All Time Influential Villans Series: Brian Little | The Holy Trinity Show

This is the first in a series of long-form conversations with all-time influential Aston Villa alumni. Whether it's ex-players, managers, staff or individuals who performed multiple roles within the club, Pete the Canadian Villa fanatic probes and prods these fine gentlemen on their lives and careers. Special thanks to 24-7 Services, Paul Handsaker, Gerry O'Halloran, The Sutton Sports & Social Club, and Studio 46 Productions. Pull up a chair, pour yourself one and enjoy the conversation with the one and only...Brian Little.

[@puffin7285]

This has been the best Villa channel for a long time now and this series will make it even better. What a great first guest.

[@gbc7344]

💯…can’t work out why Pete doesn’t have more subs ..brilliant channel

[@paulfarrell4378]

Really enjoyed that Brian Little podcast whatta player in his day and a very very humble nice chap don't make em like that anymore Pete your a very knowledgeable person well done great show u put on

[@ClassNav]

Absolutely brilliant Pete. Fabulous interview. Brian is a great working class football hero. Must have suffered when his playing career ended. Determined individual and a nice bloke.

[@vertron]

My favourite Villa channel by a mile

[@richardgough1393]

It is but Luke is great too

[@Viewsonic61]

The one thing I take away from this interview is how humble, down to earth and totally genuine Brian is. Lovely interview lovely guy. UTV

[@marineboy1964]

"Brian little walks on water" In my top 5 villa's favourite players I will never forget his pigeon toe walk Little , deehan , gray what a forward line

[@anthonyduffy1278]

That trio was my all time favourite Villa forward line. I’d just started following Villa as a kid, these 3 were like the 3 Musketeers and we feared nobody. The oppositions goal was under constant pressure. The ‘70’s hair, the iconic kit, the AV floodlights, the tune from the unfinished silent movie, the constant aroma of victory and Tony Butler on BRMB egging the Villa on!! Great, great days! And as Brian mentioned that titanic tussle with Everton for the league Cup.

[@marineboy1964]

@@anthonyduffy1278 I remember Brian little nearly signing for the blues but he failed his medical and gray signed for the wolves I was heartbroken, but then Peter withe and Gary shaw arrived and the rest is history , I went to school with shaw , kingshurst comp

[@nigelbrookes2470]

Fabulous video Pete and what a guest. I’m 61 and Brian was one of my heroes. Fabulous talent who was never rewarded with anywhere near enough England caps. On top of that great manager. Thanks Brian for all the great times you gave us. 👏👏

[@philnewell3785]

Such a brilliant watch. Thanks for giving us the chance to listen to one of Villa's most influential figures. Time literally stood still during that interview btw!!

[@sgtraccoon7499]

Brian Little still my favourite Aston Villa player ever. What a nice bloke and a fantastic interview. Well done to Pete and his team on a brilliant first episode. UTMV!!!

[@derekhollis197]

One of the BEST!! Brian Little is a Villa LEGEND 💜🩵

[@VillaBravesGaming]

Brian Little was my idol growing up. He mentioned his partnership with Andy Gray and John Deehan, and they were deadly. So glad that I saw quite a lot of that 76/77 season and still to this day, imho that was a better side than the Championship winning side. Throughout his whole life in football, he has always been an out and out gentleman. I could listen to him for hours and be enthralled every minute. I was fortunate to have a season ticket too for the 95/96 season even though I was in the Royal Navy based at Portland in Dorset. He will always be in my best XI of my lifetime, and he should undoubtedly have played for England many more times. Fantastic interview Pete, thank you for giving us this. UTMV!

[@damianbaugh5530]

The truest legend that we have ever had, who else can say that they were the striker, manager, youth team coach and worked in the shop! Thanks for your service Brian, it was a privilege watching you as a young Villan.

[@marsamgod73]

My first game was his Testimonial, taken by my old man and brother- both bluenoses who rated Brian, I never saw him in a proper league match but the way they talked about him made me worship him. Loved him as a manager of course and nearly fainted when I bumped into him in the Holte End car park before the first game back after Covid and both my son and I had our pictures taken with him, a moment I'll treasure forever. He was as warm and welcoming as he comes across here. A fantastic interview, made my day. Thank you!

[@gatekeeper67]

Brian Little, Absolute Villa legend and what a lovely guy. Thanks Pete it was great. UTV

[@sanjaypradhan6781]

What an interview. Our last manager to win a trophy. I remember his teams so well growing up. Love it!

[@nickmcmahon623]

Thanks for doing this Pete; alongside God himself, “he who walks on water” is my all time favourite Villa player. What a privilege. As a skint 8yo, had my socks down and shirt untucked like Sir Brian and my dear old nan made a number 8 from a white sheet and sewed it to my Villa shirt. Happy times.

[@grahamdavis2969]

I was already following Villa when BrianLittle arrived, and remember following the youth team in Youth Cup, through to the Final, which we we won. Incredible times, we were in 3rd Div, yer were getting upto 20000 fans for Youth Cup game. Brian was brilliant and still one of my all times favourites

[@tonycashion5213]

Heady mix Villa maestro and villa podcast specialist together - podcast gold. Mr Little you are a hero and legend - thank you so so much!

[@NRSOGK]

Brian Little walks on water! I hope he knows how loved he is at Villa. One of Villa's all time greats. Brilliant video, thank you so much for it.

[@angushamilton115]

Still walks on water, what an absolute gentleman. Great interview Pete, thank you 👏👏👏👏👏

[@andygibbins5372]

Gotta do it "Brian Little walks on water tra la la dede dede dum dum" Also:, "Born is the King of Villa Park.". I stood in the Holte End most weeks, win loose or draw you never let me down. If memory serves me correctly (68 now) despite being an OUTSTANDING ball player (imagine him on todays pitches with modern referees) getting hacked down constantly, Brian Little NEVER BOOKED ??? . Andy Gray also should be very grateful. Half the goals he scored at VP were second balls in the area as a result of the chaos you created for the opposition. Your modesty and integrity does not surprise me, it is how you always conducted yourself. A role model to youngsters a hero to fans in the autumn of their years and a credit to the game. .From the bottom of my hear, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

[@NeilT1874]

What a brilliant interview with Brian Little, a fantastic player and manager, one of my favourite players of that time period. Well done Pete! Can't wait to the next interview who ever it might be, because they’re all great people associated with Villa!

[@deedub1295]

Great Interview!!!!! ....Brian will always be one of childhood heroes....absolute Villa Legend

[@rickbarley3263]

What a brilliant podcast , this is probably the best ever. Interviewing my all time hero Brian (who walks on water) Little is unreal, he was my first major Villa hero. Thanks Pete for making my day with this episode. UTV 💜💙

[@thatsoutrageous1961]

Excellent production thank you Pete, you let Brian do most of the talking without interruption and your questions worked well. Brian is a humble bloke can't believe he don't sound like a Brummie yet ! He and his teammates brought a lot of pleasure to me when I was a kid going up The Holte End in the 70's. I left England for Australia in 1980 but have been to a couple of games in the last ten years. Thanks again I really enjoyed this.

[@theholytrinityshow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@alburdon]

Thanks so much Pete. Brian was my absolute hero during the time when I was able to follow Villa more closely than ever before. So many great goals, so many 'assists'. Such an inspiring player to watch. Never given the England caps he deserved. Don Revie never appreciated a player like Brian Little. When he became Villa Manager I thought that it was the perfect match, but the ownership was the weak link and he never got the support he should have. Nevertheless, memories to last what is left of my life.

[@richardholmes8027]

Villa through and through. Legend and clearly a very humble man. Utv

[@kevinpinnock6110]

This is a truly amazing interview.This man is an inspiration to all of us Villa fans ,his affiliation to our club has never wavered. I have followed Villa for nearly 70 years, I saw Brian score his first Villa goal.I think it was against Torquay in the third division.Brian returned as manager and built one of the best teams of my lifetime.Thank you so much Pete for this program and helping me relive so many wonderful moments UTV

[@lenbinary]

Thanks Pete. That was a fantastic watch.. an expert interview with a humble, down to earth Villa legend.

[@kevchilton908]

WOW! What a brilliant interview. I loved watching Brian play and also watching his team later on, both being my favourite era's to date. His interview didn't disappoint... what a lovely human! I learned such a lot from listening to his honesty and loved every minute of the interview. Well done, Pete, and well done, Brian, for being the perfect Villan! 👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@keithgodfrey2023]

So many best memories thank you Brian, thanks pett , yes no rummor mill ,if we trust in what the boss is doing ,all shout up , this is fantastic tear s in my eyes my dad took me i then with mate ben ❤

[@MojoStone]

absolutely fantastic interaction from one of my villa heroes .. love the little quirk stories he mentioned .. actually so happy that you were able to have this meeting with a Villa icon Pete .. looking forward to many more of these - UTMV 🦁

[@christophernewton3174]

Very enjoyable watch , great insights into Brian's playing and managerial career. I was very lucky to have seen him play along side Andy gray in the seventies, I remember I had a juvenile season ticket in 77 , £10 to watch them all season from the Holte end, Bargain ! Also was at Wembley in 96 watching his team beat Leeds 3-0 . Brilliant memories . He is definitely a Villa great 11:54

[@phillydavison]

The tag of legend is thrown about way to much but Brian Little is 100% an Aston Villa legend.

[@leethomas2582]

What a great interview. I could listen to Brian waffle on forever. A proper gentleman shines through.

[@Scotty-UK]

Brilliant brilliant! I started watching in 74/75 so approaching 50 years next season and Brian is in my top five players, had great times and sad times and many players not here no more. I would love you to try and interview Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler David Bradley Paul McGrath, love these interviews and stories 💜💙

[@christopherdavies3079]

What a breath of fresh air this interview is and what a smashing down to earth fella Brian Little is . I still remember fondly when he managed Villa to League Cup success over Leeds United in 1996 , and I was there ! Nice to see how proud Brian is that only him ,Kenny Dalgliesh and Tony Book have played and managed teams to victory in the League Cup

[@martinheavey3976]

True legend of Aston Villa, and someone whose genuinely happy to give back to the fans and the club. I used to live near Brian in Sutton Coldfield in the mid 70s (Monmouth Drive) at a time when it wasn't uncommon for the top players to live beside your regular football supporter,. Gary Pendrie (Blues), Willie Johnston (WBA) Bobby Gould (Wolves) and Terry Hennessy (Derby) all lived on the same estate I lived in (Parklands Estate, New Oscott). I remember going to have a kick around in Sutton Park with my friends and Bobby Gould, playing football in Terry Hennessy's back garden, and being in Gary Pendry's house as I was at school with his son but my friends (all Villa fans) idolized Brian Little, and so they never had the courage to ask him if he'd come down to the park with us to play football. We did throw in a birthday card in his letterbox once, and ran away, we were so afraid of being a nuisance to our hero 😊

[@theholytrinityshow]

Woah, what a story! WIllie Johnson actually played here in Vancouver for the Whitecaps. He is still considered a legend because a "swig of beer" prior to delivering a goal scoring corner in San Jose!

[@martinheavey3976]

@theholytrinityshow He seemed to have been a 'character' in those days alright 😅. From Wikipedia I see that Willie left WBA to go to Vancouver (the first time) in 1979, maybe initially because of all the controversy of him being sent home from the 1978 World Cup for using a banned substance (I was 12 at that time and I remember well all the controversy as he was still living in our estate during that time). He obviously must have enjoyed his time in Vancouver as I see he went back for a 2nd stint in 1982.

[@brynclarke1553]

Wonderful video Pete. I grew up in the sixties, Brian is one of my all time heroes. He used to glide across the park, what a player. And then he came back as a great manager. Outstanding Villa man through and through. Was glued to this, well done!

[@willingtonwellington]

Boy I loved that! I remember Brian Little’s first senior appearance for Villa in 1971, and he has always been a hero of mine, whilst growing up, and now I am supposedly grown up. He has always deserved respect and given respect. A great role model and a smashing bloke to boot… and a pretty decent footballer too 😊

[@paulsmith9568]

I absolutely remember that goal in the cup against Man City. You could see the bend on it as it went in at the Holte End.

[@davidreuben7675]

I was lucky enough to see Brian make his first team debut, he was a joy to watch

[@andrewmoseley427]

Thank you Pete. Just loved your interview with Brian Little. What a lovely, genuine, down to earth gentleman he is! A very well conducted conversation that allowed Brian to share many of his stories and recollections. Looking forward to more in this series Pete.

[@jagmanx]

Little and Smith, will always be one of us. Great interview!,,

[@PennyBloater]

I bumped into Brian at Newcastle train station back in 1998.

[@grahamwalls9379]

Just watched this interview & found it riveting . Not a Villa fan but have a sister who’s been Villa all her life . Got to say Brian was a terrific player & played in some very good Villa teams . Admire Brian’s honesty & refusal to put down anybody , with unkind comments . Hope to watch some more of the interviews with former Villa players . Felt the interviewer was excellent too . A very good video .

[@markhemming318]

"Brian Little walks on water la la.....". My hero as a kid watching Villa. Silky smooth.

[@MrSteventonm]

This was fantastic. I was born in 1979 so don't remember Brian playing, but his team of the 90s (When manager) were some of my best Villa memories.

[@jsteelester]

What a great interview. Brian is a Villa legend.

[@johnnyboy114]

Well, wasn't that just bloody lovely! Legend!!!

[@margaretjames3699]

Thank for this video Brian is a joy to listen to you are so lucky to speak to the Villa players been a Villa fan for over fifty three years and so proud of my team past and present looking forward to season 24 / 25 UTV

[@iandavies638]

Thanks Pete, this is a must watch, keep up the good work UTV !!

[@AllotmentGrowHow]

Brilliant video, such a great interview and what a lovely guy Brian is. Thanks for bringing this to us Pete. I maintain that this is by far the BEST Villa KZbin Channel out there

[@andrewsherliker5619]

Fantastic player we lived next to John Gidman and met him at a party in Sutton Coldfield

[@ryanc9754]

What an absolute legend Brian little is! So jealous Pete! Fantastic video, looking forward to who will be next!?!

[@ChrisWilliams-sg1vh]

Thank you Pete. What a relaxed interview, Brian looked like he really enjoyed it. Not only is he an all time great, but what a nice person he is. You reaaly got the best from him. Can't wait for the next one.

[@user-mp8il2mb8r]

What a legend! Great interview Pete - well done and thank you!! 👍👏

[@cureit9161]

A little story about our Brian.i was at a VP function having won the LC. Mr Little as staff called him entered the room, I shouted "hiya Brian can I have a photo of you with the cup" A doorman grabbed me and attempted to throw me out.....no no no, "What are you doing" said Brian, leave him alone, now son, what is it you want, well cut a long story short, he said come here, hey you hand me the cup. I got my photo, me, Brian and the cup. What an absolutely gentleman. I still have it and all those fond memories of ' Brian walking on water' ...

[@britishmick]

Well you knocked this out the park Pete UTV…. Well done buddy

[@jimbo200]

Amazing interview - best ever I have seen of a former manager let alone a player. . Thanks to Sir Brian for all he has done for us and thanks to the Canadian Villa bro. - please consider some iconic Villa players - Richardson and Rambo.

[@flange0027]

Thoroughly enjoyed that Pete!! What a lovely human Brian is! UTMV 💜💙

[@platpeeps54]

Thanks Pete. Simply a marvellous interview. Clive

[@jimkiernan13]

Awesome interview. And definitely too short. What a man. ❤

[@ger141]

Excellent video ,I'm following Villa since mid eighties and really enjoyed this interview. I love Brian Little and how genuine he comes across a truly amazing ambassador for our club. One of the best and interesting interviews I have seen. Looking forward to seeing the rest in the series. Congratulations and well done,high bar set here.

[@davidreuben7675]

I really enjoyed that Pete, keep em coming, as an aside a mate of mine who incidentally is a blue nose was picked up as as an apprentice Johnny Dixon was running the kids then and he called my mate over and asked him what sized shoes he wore, he told him, he said follow me and took him into the boot room and grabbed him a pair of Brian’s boots 2 sizes smaller my mate said I won’t get them on and Dixon said you would force your feet in it will make you kick the ball harder and have a better touch, which he did, he had to give em back but went to Dick Taylor’s shop on witton road and got a pair, that was in the 60s, when Tommy Docherty came they moved him on he wasn’t that bothered being a nose UTV.

[@theholytrinityshow]

Amazing!

[@bikingbirder2010]

This is just fabulous, both of you so relaxed, just a perfect watch for an old timer who remembers so much of Brian "Little Walks on Water" playing years and for those who remember the Brian Little management years. I would love to have known whether he ever managed to complete the trick with the ball that he seemed to do in every match he played. Ball behind him, flick of the heel to bring it over his head to his foot to carry on down the wing. Tears when he came on as sub for England. Seeing this first interview how every Villa fan will look forward with relish to the forthcoming interviews. Fantastic Peter. Thanks.

[@GazWilliams-ir1vs]

Well done Pete that was excellent.Really enjoyed it.Especially the Danny Blind story.Thank you.

[@keithgodfrey2023]

Littel in name only he carried us in some dark days what a man what a player ,

[@Subbuteo_Passion]

What a magnificent start to a wonderful series. Brian Little my absolute best Villa player and Villa legend in my 51 years as a Villa fan. This one is absolutely brilliant and thank you Peter for having the foresight to produce such an episode. This in itself is legendary. I’ve had the pleasure of Brian’s time through my Villa Park stadium project and it’s one of the best times in my life. Peter, watching this has just given me another wonderful Aston Villa moment.

[@sniffrat3646]

I could listen to this all day, cheers Pete and team

[@markbutler7931]

Will always be Villa s No1 fave player and Manager , i will never forget the atmosphere at VP when he took over from big Big Ron

[@GarethHughes-ro2ki]

I was at the Norwich end when, as I remember, Brian scored the only goal with a stunning header (shoulder?) Stood up to celebrate then thought 'hang on its the Norwich' end then thought - hey its Norwich so carried on. The record says it was Ray Graydon.

[@neilmantle4662]

Thanks Pete for a brilliant show and thanks Brian for all the memories and everything you gave to Villa . First game I went to 11th September 1974 League Cup against Everton 1-1

[@andrewwilley7932]

Thank you. What a great video. UTV

[@michaelstanley7623]

wow what a great interview. I remember as a villa fan seeing him play for the first time for england. Villa has been so lucky to have had him in different ways over the years. He was a great player and is a very nice man.

[@roberthughes-rs1zz]

One of the best brian little as player and manager of villa. One of the greatest games has to be villa5v1 Liverpool . Little Gray and Deehan great forward line.

[@waynedawkins7935]

Absolutely brilliant interview Pete, looking forward to the next one.

[@stephenthomas729]

Brian Little is and has always been my favorite Villa player thank you so much for this video.

[@Clovemeister]

Brilliant relaxed and revealing interview from Holy Trinity with my most brilliant rated player in my AV supporting lifetime. Looking forward to more in this series. Just Fabulous 👌

[@holteenddryhurst7448]

Brian Little Walks on water

[@martilmart]

Wow that was fantastic. What a great interview of such a lovely man. I loved every minute of the show keep up the great work.

[@theholytrinityshow]

Much appreciated!

[@paulfarrell4378]

Yes wonderful interview Brian Little walks on water was the chant from the holte End many times

[@johnmtconnolly]

Love Brian Little! Such happy memories of his teams in the 90's and stuffing Leeds 3:0! Fantastic! Thanks Brian!

[@johnmtconnolly]

And such a humble, down to earth guy!

[@Rechud]

Love this❣️ so many beautiful memories

[@mitchellhinkley4896]

Splendid stuff this is. Well done Pete. 👏🏻

[@garyhorgan9684]

Superb interview Pete, heard Brian interviewed loads over the years however I’ve got to say that was the best, most insightful one I’ve watched so far. Superb start 👏

[@stevetombs7770]

Great watch well done!UTV

[@wdjmoore]

Exceptional show, well done both!

[@davehooper5115]

Brilliant video, Brian is an iconic Villa legend

[@marksturch3162]

Wonderful interview.

[@keithgodfrey2023]

Brian littel walks on water ,what a sevant we have in him ,but the crime is london club got tgere player playing for England brian should had way more caps , class today would be over 100mill , fantastic player and tgey used to kick him hard days what a hero

[@kevinwoolley1501]

Fantastic interview Pete, thank you.

[@gbc7344]

Great interview…could listen to the Little legend for hours..great job Pete👍🇬🇧🦁

[@theholytrinityshow]

Many thanks

[@JUSTIN_AVFC_]

Absolutely ace mate xxxxx

[@steviehope7718]

Absolutely loved this

[@MrIanji]

Brilliant

[@robertsheehan9967]

Absolutely magnificent

[@mikebrosnan5712]

Really did enjoy this great interview.... what a legend a true master at work and Brian wasn't too bad either 😂

[@avfcstatto]

Love this, great job Pete, wonderful conversation

[@paul-bp3no]

One of the BEST

[@jakealberice777]

Great interview UTV

[@markpotter6594]

My first game my dad took me too was to see Brian little and Andy gray in 77, neither of them played when we beat Bristol city 2-0, I was gutted 😂😂

[@colinhemming-xr4hj]

Loved this Pete, when is the next one ?

[@theholytrinityshow]

I'm trying to spread them out between now and start of season, or maybe now and 1st International break.