With the season entering the final furlong and with European football secured, Villa blogger Dave Bytheway marks the progress of the current claret and blue squad.

Our team did it and have finally won again! Now, where is that fourth spot we were looking at?

We basically have to write off this season now, having qualified for the newly branded ‘Europa League’ already, so we need to concentrate on building for next season.

In Europe next season, there are many more games in the competition than this year, I was told a total of 17 games to get to the final.

Add these to the 38 Premier League fixtures- not to mention League Cup and FA Cup games – and it’s pretty clear our squad won’t cope.

In my last blog I called for reinforcements, after seeing this schedule I think it’s more of a prority than before.

We have a good base of a squad, so I think the time has come for the Villa blogger to assess how this season has gone on a player basis: -

Brad Friedel (GK) - He was one of the best stoppers in the Premier League at Blackburn, but for me has failed to live up to the expectations. He has let in some daft goals and not looking the goalkeeper he was.

I would try and buy in the summer a top class replacement, maybe Boaz Myhill from Hull.

Luke Young (RB/CB/LB) – Mr Versatile, left back, right back, centre half, he plays them all. He never shirks a challenge and is Martin O’Neills best summer signing for me.

Nicky Shorey (LB) – After a slow start where he was dropped and looked on the way out of the club, but has come on so much in the last 10 games or so. Comfortable on the ball and with his new found confidence will be a betterl asset next season.

Curtis Davies (CB) – Class alongside skipper Martin Laursen, average alongside anyone else. He needs an big player next to him, hopefully we will get one in the summer.

Zat Knight (CB) – Tries his best and a very good back up centre half, but we need more quality alongside Davies for the future.

Martin Laursen (CB) – We were winning everything with him in the side and have lost everything without him. Surely this tells manager Martin O’Neill where our problems are.

I have heard he will be forced to retire, if this is true its a major loss for us and we all wish Martin the best.

James Milner (RW) – Mr Steady, Mr Reliable and has got better as the season has progressed. I would like to see him play a bit more central though.

Ashley Young (LW/FW) – in the words of Martin O’Neill – “brilliant!”

Gareth Barry (CM) – We will miss him when he leaves, no doubt about it. He makes us tick and creates everything. Can we offer him a bumper contract and see what happens?

Stiliyan Petrov (CM) – Alongside Barry he has been superb, finally showing why we paid big money for him. Most improved player for me this season.

John Carew (FW) – Mr Carew, he’s bigger than me and you. He has weighed in with 13 goals this year and missed most of it through injury! A big, big player for us and he loves it here.

Gabby Agbonlahor (FW) – A bit hit and miss to be honest, trying to do a bit too much. Has he been found out maybe? Next season will be that decider.

Emile Heskey (FW) – Not a bad start but not brilliant. But he could well be a major asset for us next season.

Carlos Cuellar (CB) – Started well, but is very injury prone. He comes back after injuries very nervous, and hasn’t lived up to his ‘SPL Player of the Year’ tag yet.

But like Petrov, he needs time.

Steve Sidwell (CM) – Looked OK but again very injury prone. With a run in the side he will be an asset.

With added players to this lot, I feel next season we should really be pushing again for fourth place.

Hopefully a few decent cup runs will make it a good overall campaign for us.

Have a great weekend. Up the Villa!