Last summer, any Villa fan who said that they were expecting another year down at the very bottom of the table would've been lying to you. Villa fans entered last summer full of optimism and hope that they could break into the top half of the table after the tidy signings of Libor Kozak, Jores Okore and more, expectation around Villa Park grew. They managed to retain Christian Benteke even as Spurs sniffed around the Belgian striker, however, the squad never truly reached it's potential in the Premier League. Their away record was very good for a team in the bottom half, but their record at home was something close to an embarrassment. The reliance on Christian Benteke continued through the season, but he was only capable of managing 11 goals in all competitions due to persistent injuries. Fabian Delph and Ron Vlaar truly excelled last season, but beyond that there were very few reasons to cheer for any Villa fans last season. The season was summed up on the final day as Villa were beaten, for the 20th time in the league, 3-0 by Spurs and proceeded to be booed off the pitch. Not a year to remember in the cups either as they didn't make it beyond the 3rd round in either. Just a dismal year to support Aston Villa.
Manager: Paul Lambert
Stubborn and arrogant are two adjectives that come to mind when describing the character of Paul Lambert. Lambert ran the patience of the Villa faithful thin last season, as he provided them with mediocre display after mediocre display at Villa Park. Lots of journalists have suggested that, if Lerner's attention was not more focused on finding a buyer for the club, which has seemingly become a shambles in recent years, then Paul Lambert would be on the search for a new job. And following the dents his reputation has suffered, he is lucky to still be in the Premier League. One to watch out for in this year's sack race.
Paul Lambert is 5/1 to be the next manager to leave his post.
Transfers:
In: Joe Cole (West Ham United), Tom Leggett, Isaac Nehemie (Both Southampton, Undisclosed), Philippe Senderos (Valencia), Kieran Richardson (Fulham), Aly Cissokho (Valencia, Undisclosed).
Out: Jordan Bowery (Rotherham United, £250,000), Samir Carruthers (MK Dons, Undisclosed), Marc Albrighton (Leicester City), Nathan Delfouneso (Blackpool), Nicklas Helenius (Aalborg, Loan), Yacouba Sylla (Erciyesspor, Loan), Jed Steer (Doncaster Rovers, Loan), Antonio Luna (Verona, Loan), Daniel Johnson (Chesterfield, Loan), Aidan Grant, Andras Stieber (Released).
Kieran Richardson, Joe Cole, Philippe Senderos- 5 years ago these three signings would've been looked at as players who could add a lot to the team, but now there will be lots of question marks raised over why Paul Lambert thinks this mediocrity will add a lot to the squad. The constantly injured Joe Cole had- what could could only be described as- an average time at West Ham United last season. Having never really re-established his reputation following his move to Liverpool, both his physical and mental state may be a huge worry for Paul Lambert, Roy Keane and the rest of the staff at Villa. As a man with a fondness for West Bromwich Albion, it will always be hard to forget the impact Kieran Richardson had during his spell at the club in the year of the great escape. His influence in the middle of the park was outstanding and he gave Manchester United fans hope that he could be a huge talent for the club, but an underwhelming spell at Sunderland following a £5.5m move 2 years later and an even more disappointing time at Fulham led to his free transfer to Aston Villa. Will he be able to produce similar form to his previous spell in the Midlands? For all Villa fans, I hope so, but, since his move back to the left back position, he's looked a shadow of his previous self. Philippe Senderos is the most baffling purchase of all 3. Having had times at Arsenal, Fulham and Valencia, Senderos arrives with a wealth of experience. However, he's not like any fine wine, Senderos seems to be rapidly dis-improving with age. An absolute embarrassment to arrive at the club and should he perform well, I will be seen eating a huge slice of humble pie. However, Aly Cissokho (who's just been confirmed in the last few hours) will be a positive addition. Still nothing that will have Villa fans on the edge of their seats though.
The removal of recent signings Bowery, Helenius, Sylla and Luna from the squad must be a huge worry for any person who had an ounce of faith in Paul Lambert's transfer policy. If these were players he was receiving ridiculous offers for, one must hold their hands up and say it is business well done, but sending three of the four out on loan is questionable to say the very least. Two of the hottest English prospects four or five years ago in Delfouneso and Albrighton have also left the club with the first of those having blown his chance to become a Premier League star. However, Albrighton always struck me as a fantastic option for Villa to have. He may not have fulfilled his talent, but he surely is as useful as Joe Cole and wouldn't want half the wages. Another silly move on the part of Paul Lambert. One he may regret in May.
The Blindsman's Flag Transfers Rating: 2.5/10- A dismal summer's business which will have left Villa fans with little to no hope for the season ahead. Lerner has held back with all his finances- yes, but I feel the additions of Cole and Senderos have actually reduced the quality of the squad. Additions purely for additions sake.
Predicting The Lineup:
One of the most difficult lineups to predict in the league and sadly, for Villa fans, there really is very little improvement in the squad from last season. Villa will be hopeful that Wonderkid purchase from last summer, Jores Okore, is capable of striking up a solid partnership with everybody's new favourite Villa player, Ron Vlaar, after his outstanding World Cup. Kieran Richardson may take up a midfield role or may just play 2nd fiddle to Aly Cissokho for the left back slot. Fabian Delph is the one certainty in that midfield after terrific displays last season. Benteke will be another man Villa fans pray to keep fit and keep hold of. With pace, power and regular goals the Belgian is influential in the team. Agbonlahor and Weimann should start for Villa, but Lambert is very unpredictable in his lineups. Young Irishman, Jack Grealish will be hoping that this is his year to burst onto the scene, at the age of 18. Both were 2 players who could come out with some credibility after their displays, but they do suit the away from home counter attacking style far more than the home games where the onus is on them to attack. A right back, two midfielders and another wide player would go a long way in this team.
Roy's Return:
It's been a while since Roy Keane has been employed in the Premier League, but following his arrival as Martin O'Neill's number two at Ireland, Paul Lambert has decided that he's suitable to take a 2nd role at the present time and become his number two at Aston Villa. Widely renowned for his strong character in the dressing room, question marks must be raised if two bulls (Keane and Lambert) will get along as they lock horns in the Villa management team. Surely nobody would be foolish enough to disagree with Keano, however, his record in management suggests that it may well be for the best if Lambert does. An interesting match up and one that I can't see lasting for very long.
Prediction: 20th
I've tried to be as positive as I possibly can about Villa's chances this season, but in all honesty, I think their relegation chances have been building ever since the departure of Martin O'Neill more than a few years ago now. As a man with the West Brom allegiance, people will think I'm biased, but in all honesty, I can't really see Villa managing to retain Vlaar and Benteke until the end of this window. For this reason, The Blindsman's Flag says Villa will finish 20th this season. However, should they retain both names previously mentioned then I think their survival chances increase dramatically.
Villa are 11/4 to be relegated this season and 14/1 to finish bottom. Worth a punt if I'm to be believed.
(All odds via Sky Bet on 8/8/14)
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Burnley preview on the way soon.
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