Player #28 for Aston Villa, Thomas Walter Mason, known as Tommy Mason played as a goalkeeper for the club. Tommy represented Villa three times during the 1882-83 FA Cup campaign.

Tommy was born in Burton-on-Trent in April 1858 and made his debut as a 24 year old on 6th January 1883. Villa had signed Tommy from works side Burton Allsopp.

Tommy was the fourth custodian of the Villa goal in FA Cup football and conceded 6 goals in his 3 appearances without keeping a clean sheet, at a ratio of 2 goals per game.

Tommy’s final game for Villa came on the 3rd March 1883 in the FA Cup 5th Round defeat 4-3 to Notts County at Trent Bridge. Tommy returned to Burton Allsopp shortly thereafter.

Tommy was however to serve Villa in a different future capacity as both vice president and president of the Villa Shareholders’ Association.

Tommy played in the era when team selection was made by a Management Committee rather than the latter day more typical Manager role.

Tommy passed away in Derby on 14th January 1945 aged 86.