Not since the hilarity of Derby’s relegation has a club looked as doomed as Aston Villa. Well, the Villains could pull off a Leicester-esque escape, but there’s more chance of me waking up with Selena Gomez.
Remi Garde took over from Tim Sherwood with a flickering hope of survival and the club has plummeted quicker than Jeb Bush’s hopes of being elected. They are now cosy at the foot of the table and their 16 points actually flatters them somewhat. No side has looked as devoid of quality, organisation and believe since we last saw San Marino take on England in a pitiful qualifier.
Many clubs have been relegated in pretty inept ways, but so many of these sides have disappeared and never been seen again. Leeds United are still lingering around in the Championship like a 24 year old at a year 11 house party and the Yorkshire club are perfect proof that, however big you think you are, it is very hard to recover from relegation.
We bring you a five point plan to help save the club..
Hire experience
We’d advise hiring anyone but Harry Redknapp, considering his tendency to bankrupt every club around, but its the thought that counts.
Sean Dyche – if Burnley don’t get promotion, Mick McCarthy, Steve McClaren and plenty of others will be available for a club of Villa’s size and they need a manager with experience of the Championship who will be able to rebuild the squad around the players that want to stay.
Gambling on a young manager has its time and place, but that is not now. The club must use all their financial clout to get the best manager around.
Shed some weight
A process Villa have been going through for some time, admittedly, but the club needs to make sure they significantly cut the wage budget.
Other clubs have suffered with retaining players on Premier League salaries and it can really damage a side.
Having recently released Darren Bent, they are taking a step in the right direction, but players like Scott Sinclair and Joleon Lescott may also be a financial strain.
Drop tickets
Atmosphere at Villa Park is one of the best ways of rejuvenating the club in 2016/17.
Fans have been protesting over their plight of late and they need to keep their loyal Villains on board. Whilst it might not seem financially sensible, a significant drop in ticket prices will help to keep attendances up and allow the players to play in front of a raucous arena.
Guaranteed Goals
Benteke kept Villa afloat for several seasons and, despite having the worst defence in the league, they are in dire need of a regular goal scorer.
Unfortunately, Jordan Rhodes has just moved to Boro but there are plenty of other alternatives if they want find a player who can keep them flying in the final third.
Nahki Wells, Abel Hernandez or Chris Martin could be great additions to the Villa squad and, assuming he stays, ease some of Gestede’s work load.
Do Not Panic
https://vine.co/v/eKuKZFU0TYh
Its hard not to panic when your club is falling into a league of trips to Rotherham rather than facing Sergio Aguero and Eden Hazard, but it is crucial that the club remains calm.
Crazy appointments, player signings and changes at board level are symptoms of a club about to fall down a division or two more and they must keep their emotions in check.