No new players of note this season because Joe Mercer was confident that those who were good enough to win the second division would be good enough for the first. The usual handful who recognised that they were not going to make it departed into the lower leagues. Although surprisingly one who felt that was the case was Wally Hazeldene (5 for 19) who went home to Wigan.

As usual any pre-season practice games took place behind closed doors. The supporters, 8,000 of them, got the first view of their favourites at the traditional Colours 2 Light Blues 0. Lots of light blues, seventeen in all following wholesale substitutions at half-time.

It was exciting to be back in the first division because we were to renew acquaintance with seven of the original twelve clubs from McGregor’s brain child. It meant leaving behind three Midland clubs, Stoke, Derby County and Notts County but there had been some doubt as to whether he had wanted them included in the first place. Accrington Stanley, first alphabetically if nothing else had, were struggling amongst the strugglers.

Chief topic of interest before the big kick-off was the introduction of a new competition which many thought would devalue the FA Cup. Finally, most clubs had now been able to afford floodlights and Sir Joe Richards, successor to McGregor, thought they needed good reason to use them. Friendlies against low grade continental clubs did not put bums on seats neither did games against higher status locals. Hence the Football League Cup. I have already reported at length about Villa’s participation in this competition so in the interests of brevity I will only refer to it insofar as it affected our activities in league and FA Cup.

Somewhat ironically our first opponents were Chelsea, a club of dubious qualifications (history can explain). The first half oozed with goals although surprisingly there weren’t any. They were saved for a remarkable period of fifteen minutes in the second half. The first. McParland (63) when he thrashed the orb beyond Bonnetti. We were in clover when Hitchens did likewise but with less venom. But strike by Gibbs (76) reminded us that this was the first division. However, straight from the restart Thomson dribbled the ball all of fifty yards and we had a two goal lead again (77). But with Greaves still a threat is was 3-2 in the blinking of an eye Brabrook (79). 42,247 mostly happy fans.

Boyed up by this opening day win we were nevertheless wary of our visit to West Ham United because of events precisely two years ago. Ahead of the game I attended the Oval for the fourth day of the fifth test against South Africa. There I saw what I believe was the only century of the entire five game series (the internet can confirm). I left at teatime anxious to get across London in the rush hour and concerned about the potential attendance. But only 28,595 this time. Although we did not realise it at the time it was the game which changed the face of English football forever.

Despite Hideguti, Puskas and Don Revie ever since the days of the Royal Engineers and Wanderers teams had played five forwards against five defenders in the W formation. Not this evening – although it only became obvious in retrospect. Many think that the new tactic was devised by West Ham manager Fenton or even Bobby Moore but knowing what I now know I prefer to think that the real mastermind was their number eight, Phil Woosman. I am refereeing to 4-2-4. West Ham had first used it two days earlier in a 2-4 defeat at Wolverhampton but there was no thoughts of discarding it. It’s only Aston Villa after all!

Woosnam, schemer extraordinary, masterminded the first score (14) but in a thrice Thomson equalised (17) to the dismay of their bubble blowing conglomerate. Perhaps the new tactics actually meant more goals, not fewer.

Dugdale erred, Dunmore scored (37). Whereupon goals continued thick and fast, Dick (39) Hitchens (41). But for a goalline clearance of a shot from Hitchens we might have been on level terms at the interval and in front after the pies had been served when McParland hit the bar but there was a sense they were starting to confuse as demonstrated when full back Bond left his post to deceive Sims. Musgrove (87) completed what had at 2-5 had felt like another rout. Welcome back to football amongst the big boys.

The evergreen Stanley Matthews was still confusing full-backs – in our case Neal – when we arrived in Blackpool at noon after leaving New Street at 8.40 am. Fare 22/6 (£1.12). Only 16,821 chose to get there early, but what soon threatened to become a rout began after only two minutes. Kaye (2). He had had to put the ball beyond Keelan because Sims had been demoted to the reserves at home to Blackpool (3-1). A manager’s choice so he was not injured.

Matthews also began the second goal, Mudie (12) likewise the third Charnley (25). Durie (34) did not need much assistance and we were starting to wonder how many and when will it end? But there are team talks and then there are team talks. At four o’clock a totally different Villa emerged. A frantic period ensued until McParland, with his reputation on the line scored (61) only for Charnley (63) to put the knife in.

A fatal lapse as we now feared there was more to come but suddenly Hitchens (66 & 79) hinted at the mother of all comebacks. Still time for more opportunities but Thomson stepping on the ball with the goal at his mercy confirmed what sort of day it had really been. I do not recall seeing the illuminations even though our return excursion did not leave Blackpool until 7.10 pm. I think they were not switched until September.

It is an irrefutable footballing fact that football managers know nothing about goalkeepers and goalkeeping. Two days later exit Keelan, Sims is back for the return against West Ham United. But Mercer was apparently akin with how to beat the new Hammers tactics. 32,058 hopefuls were undeterred by two five goal reverses. We carried on where we had left off at the seaside until Sims could not hold a shot by Smillie and it fell to Dunmore (18). A goal which was replicated when Rhodes pushed a shot by McParland to Hitchens and we were back in business with vengeance (60).

Never leave early either! Bond obstructed Thomson in what is now professional foul and a yellow card. Wylie took the indirect free-kick, sent it to Thomson (88) and all is well again. But for West Ham, back to the white board, perhaps.

We welcome Everton next and with 32,864 probably most of those from Monday night. This was Hitchens’ match. It certainly was not McParland’s match because he limped around for three parts of it and missed the next few games. Hitchens gave a lethargic Everon defence the run around (9 & 15) and we looked forward to getting our goal average back in synch. It was disappointing therefore when Temple (21) scored from a deflection. But Thomson put the world to rights again with a bit of assistance from Wylie (40). Virtually down to ten men Vernon (75) caused a few flutters but Sims and the defence were not to be denied.

To Wales next for our promotion partners. Cardiff City. At least Mercer remembered that Hitchens was a Cardiff old boy. The game lacked the intensity of the ‘winner takes all’ from last season. Referee Finney from Hereford was about to blow for half-time when a speculative lob from Welsh international Crowe from thirty yards deceived everybody including many of the 34,716. Things were going well in the second stanza until Tapscott headed an equaliser (54). But straight from the restart Adam, deputising for McParland involuntarily hit the turf but Lynn failed to hit the target from the spot. So we had to be content with a point.

A trip to Blackburn is not normally one to look forward to with any great enthusiasm and so it proved again. It was completely unusual in that for the one and only time I was persuaded to travel on the Villa supporters coach for reasons which will become apparent. Dugdale often seemed to have trouble with bustling centre -orwards – Smith of Tottenham comes to mind – and Blackburn had Derek Dougan who was tripped by Dugdale (in the opinion of referee Hawcroft) and Dobing (15) started the rot. Chris Crowe (39) added a second from another free kick conceded by Dugdale before Hitchens (42) gave hope shooting home from twenty yards. Chances of an equaliser disappeared when John MacLeod (63) and then Dougan (82) both scrambled the ball over the line. Harry Burrows did not have a debut to remember.

There was now a mad dash to get to the coach for the thirty-mile journey to Blackpool. We were going to be witness to the first-ever Football League match to be televised. It very nearly turned out to be the last because the goal-less second half between Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers set back television matches for years. We got to tour the lights then the our coach broke down on a hill near Wigan and we did not arrive home on a reserve coach until midday which put paid to any thoughts I may have had of deserting the railways.

By insisting on playing on a Monday for historical reasons Villa never gave themselves long enough to recover properly and two days later we had to face Cardiff City again. 33.901 suggested that fans had not been put off by the Blackburn debacle But with a defence of Neal – Winton- Crowe- Morrall – Deakin we had reason to be apprehensive. So it was no surprise when Donnelly netted (11). But we did not panic and Thomson put matters to rights when he shot when he had been expected to pass inside. (34). The cheers had barely faded when Hitchens crossed to Burrows who shot home in what was to become his signature manner.
Four home games four wins. Look who are next.

And next are Manchester United but looking more like relegation candidates. An unchanged eleven were expected to add to their woes. After an untroubled half an hour Burrows scored a carbon copy of his goal against Cardiff (33). Hitchens brilliantly set up Thomson for the second (53). With Sims a virtual spectator he seemed to have been caught on the back foot when, following a rare incursion into our half Viollet bent low to head home (55). To the amusement or not of the 43,983 the result was settled when attempting a routine catch Gregg
only managed to divert the ball into the net. Laugh! Five home games, five wins.

Ninth P9 Pts11. Meanwhile runaway leaders Tottenham Hotspurs were already out of sight. Played nine, won nine, and we are next at White Hart Lane. Despite having spent a night on a hillside near Wigan waiting for a relief vehicle I have not been put off by coach travel and make my way to Stockland Green to get there by coach (fare 16/6 82p). The explanation lies in the fact of otherwise having to return from London on the midnight newspaper train. Tottenham have attempted to buy their way to the first division title and nobody is more satisfied than Robert Dennis Blanchflower, their pioneer acquisition in this quest.

Never change a winning side. Morrall remains at centre-half, perhaps he will have better luck than Dugdale against bustling Bobby Smith. Their ploy is doing wonders for attendances and 61,356, encouraged also by glorious autumn sunshine, pay their way in to see what most expect to be a walkover. And as predicted it was all over in only thirty minutes at which point referee Hamer might well have called a halt to the proceedings to prevent further humiliation.

After a game of pass the parcel White (6 &1 8) Smith (27) and Dyson (30) home fans were expressing sympathy to anyone wearing claret and blue. Allen (62). Eventually MacEwan drew sympathetic applause when a bit of skill yielded a consolation (65) and Hitchens drew admiring applause when he demonstrated his talents (80). But Spurs were not finished with us yet and MacKay (85) had to show that they could score almost at will. 2-6.

As if to lick our wounds we trundled up to Scotland where Raith Rovers had invited us to inaugurate their floodlights. After they score two easy goals to his delight old boy MacEwan scored a wonder goal. Burrows gets a mention because he came on as a substitute for the wounded Thomson. And John Lumsden too. is first and only first team game in the colours. 1-2.

Back home we came up against Leicester City only to surprisingly get bogged down on a rain-sodden pitch. Sims had also been a victim at Raith so Keelan returned for the second time this season. He did not distinguish himself. Either as a goalkeeper (Walsh 5 & 15) nor as a defender when he slipped when challenging Wills (43). Hitchens, dashing about as usual, gave hope where in reality there was very little when he centred for McParland (53) to head beyond Banks. But that’s all folks for the 30,115 who silently set off home.

Get there early. We have a musical treat ahead of the game v Newcastle United. The military band of the Prince of Wales Dragoon guards. The visitors arrived to find Dugdale and Sims back in action and Burrows in place of McParland who was in Belfast playing against England. Winton who had swopped one claret and blue shirt (Burnley) for another continued at left-back. In another rainswept afternoon (25,336) he helped keep the opposition scoreless for the first time this campaign. At the other end Wylie, smartly, (19) and Crowe (53) again, with a cunning lob ensured a routine victory – if there is such a thing.

Football League Cup round two Aston Villa 4 Huddersfield Town 1.

Back on the train – possibly because Stockland did not run a coach – we left Snow Hill at 8.35 Paddington 11.01 (fare 25/6 £1.26) for Highbury. Attendance was ‘only’ 33.538 as Arsenal were now suffering badly in comparison with the success of their near neighbours.

We stood a good chance. That is until eventually, Herd (55) rounded Morrall and easily beat the advancing Sims. But we were never out of it and when MacEwan ‘did a Raith’ (70) we looked like holding out for what seemed a well earned point only for Arsenal to live up to their perennial nickname, lucky Arsenal. Strong dived low to head home (80). I could have returned home on the 8.10 but was again lured by the comfort of those plush seats at the Odeon Leicester Square and came home with the Sunday newspapers.

Only four days later wat a memorable Saturday afternoon it turned out to be. And never was the advice to get there early more appropriate. 44,722 did so unless that includes a few stragglers. They would have found Thomson selected to replace Crowe, away in Cardiff playing against Scotland. Villa never refused permission for a player to play for his country even though the rules allowed them to do so. At inside-right we had Alan O’Neill signed on Wednesday from Sunderland.

I am still not certain whether he played an active part in the usual shenanigans in the centre circle at the start but like to believe that his sensational opener came from his very first kick. It was timed at 25 seconds. Blues were visibly shaken and although it took another half-hour for Hitchens (31) to add to their misery they never sufficiently recover to threaten our citadel. They even failed to score when Astall ‘passed’ the ball to Sims from the penalty spot.(35).

At half-time the crowd could still be heard reliving that sensational opening. On the restart Blues were jittery such that McParland (49) took advantage of a miskick 3-1. But as the jitterbugging on the terraces continued Hellawell sought to calm things down (66) but his success was shortlived because instant hero O’Neil instantly made it a debut for the ages (67) But any thoughts that this will forever be referred to as O’Neill day were dispelled by Hitchens who stole the plaudits from him by completing a Villa Park hat trick (84 & 87) spoilt only by the fact that in those three minutes Thomson inadvertently put the ball where he had not meant it to go. 6-2. The Argus soon sold out. Some had to make do with the .lue Mail.

How can you follow the famous victory over the Blues? Well, it is my pleasure to be able to tell you. You can achieve a most unlikely double by winning at the Hawthorns. Get there early! In the second minute Wylie stole the ball off Robson leaving the Baggies’ defence stranded. A pass to Hitchens, goal – his thirteenth of the season. Point proved the game then deteriorated into a typical Staffordshire derby. Think Albion v Wolves v Stoke. And remember, we were born in Staffordshire! Crowe to O’Neill and with goalkeeper Potter remaining on his line just as goalkeepers invariably do this days it was 2-0. (41) It was a pleasure regain our dignity with 41,903 onlookers.

There is a feeling that had it been a typical season and Tottenham not been carrying all before them – P14 W13 D1- our record (P15 W8 D1 L6) might have appeared better than it was.

Readers know that there was nothing to fear from the arrival of Burnley in the city even if, as league champions, they still had aspirations of retaining the title if Spurs faltered. But as expected those hopes were virtually extinguished after Sims had pulled off a great save in the first minute, seen by 35,923 and by Hitchens. First a great shot (36). Second, with those in the directors box still to take their seats. Easier this time (46). Add other near misses and another disallowed ‘goal’ and he merited another Villa Park hat trick.

FA Youth Cup 2nd round Villa Youths 5 Northampton Town youths 2

Now sixth as we headed off to Preston North End for the first of two visits in four days. It was not one of our better days at one of our ‘luckier’ grounds. Only one defeat at Deepdale in the last ten visits. No Tom Finney now so only 11,093 partisans including those who caught the unusual excursion train from New Street at 9.25 (Fare 16/- 80p). Unusual because it was the only time we ever shared a train with Wolves supporters, headed for their game at Burnley. Our ‘anonymous man’ at British Railways must have enjoyed arranging that one.

Back with the game. Sneddon only had to stand and wait to be able to head a centre out of reach of Sims (14) After which they took root just like teams in the second division had tried to do. But when speed was necessary we had McParland. A route one clearance to O’Neill, a pass to McParland, a dash towards goal and as Else quaked at what he saw coming, only he didn’t. The ball flashed past him (57). As we left town at 6.50 pm we were fully optimistic as to our return visit on Tuesday.

Football League Cup 3rd round Preston North End 3 Aston Villa 3.

Now sixth were we equally optimistic about the arrival of seventh place Fulham at Villa Park. But getting there early as 31,506 did was not meant to herald a goal to the visitors. But it did. Leggatt from a corner! (1). Fulham were now all over us and it was going to take something exceptional to get us back into the game. Enter MacEwan. A shot from twenty yards which Macedo was not expecting (43). Sparking a sudden rise in the sales of Bovril. MacEwan also had a foot in the second goal when a centre found Wylie who when facing the wrong way back headed the ball into the rigging (57).

Football League Cup 3rd round replay Aston Villa 3 Preston North End 1

We next journeyed to Sheffield Wednesday, conquerors of Tottenham in their last home game and also with a 100% record at home and now in second place. 26,181, a poor attendance considering, were fully expecting them to beat Aston Villa. New Street 10.39 Sheffield 1.00. The tram from Fitzallen Square has been replaced by a bus.

Crowe was back, as was Lynn after a long absence. Speed of movement was the secret of our ultimately surprise success. First when Megson converted a centre by McParland for as sweet an own goal as it is possible to imagine (7). Then after surviving nearly thirty minutes attrition McParland to Hitchens and a shot from an impossible angle, impossible except it was Hitchens (30). 2-0. Another of his text book goalline clearances by Lynn kept us in the game before Griffin got the better of him with a clever dribble (41). By now you already know we survived the second half onslaught for a famous victory. Still fifth but only two points behind second-placed Wednesday.