1954: John Gregory born in Scunthorpe.He began his career as an apprentice with Northampton, signing professional forms in January 1973. After 187 League appearances he was transferred to Villa in June 1977 for £40'000 making his League debut in a 2-1 win at QPR in August the same year. After 65 appearances Gregory was sold to Brighton for £250'000 in July 1979, later joining QPR in a deal worth £300'000 and helping them to the FA Cup final in 1982. He was then transferred to Derby County in 1985 where he made 160 appearances before retiring from Football. Gregory then went into coaching and replaced Alan Smith as manager of Wycombe Wanderers in 1996. He then accepted the offer to take over from Brian Little at Villa Park midway through the 1997-98 season.

1968: Villa ended a disappointing season with a 2-1 home defeat against QPR. Rangers won promotion to the First Division while Villa just avoided relegation.

Random Villa Fact

A 4-1 victory against Norwich City at Carrow Road in May 1975 gave Villa their eighth straight win with goals from Keith Leonard, John Gidman, Bobby McDonald and Frank Carrodus. Villa were promoted to the top flight along with Norwich and Manchester United.