On reflection I have had mixed emotions since the departure of Lerner and the arrival of Dr X. Wasn't sure that RDM was the right manager, but I was hopeful that he could instil an attacking brand of football, Elphick looked a good signing at the time and they kept rolling in, fuelling the optimism. In truth, many of the acquisitions came too far into the transfer window and we were unable to get rid of all those guilty of disgracing the shirt last year. Still Crespo, Guzan, Lescott, Okore, Richardson, N'Zogbia was not a bad start. Was sad to see Sinclair, Clark & Traore go but understood that this is a business.
What none of us could envisage was the continued lethargy within the ranks and the abject failure of McCormack, Gollini (always a risk) and after a bright start Elphick - three of the new "spine".
Further outs and ins in January lead to renewed optimism but proved to be a false dawn.
The positives for me have been the injection of enthusiasm of Dr X and Wyness. They have kept us informed, told us in no uncertain terms just how broken Aston Villa FC was and have started to implement a total restructure of the club staff and players. While Steve Bruce would not be anyone's first choice manager, he comes with a solid resume of achieving promotion. I have the belief that the summer transfer window will see the end of the Lerner era, with virtually all of the "senior" pro's from that era, gone or side-lined.
What can we expect from next season? You cannot underestimate the lethargy that has surrounded the club over the last few years. For me it starts with the work undertaken during the transfer window and the ruthless removal of all those associated with the Lerner years. As critical will be the quality of the players we can attract and the effect they will have on the squad and around training. I expect a hard working, no nonsense squad in the image of Steve Bruce, but if he can find a Christophe Dugarry or another Paul McGrath we can realise our lofty expectations.
For me, a transitional year. Many said it after Xia bought us not to expect too much too soon, but as football fans we let our imagination and emotions take over. A lot of the building blocks are now in place at the club and I for one will dare to dream again.
