ASTON VILLA and Birmingham legend Ron Wylie has died aged 86 after a long illness.
Villa led tributes to the former West Brom manager, calling him one of their “finest post-war players”.
Midlands football hero Ron Wylie finished his career with five years at Birmingham, who he skipperedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Fans’ favourite Ron played more than 550 league games and passed the 700 mark overall, helping Villa back to the top flight by lifting the old Second Division title and then to 1961 League Cup glory.
After eight years with Notts County, he was at Villa from 1958-1965 before five years at Birmingham, retiring at the age of 37.
The Glasgow-born “inside right”, who later bossed now-defunct Hong Kong side Bulova and WBA, was rated unlucky never to win a Scotland cap.
Villa posted a message today, saying: “Ron Wylie, one of Aston Villa’s finest post-war players, has died at the age of 86 following a long illness.
“The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Ron’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Birmingham also put out a social media message: “We are saddened to learn of the death of former captain Ron Wylie, aged 86, following a long illness.
“Ron moved to Blues in 1965 and made almost 150 appearances during a five-year spell.
“Our sincerest condolences to Ron’s family and friends.”
Villa fans added their own salutes, one saying: “RIP Ron, you helped get us back to the promised land.”
Other tributes included: “RIP legend” and “Ron you are already missed”.
Ron’s bond with Villa was underlined when he returned there – as reserve team manager, scout and finally community liaison officer, officially retiring from that post in 2002.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
