Odd Man Out

The Fascinating Story of Ron Saunders' Reign at Aston Villa
A detailed account of Ron Saunders' Aston Villa reign, Odd Man Out tells how, against a backdrop of boardroom and player disharmony, he guided them to a first league title in 71 years (and thus far their last), only to sensationally quit the following season and join arch rivals Birmingham City with Villa on the brink of European Cup glory.

In-depth, meticulously researched tale of Ron Saunders, one of Aston Villa’s greatest managers – a man whose tough-guy reputation has overshadowed his achievements. A must-read for Villa fans and any lover of football nostalgia.

By lifelong Aston Villa supporter Graham Denton, a former children's poet turned non-fiction sports book writer who was twice shortlisted for the CLPE Poetry Award (CLiPPA).

Ron Saunders is the one manager in over a century to guide Villa to English football's summit. This is an exhaustive account of how he did it. Read and discover how he:

• Took the Midlanders to promotion from the old Division Two in his very first season
• Created and dismantled arguably the most exciting Villa side of modern times – one that inflicted Liverpool’s heaviest defeat of the entire 1970s
• Achieved two League Cup triumphs in three years, including a three-game final with Everton that will remain the longest in history
• Battled with ‘Deadly’ Doug Ellis – and won!
• Fell out with and ultimately sold fans’ favourite Andy Gray and replaced him with a journeyman striker in Peter Withe, before steering the club to its first league title in 71 years

The book also explores the mystery of his sudden resignation, with Villa on the brink of European Cup glory, joining their bitterest rivals only nine days later. The Odd Man Out has a strong nostalgic appeal for a generation of fans who experienced the Saunders years, and will help younger fans to better understand the club’s history.

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