John Devey

Devey was born in Birmingham and signed for Aston Villa in March 1891; A skilful inside right/centre-forward and an England international with two caps, he was exceptionally clever with head and feet in front of goal and a prolific goalscorer. He was Villa's top goal scorer in 6 of his 12 seasons with the club. For eight years, Devey captained Aston Villa during which time they won the League championship five times between 1894 and 1900 and the FA Cup twice. Including the famous 'Double' in the 1896–97 season.

In October 1896 Devey was awarded a benefit match against Derby County, after which he was presented with an illuminated address from the club with the following words: "Your courteous demeanour, manliness of character, love of fair play, and power as a leader, have alike endeared you to comrades and opponents, whilst the willing admiration of countless thousands has testified to your skill on the football and cricket fields". William McGregor said this about Devey: "It was under the guidance of that gentlemanly and talented leader, John Devey, that the golden age of the Villa club was reached. John Devey assumed the captaincy in 1892. Under his leadership the club won the League five times and the English Cup twice". He retired as a player in April 1902 and was an Aston Villa director for the next 32 years, during which time he was actively involved with training and scouting new players.

Jack Devey was also a Warwickshire cricketer, first appearing for the county side in 1887. The matches were rated as first-class from 1894 and he played many times at this standard. There was always a stir among the crowd when he came in to bat. He was a right-handed batsman who batted in the middle order until around 1900, but then opened the innings until his final retirement from the game in 1907. He also bowled occasional right-arm medium pace.

He was one of five brothers who all played professional football, Ted and Will for Small Heath and John, Harry and Bob for Aston Villa. Another brother, Abel, was a cricketer with Staffordshire.

Aston Villa

Football League First Division: 1893–94, 1895–96, 1896–97, 1898–99, 1899–1900 FA Cup: 1895, 1897 Sheriff of London Charity Shield: 1901 National League of Baseball: 1890