1987–88 Aston Villa F.C. season

The 1987–88 English football season was Aston Villa's 89th season in the Football League. Villa competed in the Football League Second Division and at their first attempt won promotion back to the top flight under manager, Graham Taylor. In the Pre-season Chelsea had signed defender Tony Dorigo for £475,000. In November Villa boosted their Second Division promotion quest with a £150,000 move for Crystal Palace midfielder Andy A Gray. There were also debuts for Kevin Gage, Alan McInally, Stuart Gray, David Platt, Malcolm Allen, Mark Lillis, David Hunt, Steve Sims, and Gareth Williams. On 31 December 1987, Graeme Souness signs Aston Villa midfielder Mark Walters for Rangers for £550,000. Post season, on 26 May 1988, Aston Villa prepare for their First Division comeback by signing Derek Mountfield from Everton for £425,000 and Chris Price from Blackburn Rovers for £150,000. == League table == === Matches === Source: avfchistory.co.uk == FA Cup == === Third round === Teams from the Football League First and Second Divisions entered in this round. The third round of games in the FA Cup were played over the weekend 9–11 January 1988, with the first set of replays being played on 12–13 January. Three games went to second replays and one of these to a third replay. Yeovil Town was again the lowest-ranked team in the draw, while Macclesfield Town, Maidstone United, Sutton United, Bath City and Yeovil were the last non-league clubs left in the competition. === Fourth round === The fourth round of games were played over the weekend 30 January – 1 February 1988, with replays being played on 3 February. A second replay was then played on 9 February. Holders Coventry City were eliminated by Watford. Fourth Division side Leyton Orient was the lowest-ranked team in the draw. == League Cup == === Second round === First leg Second leg === Third round === == References == == External links == Aston Villa official website