The 1997-98 campaign was a season of dramatic resurgence for Aston Villa, culminating in a strong 7th-place Premier League finish. The year was defined by the mid-season arrival of manager John Gregory, who replaced Brian Little in February and inspired a crucial late run of form that saw The Villans climb from 15th to secure a coveted UEFA Cup spot via the Fair Play ranking. Leading the charge was the clinical Dwight Yorke, whose 12 league goals anchored the attack, in a season that also featured a run to the UEFA Cup Quarter-finals and the debut of a young Gareth Barry.