Played for Villa: 1933-1947
Position: Defender
Appearances: 142
Not many Villa players are so wedded to the club that they actually move into Villa Park to live. 'Mush' Callaghan did! Birmingham-born, he came to Villa in 1932, recruited from the West Midlands amateur side, Atherstone Town. His affinity for Aston Villa knew no bounds, and he stayed until his retirement from playing, some 14 years later. In his final match, he was aged 39 years and 257 days, the oldest player ever to represent the senior side, a record which was only recently beaten (by two days) by Brad Friedel. Callaghan was never a regular in the first team until the club was relegated in 1936. After that this stock rose and forming an entertaining and successful partership with George Cummings, he became an important part of the side. He played in every game of the 1st Division campaign of 1938-1939, and then turned out frequently in the War fixtures. (His only goal for Villa was in the semi-final of the Football League War Cup, versus Blackpool in 1943.) After his playing career ended he couldn't tear himself away and worked as groundsman at Villa Park, living on-site. He died in Aston, aged 62.
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Position: Defender
Appearances: 142
Not many Villa players are so wedded to the club that they actually move into Villa Park to live. 'Mush' Callaghan did! Birmingham-born, he came to Villa in 1932, recruited from the West Midlands amateur side, Atherstone Town. His affinity for Aston Villa knew no bounds, and he stayed until his retirement from playing, some 14 years later. In his final match, he was aged 39 years and 257 days, the oldest player ever to represent the senior side, a record which was only recently beaten (by two days) by Brad Friedel. Callaghan was never a regular in the first team until the club was relegated in 1936. After that this stock rose and forming an entertaining and successful partership with George Cummings, he became an important part of the side. He played in every game of the 1st Division campaign of 1938-1939, and then turned out frequently in the War fixtures. (His only goal for Villa was in the semi-final of the Football League War Cup, versus Blackpool in 1943.) After his playing career ended he couldn't tear himself away and worked as groundsman at Villa Park, living on-site. He died in Aston, aged 62.
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