Tom Ross Column:What is going on at Aston Villa?
In fact, the way Villa have moved forward under the leadership of Randy and Martin has been nothing short of fantastic. Many fans and experts across the country consider them the best of the rest in the Premier League outside the established top four.
Sadly, it is going to take more than just millions of pounds to break into that quartet and replace one of them.
Many Villa supporters were surprised when O’Neill didn’t splash the cash during last summer’s transfer window and again in January.
His small squad and the need to improve it, both numbers-wise and in quality, has been the subject of much discussion over the last couple of seasons.
No-one could understand his reluctance to spend on strengthening. We all thought it was because he couldn’t get the players he wanted. Was it because there was no money to spend?
This is a brilliant time to be a Villa supporter, a fact that is reflected in the 40,000-plus attendances at home games.
However, there has been a lot of negativity surrounding the UEFA Cup and the fans’ expectation levels, especially after being third in the Premier League and a number of points ahead of Arsenal.
It needs the club to explain to their fans exactly what is going on and whether or not the aims and ambitions have changed.
If, as I expect, nothing has changed ambition-wise with Lerner and O’Neill then Villa should allay the fears and worries of the fans by making a clear statement to that effect.
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