Former Aston Villa chairman Sir Doug Ellis has died at the age of 94, the Championship club have told Press Association Sport.
Ellis had two spells in charge at Villa Park, firstly from 1968 to 1975 and then between 1982 and 2006, rejoining shortly after Villa’s European Cup win.
Villa won the League Cup three times during his reign – in 1975, 1994 and 1996 – and were runners-up in the inaugural season of the Premier League in 1992-93.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former chairman Sir Doug Ellis.
👉 https://t.co/AaGPOumAIA#AVFC pic.twitter.com/rlkJ5SKUWx
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) October 11, 2018
Knighted in 2012 for charitable services, Ellis is survived by second wife Heidi and his three sons.
A statement on Villa’s official club website said: “Aston Villa Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former chairman Sir Doug Ellis.
“Our president emeritus passed away this morning. There’s no question that Sir Doug dedicated his life to Aston Villa.
“Our condolences go out to family and friends at this very sad time.”
No matter what people thought of Doug he played a massive part in our football club. He loved his football club and still attended until his last days. The man was Villa through and through and was always gracious with myself. RIP Sir Doug. 🙏🏾
— Ian Taylor (@IanTaylor7) October 11, 2018
The club went on to confirm that a minute’s silence will be held at Villa Park when the club resume Championship action against Swansea on October 20, for what will be Dean Smith’s first game as manager. The players will also wear black armbands.
I was always taught to speak as you find. To me you were Fantastic R.I.P. Sir Doug “El Presidente”
— Brian Little (@brianlittle912) October 11, 2018
Ellis’ lasting legacy at the club is the rebuilding work he did at Villa Park, with the Doug Ellis Stand on Witton Lane now bearing his name.
He oversaw 15 different managerial reigns, from Tommy Cummings when he first took control to Martin O’Neill, which continued beyond his sale of the club to American businessman Randy Lerner in 2006.
