Played for Villa: 1927-1935
Position: Forward
Appearances: 251
Villa secretary, Billy Smith, chanced upon Mansfield Town's Joe Beresford while scouting for a goalkeeper. Mansfield were reputedly so keen to take Villa's money that contracts were signed before Beresford knew which club he'd been sold to! Brought down to Villa Park, Beresford was an instant hit in Villa's insatiable attack of the late-1920s and early-1930s, wherein he bagged 73 goals. His season-best was the historic 1930-1931 campaign when he contributed 14 to the club's final tally of 128. His distinguished period at Villa saw him capped for England, but he was to depart at the start of 1935, with Villa's team in desparate need of an overhaul. Preston secured his services for a fee of £1,000.
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Position: Forward
Appearances: 251
Villa secretary, Billy Smith, chanced upon Mansfield Town's Joe Beresford while scouting for a goalkeeper. Mansfield were reputedly so keen to take Villa's money that contracts were signed before Beresford knew which club he'd been sold to! Brought down to Villa Park, Beresford was an instant hit in Villa's insatiable attack of the late-1920s and early-1930s, wherein he bagged 73 goals. His season-best was the historic 1930-1931 campaign when he contributed 14 to the club's final tally of 128. His distinguished period at Villa saw him capped for England, but he was to depart at the start of 1935, with Villa's team in desparate need of an overhaul. Preston secured his services for a fee of £1,000.
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