History of Aberlour Villa Football Club
The Aberlour football club was formed in 1924 by 5 locals – Fred Stewart, ‘Chattie’ Calder, ‘Winkie’ Milton, Harvey Annan, Ronald McGovan.
The ‘Villa Park’ lies at the West end of the village close to the river Spey and was originally leased from Aberlour Estates but was subsequently purchased by the club along with the car parking area above the pitch. The club still places all it’s home fixtures at this location.
One of the long standing members who served for 60 years in many capacities including player and secretary was Peter Taylor, an Aberlour Grocer. He also served as ‘Provost’ of Aberlour and was president of the football Welfare league and many other local organisations and associations.
Danny Taylor, son of Peter (above), another team member, was selected for the Amateur Scotland team to play against Wales on 17th March 1951. He also represented Scottish Universities against English Universities in 1952.
| Another long-standing Villa Committee member and helper was Archie McLennan who reached his 100th in November 2003. Even when aged over 80, Archie could be seen climbing the hill to the car park at half time with the collection box. He was a regular attender at all games. For his 100th birthday he was presented with a Villa History in pictures reminding him of his long association with the club. |
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Dr. John Cauldwell is another notable member, a local GP who served as club president for many years in the 1950’s through to the 1980s.
The team produced many players who served their apprenticeship at ‘the Villa’ and went on to play at a higher level in leagues from the Highland
League to what has now known as the Scottish Premier League and the English premiership.
The most succesfull period in the club’s history was during the 1970’s and early 80’s. The team was managed at this time was Kenny Hutcheon and subsequently Ronnie Duff. Ronnie Duff lead the team to victory in the first season of the Welfare league.
One of the ‘star’ discoveries from the Villa team of the late 1970’s was Nicky Walker, goalkeeper who went on to represent Scotland. Nicky’s career took him to a variety of clubs including Leicester, Rangers, Partick Thistle, Hearts and Aberdeen. Nicky eventually took a break from his then Division 1 club, Ross County to return to Aberlour Villa only to be lured back to play for Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Aberlour Villa currently competes in the 1st Division of the Moray Welfare League.