Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa is one of English football's founding giants, based at the historic Villa Park in Birmingham, a stadium that has hosted more FA Cup semi-finals than any other ground. The claret-and-blue Villans carry a proud Midlands identity and a fan base as passionate as any in the country. After decades in the football wilderness, the club has rediscovered its ambition, competing again for European places and silverware. Villa Park's steep stands and full-throated home support make it one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams.

Founded in 1874 by members of a Birmingham Wesleyan chapel, Aston Villa was one of the twelve founding members of the Football League in 1888. The club dominated the Victorian era under secretary George Ramsay, and remains one of only five English clubs to have won the European Cup, lifting it in 1982 against Bayern Munich. Villa's seven league titles came between 1894 and their most recent, in 1980-81. The club has also won the FA Cup seven times, cementing its status as one of the pillars of English football history.