Tim’s first shopping list

This summer, we assume, will see Tim Sherwood’s first transfer window as a manager. The new boss may now be considering the futures of several first team players and will seek replacements or improvements to the Aston Villa squad, which will undoubtedly be done on a tight budget.

So, which areas are reinforcements needed in?

A few players have not been as effective as they should have been this season and may find themselves in danger of making their final exits at Bodymoor Heath come the end of the season.

Brad Guzan’s spot in the first team may come under scrutiny in the summer, as this season the American has just not lived up to the standards that he set previously. In many ways, 2014-15 has been a huge disappointment and Guzan’s mistake at the Eitihad summed up his lacklustre season. There is no doubting that he is a great shot stopper but, at times, his judgement and distribution let him, and the team, down. It is harsh to pounce on one uncharacteristic gaffe but a goalkeeper has no place to hide and needs to limit errors, as when they are made they will always prove costly.

Another reason to bring in a new goalkeeper is to introduce an element of competition into the squad, particularly as it seems that Guzan is far too comfortable between the posts at the moment and knows that he will remain the club’s number one goalkeeper. After Given’s heroics in the FA Cup, the Republic of Ireland international might have some hope of regaining the number spot. However, it should be remembered that there is a mistake or two in Given, a man who was criticised during the two-legged tie against Bradford City in the League Cup.

Another position that Sherwood may need to look into strengthening is the centre-back spot. While the club is suffering due to injuries in this position, there is a lack of leadership in the back line and this will certainly be even more of an issue if Ron Vlaar does leave in the summer. The squad is also missing a centre-back of the nature of Martin Laursen, Olof Mellberg and Paul McGrath, to name but a few who have left a legacy at Villa Park.

One of many negatives this season is the club’s scoring record. Happily, this problem has faded significantly since Sherwood took over and allowed the team more freedom to attack, creating a fairly formidable strike force. Personally, I feel that another pacey striker should still be brought in. This addition could be made by making a permanent move for Scott Sinclair, who has already stated that he wants to stay at Villa Park. It is a move that fans would like to see, especially given Sinclair’s contribution in the FA Cup. Gabriel Agbonlahor has improved massively since Sherwood was appointed but does lack footballing knowledge at times and struggles with injuries, which is a real shame as he has the right attributes to be a powerful striker in the Premier League. Hopefully, Tim Sherwood will be able to nurture Agbonlahor and rekindle the promise that was shown earlier in his career.

There are still many players out on loan this season and Sherwood will have to analyse their worth to the team in the coming months. Callum Robinson and Gary Gardner have certainly flourished during their loan spells and could be considered for places in the first team’s squad. This is more than can be said for a few other players including the likes of Yacouba Sylla, Nicklas Helenius, Antonio Luna and Alexander Tonev, with the latter being charged with racist conduct while on loan at Celtic. One player also returning was on the receiving end of a lot of stick from Villa fans. Defender Joe Bennett has been on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion for the season. Brighton fans have mixed opinions on the full-back. Would Villa fans like to see Joe Bennett return to the team after the poor performances of Kieran Richardson and Aly Cissokho?

Tim Sherwood will have a busy summer on his hands, whatever happens.

Which areas of the team do you feel need improving – and why? Let me know your thoughts by responding in the comments section below.