Since then 'The Hare', as he is affectionately known, has become one of the most feared super-subs in the Premier League.
Not only has Harewood exhibited extraordinary presence on the field, he has also shown a hugely commendable attitude off it.
Harewood isn't just lethal, he is loyal too.
After completing his move to the Midlands, Marlon made a clear statement in which he signalled his willingness to warm the bench and wait for his chance to shine.
Shine he did and despite starting only one game in the League last season he popped up with five goals.
The most memorable of those strikes came against Reading when he rounded off a fine move with a superb curled finish.
Harewood showed a predatory instinct which Villa had been calling for to kill off the game.
Booted
He has now obtained cult hero status at Villa Park which is remarkable considering the response from Villa fans when he signed.
West Ham seemed happy to boot the striker out of Upton Park and a fee of around £3.5million was baulked at by the Midlanders' faithful.
However, Harewood has proved his doubters wrong and not just with his goals.
The former Nottingham Forest man has an unerring pace and power that troubles even the most gargantuan of Premier League defenders.
And he is now acclaimed with a standing applause when he warms up in front of the Holte End.
A player once the butt of jokes from opposition fans has been taken to the hearts of the Villa faithful.
And with Harewood's recent record of scoring from the bench there will be fear rather than frivolity from opponents of the Villa next season.