Football Season Guide

Aston Villa

In


Aaron Tshibola (midfielder, Reading), Pierluigi Gollini (goalkeeper, Hellas Veronba), Tommy Elphick (defender, Bournemouth)

Out


Carles Gil (midfielder, Deportivo La Caruna, loan), Kieran Richardson (defender, released), Charles N'Zogbia (midfielder, released)

Everything that could go wrong for Aston Villa did last term as they were embarrassingly relegated from the Premier League. After that humbling experience they now hope to bounce straight back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. They have brought in Roberto Di Matteo as their new manager and he appears to be a good fit. The signings of Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick and Reading midfielder Aaron Tshibola appear to be impress and just what the club needs. It will be interesting to see how their players, used to the Premier League, react to the demands of second tier football and it certainly does not appear to be an easy ride. They also may need further players, especially up-front, if they are to challenge near the top.

Target


Everyone at the club will hope it is just one season in the second tier. There is desperation about getting Villa back to the Premier League at the first attempt.