William Anthony Morley (born 26
August 1954 in Ormskirk, England) was an English football
player. A skilful winger, Morley enjoyed the best days of his
career at Villa Park. He was seen as a wayward genius but was
moulded by manager Ron Saunders into one of the most dangerous
players around. He was famed for scoring spectacular goals, in
particular one against Everton at Goodison Park which won him
the 'Goal of the Season' award for 1980-1.
He was a vital part of the Villa side that won the League
Championship in 1980-1 and the European Cup the year after. His
brilliant dribble and cross set up Peter Withe for the winning
goal against Bayern Munich in the final. His full Villa record
was 170(+10 as sub) appearances, 34 goals.
Morley won six caps for England, but his career fell into
decline after not being picked for any of their games at the
1982 World Cup. This despite the fact that England boss Ron
Greenwood supposedly favoured attacking football. After adding a
European Super Cup Winners' medal to his collection, he was
transferred from Villa to local rivals West Bromwich Albion.
He later gained a Dutch Cup runners-up medal (1987) playing
for FC Den Haag.
Morley is now a regular on the 'Villa Old Stars' circuit. He
also provides colour commentary for radio broadcasts on the
Official Aston Villa FC Website.
| Full name |
William Anthony Morley |
| Date of birth |
August 26, 1954
(1954-08-26) |
| Place of birth |
Ormskirk, England |
| Playing position |
Winger |
|
Senior clubs1 |
| Years |
Club |
App (Gls)* |
1969-1976
1976-1979
1979-1983
1983-1985
1984-1985
1985-1986
1986-1987
1987-??
19??-19??
1989
1990 |
Preston North End
Burnley
Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion
→Birmingham City (loan)
Seiko
ADO Den Haag
West Bromwich Albion
→Burnley (loan)
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Hamrun Spartans |
084
(15)
091 (5)
137 (25)
033 (4)
004 (0)
00? (?)
00? (13)
00? (?)
00? (?)
00? (?)
00? (?) |
|
National team |
| 19??-19?? |
England |
006 (0) |
1 Senior club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only.
* Appearances (Goals) |
