Tommy Doc was the catalyst, he should never be forgotten. Anyone who stood in the mighty Holte on 07Dec68 and watched as Villa drew 0-0 with Charlton in front of 12,747 could never have believed what they would see before the year was out. His second game in charge on Boxing Day was one of the most memorable ever for me - to start with the attendance of 41,250 and a 2-0 win. It was mesmerising after what had gone on before. Then a week later there was the FAC R3 [when it was a really special day in the calendar] and beating QPR 2-1 at Villa with just under 40,000 to see it. The transformation was incredible. Ok, he kept Villa up but got the push next season but he had done something magical. The next two guys at the helm were pretty special. What a trip and it all started with the Doc.
RIP and thanks for those memories.