As we begin to sit further forward in our seats, eagerly anticipating the return of the Premier League season this weekend, a cocktail of nerves and excitement is brewing in the bellies of Aston Villa fans up and down the land.
Since the arrival of NSWE in B6, the culture around the club has turned full circle. In general, Villa fans are now an optimistic bunch awaiting the return of glory days and dizzying heights at the very top of English football. Now entering the fourth season back in the Premier League, expectations seem to be at the highest they have been for over a decade.
Thanks to a handsome cash injection, a business-savvy CEO and big plans for the future, Villa appear to be on the up. Until now, Premier League life has been a mixed bag – large periods of inconsistency, flurries of excellence and almost constant angst as Villans await success in the form of Europe or a trophy. But what lies ahead in 2022/23?
TIMES ARE A-CHANGIN’
This year, things look very different. Dean Smith has quickly become a fond but distant memory, while players have came and gone and a whole new coach and system are bedding in. With so much change over the last five years, it feels like now is the time that Aston Villa is reaching a truly pivotal moment in its history. The tide has turned; no more dodgy deadline day business, fractured dressing rooms or management blunders – Villa are emerging into a new era.
With any major change comes big expectations. The question now stands – is it now or never for Aston Villa?
Perhaps an oversimplified question, as football is inherently a complex machine of much more than the 90 minutes on the pitch. However, with last seasons shift around and ongoing focus on investment and recruitment, there is certainly room for Villa fans to start asking these difficult questions. At what point is success no longer wishful thinking and becomes an expectation – a necessity?
SETTLE DOWN NOW
Following a turbulent 21/22 season, with significant departures and recruitment across the entire campaign, it feels time to settle down. There are plenty of success stories of the last few years; Jacob Ramsey, Matty Cash, Emi Martinez, and Villa are well on their way to establishing an impressive squad. In typical fashion, however, there have been as many failed signings. Nailing recruitment in the last twelve months, and now going forwards, is essential in the journey back to glory days.
This summerβs onboarding of Carlos and Kamara, and January newbies Digne and Coutinho, are signs of growth in the recruitment department. Lange, Purslow and Gerrard have a keen eye for talent at the right price. With such significant investment coming from the top, the expectation will be to achieve Europe and trophy success in the short and long-term. Maintaining a settled, balanced squad cannot be underestimated as the core value of a dominant side.
STEVIE’S PRESSURE TO PERFORM
Gerrard’s influence has namely been in the background, securing attractive names to add to the starting XI. Yet it is his tactical, on-field management that still leaves the mind wondering. The approaching season will be Gerrard’s first full stint in claret and blue, with many believing he can be the ambitious, born-winner type to push Villa to the next level. This is left to be seen, but the focus will certainly be firmly set on ensuring Stevie learns from the last nine months. The eager eyes of his board and a packed-out Villa park will be peering over his shoulder.
One thing is for sure, Gerrard will be looking for opportunities to improve this year after far too many losses and inconsistencies last season. Bolstering the midfield with Kamara, a vastly improved Jacob Ramsey, and new captain John McGinn, will likely be his focus. Likewise, tightening up at the back with a refreshed selection of centre-backs will be front of mind. Perhaps it is these two core areas that can be a catalyst for a thriving Villa side.
MONEY IS THE MOTIVATOR
Though we relish the positive investments throughout the club, both in personnel and now in infrastructure, services and experiences, every penny spent comes with a huge burden to perform. The consequences of underperformance this season feel extreme. If Villa cannot achieve this year, with a sold-out Villa Park, money poured into the squad and dedicated owners, there will be questions asked of what it will take for this team to make up the difference – and how many extra pounds.
If Villa fans want continued financial support and club development, the players are essentially now in the driver’s seat. On-field success is integral for a long-term, sustainable business model at the club. Every league position, cup run and commercial opportunity will further line the pockets of Wes and Nassef. Money is undeniably writing the present and future narratives for Aston Villa.
NOW OR NEVER?
The expectations for this season will vary depending on who you ask. For some, it’s Europe or failure. Others crave silverware, while others simply wish for improvement on last year. Despite this, there is surely a consensus that Villa are entering a crucial phase in development, where the trajectory must be on the up. Otherwise, where is all this money, time and support going?
Perhaps it is now or never for Aston Villa. Maybe it isn’t. The club and it’s supporters are so desperate to feel drunk on the sense of success that it is almost anxiety inducing thinking about a full season ahead of trials and challenges.
Nevertheless, it is this deeply ingrained passion to achieve that makes Villa a fierce club to compete with. Fans want to see that tenacity, aggression and spark on the field for a full 90 minutes each week. Playing for the shirt, bleeding the colours. With this squad, this ambition, these coaches and owners, why can’t Villa kick on this year?
It needs to be now, not never, for us.
AUTHOR | HANNAH GOWEN
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive Hannah Gowen – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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