Aston Villa have just come out of the other side of one of the worst seasons - if not the worst in the club's recent history.
The proud club were relegated from the Premier League for the first time since its rebranding in 1993.
Relegation was on the cards for a long time, and the club only won 3 games of the 38 game season, accumulating a measly 17 points in all.
However, although Villa will be starting their season in unknown territory in the second tier of English football, Villa fans can have optimism for the new season; with some fresh faces around Villa Park. Roberto Di Matteo, who not so long ago won the Champions League as a manager is the new man in the hot seat at the club, and Chinese businessman Xia Jiantong is the new Owner/Chairman at the Midlands club.
Important players will have to stay at the club to give them the best chance of promotion at the first try back to the top flight, and Football League World's Jack Sharp looks at FOUR key players that have to stay to ensure Aston Villa have the best chance of promotion next season.
Rudy Gestede
Rudy Gestede has had a challenging first season at Villa Park.
The highlight of the target mans season has to be scoring the winner in a Capital One Cup match against bitter Midlands rivals Birmingham City.
Gestede made 36 appearances altogether for the Villains last season, (32 league, 4 cup) and scored 6 goals.
Although this is hardly a prolific return for a striker, 12 of his appearances were from the substitutes bench.
Gestede is renowned for his superb heading ability, and the 6ft 3in man is definitely a player worth keeping - as his knowledge of the Championship he gained through time with Blackburn Rovers could be pivotal for Di Matteo's side.
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish is a player that I'm sure a majority of Villa fans want to be part of the squad for the 6th of August when they play their first Championship game.
Grealish is a real prospect, and the England U21 player is known for his tight dribbling ability and decent right foot.
Although Grealish has endured a very tough season, being restricted to only making 16 league appearances, scoring his one goal against Swansea; Grealish will be a player who can really propel the Villains to a high placed finish in the Championship.
Adama Traoré
Adama Traoré, or as he's otherwise known 'Adama' is a twenty year old starlet Villa signed from Barcelona last year.
Adama, like Grealish hasn't quite had the rub of the green in his first season at Villa Park, as injury restricted him to only making 10 league appearances for the team, making one assist.
Although Adama didn't play too many games, when he did play he showed glimpses of greatness, his power, raw pace and skill being too much for some defenders.
And if Adama can stay fit, he can be a player that can cause serious damage to Championship defences - and it is key that Villa keep him.
Ciaran Clark
Ciaran Clark is a tough tackling, committed, old school defender.
Like the latter two, Clark had bad luck with injuries this season, being restricted to only making 18 appearances, scoring one goal away to Norwich.
Clark could build a formidable partnership with newly signed Tommy Elphick.
Clark is a player who is loved at Villa Park, and if Villa were to establish a strong promotion push next season they would likely need Clark on board.
So, Villa fans.... What do you think about your teams chances next season? Can Di Matteo lead you back to the top flight at the first chance of asking? Leave thoughts and opinions in the comments below!