VILLA'S renaissance in the 1970s was epitomised by no-one more than Brian Little, a player whose natural ability has perhaps never been surpassed in modern times.
Little joined as an apprentice in 1969. He scored on his full debut in April 1972 as Villa hammered Torquay 5-1 at Villa Park on their way to the Third Division title.
A former FA Youth Cup winner alongside John Gidman, Little managed just three goals the following season and an average-looking eight in 1973/74.
But 1974/75 saw him truly make his mark, smashing 20 league goals and four in the two cups as Villa gained promotion behind Manchester United and won the League Cup at Wembley against Norwich City, who they had pipped for runners-up spot in the league.
Little endured a miserable season with Villa back in Division One, scoring once against Blues in a 2-1 win at Villa Park.
But 1976/77 saw him at the very height of his immense powers, helping the club gain another League Cup win, scoring two goals to sink Everton in the second replay of the final after netting a hat-trick in the second replay of the semi-final against QPR.
Little netted 26 goals that season in a powerful front combination with Andy Gray as Villa finished fourth under Ron Saunders.
Little made just one England appearance, as a substitute against Wales at Wembley when the hosts conceded goals for the first time under Don Revie.
He rescued a draw for Revie when he made the goal for fellow debutant, David Johnson, in the 84th minute to level the score at 2-2.
Little was forced to retire in 1980 at the age of 26 due to a knee injury.
He rejoined Villa as manager in November 1994 and won the League Cup in 1996, resigning in February 1998 with his team still in Europe.Read
