Since his arrival two years ago, Martin O’Neil has gradually turned the fortunes of Aston Villa around. Last season’s top six finish represented Villa’s best final league placing for four years and many of their supporters will be hoping for further development this season.

Unfortunately, O’Neil’s preparations for the new season have been hampered by the prolonged departure of the long serving club captain Gareth Barry. Barry made it clear at the end of last season that he had decided to quit Villa Park because he wanted to play Champions League football. A move to Liverpool has seemed inevitable all summer but the affair has become increasingly fraught. Barry was suspended from training after making comments about O’Neil in a national newspaper and Liverpool have also been accused of attempts to unsettle Barry. The deal is likely to be completed at some point before the start of the season with the final fee proving to be the main stumbling block.

The summer has also seen Villa lose two of their most experienced professionals. Olaf Mellberg became a free agent in June and opted to end his seven year stay in the Premiership and move to Italy to play for Juventus. Veteran Czech midfielder Patrik Berger was released and he has since joined Sparta Prague.

O’Neil has moved quickly to replace Barry by signing former Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell from Chelsea for £5 million. The 25-year old will be eager to make up for lost time after he rarely featured for the Blues last season.

Goalkeeper Scot Carson has returned to Liverpool after a mixed spell on loan last season. O’Neil has quickly moved to replace him with possibly one of the buys of the summer. Veteran American goalkeeper Brad Friedel has moved from Blackburn Rovers for £2 Million and represents a sound investment. Fellow American goalkeeper Brad Guzan has also joined from MLS team Chivas USA to provide competition for the Number 1 spot.

As the new season approaches, O’Neil will be hoping that the Barry transfer saga can be resolved soon. Avoiding a prolonged situation that might destabilise team moral will be one of his biggest concerns.

For the fans, the expectation levels will be higher than in recent years. If Villa can keep their key players fit then the fans belief that they can break into the top 5 is not beyond them. Exciting youngsters Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young are much more experienced this season and will continue to provide support for John Carew up front. O’Neil will be hopeful that Sidwell can adapt quickly to the team and should prove to be an adequate replacement for Barry.

In defence, Mellberg’s expected departure was offset last season by the timely return to fitness of Martin Laursen. Friedel’s arrival will certainly help Villa at the back. The American is widely regarded as one of the best keeper’s in the Premier League and his consistent level of performance will certainly help them to have a good season.