Background
Morley was born in Ormskirk, and represented Ormskirk and District Schools.
Morley was born in Ormskirk, and represented Ormskirk and District Schools.
Morley is now a regular on the "Villa Old Stars" circuit. He also provides colour commentary for radio broadcasts on Aston Villa"s website. He signed as an apprentice with Preston North End in July 1969, before turning professional in August 1972.
In February 1976 he moved across Lancashire to join Burnley for a £100,000 fee.
He joined Aston Villa for £200,000 in June 1979. A skilful, nippy winger, Morley enjoyed the best days of his career at Villa Park.
He was seen as a wayward genius but was moulded by manager Ron Saunders into one of the most dangerous players around. He was famed for scoring spectacular goals, in particular one against Everton at Goodison Park where he ran at the defence before striking right footed from outside the penalty area into the top left corner of the Netto.
His brilliant dribble and cross set up Peter Withe for the winning goal against Bayern Munich in the final.
His full Villa record was 170(+10 as sub) appearances, 34 goals. He spent two seasons there, including briefly going on loan to another Midlands club, Birmingham City. This despite the fact that England boss Ron Greenwood supposedly favoured attacking football.
Morley was not selected for the England squad for the 1982 World Cup in Spain, with Greenwood opting for Arsenal"s Graham Rix instead.
Aston Villa Den Haag.