Player #109 for Aston Villa, Howard Spencer, nicknamed Gentle played as a full back for the club.

Howard represented Villa between 1894-95 and 1907-08.

Howard was born in Edgbaston, just 5 miles from Villa’s current ground, on 23rd August 1875 and made his debut as a 19 year old on 13th October 1894.

Villa had signed Howard from Birchfield Trinity and he went on to represent the club over 13 seasons.

In his time with the Villa Howard won 7 major trophies: 4 League Championships in 1895-96, 1896-97, 1898-99 and 1899-00 as well as 3 FA Cups wins in 1894-95, 1896-97 and 1904-05.

Local boy Howard was more than a player for Villa, he was a role model and inspiration for many.

With a reputation as a fair player and his good sportsmanship he earnt the nickname the “prince of full-backs” whilst enjoying unprecedented success on the pitch.

In total Howard played for the villa over 13 seasons and such was his commitment that he sat out the 1901-02 season so as to enable recovery of his injured knee and ensure that his playing excellence was available to Villa over the long term.

Howard even offered to be available to turn out for the Villa should they need him after his eventual retirement.

Howard played in 29 of 30 of Villa’s games in the 1895-96 Championship winning season keeping and in the following season’s double winning season played 28 out of 30 of Villa’s league games as well as being an ever present in the FA Cup winning side including the final hosted at Crystal Palace, London where Villa vanquished Everton 3-2 in front of a crowd of 65,891.

Howard had also been an ever present in the 1894-95 FA Cup winning team in the final hosted at Crystal Palace, London where Villa once again beat West Bromwich Albion, this time 1-0.

Injury prevented Howard from making any more than 10 appearances in the 1898-99 Championship winning season however the following year’s title success saw Howard reinstated to the side and able to appear 28 times as Villa took their 4th league title in 5 years.

Howard played in 5 games in the 1904-05 FA Cup including the final held at Crystal Palace, London in front of a crowd of 101,117 that witnessed Villa beat Newcastle United 2-0.

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

“During a long and brilliant career has been one of England’s best and fairest backs. Knows and plays the game thoroughly. Came into prominence in a Junior International at Leamington in 1894. Afterwards joined Aston Villa and has since played for no other club. Tackles superbly, kicks with precision, and places with judgement; usually at his best when his side is in difficulties. A type of player worthy of emulation by all young players. Captained the team during seasons 1903-4, 1904-5, 1905-6.”

Howard’s final game for Villa came on the 20th November 1907 aged 32 after which he retired from football.

Howard had played his entire Villa career under the George Ramsay led Management Committee.

Howard went on to join Villa’s board of directors in 1909 and served as a director until 1936. He later also served as vice-president of the club

Howard passed away in Sutton Coldfield on the 14th January 1940 aged 64.