Ex-Villa manager Crowe dies at 76

Crowe spent 12 years at Villa Park as a player

Former Aston Villa manager Vic Crowe has died at the age of 76.

Crowe took charge of Villa in January 1970, after a spell as a coach, and led them to the League Cup final in 1971 when they were in Division Three.

The following season he led the club to promotion from their lowest level in history but was sacked by chairman Doug Ellis in May 1974.

He also made 350 appearances for the club and was a member of the 1958 Wales World Cup finals squad.

Crowe helped build the side that would win the League Cup and regain Villa's place in Division One under his successor, Ron Saunders.

606: DEBATE I was a kid on the Holte End the night Vic's team dumped Best, Crerand, Charlton, Kidd etc out of the League Cup semi (when it meant something!) WitheMustScore

The 16-capped Wales international also played for Peterborough United from 1964-1967.

He had a spell as assistant boss of Atlanta Chiefs in the United states before his return to Villa Park as manager.

Crowe's playing career at Villa lasted 12 years, from 1952 to 1964 and included a League Cup winners' medal in 1961.