The next in our mini-series, whereby we take a look at those who`ll be competing with us in the Premier League next season, covers a club that has a glorious history.
Step forward Aston Villa
Mr Fear over at Vital HQ, and a manic Villa supporter, is always quick to remind me that his beloved Villa has won the trophy we`ve labeled as our Holy Grail. Of how a Villa side beat Bayern Munich, courtesy of a goal from Peter Withe; to lift the biggest club prize in European football.
But the times have changed and none more so than at Villa Park.
The consensus of opinion was that Villa were doing okay with Martin O`Neill at the helm, more steady than spectacular they were still being tipped as possible top-six finishers, but the sudden departure of O`Neill did Villa no favours and they prepare to start this season with Alex McLeish in charge having watched as the unfortunate Gerard Houllier fell victim, again, to health problems forcing him to retire.
McLesih`s appointment wasn`t universally accepted with the locals protesting and daubing graffiti announcing their displeasure at having a former blue-nose in charge.
On the pitch matters look to be up in the air. In recent weeks they`ve seen Ashley Young join Manchester United and Stewart Downing join Liverpool. You can`t help thinking that Darren Bent must be pondering what the coming season will bring, after all wasn`t he supposed to thrive on the very service the aforementioned two were to provide.
Also gone is the reliable Brad Freidel. The American, for reasons we`ll struggle to fathom out for many a moon, has moved to White Hart Lane.
On the purchasing front, McLeish has yet to declare his hand. Rumours link him with a return to St Andrews to bring some of his Birmingham deadwood with him; something we`d imagine must haunt the thoughts of the Villa faithful. Rumours of a move for Scott Parker remain just that, rumours, and you start to wonder just how Villa will strengthen this summer.
However, the signing of Charles N`Zogbia is expected to be tied up shortly and the recruitment of Shay Given will fill the void left by the departure of Freidel.
As we`re perfectly aware, with our paths having crossed numerous times in the FA Youth Cup, Villa do have an exciting array of young talent, but could it be a season or two too early to expect them to produce week in and week out?
As for our tip for a player to watch, in their ranks, next season, we`ll stick with Darren Bent. Despite Harry Redknapp once insisting that his wife, Sandra, could have scored a chance he once missed during his days as a Spurs striker, Bent continues to knock them in at the highest level.
As for next season, it`ll prove to be, if nothing else, an interesting season for Villa. I`d love to be able to tip them for honours but my head is ruling my heart on this one and a mid-table finish might well, come May, be deemed a decent finish.
All a far cry from the side that had all England cheering for them on that night in Rotterdam when against all the odds they brought that famous trophy, we so crave, home to Birmingham.
What would they do now for the likes of Rimmer, Gibson, McNaught, Evans, Gidman, Bremner, Cowans, Mortimer, Withe, Shaw, Deehan and Morley to be able to grace their ranks, players that did so much to scribe the name of Aston Villa in the record books during a period whereby they won the old Division One title before conquering the best Europe had to offer when only the Champions were allowed to enter the European Cup, as it was then known.
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