There are at least four Vila players who have far too much flesh on them to play for an hour and a half without tiring greatly. These are Campbell, Devey, Welford and Reynolds (pictured); a week’s hard training would do them the world of good.
Press comment, September 7, 1896

Oh, if the Villa forwards would only stop that stupid practice of fiddling about in front of goal. Outsiders are poking fun at the Villa.
The Critic, September 25, 1896