Aston Villa F.C. season 1980-81

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Manager: Ron Saunders

Leading scorer: Peter Withe, 20

Ever-present: Des Bremner, Gordon Cowans, Ken McNaught, Tony Morley, Dennis Mortimer, Jimmy Rimmer, Kenny Swain

First at top: Oct 22

Date won league: May 2

Players used: 14

This season was something of a throwback to the 19th Century. Not only were Villa champions again, but they did it with just 14 players, of whom no less than seven were everpresent. Liverpool and Villa were top at the end of December, but Ipswich were just a point behind with games in hand. Villa finally edged in front of Ipswich on April 4 and remained in top spot to the end of the season. Ipswich were still in with a shout, but both clubs lost their games on May 2, leaving Villa as champions.

Peter Withe won 11 caps for England and championship honours with Nottingham Forest in 1978. He had also played for Southport, Barrow, Wolves, Birmingham and Newcastle before joining Villa and later played for Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town. His longest time at one club was at Villa, where he scored 74 goals in 182 League games.