Bouma: Things can only get better

Aug 11 2006

WILFRED Bouma admits Villa were 'awful' last season and believes things can only get better.

Bouma arrived at Villa almost 12 months ago from PSV Eindhoven but struggled to settle into the Premiership.

Now he is back in his Dutch homeland and preparing to take on FC Groningen tonight. And he is feeling more upbeat about the new season after the summer upheaval at Villa Park.

"I'm much fitter than I was last year. I think this is the first pre-season for years where I've trained every day and played a lot of matches," he said.

"In previous years I had European Championships or I was injured, so hopefully now I can push on.

"I'm looking forward to my second season here. I came last year and we had an awful season.

"Everybody wants to do better now and be higher in the table. We don't want another season like last year. It would not be acceptable."

* Can things be any worse than last season? Tell us what you think at www.birminghammail.net/villa/yourshout