Whilst many may consider Aston Villa’s recent progress, especially this year, as considerable, Martin O’Neill will look back on the 2008/9 season as a missed opportunity.

The decision to forgo further progress in the UEFA Cup by fielding a weakened team in Russia with a view to concentrating on breaking into the Premier League top four and securing a Champions League berth will be one that Villa fans discuss for years to come. It was ultimately a decision that almost back-fired spectacularly as O’Neill’s charges lost form in the last third of the year and at one point were in danger of missing out on Europe altogether. However, the development of the younger squad members such as Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor will tell the former Celtic boss that he is on the right track to take the club to a higher level.

No doubt eyes will be on chairman Randy Lerner to see whether he can not only allow O’Neill to strengthen his squad with new blood but also persuade existing stars, particularly Gareth Barry, to remain at Villa Park. If he is successful, Villa may well present the biggest threat to the big four next year.