Aston Villa spending must continue in January

When Aston Villa unveiled Alex McLeish as Manager at the beginning of last season I was, to say the least surprised; Villa fans were more than annoyed.

The former Rangers Manager was in charge of near neighbours Birmingham the season before and they got relegated.

Last season Aston Villa only just missed relegation themselves and to steady the ship they let McLeish go; to a lot of their fans relief.

This time the Villa board looked for a manager that can take the club places and hopefully move the club up in the Premier League. Sadly for Norwich that man was Paul Lambert.

Anyone who knows anything about football has to admire the job he did at Carrow Road. After thrashing Norwich seven goals to one when he was Colchester manager the former Celtic star took the reigns at the Norfolk club.

In three years in charge Lambert took the Canaries from League One to the Premier League His CV speaks for itself!

So what exactly can the canny Scotsman bring to Villa Park?

I think he has a huge job on his hands. The investment into the squad, which started before the transfer deadline, needs to continue in January.

The great thing about Lambert is he gets the best out of his players. In his Norwich days there weren’t really any ‘stand out’ players; they all played for each other and played well.

This resulted in two promotions and in three years he didn’t spend much so that should please the Villa board.

He’s brought in Bennett, Benteke, Bowery and Westwood to boost his squad. Add to that Gabriel Agbonlahor's return from injury soon to be joined by Marc Albrighton and things are not looking too bad for the Midlands club. 

The players may find it hard to get used to Lambert’s ideas at first but in the long run I can see success coming their way.

After three games so far they are without a win, but sit in good company, with Tottenham and Liverpool in the same position. There is no reason to panic, but fans will hope for three points at home to Swansea this weekend, a side who Lambert led Norwich to home and away wins over last season.

I was sorry to see Lambert leave Norwich but it gives Chris Hughton another chance at the top table; the Villa versus Norwich game at the end of October should be fun...

What did you make of Aston Villa's transfer window? Does the spending need to continue in the New Year?

image: © ell brown