Born in Pontypool, Villars was a member of the youth set-up and groundstaff at Newport County but quit the job because the pay was so poor.
[1] Villars soon established himself in the first team, making his debut in a 4–3 defeat to Fulham in November 1971 with an impressive performance that led teammate Ian Gibson to comment Tony's got the lot, speed, balance and control.
[2] Often an inconsistent player, Villars also scored several crucial goals for the club, including one against Crystal Palace during a 1–1 draw to keep Cardiff in Division Two in April 1974.
[1] It was during his time at Cardiff that Villars earned all of his three caps for Wales, playing in three matches during the 1974 British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
[4] Persistent injury problems meant that he lost his place in the side and he moved to Newport County in June 1976, reuniting with his former Cardiff manager Jimmy Scoular.