Aston Villa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Dr Jozef Venglos, who has died at the age of 84.
The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Jozef’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
Dr. Jo made a piece of Villa history in the summer of 1990 when he became the club’s first overseas manager – and first born outside the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland to take charge of a top-flight English club.
It was certainly a significant move in the wake of Graham Taylor’s departure to become England coach.
Venglos, an intelligent manager, strict disciplinarian and highly respected, had just led his native Czechoslovakia to the World Cup quarter-finals.
There was no question about his pedigree - he had enjoyed two league championship triumphs during his time in charge of Slovan Bratislava – but unfortunately there was not to be the same success during his time at Villa Park.
Although the 1990/91 campaign was punctuated by some fine performances – most notably a 2-0 first leg success over Inter Milan in the UEFA Cup – Villa only narrowly avoided relegation and his time at Villa Park came to an end after just one season.
He later managed Turkish club Fenerbahce and the newly-formed Slovakia, and was also in charge of Celtic in 1998/99.
Rest in Peace, Jozef.
