also play elsewhere. Besides, he was my room-mate and I need him in my team to make the tea on away trips!
4. ALLAN EVANS: When I arrived at Villa, 'Evo' was skipper and he was a natural leader. He was an out-and-out defender, who kicked it and headed it. Once a striker had enough of that, Allan would take the ball!
5. PAUL McGRATH: How can a player with so many problems have been so good for so long? He was a freak in that respect and could probably play now and still be as good. The words World Class are bandied around too easily these days but could never be doubted when referred to Paul.
6. GORDON COWANS: Vialli, Baggio, Gullit, Mancini and Bergkamp are just a few of the players I played with in my career. Only Mancini gets anywhere near Sid in terms of being the best. I owe him a lot. He made me look better than I was.
7. TONY DALEY: In one word, pace. Not just pace, absolutely frightening pace! Dales was the player who mesmerised me on my first day in training when I arrived from Crewe. Even at 60 per cent he was 10 yards in front of every other player.
8. DAVID PLATT: My time at Villa was memorable and the club will always be in my heart. Sadly, the only way I can get into the team now is if I pick myself!
9. ALAN McINALLY: A beast. He had power and pace and was a good finisher. He was too unselfish to be extra profilic, yet still weighed in with his goals. I roomed with him prior to his move to Bayern Munich and still se him when working for Sky Tv so I have to put him in or he would never speak to me again!
10. DWIGHT YORKE: Dwight has movement, technique and an ability to complement any striker's characteristics with his own. Even at the age of 16 everyone knew he had the ability, he just had to learn to improve his desire to be a player. I'm proud that he listened to my rollockings when he missed chances and the smiled in training.
11. TONY MORLEY: The only player in my team that I didn't play alongside. It's selfish really, but I think the characteristics of all others would have suited my game and allowed me to score more goals. Morley needs to be in there to retain and provide me with crosses.
Källa: Matchprogram, The Villa, 100 years news&record!
