William Eric Houghton (29 June 1910 – 1 May 1996) was an English footballer and manager and first-class cricketer.
Houghton played in the Villa side for two decades, scoring 170 goals in 392 games. (The total including wartime matches was over 200 goals.) His formidable and powerful shot was regarded as the hardest shot of his era. Houghton converted 58 spot kicks and also scored direct from about 30 free-kicks. He is often referred to as 'Mr Aston Villa' in recognition of his long standing service and contribution to the club.
Playing career Eric Houghton was born in Billingborough, Lincolnshire. He educated at Donington Grammar School and signed for Aston Villa as a seventeen-year-old.
Houghton scored 30 goals in the 1930–31 season, in which Villa scored 128 league goals, a First Division record.Groot, Lucas Franciscus Michaël, Economics, Uncertainty and European Football: Trends in Competitive Balance; pp. 34–35, .
Houghton's career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. In September 1939, he played in the Villa Reserves last pre-war game at home to Derby County. On 4th September the Government announced a ban on Sport to prevent crowds gathering. Villa's League match away to Wolves was one of over thirty mid-week League fixtures called-off.Ban on Sport, Birmingham Evening Mail, 4 September 1939, p3 Villa Park found itself in an evacuation district designated under the British Government's civilian evacuation scheme.No Competitive Football, Chronicle, 16 September 1939, p5 The Police Chief Constable of Birmingham, C.C.H Moriarty, intimated that he would not sanction football matches within the city of Birmingham.No Football at Villa Park or St Andrews Yet, Evening Despatch, 25 September 1939, p6Swindon Advertiser, 10 November 1939, p8 The Football League's Scheme for War-time football proposed to limit gates to 8,000 in evacuation areas. With their large overheads, the directors of Aston Villa and Sunderland announced their intention to close down.Big Names in Football that will not be seen in War-Time Liverpool Echo, 30 September 1939, p2 The manager and players were paid off whilst Villa Park was commandeered by the War Office. Villa's players quickly found war-time employment. Houghton became a constable in Birmingham City Police.Strong Villa Team, Birmingham Evening Mail, 14 September 1939, p7
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.
References
External links Eric Houghton at Cricket Archive Eric Houghton at Cricinfo Eric Houghton football career statistics