The 82-year-old has actually overseen the arrival of 13 managers, but Ron Saunders resigned in 1982 during a seven-year spell in which Ellis was not chairman.

Find out how much you know about the octogenarian's reign at Villa with BBC Sport's Deadly Dozen.

Who was the last manager to be officially sacked by 'Deadly' Doug Ellis?

A: Brian Little   B: John Gregory   C: Ron Atkinson

One manager could only avoid the Ellis axe for nine months. Who was it?

A: Billy McNeil   B: Dr Josef Venglos   C: Tony Barton

On average, how many years does an Aston Villa manager survive under Deadly Doug?

A: 3.5   B: 3   C: 2.5

Which football skill does Ellis claim to have invented?

A: Backheel   B: Bicycle kick   C: Step-over

Deadly was replaced as chairman in 1975, returning in 1982 shortly after Villa won the European Cup � one of how many trophies the club won in his absence?

A: Three   B: Four   C: Five

And how many have Villa won since he returned (not including the Intertoto Cup)?

A: Three   B: Four   C: Five

During Deadly's absence, Ron Saunders quit as manager halfway through the 1981-2 season, despite guiding Villa to the last eight of the European Cup. Why?

A: He was offered a better job   B: He wasn't being paid enough   C: He fell out with the board

Deadly made history when he appointed Dr Josef Venglos as manager in July 1990. How?

A: Venglos was the first manager from outside the UK and Ireland to take charge of a top-flight club   B: Venglos was the first medically-qualified doctor to take charge of a top-flight club   C: Deadly was the first chairman to appoint a manager without ever meeting him

Deadly said it was "more painful than having my neck broken". What was it?

A: Pondering an expense claim from the club physio for a cup of coffee   B: Seeing �6m signing Bosko Balaban leave for nothing   C: Losing to Doncaster Rovers in the Carling Cup last season

"The trouble is the chairman thinks we're Manchester United but acts small. He's stuck in a time warp which does make things difficult." Who said it?

A: Ron Atkinson   B: John Gregory   C: Brian Little

Deadly Doug could have avoided his unfortunate nickname if he had stuck with using his actual first name. What is it?

A: Herbert   B: Horatio   C: Archibald

When did Aston Villa last occupy top spot in the Premiership?

A: 1994   B: 1998   C: 2001