| Name: Spencer, Howard "Gentle" Birthdate: 1875-08-23 in Edgbaston, Birmingham (Died: 1940-01-14 in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield) Position: Full-back Playing for Villa: April 1892 (as an amateur) - November 1907 Previous clubs: Albert Road School, Handsworth (Birmingham), Stamford FC (Birmingham), Birchfield All Saints, Birchfield Trinity Signed: - From Birchfield Trinity Sold: Retired with a knee injury League: 258 matches - 2 goals Cup: 35 matches - 0 goals Sheriff of London's Charity Shield: 1 match - 0 goals International: England A (1897-1905, 6 - 0 goals), England Trials (1896-1903), Junior (1894, 1 cap) More info: "During a long and brilliant career has been one of England's best and fairest backs. Knows and plays the game thoroughly. Came into prominence in a Junior International at Leamington in 1894. Afterwards joined Aston Villa and has since played for no other club. Tackles superbly, kicks with precision, and places with judgement; usually at his best when his side is in difficulties. A type of player worthy of emulation by all young players. Captained the team during seasons 1903-4, 1904-5, 1905-6." The Villa News and Record 1 September 1906 He signed professional in June 1894. He played in the 1899-1900 Sheriff of London's Charity Shield where Villa lost 1-2 to Corinthians. (0 goals) He was often referred to as the 'Prince of Full-backs'. He was a Villa director July 1909 - May 1936. |
| Season 1892-93 1893-94 1894-95 1895-96 1896-97 1897-98 1898-99 1899-1900 1900-01 1901-02 1902-03 1903-04 1904-05 1905-06 1906-07 1907-08 |
First team 0 0 27 - 1 goal 30 - 1 goal 35 - 0 goals 6 - 0 goals 11 - 0 goals 35 - 0 goals 22 - 0 goals 0 31 - 0 goals 25 - 0 goals 24 - 0 goals 36 - 0 goals 9 - 0 goals 3 - 0 goals |
Reserves - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Youth - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |