Former Aston Villa, Birmingham and West Brom manager Ron Saunders passes away at the age of 87 

Former Aston Villa, Birmingham and West Brom manager Ron Saunders passes away at the age of 87

  • Aston Villa confirmed the passing of former manager Ron Saunders, aged 87
  • Saunders famously guided Aston Villa to their first First Division title in 1997 
  • He became the first to manage Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom

Aston Villa have confirmed the club’s former manager Ron Saunders has passed away at the age of 87.

Saunders managed the club between 1974 and 1982 and won the First Division title and two League Cups in his time at Villa Park.

He also managed two other Midlands clubs – West Brom and Birmingham City – despite the historic rivalries between the three sides. 

Aston Villa have confirmed the club’s former manager, Ron Saunders, has passed away at 87

Saunders memorably steered Aston Villa to their first ever First Division title in 1977

 Saunders memorably steered Aston Villa to their first ever First Division title in 1977

His last managerial role was with the Baggies, where he spent the 1986-87 season, before he retired from football. 

Following Saunders’ death Aston Villa released a statement which read: ‘It is the sad duty of Aston Villa Football Club to announce that our former manager, Ron Saunders, has passed away at the age of 87.’ 

‘He died earlier today, Saturday 7th December, at 3pm and his family have asked for their privacy to be respected at such a difficult time.

‘Widely regarded as one of the club’s greatest ever managers, he guided Villa to promotion in his first season in charge, lifted two League Cups and steered the club to a league championship in 1980/81.’

The former Aston Villa manager would often attend Villa Park alongside the club's executives

The former Aston Villa manager would often attend Villa Park alongside the club’s executives 

Saunders famously secured Aston Villa promotion to the old First Division in his very first season in charge with a second-placed finish.

The manager also won the League Cup during the same campaign – in doing so he became the first boss to guide three separate clubs to competition’s final in three consecutive years.

In 1977 Saunders memorably guided Aston Villa to their first First Division title, an achievement which will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of the club’s fans.   

As a mark of respect, black armbands will be worn during Villa’s Premier League clash with Leicester on Sunday