Eric Houghton

William Eric Houghton (29 June 1910 – 1 May 1996) was an English footballer and manager and first-class cricketer.

Eric Houghton was born in Billingborough, Lincolnshire, and educated at Donington Grammar School. Playing career Houghton signed for Aston Villa as a seventeen-year-old and played in the Villa side for two decades, scoring 170 goals in 392 games. (The total including wartime matches was over 200 goals.) He also won seven caps for England. His formidable and powerful shot was regarded as the hardest shot of his era.

Houghton finished his playing career at Notts County.

Coaching and managerial career After managing Notts County, he went on to become Aston Villa manager

Houghton guided Villa to a record seventh FA Cup triumph in 1957. He later returned to Villa as a director, the only person to do this at the club. He had four children. In 2006 the club announced the creation of an Aston Villa Hall of Fame. This was voted for by fans and the inaugural induction saw 12 former players, managers and directors named. Eric Houghton was chosen.

He also played seven first-class matches as a Right-handed and a right-arm bowler for Warwickshire County Cricket Club (1946–1947) and also minor counties cricket for Lincolnshire County Cricket Club. He also played club cricket for Sleaford, Aston Unity and Olton Cricket Clubs.

His brother, Roy Houghton, and cousin, Reg Goodacre, were also footballers. His son Neil chaired Warwickshire County Cricket Club (2003–2011) and his great-nephew Chris Woods was a successful international footballer.

He died in Sutton Coldfield on 1 May 1996, aged 85.

International career He also won seven caps for England.