Player #415 for Aston Villa, Ivor Verdun Powell known as Ivor Powell, played as a midfielder for the club in a position then known as a wing half.

Ivor played for Villa between 1948-49 and 1950-51 making 86 appearances and scoring 5 goals.

Ivor was born in Gilfach, Bargoed, Caerphilly, Wales on 5 July 1916 and made his debut appearance for Villa on Saturday, 18 December 1948 at the age of 32.

Villa had signed Ivor from Queens Park Rangers just 3 days before his debut on 15 December 1948 for a fee of £17,500 - a record for both clubs and the most ever paid for a wing half.

Ivor was a tough tackling player and although he wasn’t a tall player he was able to head the ball well and won 8 caps for Wales at international level.

Described as a “a right half with whole hearted energy and enthusiasm mixed with skill he made the position his own.”

Ivor went on to captain Villa after George Cummings’ retirement in 1949 and led by example, but was forced to quit Villa in 1951 after suffering an injury that curtailed his career in top flight football.

Manager Eric Houghton described Ivor as a “class wing-half.”

Ivor played his final game for Villa on Saturday, 2 December 1950 almost 2 years to the day since his debut and he was appointed player-manager at Port Vale in July 1951.

Ivor had played under managers Alex Massie and George Martin and once he had similarly become a coach he continued for many years only finally retiring at the age of 93.

In the New Years’ Honours of 2007-08 Ivor was awarded the MBE for services to sport.

Ivor said: “This is a real honour and a privilege. It was a big surprise when I got the letter. I’ve been in football for more than 70 years and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

“I’m 91 and I’ve still got something left in me to give. I’ll stay in the game as long as I’m enjoying it.”

Ivor passed away in Bath on 6 November 2012 aged 96.