Sir Doug Ellis RIP

Former Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis has died at the age of 94.

Many folk will remember Doug Ellis as "Deadly Doug" for his sacking of managers, but there is a nicer side to the man which probably many folk have never heard off.

Back in the early 1990's the ex Wolves manager Stan Cullis was not in the best of physical or financial health; so much so that he was in danger of having to sell his house in the Malvern Hills area, to make ends meet.

Doug Ellis was instrumental in arranging with Sir Jack Hayward, the new Wolves owner, a testimonial match for Stan Cullis, which raised enough money for Stan & his wife to remain in their home.

Doug Ellis grew up in the same area of Ellesmere Port as Stan Cullis, albeit a few years later, and Stan was a frequent visitor to Villa Park after he left B'ham City.

Just a nice note to ponder on I thought.

He probably keeled over on hearing the news we've just employed the Brentford manager...?! Never in his day I'm told... not enough jewelry or a cigar to hand!!