Career
Ramsay came to join almost by accident. Walking past a Villa players" practice match in Aston Park in 1876, he was asked to make up the numbers. Impressed by his skills, the Villa players invited to join the club, and he soon became captain.
Ramsay later described the newly formed club"s approach to the game as "a dash at the man and a big kick at the ball".
He also took charge of training which saw dramatic improvement that showed in the results, introducing what was known as the "passing game". This had become the main style of play in Scotland whereas in England most teams relied on what was known as the "dribbling game".
He was also responsible for the recruitment of Villa legend Archie Hunter. Hunter later recounted the story in his 1890 memoir Triumphs of the Football Field.
Villa played at Perry Barr until 1897 when the club moved to the Aston Lower Grounds, next to Aston Hall, which later became known as Villa Park.
Club folklore has it that Ramsay was the first man to kick a ball at Villa Park. Villa gradually improved under his guidance which culminated in Villa winning their first trophy, The Birmingham Senior Cup, in 1880, with Ramsay as captain. Ramsay retired from playing in June 1882, but remained at the club as Secretary from 1884–1926.
This position pre-dates the modern role of a football manager, which meant that Ramsay was responsible for the team
His duties not only involved looking after the players but also included controlling recruitment and transfers, supported by a specialist trainer. Although the team was selected by the Committee each week, which consisted of such figures as William McGregor and Fred Rinder.
In 1926, at the age of 71, Ramsay retired as Secretary and became honorary advisor and a vice-president of the Club. His replacement West. J. Smith was unable to continue Ramsay"s success, although the club did finish runners-up in the league twice under his guidance.
In 1934 Smith stood down and the club decided to appoint its first manager, Jimmy McMullan.
The following year Ramsay died at the age of 80. Within a year of his death the Midlands giants were relegated, an unthinkable notion in the Ramsay era. In all Ramsay"s association with the football club lasted 59 years, a time which will always be known as "s "Golden Age".