Jack Devey


John Henry George Devey was an English football player and a first-class cricketer.

Football career

Devey was born in Birmingham and signed for Aston Villa in March 1891; he would go on to become one of Aston Villa's greatest captains. A skilful inside right/centre-forward and an England international with two caps, he was exceptionally clever with head and feet in front of goal and a prolific goalscorer. He was the club's leading scorer in the Championship winning Villa side of 1893–94 season with 20 goals.
For eight years, Devey captained Aston Villa during which time they won the League championship five times between 1894 and 1900 and the FA Cup twice. Including the famous 'Double' in the 1896–97 season. Devey was also captain of the title chasing 1900 Villa team who suffered a surprise defeat in the F A Cup quarter finals by Southern League Millwall Athletic
He retired in April 1902 and was an Aston Villa director for the next 32 years.

Cricket career

Jack Devey was also a Warwickshire cricketer, first appearing for the county side in 1887, though matches were only rated as first-class from 1894. He was a right-handed batsman who batted in the middle order until around 1900, but then opened the innings until his final retirement from the game in 1907. He also bowled occasional right-arm medium pace.

Professional Baseball

In 1890 Devey played professional baseball for Aston Villa in the National League of Baseball of Great Britain.

Family

He was one of five brothers who all played professional football, Ted and Will for Small Heath and John, Harry and Bob for Aston Villa. Another brother, Abel, was a cricketer with Staffordshire.

Statistics

League: 268 matches - 168 goals
Cup: 38 matches - 18 goals