Express & Star

Blog: It's like Groundhog Day at Aston Villa

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With the season almost upon us, fans are wondering how things are going to pan out this time, writes Villa blogger Matthew Turvey.

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In what has started to feel much like Groundhog Day, the week prior to the Premier League kick off seems to begin with some combination of pessimism and concern with expectations closer to survival than success.

For Aston Villa, such a decline is obviously something that is going to hurt the pride and egos of fans - when you've got to a point where sixth was achievable, being closer to sixteenth is going to feel like a "not good enough" effort.

Of course, the reality of Villa's recent past explains why the club have gone from boom to bust, but the majority of fans - understandably - don't care about finance and, if we're honest, they shouldn't need to.

Why? Fans attend games to watch football matches. The expectation is that the club can employ the right people to know how much money is available and how it should be spent.

If that means fans are led to believe they can afford the likes of Darren Bent at £24m, then it sets a standard up that is expected.

So, when this season's acquisitions have come firmly from the bargain basement, people are going to feel aggrieved.

I have spent much of the past three years talking about Villa's financial woes, and whilst they are wholly relevant to the operation of the club, fans are frustrated.

Circumstances have changed from a point where Villa could beat most clubs to a time where I wholly expect the club to lose more games than they win this season.

Maybe if Villa hadn't have managed to get to sixth under Martin O'Neill, things would be different.

That the then manager was boosted by a then-loved Randy Lerner set up a trajectory of hope, followed by a culture of expectation - Villa were going in the right direction.

Now, as Villa look ahead to a campaign where survival will be the first hurdle to jump - and ideally before the 35th or 36th game - fans are deflated with many vowing to stay away until times change, presumably once Lerner manages to sell up.

When that will be is anyone's guess. Perhaps Villa will surprise us all and play above expectations and give us something to cheer about this time around.

All that matters now is that we, as a club, are ready for the season. Are we going to do better than last time around?

My heart still says yes, but my head - unfortunately - says it is going to be another long season ahead.

You can follow Matt Turvey's regular opinions at his own site, Aston Villa Life at www.astonvillalife.com, via the site's Twitter account @astonvillalife, or via his own Twitter account @mturvey_star.