Football Season Guide

Aston Villa finished the season a disappointing fifteenth in the table. Paul Lambert's side only managed to secure their top flight status a couple of games before the end of the season. They were once again just a mere five points above the drop zone. Lambert was under immense pressure on a couple of occasions during the campaign, but the club opted to stick with him. A couple of members of the back room staff were suspended/dismissed by the club towards the end of last season and Lambert has filled the gap by bringing Roy Keane to the club as his assistant. In recent seasons Villa have tended to buy young players, unproven at Premier League level. This pre-season, there has been a slight change in transfer tactics, with Lambert bringing in Joe Cole, Philippe Senderos and Kieran Richardson. They have vast amounts of experience in the top flight and will perhaps bring some know how to the side. After a successful World Cup with the Netherlands, Ron Vlaar is very much in demand. He was a key player for Villa last season and it remains to be seen whether they will be able to keep a hold of him.