Aston Villa: Back where they belong

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After two seasons in the Championship, Villa are back in the big time.

Aston Villa are undoubtedly one of the most high-profiles clubs in English football. They have won 21 major trophies in their 145-year history - including a European Cup - and Everton are the only club to have spent more seasons in England’s top division.

With Villa beating Derby County 2-1 in the Championship Play-Off Final and claiming their place in the Premier League once again, there is a real sense that the club is back where it belongs.

Dean Smith was appointed as manager in October 2018 following the sacking of Steve Bruce and the boyhood Villa supporter masterminded their monumental turn in fortune.

Sitting in 14th place in the Championship table at Christmas, it seemed highly unlikely that Villa would be back in the big time come May. However, their club record 10-match winning streak across March and April catapulted them into the promotion picture.

Their average home attendance of 38,207 was the highest in the Championship last season and proves just how well supported the club is. These sorts of crowds are remarkable for a second-tier match and Aston Villa’s average home attendance was higher than 11 of the 20 Premier League clubs last season.

Of course, as with any newly promoted club, recruitment will be high on the agenda for Villa. They have wasted no time in bringing in Jota from Second City rivals Birmingham – a player who Dean Smith got the best out of at Brentford.

Their side has been built on the loan signings of Tyrone Mings, Tammy Abraham and Anwar El Ghazi, as well as the supreme talents of Jack Grealish and John McGinn. They have recently made El Ghazi’s deal from Lille permanent and will want all of their star performers to be at the club next season.

Given the size and the history of the club, it shouldn’t be difficult for Aston Villa to attract other top players.

Aston Villa fans will be hoping that occasions such as their 1982 European Cup triumph over Bayern Munich are just around the corner. As they enter their 106th season in England’s top division, they will be relishing the thought of going up against the big boys once again.