Player #16 for Aston Villa, Arthur Alfred Brown and nicknamed Digger and AA played as a forward for the club.

Arthur made his debut in the 1880-81 FA Cup campaign and continued to represent Villa through to the 1885-86 season.

Arthur was born in Aston, less than a mile from the current Villa ground, on 15th March 1859 and made his debut as a 21 year old on the 4th December 1880.

Villa had signed Arthur from Excelsior FC and he went on to represent the club over 5 seasons.

The Villa News and Record of 1st September 1906 paid tribute to Arthur:

“For his size, probably the most brilliant and successful player produced in the Midlands. Sturdy, though small, he could dribble through opponents with astonishing ease and grace. In his day he had no local rival, and was scarcely overshadowed by his great captain, Archie Hunter. As a pair, they were simply formidable in many games as centre forwards. Full of grit, good-tempered, and a magnificent worker, he shone in any company. Made a big mark in international games and was not exactly overburdened with honours. Can still control a ball and is today, as ever, a fine Villa comrade.”

Arthur’s final game for Villa came on 14th November 1885 at the age of 26 before being forced to retire from football through ill health in 1886.

Arthur played in the era when team selection was made by a Management Committee rather than the latter day more typical Manager role which from the 1884-85 season was led by George Ramsey.

Arthur passed away in July 1909 in Aston aged just 50.
01-Jul-09