The Men and Matches Behind the 1897 Double

by Simon Page

Ridiculous as it may sound, there was a time when Aston Villa enjoyed home advantage in FA Cup ties. Stretching belief further, the Claret & Blue gods actually used to win quarter-finals .... and even semi-finals .... And - this may seem for beyond the bounds of plausibility - we have won the bloody competition! But - and here's the twist - THE VILLA, OUR VILLA, did the Double in the days when it was difficult, before any old bunch of no-marks could get their grubby, gloryhunting paws on the major trophies. Find out how they did it by reading...... The Pinnacle of the Perry Barr Pets

All the matches of that glorious 1896/7 season are detailed along with biographies of the players and backroom staff who mode the Villa the greatest football club on this, or any other, planet.

This is the most comprehensive season review ever written, and it tells the story of your club's finest moment. And if that isn't enough, there's even the odd 19th Century piss-take of Small Heath and the Olbeyun!

Read an extract from the book here.

VILLA'S FINEST HOUR BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE
...........as if it were yesterday

PINNACLE OF THE PERRY BARR PETS is a 100 page, large format, fully illustrated book, published by Juma.
ISBN 1 872204 30 9. Price £6.95

Copies of Pinnacle Of The Perry Barr Pets can be purchased from most good bookstores, like WHSmiths, Waterstones and Dillons, and a few bad ones as well. It can also be obtained from Juma or from Heroes & Villains simply send a cheque for £7.95 (inc £1.00 P&P), made payable to HEROES AND VILLAINS at our address here.