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.

Villa sit alone at the bottom of the table after five second division games having lost three successive home matches without scoring.

Tommy Docherty's terrible start to the season continues as Villa make it one draw and four losses in five division two games so far this season with relegation under the self-confident boss already looking inevitable.

Villa lose to Albion in the second round of the League Cup.

Tommy Docherty's Villa lose to neighbours Albion in the League Cup as a season of woe continues.

A week after claiming “It’s no use pulling a team apart if you haven’t got better players to come in.” Tommy Docherty makes five changes with Charlie Aitken, Mike Ferguson, Chico Hamilton, Willie Anderson and Evan Williams dropped. It doesn’t work. Villa return to sole occupier status at the bottom of the table as they are beaten at Watford, fail to score for the sixth time in eight League games, and sit two points from safety. Before the game Watford had been joint bottom with Tommy Docherty’s side, one place below on goal average. The reserves won mind you with their unexpected influx of new players.

Villa face Watford for the first time in competitive football, Watford become the 97th team that the Villa first team has played in League or Cup football.

Tommy Docherty's terrible season continues as Villa fail to score for the sixth time in ten games and make it two draws and six losses in eight division two games so far this season as they slump to defeat against bottom club Watford. Meanwhile, full back Brian Rowan made his one and only appearance for Villa aged 21 after moving from Ballieston Rovers in April 1969 before moving on to Villa’s opposition this day, Watford, in October 1971. Also leaving was midfielder John Griffiths who made his third and final Villa appearance aged 18 before moving to Stockport County in May 1970.