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
2005–06 Aston Villa F.C. season 2005–06 Aston Villa F.C. season During the 2005–06 English football season, Aston Villa competed in the FA Premier League. After the previous seasons tenth placed finish the expectation was very much on Villa but after a poor start which left them in the bottom 3 they never really recovered, despite some impressive wins it was these brief performances which ultimately kept Villa in the league but the constant thereat of relegation caused a certain amount of unrest with Villa fans which lead to manager David O'Leary being sacked after the end of the season. "Aston Villa's score comes first" !