Aston Villa FA Cup hero who spent time at Worcester City club dies aged 91
A FORMER quick winger known for his cannonball shots and being a hero on the field has died aged 91.
Peter McParland, a former Worcester City playmaker, was a notable face in the football world after scoring both goals which led to Aston Villa's 1957 FA Cup win.
He was also a well-known character within the city's football landscape after he soon became one of three former internationals to be snapped up by Worcester City's 1964-65 team.
A decision that arguably saw an explosive attack grace St George's Lane, adding elegant skills and classy goalscoring to the fearsome frontline.
Before his death, he was known to be the last surviving member of the Aston Villa's 1957 FA Cup-winning team.
A spokesperson for Aston Villa said: "Aston Villa Football Club is profoundly saddened to learn that Peter McParland, the last surviving member of the club's 1957 FA Cup-winning team, has passed away.
'The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Peter's family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.'
McParland scored 121 goals in 341 appearances for Villa and also scored in the 1961 League Cup final as Villa beat Rotherham 3-2 over two legs.
He helped the club win the Second Division title in the 1959/60 season.
But before his Villa days, McParland had already established himself within Northern Ireland, making his debut before turning 20 and racking up 34 international appearances.
The star still holds the national record for most goals in a World Cup finals - eight in all for his country.
In a social media post, the Irish FA said: 'Our thoughts and best wishes are with the family and friends of Peter McParland who has passed away. Peter represented Northern Ireland with distinction, in particular at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. The last of our heroes from that famous era.'
The Newry-born player began his career with Dundalk before joining Villa in 1952.
He later joined City on a technical free transfer and made an ideal start with a goal on his competitive debut in the 3-0 win over Romford in August 1964.
Later, it is said he won a place in the hearts of the City faithful with a stellar hat-trick in a 4-0 FA Cup victory over Bromsgrove.
He accumulated 23 goals in 51 appearances during that maiden campaign before lining up with Atlanta Chiefs in America during the closed season.
On his return, he weighed in with a further 14 goals in 63 appearances during a 1965-55 season that featured a whopping 28 cup games for City.
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