Ernie Callaghan

Who was Ernie Callaghan?

Ernie "Mush" Callaghan was an Association footballer in England. He played for several small clubs before being signed for Aston Villa F.C. in 1930. He played for them for 125 league games and in 17 cup matches.

He previously held the Aston Villa club record for the oldest first team player, being 39 years 86 days old when he played against Grimsby Town in 1946. In his last game in April 1947, he was 39 years and 257 days. On 1 February 2011, American goalkeeper Brad Friedel set a new club record by playing a first-team game away at Manchester United ages 39 years and 259 days.

Some of his previous clubs included Hinckley Athletic, Atherstone Town, Cradley Heath, West Bromwich Albion on a trial and Birmingham City on a trial.

Ernie used to be the groundskeeper for Aston Villa and lived in a house on site. He had two sons, Keith and Roy.