My Dad Stan took me to Villa Park about 1967 we were on holiday just before the season started.
It was looking so clean and tidy and smelling of fresh paint and by contrast compared to St James Park (Newcastle) a palace. I was really impressed !
About this time in match day programmes there was inserted the "Football League review" in that little magazine some clubs advertized badges scarves photos etc.
I decided to buy a claret and blue scarf got a postal order (remember them? )
sent away a week or so later the scarf arrived ............ and a letter and a badge and a letterheading with all the teams autographs plus a ten bob note !
the letter explained the postal order had to be cashed, but it had been only for seven shillings and sixpence.
The letter fom Tommy said he always looked forward to coming home to meet friends and family.
He lived the role of ambassador for Villa as manager, and he must have had a wonderful impact if he was like he was with me.
Good man fondly remembered
Vic Hope Berwick upon tweed