The 80's was a good decade for Aston Villa and many would argue the best. I'm not knowledgeable enough to say that with certainty however and I'm sure some would say we've had better.
I'm also not old enough. You see, I was born in 1974 so I have to hold my hands up and say that I don't really remember the early 80's and winning the League and the European Cup, when it was still a proper tournament. Yes, I have some memories and they are fond, but at the same time, they are vague.
I remember the playground and I remember, I think the football match, but I'm not sure if it was the League everyone was happy about or the European Cup. It could have been both, probably was, but I can not, with hand on heart tell you that much from memory. Which is one of the reasons for this little project of mine.
The team of this generation
What I can tell you about and talk to you about with confidence and knowledge are the teams of the 90's and the last decade, do I write that as the 00's, I'm not sure although I will from now on.
And over the last two decades, we have had some fantastic players. I mean, some real, top drawer players and we all have a lot of memories. But who makes the team of my generation. Who makes the team of this generation is more to the point.
Which is where this post and project begins. You see, we are going to pick the best team from the last twenty years, position by position and at the end of it, in a few days time, we will have our team.
Now, I could add the late eighties and mix it up a bit, but if sort of wouldn't be fair only including a part of that particular decade and where do I draw the line. Also, the team of 82 are finally getting inducted into the Football Hall of Fame soon, so they really have the 80's wrapped up and picking any other players from the 80's just doesn't feel right or seem fair.
A sort of disclaimer
I should also add a sort of disclaimer, because picking a team from a particular generation is open to debate, so I'm using my generation or this current generation and stretching it as far back as I think we can. Also, having met a few of you in Birmingham, London and across Europe over the past few years, I know you will all know who these players are and I think you'll all quite like this.
I'm also not adding every player to have ever worn the shirt. Some, who didn't play that often or who were not here long enough are not going to get added. There is no limit to the number of games, just some are not getting added as they will unnecessarily dilute the vote.
Best Aston Villa goalkeeper
So to begin, you have to pick the best keeper from the 90's and 00's. I've added six keepers and with a bit of luck you wont be able to see who is winning until I publish the full list.
At the weekend, we will do two more positions and early next week we will complete the back four. Hopefully by the end of next week or early the following week, we will have the team and manager of the past two decades and with a bit of luck a very special prize for one lucky person.