I asked for Euro Final shirt back. Bayern did a special lunch ... I returned Munich star’s in a carrier bag
NIGEL SPINK
NIGEL SPINK won the battle against Bayern Munich – but the Germans won the class war after a shirt-return presentation left him red-faced.
It is 40 years ago this month since Aston Villa’s legendary No.1 kept the Bavarian giants at bay in the most important 90 minutes of the club’s history.
Spink had made just one firstteam appearance before his second came just 10 minutes into the European Cup Final in 1982 when regular keeper Jimmy Rimmer had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury.
The Chelmsford-born star enjoyed his greatest evening as he repelled everything the Germans could throw at him – as a side built by Ron Saunders, but propelled into immortality by Tony Barton – pulled off a major shock in Rotterdam.
A film - Super Villans is to be aired this month, but Spink paid tribute to his opponents after requesting his shirt from that historic evening.
Spink, now 63, had exchanged it with opposite number Manfred Muller after the final whistle, but wanted it returned.
He said: “Peter Withe had swapped his shirt on the night and had asked for it back. Bayern were as good as gold and did so by post.
“After hearing about this, I spoke to Bayern and they were happy to take mine – which was on show in their museum – out of the display and take Manfred’s back in its place.
“I was on a driving holiday to Austria and suggested I’d pick it up en route. So, Bayern invited me to the Allianz Arena for the day.
“I was blown away by their hospitality. They gave us a guided tour and the effort they put into celebrating their history is incredible.
“Every first-team player has his picture in the museum. It covers half of one stand, it’s enormous.
“Bayern were gutted that they lost that final. But the shirts from our game are on display – some, like mine, were Villa shirts. It was almost like they hold us in more esteem than Villa do.
“They were gutted they lost, of course, but proud to have reached that final. It formed a big part of their history. “Sadly, Manfred was away on holiday himself, so I couldn’t meet him. “But when it came to swapping the shirts, they asked if I’d have my picture taken and do a bit of publicity for it and that was no problem. “After lunch, they brought out my shirt – in a beautiful presentation box. It was amazing. “It was at this stage that my wife kicked me under the table – and I knew exactly why. It was embarrassing, but a bit funny. Manfred’s shirt was in a second-hand Sainsbury’s carrier bag under the table.
“I apologised and the lady who dealt with us was lovely. She said, ‘Look, Mr Spink, it’s the shirt we want. You have been away on holiday. You wouldn’t have wanted to carry that presentation box around with you’. We understand.’ “It was a very classy touch.” Spink went on to enjoy a fantastic career with Villa, finally calling time after 19 years. He remains part of club folklore, but said seeing Bayern’s celebration had left him with a tinge of regret.
“They had great admiration for us,” he added. “It was a bit deflating to think they celebrated reaching the final more than we do actually winning it.
“There are only four or five English clubs who have won the European Cup and Champions League – and Villa don’t really jump up and down about it.
“What we achieved was put to bed too quickly. So to be involved in a film marking the achievement was great and I hope it stands as a legacy for Villa fans.”