American Dreams and English Teams: How Doug Ellis Almost Sold Aston Villa to a Yank

In the world of football, stories of ownership changes and club acquisitions often capture headlines, but few reveal the rich tapestry of connections that define a club's lineage. One such untold story revolves around the legendary Doug Ellis, the late figurehead of Aston Villa, and a near sale of the club to an unlikely American investor: Dick Cecil, the former executive of the Atlanta Braves. This narrative intertwines iconic figures like Pele, the Beatles, and even Martin Luther King, revealing a moment in football history that could have transformed the landscape of English football as we know it. The tale begins in the late 1960s, a time when Dick Cecil was carving his path in the world of American baseball. Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, and later making a name for himself in Milwaukee with the MLB's Milwaukee Braves, Dick's career trajectory eventually led him to Atlanta, where he served as the vice president of Braves Productions. Here, he showcased his knack for event management, orchestrating high-profile concerts, including one featuring The Beatles in 1965. His vision didn't stop at baseball; inspired by the 1966 World Cup broadcast in England, he sought to tap into the burgeoning sport of soccer. It was during this quest that he struck up a connection with Doug Ellis, the then-owner of Aston Villa. In a time when the idea of American ownership in British football was almost unthinkable, Dick and Doug discussed the potential for a partnership, which included a bold plan to acquire Aston Villa. The two men grew close to finalizing a deal, but complex regulations surrounding club ownership at the time ultimately thwarted their ambitions. Instead, Dick turned his focus towards building a soccer franchise in the United States, the Atlanta Chiefs, where he signed several Villa players, including Mick Hoban and Peter McFarland. The Atlanta Chiefs were born out of the desire to create a professional soccer team that could thrive in the American market, and Dick's vision included not only drawing talent from England but also fostering the sport domestically. The Chiefs saw early success, clinching the NASL title within two years of their establishment. However, as interest in soccer waned and financial challenges mounted, the team eventually folded, and Dick transitioned to influential roles, including serving as Coca-Cola's first global sports marketing executive. While Dick's efforts to acquire Aston Villa ultimately fell through, the relationship he cultivated with Doug Ellis laid the groundwork for a unique partnership between English and American soccer. Players traveled across the Atlantic, forging a connection between the two countries that was rare for its time. The exchange of talent, such as the signing of Zambian players Freddie Mwila and Emment Kapengwe, marked significant milestones in Villa's history, as they became among the first Black players to represent the club. Terry Cecil, Dick's son, reflects on the profound impact of his father's aspirations on his own life and the deep-seated Villa affiliation that developed in their household. He recalls how players would visit their family home, nurturing a bond that transcended the pitch. The story of how Dick and Doug envisioned a collaborative future—one that respected the identities of both clubs while fostering growth—demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that was ahead of its time. In hindsight, the near sale of Aston Villa to an American owner in the late sixties could have ushered in a different era for English football, one that may have accelerated the trend of overseas investment in clubs. It wasn't until 2006, over three decades later, that Aston Villa would welcome its first American owner, Randy Lerner, and today, the club is co-owned by American billionaire Wes Edens. As the football world continues to evolve, the legacy of Dick Cecil and Doug Ellis serves as a reminder of the potential for cross-cultural partnerships that respect the history and passion of the game. Their story, intertwined with the likes of Pele and significant figures in American history, illustrates a moment when soccer in the United States was on the brink of major developments, and how an American's love for a British club could have changed the trajectory of both sports. Dick Cecil passed away in August 2023, leaving behind a legacy that not only shaped soccer in Atlanta but also fostered a lasting connection between American and British football. His contributions were instrumental in paving the way for the soccer landscape in the U.S., culminating in events like the 1994 World Cup and the rise of MLS. As soccer continues to grow in America, the story of his ambitions, intertwined with Aston Villa, remains a fascinating chapter in the annals of football history.