Doug Ellis

[tonyav]

RIP Sir Doug, a part of Aston Villa football club died today.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/news/former-aston-villa-chairman-sir-doug-ellis-dies-aged-94/ar-BBOdYHv?li=BBoPWjQ

[Togo]

Saw it earlier AV. Whatever he was(deadly Doug and all that stuff) he was a football man and a real Villa stalwart to the end. Glad it was you who posted. He was also I think instrumental in the Premier League concept, after the Villa European victory, and the realisation that British clubs would not compete without a solid financial structure. R.I.P Doug Ellis

[tonyav]

Yes he was instrumental with founding the premier league, Togo.

Some of the wag's at work ( non Villa fans ) recon it was the news of Villa appointing the new manager that killed him.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/football/aston-villa-appoint-smith-terry/ar-BBOd0sJ?li=BBoPWjQ

[Togo]

Saw that news earlier as well AV. Smith has got to be Villa through and through and can only be good for the club. I am pretty sure that if Ellis knew of the appointment he would have been content and excited at the shift in emphasis on "family", grass roots influence. Probably died happy.

[tonyav]

I am pretty sure that if Ellis knew of the appointment he would have been content and excited at the shift in emphasis on "family", grass roots influence.

I'd like to think that he did.

[Togo]

Just hope that Ken spots your post AV. He is a football man and a "bloke". He will have a take of his own I am sure. Especially as his team sport the same colours.

[tonyav]

Would be interesting to read Ken's views, Togo.

[Ken4155]

Doug Ellis was, i suppose, a marmite character and reminded me so much of the late Bob Lord, Burnley chairman throughout the 60s and early 70s. Both men could be ruthless in their dealings but both had only their clubs interests at heart. I doubt whether Villa would have got anywhere near the European Cup, let alone win it (though you did need an ex-Claret to help you do so), as i doubt whether Burnley would have been the force they were during Lord's tenure. No doubt Doug Ellis will be fondly remembered by many of the older Villains.
As regards the appointment of Dean Smith, i don't really know enough about the guy to make an informed comment other than to wish him and Villa well.

[Lie-in King]

I'd somehow managed to miss both the news & this thread.

RIP Doug Ellis.