Black Country-born Joe Bache was a cultured inside-forward who occasionally played on the left wing. He had few equals in the art of dribbling, although, at times, he could be somewhat selfish, holding onto the ball far too long – much to the annoyance of his colleagues and, indeed, his manager!

‘Gained his honours (during a period not too prolific of star performers) after a series of exceptionally clever displays in club matches for Aston Villa…Mars much of his otherwise effective play by his impetuosity in endeavouring to do too much in the zone of the backs. On his day a dangerous shot, but apt to be erratic, as well as a trifle selfish. A good-tempered, brainy player.’

‘A veteran with the speed of a lad…He always bears out the truth of the football axiom that it is three to one on the man with the ball. He does by skill what others do by speed when nothing will suffice…He seems to hand rather than kick the ball to his inside colleagues. Still a great player.’