Played for Villa: 1937-1947
Position: Inside left
Appearances: 99
Starling was one of Villa's better finds during their spell in Division 2, while the side was being reformed. His main claim to fame was a successful period at Sheffield Wednesday in which he'd capitained the FA Cup winning side of 1935, besides being capped for England. He had a reputation as an effective dribbler, with quick feet and a repertoire of tricks which enabled him to supply more goals than he scored himself. Villa paid a handsome £7,500 for him, and had it not been for the interruption of World War II, he would likely have been more successful at the club. In the promotion push of 1937-1938, Starling was ever-present. He only scored five that season, but these included the winning goal against Coventry in the spring, which secured a vital two points for the team. He then represented Villa back in Division 1, and having played throughout the War campaigns, made two further appearances in 1947 before retiring. In truth, his affinity was with Sheffield where he returned late in life, opening a shop opposite Hillsborough, before his death in 1991.
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Position: Inside left
Appearances: 99
Starling was one of Villa's better finds during their spell in Division 2, while the side was being reformed. His main claim to fame was a successful period at Sheffield Wednesday in which he'd capitained the FA Cup winning side of 1935, besides being capped for England. He had a reputation as an effective dribbler, with quick feet and a repertoire of tricks which enabled him to supply more goals than he scored himself. Villa paid a handsome £7,500 for him, and had it not been for the interruption of World War II, he would likely have been more successful at the club. In the promotion push of 1937-1938, Starling was ever-present. He only scored five that season, but these included the winning goal against Coventry in the spring, which secured a vital two points for the team. He then represented Villa back in Division 1, and having played throughout the War campaigns, made two further appearances in 1947 before retiring. In truth, his affinity was with Sheffield where he returned late in life, opening a shop opposite Hillsborough, before his death in 1991.
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