Villa legend recognised with tribute

THE late Ugo Ehiogu will be recognised at this year’s Black List celebration evening for his “significant contribution” to English football.

Ehiogu, who began his career at West Brom as a trainee and then went on to make 250 appearances for Aston Villa, was carrying out his coaching role with Spurs’ Under 23s when he suffered a heart attack and died in April.

The former England centre-back had just been given the One To Watch accolade at last year’s Black List weeks before his untimely death. The organisation have announced that that category will be named after him as a tribute.

“Ugo made a significant contribution to the Premier League,” said Richard Scudamore, executive chairman of the Premier League.

“He was an outstanding footballer for Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and other clubs and more recently a highly regarded academy coach at Tottenham Hotspur.

“In Ugo, the young players at Spurs had an excellent role model.

“While he is best known for his stellar football career, Ugo was a great person who used his profile to support charities and inspire positive change in the sport and beyond.”

Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, said: “Ugo is sorely missed by so many and we felt it was appropriate to name an award after him to ensure he remains with us at every Football Black List celebration.”

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