Here it is – my very first article for Aston Villa Life. To be frank, prior to writing this piece I was feeling a little bit nervous, it was rather like preparing for my very first day at secondary school all over again. But having got over the apprehension I’m hopeful that I managed to muster together something worthy for my fellow Villans.
Eleven days have now passed since the appointment of Paul Lambert and the general vibe among the faithful is a positive one. Lambo brings a much needed fresh impetus to Villa Park, something that both the players and the fans certainly were in need of after last seasons horror show.
The weekend just gone saw Kevin McDonald’s 17-year stint with the club come to an end, and needless to say I wish KMac all the very best for the future. Having heard many of the playing squad speaking so highly of him in recent seasons it’s clear to see that he’ll be missed by all. But that’s football – when a new man comes to the helm backroom changes usually take effect – and it now looks inevitable that both Ian Culverhouse (Assistant) and Gary Karsa (Head of Football Operations) will make the switch from Norwich City.
And now I bring you to the main event: Player transfers. As you would expect half-a-dozen Norwich City players have been linked to the club since the arrival of Paul Lambert. The two that stand out for me are Grant Holt and Daniel Ayala.
We certainly need to add something to our artillery up-front and the six foot powerhouse fits the bill nicely. Last season Holt impressed me with his movement, awareness and ability to hold-off opposing players. Not only that, but his calmness and composure in front of goal was immense especially for a player in his first ever season in the top flight. 15 league goals pays testament to that. However, the £5 million fee for a player of 31 years-of-age remains questionable.
Central defender Daniel Ayala was once hailed as ‘the next big thing’ but for whatever reason things haven’t quite worked out for him as yet. The Canaries paid Liverpool just £800,000 to secure his services last summer, but due to injuries and the good form of the first-choice pairing at the back, he notched up just two league appearances last term. If we could get him at the right price then he could well be worth taking a gamble on.
With a reported £20-25 million to splash, Lambert will need to bring in a goalkeeper to act as Shay Given’s understudy (presuming that he stays put, with QPR reportedly interested), and also perhaps look at an alternative out wide – Blackpool’s Matt Phillips would be my man of choice.
In an ideal world Alan Hutton would just disappear. The Scotsman has been woeful at the Villa, and I can’t see anyone wishing to take on his £30,000 weekly wage packet. I still believe James Collins has something to offer, but I fear his central defensive partner Richard Dunne is now past his sell by date and we could see the re-emergence of young Ciaran Clark staking a claim for a starting berth.
Defensive midfielder Jean II Makoun deserves a second chance under the new manager, especially with the squad still missing club captain Stiliyan Petrov. And hopefully new arrival Brett Holman proves to be a freebie coup that can be relied upon.
All-in-all we have the foundations of a good squad. It’s crucial that our big name players such as Charles N’Zogbia and Stephen Ireland step it up a notch and the young lads play their part when relied upon. It’s all about having the right balance, something that we didn’t have last season. With injuries to key men our lack of depth and the inexperience of those drafted in were deeply exposed.
So just to recap on the positions that need strengthening/to be fulfilled: secondary goalkeeper, right-back, left-back, central defender, a winger and a forward. I’d welcome fans thoughts on potential transfer targets.
As for my realistic expectations going into the 2012/13 season. I’d be satisfied with a top ten finish, and a deep run in either of the domestic cups, and maybe even a League Cup win. That would be lovely!
My final words are for our national side. After a solid start on Monday evening and a very well-earned point against a strong Les Bleus side I wish England all the best for Friday’s eagerly anticipated fixture against Sweden.
Up the Villa!
The Author
