Who has been Aston Villa's best manager? Sky Sports is launching a vote to find out.
For a club who can boast a European Cup among their list of honours, Aston Villa have clearly enjoyed a golden past. Current boss Paul Lambert is in the process of what he hopes is a rebuilding job at Villa and he will be aiming to emulate some of his illustrious predecessors. Here, Sky Sports is looking to find the greatest manager in Villa's history and we want your vote. We have narrowed it down to three candidates but will the greatest be George Ramsay, Ron Saunders or Tony Barton? Have your say and we will then announce the winner in the week commencing 12th August.
Ron Saunders (1974-1982)
Saunders oversaw a superb spell in charge of Villa, leading them to the League Cup and promotion from the Second Division in his first campaign. Another League Cup was secured in 1977 but the highlight was helping the club win the First Division for the first time in more than seven decades in 1981. Saunders quit Villa the following season despite being in the quarter-finals of the European Cup.
Tony Barton (1982-1984)
Barton had a short but sweet time in charge of Villa between 1982 and 1984 after succeeding Ron Saunders. Having been a member of Saunders' coaching staff, he knew the club well and in his first season in charge he was able to guide them to a glorious European Cup final win over Bayern Munich. He had taken over at the quarter-final stage but the European Super Cup followed in the next season, although Villa could not replicate this form in the league.
George Ramsay (1884-1926)
Ramsay is described by the club on their official website as 'Mr Aston Villa'. The Scot has been compared at times to his fellow Glaswegian, former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, having enjoyed a trophy-laden coaching career. Ramsay won six FA Cups and six league titles to mark him out as a managerial master during his time with Villa between 1884 and 1926.
Who do you think has been the greatest manager in Aston Villa's history? Have your say via the feedback form below and vote in our poll. Voting closes on 9th August
