Eric Houghton

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William Eric Houghton (29 June 1910 - 1 May 1996), was an English footballer and manager.

Eric Houghton was born in Billingborough, Lincolnshire and educated at Donnington Grammar School. He played his club football with Aston Villa (1929-1947), scoring 170 goals in 392 games. He also won 8 caps for England. His formidable and powerful shot was regarded as the hardest shot of his era. He finished his playing career at Notts County.

He went on to become Aston Villa manager, winning the FA Cup in 1957, and after a spell managing Notts County, he returned to Villa as a director, the only person to do this at the club. He had 4 children. Often referred to as Mr Aston Villa in recognition of his long standing service and contribution to the club.

He also played seven first-class matches as a right-handed batsman and a right-arm bowler for Warwickshire County Cricket Club (1946-1947) and also minor counties cricket for Lincolnshire County Cricket Club. He also played club cricket for Sleaford, Aston Unity and Olton Cricket Clubs.

He died in Sutton Coldfield aged 85.