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New Villa blogger Dave Bytheway talks about the rise from relegation candidates, the new boys and the men who could yet come in ahead of a visit to Stoke on Saturday.

Proud history, bright future.

This was the new motto for Aston Villa installed by the American regime when Doug Ellis went to pasture.

Yet the uncertainty of foreign investment in English football is a major worry for fans accross the country, but so far you would struggle to find a better custodian than Randy Lerner.

Take this example. With the aptly named “credit crunch” (after all, Randy and MBNA have added their share) affecting the fans, the ticket price of £10 across the board for a UEFA Cup tie, shows a little bit can be given back if the owners want to.

Compare this to the shambolic set up at a club I cant bear to mention, there is no question who would come out on top in a popularity poll.

The seeds that were sown when Lerner came in are already starting to blossom. Many new managers when given the reigns of a team use the common phrase “five year plan”, more so than not as an excuse for early failure.

When Martin O’Neill used it at his first press conference as Villa manager, it was apparent he meant it.

The steady rise from relegation candidates under O’Leary, to mid table, and then to UEFA Cup qualification proves that the plan is working.

O’Neill cleared the decks of the dead wood he found no use for and bought in a new look, mainly English squad capable of competing with the best.

This season started early, with competitive games in July, so O’Neill knew he had to bolster the squad early.

He did so with the signings of American goalkeeping namesakes Brad Friedel and Guzan, midfielder Steve Sidwell, together with the defensive quartet of Carlos Cuellar, Curtis Davies, Luke Young and Nicky Shorey. The defence that leaked goals last year suddenly looked a tighter ship.

Our first game against a club in turmoil was never going to be easy, or so we thought. Manchester City played as though they were the ones with an arrest warrant against them!

They dithered on the ball and looked nervous all afternoon. With a strike force of Agbonlahor and Carew, there is no time for dithering. The second half proved as much, with Gabby netting his first hat trick for Villa, and Carew adding a fourth.

The class of football played by Villa was a pleasure to watch. To compare it to a basketball game wouldn’t be far wide of the mark, with attack, after attack. The pressure was relentless and it was only a matter of time before the City backline relented. To come out 4-2 winners was a fair result.

With a few weeks to go until the transfer deadline, I fully expect more quality signings. With rumours such as James Milner and Kevin Doyle being touted around, the squad can only get better.

Stoke on Saturday, then the return UEFA Cup game on Thursday will prove to be a hard week. The possibility of games against top European teams will be enough of a incentive to get them through.

Exciting times ahead, half way into the five year plan. How far can we go from here? As far as we want to!

Also if note,