Tony Morley 1989

William Anthony Morley (born 26 August 1954) played in the English Football League for Preston North End, Burnley, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City.

Tony was born in Ormskirk and represented Ormskirk and District Schools. He signed as an apprentice with Preston North End in July 1969 before turning professional in August 1972. In February 1976 he moved across Lancashire to join Burnley for a £100,000 fee. He joined Aston Villa for £200,000 in June 1979. A skilful, nippy winger, Tony enjoyed the best days of his career at Villa Park. He was seen as a wayward genius but was moulded by manager Ron Saunders into one of the most dangerous players around.

He was famed for scoring spectacular goals, in particular one against Everton at Goodison Park which won him the 'Goal of the Season' award for 1980–81.

He was a vital part of the Villa side that won the League Championship in 1980–81 and the European Cup the year after. His brilliant dribble and cross set up Peter Withe for the winning goal against Bayern Munich in the final. His full Villa record was 170(+10 as sub) appearances, 34 goals.

Morley won six caps for England, but his career fell into decline after not being picked for any of their games at the 1982 World Cup. This despite the fact that England boss Ron Greenwood supposedly favoured attacking football. After adding a European Super Cup Winners' medal to his collection, he was transferred from Villa to local rivals West Bromwich Albion, making 33 appearances and scoring 4 goals. Soon he was on the move again, a brief loan spell at another midlands team, Birmingham City, 4 games and 3 goals.

He won a Dutch Cup runners-up medal in 1987 playing for FC Den Haag, scoring 13 goals in 30 games. He returned to WBA, making another 28 appearances, and adding another 7 goals, also a 5 game loan spell at Burnley.

In 1989, Tony joined the Rowdies but only appeared in two games. In 1990 he would finish his career with Hamrun Spartans FC in Greece.

Today, Tony Morley is now a regular player on the 'Villa Old Stars' circuit. He also provides colour commentary for radio broadcasts on Aston Villa's website.