As has been the case in recent times, rumours had been gathering pace about the signing of “Bosman” transfer at the end of the season, and many names were suggested. However, reality has finally come to rest and instead of anyone particularly well known, it turns out it is Australian international Brett Holman.
“Brett who?” I hear you ask, and I’m sure many would be asking the same question if they hadn’t just checked his past out. The 27 year old has spent much of his playing career in Holland playing for multiple Eredivisie teams.
Holman, a winger/wide midfield player, won the Australian Football Media Association’s Player of the Year award (a mouthful, I know) as well as playing more than 75% of the required games for a work permit.
Alex McLeish said of Brett Holman “Brett is a very intelligent player, a great team player, and a man who is recognised in the game as a non-stop committed wide midfield player.”
As part of McLeish’s talking up of the new player (I would say prospect but I’m not sure a 27 year old qualifies for that tag), he mentioned the Champions League experience that the Australian has had, as well as the talent required to play in the top Dutch league.
However, what is important in my eyes is what the fans make of him. Is Holman the name to get people excited? Or is such an announcement yet another let down in Aston Villa’s challenging season?
The other, and perhaps more disappointing illustration this move makes is that McLeish is going nowhere – you don’t agree to sign players from one manager if you’re going to sack him come the end of the season, do you? Happy? I’m sure many won’t be.
A full profile of Brett is available on Transfermarkt, by clicking here.
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