By Paul Brown

Ron Saunders says he's never regretted his decision to leave Villa before the European Cup final win - but admits he was delighted for the players after their 1982 success.

Saunders famously walked out on the claret and blues before that famous night in Rotterdam.

And he's said very little on the subject of the fall-out or the final since.

But, chatting to in-house television channel AVTV, Saunders spoke of his pride at the achievements of the team he helped nurture.

He said: "I never seek the limelight and I give very few interviews but I must admit I was delighted for the players and the supporters after they won the European Cup - but especially for the players.

"Would I go back and change things? No. Throughout my whole life, I have no regrets. But I was delighted about what the players achieved and what they became."

Peter Withe bagged the winning goal for Villa that famous night in Rotterdam 30 years ago today.

It was famous for its importance in claret and blue folklore but also by the unusual finish, the ball appearing to miss Withe's foot and clip his shin instead.

Saunders has his own take on proceedings.

He continued: "It was a back-pass! He mis-hit didn't he? But if the ball goes in, it's a goal. That's all that matters!"

Nigel Spink also gained the plaudits that evening, putting aside his tag as a novice to keep out the mighty Bayern Munich forwards time after time.

Despite amazement, even among the claret and blue supporters, Saunders was not shocked by his performance.

He added: "Spinksy was a very good goalkeeper and he was unlucky that we had Jimmy Rimmer, who had so much experience. But that night was the making of Spinksy."

Click here for a host of interviews, features and highlights on our online channel AVTV.