Villa lose their final game of the season to leave them with just two wins in their last ten under Tommy Docherty after their form dramatically collapsed from the seven wins in the first nine second division matches under the new boss. As a result Villa slump to 18th in the table having been 22nd when Docherty took over. The first ten games of his reign had delivered a remarkable upturn in fortunes, but the following ten saw a significant fall off in form and application and an increasingly irascible Docherty who appeared to be less in control of his charges than would be hoped. There remained optimism however ahead of the new season but the question needed to be asked … which version of Docherty would be leading Villa in 1969-70? Two wins in ten would see Villa relegated, seven wins in ten would see them promoted. There was no in between with Docherty.

Tommy Docherty's Villa end the season with just two wins in the final ten games as momentum for the new season and hopes of a tilt at promotion are a far cry from the early tenure promise that nine wins in thirteen in all competitions under Docherty's stewardship had showed. Indeed, despite being as high as 13th, Villa finished 18th in Division Two - their lowest ever league position. Boundless self confidence and self promotion, an alarming tendency to change team selection, a defensive style, a penchant for time wasting tactics and a booking count that began to precede them wherever they went, Docherty and Villa were no League winners, but the results, often ground out had done the trick and prevented a first relegation to the third tier. Significant personnel and style changes were needed however if Villa’s climb back up the table was to begin in 1969-70. Meanwhile, 17 year old midfielder John Griffiths made his Villa debut after joining from school football in October 1966. Whilst, full back Barry Lynch also made his Villa debut aged 17 after moving from Cross Castle FC in June 1967. Forward Peter Broadbent however made his final Villa appearance aged 35 before moving on to Stockport County in October 1969. Broadbent played for Villa between 1966-67 and 1968-69 making 67 appearances and scoring twice.