Aston Villa legend dies aged 91 as tributes pour in after last surviving member of 1957 FA Cup-winning team passes away
AN ASTON Villa legend has died – as tributes pour in for the last surviving member of club’s 1957 FA Cup-winning team. Peter McParland, who won 34 caps for his country, had recently celebrated his 91st birthday before his death, according to the club. Peter McParland was the last surviving member of 1957 FA Cup-winning team Getty Images - GettyHe passed away shortly after his 91st birthday, the club has confirmed[/caption] The Northern Irish footy star scored both goals in the historic 2-1 win against Manchester United – the last time the club lifted the trophy. He is also remembered for a dramatic extra time winner against Rotherham United in 1961 – which secured his team the League Cup title. This makes him the first footballer to score in the finals of both major domestic knockout cup competitions. Over a ten-year stint for Aston Villa, McParland scored 121 goals in 341 appearances. He was equally instrumental to his national side, scoring 58 goals for Northern Ireland at the 1958 World Cup as they reached the quarter finals. He remains the record-holder for the highest scoring Northern Irishman in World Cup history. In a statement, the club said it was “profoundly saddened” by news of his death. It added: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Peter’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.” McParland was born in Newry, Northern Ireland, in April 1934. He was signed by Villa manager George Martin – making his debut at home to Wolves in September 1952. “He won the first of his 34 international caps while still a teenager, scoring twice on his debut against Wales in 1954, and was the first Villa player to play in the World Cup finals when representing his country in Sweden in 1958. “By then, he had savoured Wembley glory when Villa, very much the underdogs, overcame the multi-talented United thanks to his two second-half goals. “But McParland’s contribution to the Villa cause extended far beyond the final. “He netted a total of seven cup goals that season, and the free-scoring winger – 121 goals in 341 appearances – also helped Villa to the Second Division title in 1959-60. “The following year, he scored the extra-time winner which secured a 3-2 aggregate victory over Rotherham United in the inaugural League Cup final. “Equally at home at centre-forward as on the left wing, McParland boasted a powerful header of the ball as well as possessing a talented left foot. “After nearly 10 years with Villa, he moved across the West Midlands to join Wolves for £35,000 in January 1962. “He also played for Plymouth Argyle, Worcester City and Glentoran, as well as having spells in Canada and the USA. “The last survivor of the 1957 FA Cup-winning team, he was a guest of the club at the 2015 cup final against Arsenal. “McParland also attended a special exhibition at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in January this year to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary. “Rest in peace, Peter.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. PA:Press AssociationThe Aston Villa team following the win against Manchester United[/caption]
AN ASTON Villa legend has died – as tributes pour in for the last surviving member of club’s 1957 FA Cup-winning team.
Peter McParland, who won 34 caps for his country, had recently celebrated his 91st birthday before his death, according to the club.
The Northern Irish footy star scored both goals in the historic 2-1 win against Manchester United – the last time the club lifted the trophy.
He is also remembered for a dramatic extra time winner against Rotherham United in 1961 – which secured his team the League Cup title.
This makes him the first footballer to score in the finals of both major domestic knockout cup competitions.
Over a ten-year stint for Aston Villa, McParland scored 121 goals in 341 appearances.
He was equally instrumental to his national side, scoring 58 goals for Northern Ireland at the 1958 World Cup as they reached the quarter finals.
He remains the record-holder for the highest scoring Northern Irishman in World Cup history.
In a statement, the club said it was “profoundly saddened” by news of his death.
It added: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Peter’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”
McParland was born in Newry, Northern Ireland, in April 1934.
He was signed by Villa manager George Martin – making his debut at home to Wolves in September 1952.
“He won the first of his 34 international caps while still a teenager, scoring twice on his debut against Wales in 1954, and was the first Villa player to play in the World Cup finals when representing his country in Sweden in 1958.
“By then, he had savoured Wembley glory when Villa, very much the underdogs, overcame the multi-talented United thanks to his two second-half goals.
“But McParland’s contribution to the Villa cause extended far beyond the final.
“He netted a total of seven cup goals that season, and the free-scoring winger – 121 goals in 341 appearances – also helped Villa to the Second Division title in 1959-60.
“The following year, he scored the extra-time winner which secured a 3-2 aggregate victory over Rotherham United in the inaugural League Cup final.
“Equally at home at centre-forward as on the left wing, McParland boasted a powerful header of the ball as well as possessing a talented left foot.
“After nearly 10 years with Villa, he moved across the West Midlands to join Wolves for £35,000 in January 1962.
“He also played for Plymouth Argyle, Worcester City and Glentoran, as well as having spells in Canada and the USA.
“The last survivor of the 1957 FA Cup-winning team, he was a guest of the club at the 2015 cup final against Arsenal.
“McParland also attended a special exhibition at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in January this year to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.
“Rest in peace, Peter.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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