Des Bremner

Des Bremner

We have been blessed with many talented players at Villa Park who are remembered with great affection on the terraces. In all the time I have followed the claret and blue, however, only one player has seemed irreplaceable.

He wasn't a prolific goal scorer a la Platt. He didn't float balls half the length of the field with pinpoint accuracy like Cowans, but as a hard working ball winner, Des Bremner was second to none.

He began his career with the world famous Banks O'Dee "A" team and was to return to humble surroundings when he rejoined Ron Saunders at Small Heath. Not surprisingly then, when the world's greatest manager paid £275,000 to Hibs for his services in September 1979 my first reaction was "Des Who?" There was no need to worry, though, as Bremner proved to be well worth every penny.

Saunders said that Des was the most under-rated player he'd ever bought and that summed up the Scotsman's career. lgnored at international level (one appearance as substitute in 1976) and overshadowed by a forward line of Morley, Withe and Shaw in 80-82 when he was at his peak. His greatest moment came in the European Cup final when he shone against the cream of Europe. So many of Bayern's moves were halted by a crunching tackle from Villa's midfield dynamo, though once again the praise was focused on others.

He was an ever present in the 80-81 championship season and played in every one of Villa's European Cup games as well as the World Club Championship and Super Cup ties. When he was made surplus to requirements by Graham Turner and made the short trip to the graveyard across the city we decided we didn't want another ball winner and have paid the price ever since.

The only bad memory have of Bremner is of seeing him play out his career in a blue shirt. Despite this, I remember him with a fondness reserved for Villa greets simply because he always gave the 110% his manager and the fans expected of him. Perhaps that's why he never got the credit he deserved. Des always did what was expected of him, nothing more and nothing less.

If only the current squad had his commitment and never say die attitude. If only they gave that all important 110%

Simon Page