19 Facts About Gordon Cowans

Gordon Sidney Cowans was born on 27 October 1958 and is an English retired football player and coach.

Gordon Cowans left Aston Villa for the first time in 1985, signing for Bari.

Gordon Cowans then returned to Aston Villa in 1988 and left again in 1991 moving to Blackburn Rovers.

Gordon Cowans was capped 10 times by England at international level scoring two goals, against Scotland and Egypt.

Gordon Cowans is consistently rated by Villa fans as one of their 3 best ever players.

Gordon Cowans returned to Aston Villa in a coaching role, first coaching in their youth academy before becoming first team coach and later reserve team manager.

Gordon Cowans soon made his first team debut, on 7 February 1976 as a substitute aged 17 whilst still an apprentice.

Gordon Cowans won the PFA young player of the year award, a league championship, a European Cup and a European Super Cup.

Gordon Cowans helped them gain promotion to the new FA Premier League as Second Division play-off winners at Wembley.

Gordon Cowans then signed on a free transfer back to Aston Villa on 5 July 1993.

Gordon Cowans played a total of 36 times scoring one goal.

Gordon Cowans went on to make 37 appearances for Wolves six of which were as a substitute.

Gordon Cowans was one of the first signings that new Sheffield United boss Howard Kendall made after replacing Dave Bassett in late 1995.

Gordon Cowans was a key part of the side as it rose clear from the relegation zone, and of the passing style that Kendall introduced to the club.

Gordon Cowans played in the FA Cup 3rd round replay win over Arsenal that set up a 4th round tie with his former team Aston Villa.

Gordon Cowans played 21 times for Sheffield United, and was surprisingly not given an extended deal by Kendall, instead leaving the club in summer 1996.

Gordon Cowans was signed by Chris Kamara in 1996 for Bradford City following their promotion to Division One.

Gordon Cowans made a total of 25 league appearances and two League Cup games, without scoring, before being given a free transfer to Stockport County in March 1997.

Gordon Cowans started his coaching career at Burnley before moving back to Villa Park for a fourth time to become youth team coach, then going on to become first team coach during Gerard Houllier's reign.