Book excerpt: Aston Villa is one of the greatest soccer clubs in the world. Throughout its history, the club's name has never been far away from the honours, which include a remarkable seven League Championships, seven FA Cup final victories and five League Cup final successes, in addition to the European Cup in 1982. Villa players such as James Cowan, Joe Bache, Harry Hampton, Clem Stephenson, Billy Walker, Eric Houghton, Johnny Dixon, Peter McParland, Charlie Aitken, Gordon Cowans and Paul McGrath are among the greatest names in the history of the game.