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
1998–99 Aston Villa F.C. season Eventually, the challenge from Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea proved to be too strong, and Villa's season capitulated. The team finally finished sixth, thus missing out on a European place. "Aston Villa's results" ! colspan=14 style=background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center| Goalkeepers ! colspan=14 style=background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center| Defenders ! colspan=14 style=background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center| Midfielders ! colspan=14 style=background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center| Forwards ! colspan=14 style=background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center| Players transferred out during the season 1998–99 Aston Villa F.C. season During the 1998–99 English football season, Aston Villa competed in the Premier League (known as the FA Carling Premiership for sponsorship reasons). The season was Villa's eighth in the Premier League, and