Aston Villa’s inevitable future was finally confirmed at Old Trafford last weekend losing 1-0 to Manchester United, confirming that they would be playing Championship football next season.
It has been a rather calamitous year for the Midlands side that has gone from bad to worse, which surrounds the change of managers and the owner’s lack of desire to invest in the club.
The changing of managers has been pivotal to Villa’s downfall after sacking Tim Sherwood in the first ten games and taking a punt at French manager Remi Garde who has no experience of Premier League football.
Alongside that, Randy Lerner has been a distant figure over the past 20 months after putting the club up for sale that proved to be unpopular with the fans.
This will be an extremely important summer for the Villains who need to sort out their problems off the field before they target their new manager to guide them back into the Premier League.
The squad is also expected to be a completely re-build and the club should take advantage of some of the Championship’s star players to help re-ignite the passion at Villa Park.
Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies FIVE Championship players that could see Villa make a swift return to the Premier League…..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP STARS!
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Aden Flint
Villa’s defence has been terribly shaky this season and they have been linked with one of Bristol City’s best players this season – Aden Flint.
The central defender could really stabilise Villa’s back four and he also has a few goals in him after netting six this term.
At 6ft 5, Flint could be a real dominate presence for Villa and is not afraid to get stuck in to a challenge unlike some individuals in their defence this year.
He was named the Championship player of the month in February, and has two more years to run on his Ashton Gate contract.
Ross McCormack
The formidable striker has been the real difference to whether Fulham could have potentially been going down to League One this year.
He has always scored goals in his Championship career with Leeds, Cardiff and Fulham.
The Scotsman has netted 23 goals this season and could be an exciting prospect alongside Rudy Gestede who looks likely to stay at Villa Park.
Apart from Jordan Ayew, Villa have lacked any attacking firepower, and although McCormack would probably be a double figure buy, he is guaranteed to get you goals.
I think he would jump at the chance to play for a reputable club like Aston Villa.
Danny Williams
One of Villa’s big frustrations this season is their lack of fight and somebody who is going to put a tackle in to lift the spirits.
Ashley Westwood and Idrissa Gueye have looked weak in the middle of the park this season and someone of Danny Williams’ calibre would not go unmissed at Villa Park.
As well as his willingness to put in a tackle, Williams is a technically gifted central midfielder that has an eye for a pass.
The American international could be a great addition to the Villa ranks and would complete their spine in the team.
Alex Mowatt
Villa has been known to identify talent among the Leeds camp after spotting Fabian Delph's potential during his time at Elland Road.
Mowatt has been one of Leeds’ stand-out players over the past two years and is a character that can make something happen out of nothing.
Mowatt’s world-class goals against Huddersfield and Cardiff City are something that Villa could do with - somebody that is going to make the fans get excited about.
Last year Mowatt secured both players and fans’ player of the year awards after scoring nine goals from midfield.
Mowatt is certainly proving that he could be the next English star and needs another year in the Championship before making the step-up to the top-flight.
A year with Villa could be a great stepping-stone in his development to become a top-class player.
Tom Lees
Lees has been a formidable figure at the back for Sheffield Wednesday this season.
If they don’t go up, he could be a potential target for the Villains. The defender has proved this season that he is regarded as one of the best defenders in the league and could be a important player at Villa Park.
The 25-year-old has been among several nominations for the Championship Player of the Month award’s following his consistency for the Owls.
Lees also makes very few mistakes that could prove pivotal in Villa’s fight to make a swift return to the Premier League.
Villa will have to stump up the cash for Lees, but he would prove to be an excellent buy for the club.
Championship fans… Would these FIVE players ensure Villa become a Premier League side for the 2017/2018 campaign? How good have these players been for their clubs this season? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!