Gordon Cowans English footballer, midfielder Date of Birth: 27.10.1958 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Club Career
2. International Career
3. Later Club Career and Return to Aston Villa
4. Departure from Aston Villa and Retirement
5. Legacy

Early Life and Club Career

Gordon Cowans, a renowned English footballer, began his professional journey at the young age of 15 when he joined Aston Villa. He signed a professional contract at the age of 18 and went on to become an integral part of the team. With Aston Villa, Cowans achieved remarkable success, winning the League Cup in 1977, the First Division championship in 1981, the European Cup in 1982, and the UEFA Super Cup in 1982. He also helped the club secure the runners-up position in the First Division in 1990.

International Career

Cowans' impressive performances for Aston Villa earned him a place in the England national team. In 1983, he made his debut for the Three Lions in a Home Championship match against Wales. Cowans quickly became a regular starter, playing in seven consecutive matches for England. He scored his first international goal in a friendly against Scotland in 1983. However, a serious injury in the 1983/84 season halted his international career.

Later Club Career and Return to Aston Villa

After his departure from Aston Villa in 1985, Cowans joined the Italian club Bari. Despite his tenure in the lower Serie B, Cowans managed to play two matches for the England national team in 1986. In 1988, he returned to England and rejoined Aston Villa. He maintained his high level of play in the 1989/1990 season, helping the club to a runners-up finish in the First Division.

Departure from Aston Villa and Retirement

As Aston Villa began to decline in the early 1990s, Cowans was sold to Blackburn in 1991. He then moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1994 and later to Sheffield United on the same year. Cowans ended his playing career at Burnley in 1997.

Legacy

Gordon Cowans is widely recognized as one of Aston Villa's most significant players. He played over 600 matches for the club, making him the third-highest appearance-maker in their history. During his time at Villa, he witnessed one of the club's most successful periods, winning numerous major honors. Cowans is currently part of the coaching staff at Aston Villa.