AN ASTON Villa legend has died – as tributes pour in for the last surviving member of 1957 FA Cup-winning team.
Peter McParland had recently celebrated his 91st birthday, according to the club.
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In a statement, a spokesperson said he would “always be remembered as the player who scored both goals when Villa beat Manchester United 2-1 in the 1957 FA Cup final”.
“And four years later he hit the winner as Villa lifted the new League Cup, making him the first footballer to score in the finals of both major domestic knockout cup competitions.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Peter’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
“Born in Newry, Northern Ireland in April 1934, McParland was signed by Villa manager George Martin from Dundalk, making his debut at home to Wolves in September 1952.
“He won the first of his 34 international caps while still a teenager, scoring twice on his debut against Wales in 1954, and was the first Villa player to play in the World Cup finals when representing his country in Sweden in 1958.
“By then, he had savoured Wembley glory when Villa, very much the underdogs, overcame the multi-talented United thanks to his two second-half goals.
“But McParland’s contribution to the Villa cause extended far beyond the final.
“He netted a total of seven cup goals that season, and the free-scoring winger – 121 goals in 341 appearances – also helped Villa to the Second Division title in 1959-60.
“The following year, he scored the extra-time winner which secured a 3-2 aggregate victory over Rotherham United in the inaugural League Cup final.
“Equally at home at centre-forward as on the left wing, McParland boasted a powerful header of the ball as well as possessing a talented left foot.
“After nearly 10 years with Villa, he moved across the West Midlands to join Wolves for £35,000 in January 1962.
“He also played for Plymouth Argyle, Worcester City and Glentoran, as well as having spells in Canada and the USA.
“The last survivor of the 1957 FA Cup-winning team, he was a guest of the club at the 2015 cup final against Arsenal.
“McParland also attended a special exhibition at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in January this year to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.
“Rest in peace, Peter.”
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