Tony Daley joined Aston Villa, as an apprentice at the age of 14 and made his senior debut, aged 17 in April 1985. He played for Villa for just over nine seasons at the highest level and finished a runner-up in both the league seasons of 1989 - 1990 and 1992 - 1993 and won the League Cup with Villa in 1994. During this period, Tony was capped seven times for England between 1991 and 1992 under former club manager Graham Taylor.

Tony linked up with Graham Taylor again as he finally left Villa for Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 1994 for a (then) club record GBP1.25 million, but he was plagued with injuries and was only able to manage 21 appearances for the club in four seasons.

He was signed by Graham Taylor yet again in July 1998, who was Watford manager, on a free transfer. His injury woes continued though, and he struggled to get fit, missing the final months as the club won promotion to the Premier League. He was given a free transfer to newly promoted Division One side, Walsall in June 1999, and after a brief spell there, he finished his playing career with Conference side Forest Green Rovers, finally hanging up his boots in July 2002.

Foreword by: Ron Atkinson, Steve Bull