For at least the next 24 hours, Andy Townsend’s place in Aston Villa history as the last captain to lead the club to major silverware remains secure. The 62-year-old has already told BirminghamLive he would love to see that status erased, hoping to be present when John McGinn lifts the Europa League trophy in Istanbul. However, the memories from that famous day at Wembley in March 1996, when Townsend did the hoisting as Villa celebrated a dominant victory over Leeds United, cannot be erased.
At that time, Villa were fourth in the Premiership, in the FA Cup semi-finals, and had a day at the home of football ahead of them. Times were good for the club and their captain. Townsend recalls the contrast between the 1994 and 1996 finals: “When we won the cup in '94, beating Manchester United, we went into that final with trepidation because we weren't playing particularly well. Manchester United were the team to beat, the best in the country, so we were uncertain. The '94 final was great to win, but we weren't playing great then. In '96 it was different—we were playing well, consistent, and had great balance. That was a key strength under Brian Little—the right balance.”
Little had built a superb team with Ugo Ehiogu and Gareth Southgate at the back, the experience of Townsend and Paul McGrath down the spine, the energy of Mark Draper and Ian Taylor in midfield, and magic up front from Dwight Yorke and Savo Milosevic. Townsend says, “Going into that final, I never thought for a minute that Leeds would beat us—and that's how it panned out.”
A few weeks earlier, Birmingham had buzzed with the prospect of Villa facing Birmingham City at Wembley, but Blues were hammered at Elland Road. Townsend adds, “We had a lot on our plate; that was the last thing I was bothered about. If we'd had Birmingham, we'd have battered them, but it never crossed my mind.”
Part of Villa’s success came from playing a 3-5-2 system with Alan Wright and Gary Charles as wing-backs, offering power and ingenuity in midfield. Leeds surprised many by matching Villa man-for-man. Townsend notes, “Only two or three teams played with wing-backs then. Howard Wilkinson knew his league-winning team from '91 was gone, and he had to integrate younger players. They had injuries too, so I understand why he matched us up. In any final, you can never be 100% sure, but we were very confident. I never felt anything else during the game. I don't remember Mark Bosnich making save after save. Once Savo scored that brilliant goal, we were well on our way. He was incredibly gifted, very talented, and made the game look easy.”
Ten minutes into the second half, Ian Taylor’s left-foot volley made it 2-0, before Milosevic set up Yorke for the third. As the minutes ticked down, Townsend focused on his next task: “I'd been there or thereabouts in many cup competitions but only won in '94. To get over the line again and lift the trophy this time was very special. I had all my family there; it's a lovely moment for any footballer. I've played in World Cup matches and big games everywhere, but when you're on the right side of a final, the satisfaction is unmatched. Many years later, I still have good visions of that day.”
Villa, Townsend, and John McGinn will hope to experience the same feeling after Wednesday night’s Europa League final.
