Goalkeeper – Jimmy Rimmer
Unlike twenty-first century custodians who shuffle up and down the goal line like ice hockey net minders, you knew you were in safe hands whenever the opponents deigned to get into our penalty area. In such an event Rimmer was ever ready to pounce on the tatter. Class goalkeepers position themselves so they do not have to dive about.

Right back – Stan Lynn
It used to frighten me to see him before the kick-off outside the ground so no wonder the opposing left winger felt it best to stay safely in the dressing room beforehand. Or even post-kick off. Besides which, you need somebody reliable to take the penalties and those close to goal free-kicks.

Left Back – George Cummings
The man it is said that Stanley Matthews did not like to come up against. And neither did many other right wingers who may have felt in danger of being harpooned on the pitchside railings.

Right half (Note the use of old-fashioned position placings.)
No prizes for knowing it is always going to be Robert Daniel Blanchflower (and as always respect where respect is due) Immaculate and cultured are the words to describe him and did he ever commit what is now considered a ‘tactical foul’? I have pondered long over appointing him captain but as you will read I have my reasons for my alternative choice.

Centre-half – Paul McGrath.
The only reason it is not Jimmy Dugdale. Never knowingly seen to run, his positional sense was so uncanny opposing forwards must have constantly wondered, “Where did he come from?”

Left-half – Ronnie Starling
This one only just qualifies for selection by virtue of the fact that, like train numbers, I have underlined games he played in my old Villa News. And my brother, who went on about him week in, week out would never forgive me if I came up with any other candidate.

Outside-right – Billy ‘Cowboy’ Goffin
So named on account of his gait. Wingers, left or right, were either expected to be speedy or else skilful like Stanley Matthews. Arguably Billy was neither but the excitement level rose when the ball went his way.

Inside-right – Jackie Sewell
The impudent scorer of the greatest goal I ever saw at Villa Park, on the 18th February 1957 versus Portsmouth and tactical mastermind behind our FA Cup win. One-time ‘most expensive footballer in the world’ and he should have played for England many more times except he had the misfortune to take part in both of the ignominious defeats by Hungary.

Centre-forward – Gerald Archibald Hitchens
Who we could have got for nothing from Kidderminster Harriers but instead gave Cardiff City the benefit of his talents before having to pay for our mistake. It is interesting to speculate what would have happened to Villa if he had not gone chasing the lira (Who can blame him?). The sixties would have been far less fraught than they were and it is hard to believe we would have been relegated in 1967. And more than likely, no Digbeth, no Doug.

Inside-left – Johnny Dixon
A most unlikely and probably controversial choice because he was never considered a great player and never the best number ten we ever had (He might have been considered by some for the right-half position – an inspired selection at the time!). And certainly not our best captain. But despite his origins he was the ultimate Villa man from the top of his head to the tip of his toes and I wanted a captain who would keep order amongst this other disparate lot.

Outside-left – Peter McParland
And not just because he used to give me free tickets at away matches. It is ironic how many of the players in this team actually saw us relegated but it wasn’t always their fault. He was the archetypal speedy left winger who was not afraid to cut in and use his head to good effect. And I cannot imagine him running back to defend under the modern tactics of ten men behind the ball.