Played for Villa: 1939-1951
Position: Goalkeeper
Appearances: 156
Goalie, Joe Rutherford, signed to Villa in early 1939 and was immediately thrust into action when, a few days after his contract was agreed, he was brought on to replace the injured Fred Biddlestone in a triumphant 5-1 win over Birmingham City - this, his first big-league game. He remained in goal for the rest of the season, but when war broke out, served in the army and barely featured in the War fixtures. He came home in 1945 and proceeded to establish himself as first-choice 'keeper for several years, earning a reputation as something of a hard-man. One memorable match for Rutherford was the 3-0 win at Everton in September 1947, when he saved two penalties, although he had to miss the second half of that season (and much of the following campaign) after an injury against Wolves on Boxing Day. He finally lost his place in the team, and consequently retired, in 1951, having let in five in each of his last two appearances. In the years which followed, he held a couple of administrative posts at the club, serving Villa until well into his 60s.
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Position: Goalkeeper
Appearances: 156
Goalie, Joe Rutherford, signed to Villa in early 1939 and was immediately thrust into action when, a few days after his contract was agreed, he was brought on to replace the injured Fred Biddlestone in a triumphant 5-1 win over Birmingham City - this, his first big-league game. He remained in goal for the rest of the season, but when war broke out, served in the army and barely featured in the War fixtures. He came home in 1945 and proceeded to establish himself as first-choice 'keeper for several years, earning a reputation as something of a hard-man. One memorable match for Rutherford was the 3-0 win at Everton in September 1947, when he saved two penalties, although he had to miss the second half of that season (and much of the following campaign) after an injury against Wolves on Boxing Day. He finally lost his place in the team, and consequently retired, in 1951, having let in five in each of his last two appearances. In the years which followed, he held a couple of administrative posts at the club, serving Villa until well into his 60s.
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