Ron Saunders began his management career at Yeovil Town, where he built a decent side, which went on to finish 2nd and then champions of the southern league in the two seasons following his departure. He later had a brief spell at Oxford United, before guiding Norwich City into the top flight by winning the second division title. He moved on to Manchester City and then to Aston Villa. During his time at Norwich and Man. City, he managed to lead each club to one cup final, losing both. However, at Aston Villa - then in the second tier - he managed to win promotion and the league cup in his very first season in charge, building a very talented side and guiding them to a second league cup win in the late 1970s, before winning Villa their first league championship in 71 years in the 1980-81 season. His side then went on to have a great run in the European cup. Saunders resigned part way through the season due to a disagreement over his contract but the team he'd built managed to go on and win the European cup for the first time in their history that season, under the guidance of his successor, Tony Barton. After leaving Villa, he got their rivals Birmingham City promoted and - uniquely - went on to manage Villa's other great rivals, West Bromwich Albion, where he was relegated and unable to get promoted back to the top flight, resulting in his sacking and retirement from football. His years at Aston Villa were the club's most memorable in over half a century and he is widely regarded as one of the most charismatic, likeable characters in British football history. Had he remained in charge of Villa and won the European cup, he would undoubtedly be ranked higher and, of course, may have gone on to win further honours.
British league champions: 1
Foreign league champions: 0
European Cup: 0
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