There is finally some light at the end of the tunnel for Aston Villa fans, as they are slowly re-building their tarnished reputation following relegation from the Premier League.
It was important that Villa sorted matters off the field before they began to dip into the transfer market for their first season outside of the top-flight.
After the managerial appointment of Roberto Di Matteo and Chinese businessman Dr Tony Xia completing the takeover, the club are now preparing to change their fortunes on the pitch after the new owner promised £35 million to spend on players this summer.
The foundations are being laid out, but it will be important for Di Matteo to begin repairing the damaged core of the squad.
The Midlands club were heavily criticised for their spineless performances from last season and it will not be easy ride for the new Championship side.
Villa need to inject back their winning mentality during the Martin O'Neil era, if they are to do well in the upcoming season.
The spine of the team is the most essential part of a football club, someone who will have the courage to lead a side to glory.
Football League World writer, Ashley Williams identifies THREE players who will form the core of the Aston Villa squad next season…
Tommy Elphick
Elphick is Villa’s first signing of the summer and his arrival will encourage the supporters, who strongly criticised the back four from last season.
The decision for the defender to leave an established Premier League side like AFC Bournemouth for the Championship was a bold one, but he will be eager for the challenge that awaits him.
The central defender has a significant amount of Championship experience and captained the Cherries in their promotion campaign.
What Villa needs is stability, and Elphick is a steady defender who is organised and is consistent in his displays.
Ashley Westwood
The central midfielder always puts in a shift for his club and is expected to stay at Villa Park next season.
Westwood could be a key figure in their revival back to the top-flight, as he has the right mentality and work ethic to boss the midfield at Villa Park for the upcoming season.
The midfielder made 37 appearances last season, scoring twice, both in the 4-2 home defeat to Southampton.
His performances have been labelled as somewhat average, but it is time for Westwood to really step up to the plate in the new Championship season.
Jordan Ayew
The only player for the club that really caught the eye last season was Jordan Ayew.
In what was a slow start to his Aston Villa career, he really made up for it, as he was their only attacking threat after finishing as the club’s top scorer with 8 goals.
It still remains a question whether the striker will drop down to the Championship, but he could be a top player for the Villians in the Championship.
He is quick and dynamic, who would give Championship defences nightmares and is guaranteed to get you 15 goals or more.
Aston Villa fans.. Are these core players, the key to your success next season? Is it time for them to step up to the plate to make sure the club returns to the Premier League? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!