Villa set to cut out their fringe stars

Last season, only 17 players started Premiership games in an Aston Villa shirt. Friedel and Barry were ever-presents, whilst Petrov and Young missed just four games between them.

Eight members of the squad started more than 30 Premiership games. Of course, if they are doing well, that’s no problem. And to be fair, few could have had any complaints about the way O’Neill’s chosen few performed last season. However, it does raise the question of how content those players constantly starting on the bench will remain in this age of rotation?

If you were to single out a player who perhaps could have some grounds for frustration, it would be Nigel Reo-Coker. Admittedly, he played a lot of minutes last season and started 19 games, but few of those were in his preferred central midfield role. With Barry and Petrov playing exceptionally throughout the season, it’s easy to see why he didn’t force himself into contention in that area. But given the slump in form from March until the end of the season, could he not have been forgiven for wanting a chance in a central position?

Regularly played on the right or in defence, Reo Coker has actually been a model pro. Obviously struggling a little bit with playing out of position, he has not once complained about his lot. For this reason, and because of the departure of Gareth Barry, I think Reo Coker will stick around at Villa Park for the foreseeable future – despite him being linked with a move back to London with Tottenham. He’s energetic, disciplined and a tough tackler. Importantly, he can play out of position if needs be and is a very strong squad player, perhaps deserving a chance at a more regular central role.

His former West Ham colleague, however, could easily be on his way out the door. Without a single Premiership start last season and only seven appearances as a sub, Marlon Harewood must surely be looking for more regular football elsewhere.

Again, he really can’t have too many complaints. With Carew and Agbonlahor playing well, and with Heskey joining the fray in January, he was unlikely to force his way into contention. It’s a shame, and perhaps a spot of short-sightedness on O’Neill’s behalf when signing him. He’s always given his all and has become strangely popular despite his lack of first team opportunities. If he does leave, and he’s already being linked with Middlesbrough, I wish him all the best.

Steve Sidwell is another player vying for an opportunity in the middle of the park. A mobile player with a desire to surge forward, he was simply outshone last season by Gareth Barry. With injuries also taking their toll, Sidwell only managed 11 Premiership starts last term. However, I expect him to push on and increasingly force his way into O’Neill’s plans next season. The quality that took him to Chelsea hasn’t faded, but the match practise and sharpness certainly has. That can easily be remedied.

As for Craig Gardner and Nathan Delfouneso they are still young and learning their trade. Whether or not they will make the step up remains to be seen, but they have time on their side. Moustapha Salifou, on the other hand, is a mystery. O’Neill rates his entire squad very highly, but Salifou wasn’t treated to a single minute of Premiership football last season. Perhaps he is still a work in progress? Only O’Neill knows the answer to that.

On the whole, I think Villa have a squad content with their position right now. However, a few new summer signings could throw that into jeopardy unless Uncle Marty starts opting to rotate. It’s a fine and difficult balance to achieve, and one that is aided exponentially by success on the pitch and winning some silverware. Let’s hope O’Neill can find that balance and deliver the goods in 2009/10!