Player #12 for Aston Villa, George Burrell Ramsay played as a forward for the club. George made his debut in the 1879-80 FA Cup campaign - Villa’s first entry into the competition.

George was born in Glasgow on 3rd March 1855 and made his single appearance for Villa as a 24 year old on the 24th January 1880. Despite making just one FA Cup appearance Ramsay’s contribution to the club had already been massive in local competitions.

William McGregor recalled of Ramsay’s talents: “I can see now the little dapper, well-built laddie, with a black-and-red striped cap, red-and-blue hooped jersey, and the same coloured stockings, getting hold of the ball on the extreme wing, well within his own territory, and going off like streaked lightning, wiggling, waggling past opponents one after another and finally landing the ball between the sticks.”

Although injury led to George’s early retirement from the field aged 24 his contribution to Villa had only just begun.

Following his premature retirement, Ramsay became Secretary of Villa in 1884 and remained in post until 1926.

In that era Villa’s secretary was a de facto manager who led a committee in charge of team selection. This combination delivered the outstanding success that marked Villa’s early years and set in motion the great foundation, traditions and confidence of the club.

George passed away on 7th October 1935 aged 80 in Llandrindod Wells.