Gordon Cowans
Aston Villa legend and European Cup winner.
Gordon Sidney Cowans (born 27 October 1958) is an English retired football player and coach.
- Key Era
- 1974–1994 (Villa spells)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Cowans started his career at Aston Villa as an apprentice in 1974, and signed as a professional in 1976. During his time at Aston Villa, he won the League Cup, the League Championship, the European Cup and the European Super Cup. He left Aston Villa for the first time in 1985, signing for Bari. He returned to Aston Villa in 1988 and left again in 1991 moving to Blackburn Rovers. When he left Blackburn he went back to Aston Villa, before moving to Derby County, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sheffield United, Bradford City, Stockport County and finally Burnley. He was also capped 10 times by England at international level scoring two goals, against Scotland and Egypt. According to former Aston Villa team-mate Derek Mountfield, Cowans was the best two-footed player he ever played with, capable of tough tackling and making spectacular assists. Cowans is consistently rated by Villa fans as one of their 3 best ever players. Cowans returned once again to Aston Villa in a coaching role, first coaching in their youth academy before becoming first team coach and later reserve team manager.
In Their Own Story
The narrative of Cowans' career is one of resilience and return. After making 286 appearances and scoring 42 goals in his first spell, he left for Italy in 1985. Villa had retained a right of first refusal, which manager Graham Taylor exercised in 1988 to bring him back, delighting supporters. During this second spell, Cowans made 117 appearances and scored seven goals as the team finished runners-up in the league during the 1989/90 season before Taylor departed for England management. His final departure came in November 1991 when Ron Atkinson sold him to Blackburn Rovers for £200,000, where he helped them win promotion to the new FA Premier League as Second Division play-off winners at Wembley. In a twist of fate, Cowans returned to Villa on a free transfer on 5 July 1993. By the time he left for the last time, his total for the club stood at 453 games and 49 goals. His journey also included stops at Derby County (36 apps), Wolves (37 apps), Sheffield United (21 apps), Bradford City (25 league apps), Stockport County (7 apps), and Burnley (6 apps).
Reader's Guide
Cowans played for Stockport County, making seven appearances and scoring no goals.
Did You Know?
- Cowans won the European Cup with Aston Villa in 1982.
- He scored two goals for England, against Scotland and Egypt.
- Cowans suffered a double fracture of his right leg in a pre-season friendly in 1983.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gordon Cowans?
Born in 1958, he was an English footballer who defined a golden generation for Aston Villa starting as an apprentice. His career spanned several decades where he became synonymous with the club's identity during its most successful period.
What role did Gordon Cowans play on the pitch?
He served as a creative midfielder renowned for being two-footed and controlling the game's rhythm. This technical versatility made him a crucial link between the defense and the forwards throughout his matches.
Which major trophies did he win with Villa?
Cowans helped the team secure the League Championship in 1980-81 and famously won the European Cup in 1982. He also claimed victory in the European Super Cup shortly after their continental triumph.
Did Gordon Cowans leave Aston Villa during his career?
Yes, he experienced multiple spells at the club interspersed with time playing for other teams like Bari and Blackburn Rovers. Despite these departures, he always returned to contribute significantly until his final retirement from the sport.
Why is Gordon Cowans considered a legend?
He is widely ranked as one of the three greatest players in Aston Villa history due to his trophy cabinet and skill. His enduring legacy comes from conquering Europe with the 1982 side and maintaining high standards across different eras.
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