Aston Villa hero reveals 'biggest regret' after winning European Cup

It was the undoubted highlight of Tony Morley’s career, but he feels becoming kings of Europe should have been just the start – not the pinnacle – of Aston Villa’s glory years.

Flying winger Morley, blessed with grace, pace and delivery, provided the cross for Peter Withe to strike the greatest goal in Villa history on that balmy night in Rotterdam. Having been an ever-present in Ron Saunders’ title-winning team the year before, Morley followed European Cup glory by helping Barton’s heroes topple Barcelona to become European Super Cup winners the following January.

But by 1987 Villa had finished bottom of Division One and were heading to play Plymouth Argyle, Swindon Town and Oldham Athletic. Morley regrets Villa’s failure to build a lasting dynasty as the side was later ripped apart by returning chairman Doug Ellis, who sought to put his own stamp on the club.

Morley, Kenny Swain, keeper Jimmy Rimmer and Ken McNaught all left in 1983, with skipper Dennis Mortimer following them out of Villa Park. Instead, Everton and Liverpool dominated the Eighties.

“If Saunders had stayed another five years, there would have been another three or four trophies in the cabinet,” he said. We were as good as Everton man for man in the mid-80s when they won everything.

“It was taken away from us – not because the players weren’t good enough but because of politics. That is why Villa went from being European champions to relegated. One man wanted to take everything over, a total disaster for the club.”

He added: “My biggest regret was that Villa should have carried on and dominated. But it got broken up too quickly.

“My regret for the supporters is that we were certainly good enough to win a couple more trophies. And with the right people