John Robson was born on 15 July 1950 in Consett, and died on 12 May 2004 in Sutton Coldfield. He was an England International U23 football player. He played 176 matches for Aston Villa F.C. between 1972–1978 before he had to retire because of Multiple Sclerosis. He was bought from Derby County for £90,000. In his time at Derby, he helped Brian Clough's side to win the League Championship in 1972. After moving to Villa, he gained League Cup winners medals in 1975 and 1977.