Played for Villa: 1889-1902
Position: Defender
Appearances: 354
A Scottish international who played for Villa right through the 1890s, establishing himself as one of the club's all-time legends. Along the way he picked up five league titles and two FA Cups, including of course the 'double' win. He is famous for faking injury one day, in order to abscond so that he could enter (and win) a 100-yard sprint competition in Scotland. The club found out and fined him, but he was still up on the deal as the winnings outstripped his fine! Cowan's name is writ large in Villa's hall of fame, as one of the great footballers of his era. After retiring, he accepted a managerial job at QPR but poor health would dog him, and he died at the age of 50. His brother, John, also played for Villa.
WIKIPEDIA ENTRY
Position: Defender
Appearances: 354
A Scottish international who played for Villa right through the 1890s, establishing himself as one of the club's all-time legends. Along the way he picked up five league titles and two FA Cups, including of course the 'double' win. He is famous for faking injury one day, in order to abscond so that he could enter (and win) a 100-yard sprint competition in Scotland. The club found out and fined him, but he was still up on the deal as the winnings outstripped his fine! Cowan's name is writ large in Villa's hall of fame, as one of the great footballers of his era. After retiring, he accepted a managerial job at QPR but poor health would dog him, and he died at the age of 50. His brother, John, also played for Villa.
WIKIPEDIA ENTRY