Aston Villa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Alan Little, who has died at the age of 69.
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Alan’s family and friends at this difficult time, including his brother, fellow former player, manager and club ambassador Brian.
Born in 1955, Alan joined Aston Villa and served an apprenticeship at the club.
Alongside elder brother Brian, he was part of the team that won the club’s first FA Youth Cup in 1972.
Villa beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of the final at Villa Park before winning 4-2 in the second leg to secure the triumph.
Alan, a tough-tackling midfielder, made his senior debut in claret and blue under Ron Saunders in 1974, starting in a 2-1 win away at Oldham Athletic in the Second Division.
He made a total of five appearances for the club, scoring once in a League Cup tie against Colchester United, before moving to Southend United in December 1974 – with Villa going on to lift the trophy later that season.
Alan was a regular for the Shrimpers, making over 100 appearances before leaving for Barnsley three years later.
Spells at Doncaster Rovers, Torquay United, Halifax Town and Hartlepool United followed, with a coaching role at the latter leading into a future career in management.
Alan was assistant manager at York City before stepping into the hot seat in 1993, leading them to promotion to the Second Division via the play-offs in his first season.
League Cup giant-killings against Manchester United and Everton were other highlights of his time at York, which came to an end in 1999.
Time in charge of former clubs Southend and Halifax followed.
Rest in Peace, Alan.
