Bio:
William Anthony Morley (born 26 August 1954) is an English former footballer who played as a winger. He played in the Football League for Preston North End, Burnley, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, and Birmingham City. He also played for other teams abroad. He won six caps for England.
Morley was born in Ormskirk, and represented Ormskirk and District Schools. He signed as an apprentice with Preston North End in July 1969, before turning professional in August 1972. In February 1976 he moved across Lancashire to join Burnley for a £100,000 fee. He joined Aston Villa for £200,000 in June 1979.
He played as a winger, Morley enjoyed the best days of his career at Aston Villa. He was seen as a wayward genius. Manager Ron Saunders moulded him into one of the most dangerous players around. He was famed for scoring spectacular goals. In particular, one goal against Everton at Goodison Park stood out. He ran at the defence. Then, he struck right-footed from outside the penalty area. The ball soared into the top left corner of the net. This goal won him the ‘Goal of the Season’ award for 1980–81.
He was a vital part of the Villa side that won the League Championship in 1980–81. They also won the European Cup the following year. His brilliant dribble and cross set up Peter Withe for the winning goal against Bayern Munich in the final. His full Villa record was 170 (+10 as sub) appearances, 34 goals.
He added a European Super Cup winners’ medal to his collection. Then he was transferred from Villa to local rivals West Bromwich Albion. He spent two seasons there, including briefly going on loan to another Midlands club, Birmingham City. He had a slightly nomadic career from then on. He joined Seiko and Den Haag. With Den Haag, he won a runners-up medal in the Dutch Cup and scored in the final. Then he returned to West Brom and had a brief spell on loan to Burnley. He also played for Tampa Bay Rowdies before finishing his career at Hamrun Spartans.
Factfile:
- Full Name: William Anthony Morley
- Position: Winger
- Date of Birth: 26.08.1954
- Birthplace: Ormskirk
- Nation: England
- Caps: 6
- Goals: 0
- Club Career: Aston Villa
- Period: 1979-1983
- League Games, 137
- League Goals, 27
- Previous Club: Burnley
- Transfer Fee: £200.000
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