During the summer, Aston Villa made an abundance of experienced signings, with the likes of John Terry, Glenn Whelan and Ahmed Elmohamady all joining the club.

However, they saved the best till last.

It could be the signing of the season.

When I heard that Robert Snodgrass was coming back down to the Championship I was shocked.

Despite a less than successful spell at West Ham in the second half of last season after his from Hull City in January, he is a player who is more than capable of playing in the Premier League, never mind the Championship.

He scored seven goals in the first half of last season in a Hull side who were severely struggling under the management of Mike Phelan.

The midfielder was also a major part of Hull's promotion back to the top-flight where he scored 4 goals and assisted a further 6 in just 24 games, after a 15 month lay off with a knee injury.

Snodgrass could be the man to add the creative spark at the top end of the field for Villa, with goals being a major issue since Steve Bruce's arrival at Villa Park.

Bruce will undoubtedly be aiming for a top six finish at the very least, and most bookmakers are giving the Midlands outfit a 16/1 chance to win the Championship title.

With an array of strong sides in the second tier, a top six finish may be more likely for Steve Bruce's side, with most bookies giving them odds of around the 13/8 mark to seal a top six finish.

Surely that's a more wise bet?

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The Scotland international also poses a massive threat from set pieces.

He is renowned for his goals from free kicks, and his delivery from corners is second to none in Championship football, something which the likes of John Terry could seriously thrive upon.

Villa have been searching for a right winger all summer.

Albert Adomah has struggled since his move from Middlesbrough last summer and he is yet to start a league game this season.

Ahmed Elmohamady has deputised in the right wing role this season, but that his far from being his strongest position.

nodgrass could be the man to push Villa to a promotion push this season.

He is undoubtedly up there with the best in this league and his arrival at Villa park is a serious signal of intent that they mean business this year.

It should be considered as quite a coup.