1903–04 Aston Villa F.C. season

The 1903–04 English football season was Aston Villa's 16th season in the Football League competing in the First Division,^[a] the top flight of English football at the time. The season fell in what was to be called Villa's golden era.^[1] During the season Howard Spencer was captain of the club.^[2]

Freddie Miles (269) made his Villa debut in a 7–3 win at Nottingham Forest on 19 December 1903. During his first season at Villa he developed a good understanding with Howard Spencer.

Arthur Lockett, such a key figure in the Stoke side the previous season, signed for Villa.^[3] Jack Windmill signed from Halesowen Town making his debut on 7 November 1903 in a 3–1 home win against Newcastle United.^[4] Bert Hall scored six goals in his nine league outings in the 1903–04 season. He was noted as being a hard working outside left player who teamed up well with Joe Bache.^[5] Other debuts were Albert Hall,^[6] Mart Watkins ^[7] and Billy Matthews.^[8][9]

In locally organised competition, Villa beat Small Heath in the first round of the Birmingham Senior Cup.^[10] Small Heath had been promoted from the Second Division the previous season. Both matches of the Second City derby ended in draws, 2-2,^[11] and 1-1.^[12]

Aston Villa had ended the previous season with nine consecutive home wins. Villa faced West Brom in the first home game of the season.^{[13][14][15][16][17][18][19]}