Aston Villa are a club in a precarious position, with the Villans facing the possibility of a long stint in the second-tier of English football.

There’s no doubt that Villa are a giant of the English game, but the likes of Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have endured long stints outside the Premier League, and with the Championship becoming even more competitive each year, Villa could be the next club to be sucked into the second-tier for the long-term.

Last year they were close to promotion, but this season has started poorly, with Villa sat mid-table after nine fixtures and the board and supporters seemingly divided over Steve Bruce.

Reports are suggesting that a 12-point deduction could come next season if they fail to win promotion and are found guilty of breaching FFP rules.

It’s an update that should concern supporters, obviously, with promotion in 2019 seemingly the only way Villa will avoid a hefty punishment.

After such a poor start to the season, which has seen Villa win three times, promotion just doesn’t seem likely, with Bruce’s defence leaking goals and his squad having an incredible imbalance to it.

The pressure is already on Bruce, with many not believing he is the man to guide Villa to promotion after 100 games at the helm.

The club’s board now need to decide if he is the man to do that this season, particularly with a 12-point deduction hanging over Villa Park.

If promotion isn’t achieved this season and Villa are facing a fourth consecutive year in the Championship, it will be worrying enough. If a 12-point deduction follows, there is no doubt that we could well be seeing Villa becoming the next Leeds or Forest, which is a real worry.

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