1998–99 in English football gets the manager's job on a permanent basis. 28 October 1998 – Chelsea player-manager Gianluca Vialli scores a hat-trick in the 4–1 League Cup third round win over Aston Villa. Making his debut as a late substitute is 17-year-old defender John Terry. On the same day, striker Brian Laudrup's departure from Chelsea is announced after just four months at the club. 31 October 1998 – Ron Reeves, a 55-year-old steward, is killed outside Highfield Road stadium after being crushed by the Arsenal team coach just before a game with Coventry City. The month ends with Aston Villa still top, a
Charlie Aston Charlie Aston Charles Lane "Charlie" Aston (1875 – 9 January 1931) was an English association footballer. Born in Bilston, Staffordshire, Aston started his career at local club Bilston United. He joined Walsall as a professional in December 1895, getting his first experience of playing in the Football League before joining First Division side Aston Villa in 1898. During his first full season at the club, Aston played 13 games as Villa won the league. Villa retained their title in 1899–1900. Aston left Villa in 1901. After one-season spells at Queens Park Rangers, Burton United, Gresley Rovers and Burton United again,