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It was way back in 1999 when Aston Villa last played this weekend’s opponents Nottingham Forest.

Mark Draper and Gareth Barry were both on the scoresheet that day as the claret and blue duo bagged the vital goals that gave Villa the win.

Seventeen years on, we look back at the Class of ‘99 and find out what they’re up to now.

Michael Oakes

The stopper who filled in when Mark Bosnich left but moved on when David James arrived. Oakes made over 60 appearances for Villa before spending the majority of his career at Wolves. Now a coach, Oakes most recently worked at Wrexham but is currently without a club.

Alan Wright

The smallest player to feature in the Premier League at just 5ft 4ins. Wright proved that size didn’t matter as his inspiring performances at full-back made him a mainstay in the Villa side. Wright moved into management after hanging up his boots and previously held roles at Northwich Victoria and Southport.

Gareth Southgate

Villa’s former captain and whole-hearted centre half is currently helping shape the future generation of England’s senior team. The U21 coach has been in his current position since 2013. He’s well remembered at Villa Park for his commanding displays in the heart of the defence.

Colin Calderwood

The former Scotland international signed for Villa at the back end of his career and played just 30 times in one season (1999/2000). Often used in a defensive three alongside Southagte and Ugo Ehiogu, he did a job when called upon. Calderwood is now assistant manager at Brighton and has worked as the No.2 to Chris Hughton at three different clubs.

Steve Watson

A talented full-back who enjoyed a high-profile career at Newcastle, Villa and Everton. ‘Watto’ knew how to defend but he also played a part in the attacking side of the game. After working under Lee Clark as an assistant at Birmingham City, he’s now a No.2 at Macclesfield Town.

Steve Stone

The nifty midfielder actually joined Villa from Forest during this season and then played a part in their eventual downfall. Up until last year he was on the coaching team at Newcastle but he’s no longer attached to a club and is thought to be living in Dubai.

Paul Merson

The former midfield magician lit up Villa Park with his displays between 1998-2002. Now he keeps us entertained via our television screens as a pundit for Sky Sports.

Mark Draper

A creative midfielder who scored one of the best goals Villa Park will ever see. As a kid Draper was a Forest fan but he ended up starting his career at bitter rivals Notts County. ‘Drapes’ as he was known to his team-mates now runs his own football academy back in the Nottingham area.

Ian Taylor

Does this man need introducing? A Villa legend who marshalled the midfield for nine seasons. Tayls is Villa’s current club ambassador and he remains a firm fans’ favourite.

Julian Joachim

The pint-sized striker bagged 45 goals in 174 appearances for Villa and was well liked by the claret and blue faithful. He only recently hung up his boots on what seemed like a never-ending playing career and now runs a football agency.

Dion Dublin

This striker (or centre half!) had it all. Not only could he produce the goods on a matchday, he was also an inspirational leader off the pitch who played a part in nurturing a number of youngsters at the club. Dublin has been a busy man since retiring. He works as a pundit, has invented an instrument called ‘The Dube’, and also finds time to present Homes under the Hammer.

Subs:

Peter Enckelman

Famed for that horror-show against Blues, Enckelman now works for logistics company DHL Express back in Finland.

Mark Delaney

Villa’s former right-back suffered rotten injury luck but still made over 150 Premier League appearances for the club. He’s currently a youth coach.

Ugo Ehiogu

A rock in the heart of Villa’s defence, Now the U21 coach at Tottenham Hotspur.

Gareth Barry

The only player from that day who is still playing. Barry is going strong for Everton in the heart of midfield.

Darius Vassell

A local hero who bagged a stack of goals for Villa. The ex-England international lives in the area and is currently doing his coaching badges.