Transfer strategy can be pointed at as one of the main reasons for Aston Villa’s fall from grace in recent years.

For the majority of the Premier League era, Villa were strongly considered as one of the better teams in the division, although they were relegated a few seasons ago, and the return to the top flight seems a lifetime away.

Villa were never title candidates, really, but they were up there most seasons.

However, lack of investment amongst off-the-pitch troubles led to the Villains’ decline to the Championship.

Upon relegation, the bookies immediately slashed the odds for Villa to be instantly promoted back to the top flight. Ultimately, it wasn’t the case, and Villa didn’t even make the play-offs.

A club of Villa’s size should not be lingering in the second tier, and one reason for their regression is certainly the transfers.

Some players who have joined the club have not fit the billing, and Villa have had to pay big wages to players who are just not good enough.

Here, we look at the worst three of those.

Agree, Villa fans? Let us know below.

Charles N’Zogbia joined the club on the back of widespread praise from multiple corners saying that he could go on to have a great career in the Premier League.

His price tag was extortionate for the time and he went on to be a flop, leaving Villa after a few years of sitting on the bench.

Habib Beye joined Villa in 2009 after a spell with Newcastle, who were relegated that season.

The full back was supposedly a big talent with a bright future but it wasn’t to be, and Beye left to join Doncaster Rovers on loan, which was a sign of his decline.

Bosko Balaban checked in at Villa Park in 2001 with fine goalscoring pedigree found in the Croatian top flight, and was forecast to continue his scoring trend at Villa.

It wasn’t to be for Balaban, who played only 9 games for the club before departing back to Dinamo Zagreb on loan.