Dennis Hodgetts

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Dennis Hodgetts (born Birmingham, England 28 November 1863, died 26 March 1945) was a football (soccer) player in the early years of professional football in England.

Dennis Hodgetts signed for Aston Villa in 1886. The following year he scored the first goal in Aston Villa's first FA Cup final triumph. In 1895 he collected another FA Cup winners medal with Villa. Hodgetts was also a key member of the League Championship winning sides of 1894 and 1896.

On the eve of Villa's Double winning success in 1897 (in what would have been his third FA Cup final with Villa) Hodgetts transferred to local rivals Small Heath before retiring in 1898.

He made 6 appearances for England between 1888 and 1894, scoring once.

He went on to become a publican, and in 1930 was elected Aston Villa's vice-president, a position he held until his death, aged 81, in March 1945.

“

A born football player. Remarkably clever with his feet, and possessed many original ideas. Effective in combination, an admirable coach, his skill and unselfishness having the happiest results. Shone especially in 'nursing' players lighter and less skilful than himself, many juniors coming into prominence on the strength of his tuition and example.

”

The Villa News and Record 1 Sept. 1906

Dennis Hodgetts still has many relatives living in the nearby area or Birmingham, with some of them showing a great talent for football.