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
Jack Thompson (1920s footballer) a bus driver in Brighton. Jack Thompson (1920s footballer) John George Thompson (active 1919–1927) was an English professional footballer who made 120 Football League appearances playing as a right back for Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion. Thompson was born in Cramlington, Northumberland. He played football for Ashington of the North-Eastern League before signing for Aston Villa in November 1919 for a fee reported as £300. He went straight into their team for the Football League First Division match against West Bromwich Albion: asked if he was nervous, he is reported to have replied "Why no, I fought against