Aston Villa's Summer Strategy: What the Villains Must Do to Rebuild

After a turbulent season at the helm, Gerard Houllier has stepped down as manager of Aston Villa. With a tribunal resolving the differences between the club and former manager Martin O'Neill, the club can now leave the past behind them and move on. Here we look at 3 things the club must do to prepare for the 2011-12 season.

1. Get a new manager in quickly

With time ticking down until the opening of the summer transfer window, getting a new manager in fast must be a priority. Transfer targets need to be identified, and after the shambles at the start of the past season, continuity must be the name of the game. Villa have moved to distance themselves from bookmakers' favourite Mark Hughes today, so the focus must shift to names such as David Moyes and Steve McClaren. Moyes would appear the stronger choice, but Everton would be loath to let him go. And he may be holding out for a bigger job, namely Manchester United. So whoever the right man is, Randy Lerner must make his move and make it quickly.

2. Replace outgoing players

The size of Villa's squad has been a constant excuse for managers throughout the last decade. With Nigel Reo-Coker and John Carew having already left the team, and the futures of Brad Friedel, Stewart Downing and Ashley Young uncertain, the club cannot fall back into old patterns. They have to spend money in order to bolster the squad. With Young almost certain to leave, and Downing being constantly linked to Arsenal and Liverpool, the midfield will certainly need to be strengthened. Add to this the gap between the posts should Friedel leave. These problems can be remedied by looking towards newly relegated clubs. West Ham's Rob Green is a solid keeper, and Blackpool's Charlie Adam could provide much needed creativity in the centre of the park.

3. Promote Fabian Delph

While the club must bring in some experienced heads to the first team, it already has one of the most promising midfielders in England in Fabian Delph. Since arriving at the club for £8 million, Delph has had a fairly withdrawn role on the club. Last season after a serious injury, he only played in eight games, starting five. The team has not shied away from integrating young players recently (Ciaran Clark started 16 league games last season). With Reo-Coker leaving the club, a more prominent role should be given to Delph on the first team, injury permitting that is.