New TV documentary to tell story of Aston Villa's 1982 European Cup win
The story of Villa’s 1982 European Cup win will be told in a new TV documentary, it has been announced.
Super Villans will be produced by BT Sport and screened next year to mark the 40th anniversary of the club’s 1-0 final victory over Bayern Munich in Rotterdam.
It will supplement celebrations planned by the AV40 project, launched last year by the players who won the First Division title in 1981 before going on to conquer Europe the following season.
Villa’s championship-winning captain Dennis Mortimer said: “Along with all of the players who were members of the AV40 squad I am really looking forward to working with BT Sport.
“This documentary will enable us all to share with our amazing Villa fans and BT Sport viewers the memories and special moments created during of two of the greatest seasons in the club’s history.”
Sally Brown, executive producer of BT Sport Films, said: “This is the story of how Aston Villa went from the Third Division to champions of Europe in just ten years.
“Super Villans is a joyful celebration of a team who conquered Europe and the story of how the club shocked the football world by toppling the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona, their opponents in the 1982 European Super Cup, uncovering some barely believable tales along the way.”
The AV40 project launched last year with the release of a book, The Aston Villa 40th Anniversary Tribute, detailing how the club won the ‘81 league title using just 14 players.
Though the outbreak of the pandemic forced ‘champions on tour’ events to be shelved, author Jim Cadman is confident they can be rescheduled for later this year.
He told the Express & Star: “The events will be expanded to incorporate the European Cup-winning season and will be an opportunity for players to mix with supporters and reminisce.
“The plan is to have the tour in the autumn at venues across the Midlands and as soon as we get the go-ahead we will be announcing our plans.
“There is enormous interest in this Villa team, even now 40 years on. For many supporters it remains the highlight of their lives.
“The documentary means their story can be told to a new audience. It really is terrific news.”
