By Aston Villa FC

Ron Saunders became manager of Aston Villa on this day in 1974.

His appointment would prove to be a momentous moment for the club, who had been outside England’s top division for seven seasons at the time of his arrival.

Saunders’ impact was immediate as he won silverware and guided Villa back to the First Divison, finishing as runners-up in the league and winning the League Cup.

Success kept coming and another League Cup was won in 1977 after Everton were seen off in a second replay at Old Trafford.

Saunders’ crowning achievement arrived in 1981 when he led Villa to the First Division title for the first time in 71 years.

Take a look back at some of the best pictures from his tenure below…

  • Ron Saunders holds the Division One League Championship trophy aloft at the Civic Reception held in Birmingham.
  • Ron Saunders holds the Division One League Championship trophy aloft at the Civic Reception held in Birmingham.
  • Ron Saunders and his squad pose for a photo at Villa Park on 2nd August 1974.
  • Ron Saunders accompanied by (from left to right) John Gidman, Ken McNaught, Dennis Mortimer and Andy Gray.
  • Ron Saunders and his players pose with a celebration cake in the dressing room after their Second Division match against Sunderland at Villa Park on 26th April 1975.
  • Ron Saunders with the League Cup at Wembley after beating Norwich City on 1st March 1975.
  • Ron Saunders and his team lift the League Cup at Villa Park after their victory against Norwich City at Wembley on 1st March 1975.
  • Ron Saunders poses with Des Bremner outside Villa Park after signing the Scotsman.
  • Ron Saunders leading Villa out prior to the League Cup Final at Wembley on 12th March 1977.
  • Ron Saunders posing with the League Cup at Villa Park in 1977.
  • Ron Saunders and Villa's League Cup winning squad line up for a team photograph at Bodymoor Heath on April 19, 1977.
  • Ron Saunders and Dennis Mortimer lift the Division One League Championship trophy at the Civic Reception held in Birmingham.
  • Ron Saunders and Dennis Mortimer lift the Division One League Championship trophy at the Civic Reception held in Birmingham.
  • Ron Saunders holds the Division One League Championship trophy aloft at the Civic Reception held in Birmingham.
  • Ron Saunders holds the Division One League Championship trophy aloft at the Civic Reception held in Birmingham.
  • Ron Saunders and his squad pose for a photo at Villa Park on 2nd August 1974.
  • Ron Saunders accompanied by (from left to right) John Gidman, Ken McNaught, Dennis Mortimer and Andy Gray.
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