World

Ron Saunders: Former Aston Villa boss dies aged 87

Sunday, December 08, 2019 at 12:26 PM by Rahaman Abiola

- Ron Saunders's death was confirmed by Aston Villa in an impassioned club statement

- Saunders, who is widely regarded as Villa's most successful boss, led the club to their first First Division title in 1981

- He also had managerial stints with Birmingham City and West Brom where he retired in 1987

English football fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of former Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom manager Ron Saunders.

Aston Villa confirmed the sad news in a club statement on Saturday, December 7, revealing his family had sought for privacy to mourn the legendary manager.

"It is the sad duty of Aston Villa Football Club to announce that our former manager, Ron Saunders, has passed away at the age of 87," Villa said.

"He died earlier today, Saturday 7th December, at 3pm and his family have asked for their privacy to be respected at such a difficult time," the statement added.

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Saunders managed Villa between 1974 and 1982, guiding the club to promotion in his first season in charge at Villa Park.

He went on to lead the side to two League Cups and an unprecedented league championship title in 1980/81.

He, however, defied the historic rivalries among Aston Villa, West Brom and Birmingham to manage the three sides in different stints.

His last managerial role was with West Brom, where he spent the 1986-87 season, before he retired from football.

In the wake of his death, black armbands will be worn during Villa's Premier League clash with Leicester on Sunday, December 8.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that American professional football team Austin Bold have announced the tragic and untimely death of former Nigeria international Isaac Promise.

According to the USL Championship club, the 31-year-old former Super Eagles star died on Wednesday night, October 2, after a reported case of heart failure.