McGrath stars as Whittingham strikes Villa's hero was Guy Whittington' who has left more than a few managers cursing their caution after the self-promoting ex-soldier fired a debut winner for Aston Villa at Everton. Ron Atkinson was the only manager to put up money - £1.2 million - to match his curiosity after the 28-year-old wrote to all 22 Premiership managers extolling the virtues which brought him 47 goals with Portsmouth last season. It was a gamble which paid off with a typical, no-frills toe-poke past Neville Southall for all three points at Goodson. “I really wanted this chance. The confidence has always been there In my ability and I just had to persuade someone to take me up on it," said Whittingham. "I'm well aware that it could have all blown up my face, that's why I'm so pleased with the way it's started."