Since its foundation in 1874, Aston Villa F.C. has achieved great success by moving from the second division to the elite club’s list. This achievement wouldn’t be possible without great managers who have been building a strong team step by step. The team is currently climbing up in the national championship and demonstrating a solid performance in the Champions League. They are currently 35/1 to win the competition according to GGBet login. So who contributed to the team’s success most? Let us mention the best managers in the history of Aston Villa.
Ron Saunders (1974-1982)
Rob Saunders built a team with a great spirit that left mid-table in the second division and started their way into the Premier League. He helped them win the League Cup in 1977. Due to the limited funding, Saunders had to develop the gaming strategy around 14 players. His efforts made the team demonstrate more stable performance and build the foundation for further success. The possible disagreement with the board made Saunders resign as manager on 9 February 1982, leaving players and fans in shock.
Ron Atkinson (1992-1994)
Ron Atkinson made the team’s football style more attacking and dangerous for rivals. The manager was even called “the tank” for his aggressive attitude to the game. This change helped them finish fourth in the 1992/1993 Premier League and secure a place in the European Championship. Atkinson also pushed the team to the final of the 1994 League Cup where they defeated Manchester United. This was Villa’s first trophy since the European triumph in 1982. Even though his stay was relatively short, Atkinson definitely made a huge impact on the team’s competitiveness in both domestic and foreign football.
John Gregory (1998–2002)
John Gregory had an excellent start as manager of Aston Villa. Under his guidance, the team won 9 of his first 11 games in February 1998. This helped the team to end the season seventh in the Premier League, which meant qualification for the UEFA Cup. In the season 1998/1999, the Villains reached the top of the league, but eventually finished sixth. They showed the same performance in two other seasons under Gregory’s management. During his reign, the team reached the 2000 FA Cup Final, where they lost to Chelsea. After a slight decline, Gregory resigned with the winning statistics of 43%.
Unai Emery (2022–now)
Unai Emery was appointed as the manager of Aston Villa two years ago. That was enough for him to make serious achievements. The team became one of the most dangerous rivals in the Premier League and even the European Championship. Even though the team defeated top teams, they finished the season seventh. Emery received a nomination for the Premier League Manager of the Season. In the 2023/2024 season, he helped the Villains to finish the season fourth in the national league. The team has qualified for the UEFA Champions League since 1982. Emery’s achievements weren’t left without proper attention from the club’s board. With a winning rate of 56%, his contract with Aston Villa was extended until 2029.
Aston Villa has had many more successful managers who contributed to the team’s development. With Unai Emery, the Villains have opened a new page in their history. They seem to be determined to surprise their fans with serious achievements.
