Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened by news of the passing of legendary writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah.
Named as one of Britain's top 50 post-war writers in 2008, Benjamin was a lifelong Aston Villa fan.
Benjamin had close ties to the club through his work and was an ambassador for the Aston Villa Foundation.
Guy Rippon, Head of Aston Villa Foundation, was very thankful for his support.
He said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah. Benjamin became an ambassador for the Foundation a few years ago and we will be eternally grateful for his support of our work.
“He spoke so passionately about where he was born and raised and growing up in the shadows of the stadium. He was such an inspiration to so many people for so many reasons and will be sorely missed.”
One of Benjamin’s best-known Villa-related works came in 2015 when he delivered his ode to Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion ahead of an FA Cup quarter-final against the Baggies.
The Handsworth-born writer explained the ties that made him an Aston Villa fan instead of supporting our local rivals.
The thoughts and condolences of all at the club are with his family and friends at this time.
