Paul McGrath

In the autumn of 1982, McGrath made his Manchester United first appearance in an encounter against Tottenham at Old Trafford. During the 1985 FA Cup final, McGrath won huge praise for putting the defensive shackles on Everton forward Graeme Sharp. The improvement of the Irishman had not been unnoticed over the Irish Sea and he was chosen to play for the Republic of Ireland.
McGrath left Old Trafford in 1989 and moved to Aston Villa, in his debut season at Villa, the club only conceded 38 goals, a record second only to the league title winners, Liverpool, with McGrath in inspirational form through out the campaign. McGrath later on spent several years playing for Derby County.

Gordon Cowans

Cowans was a key part of the Aston Villa side during the 1980’s and early 90’s. He was a member of the Villa team that won the 1982 European Cup final and during his lengthy spell at the club he was nicknamed ‘Sid.’ His incredible dedicated play with Villa earned him 10 appearances representing his country, scoring two goals for England. He also had spells playing for Blackburn Rovers, Wolves, Derby County and Stockport County.