I didn’t kick a ball for my club for two and a half years, then I starred as we beat Bayern Munich in European final

NIGEL SPINK was the stand-out stand-in who came off the bench after NINE minutes to inspire Aston Villa’s famous 1982 European Cup triumph.

The 23-year-old rookie keeper’s heroics against mighty Bayern Munich, after replacing injured No 1 Jimmy Rimmer, earned him iconic status and his place in Villa folklore.

Nigel Spink was just a rookie goalie when he helped Aston Villa win the European CupGetty GettySpink (left) hadn’t played in two-and-a-half years when he starred against Bayern Munich[/caption]

Rimmer...