Aston Villa supporters will be hoping for better when their side get their 2017/18 Championship campaign underway in August.
The Villans endured a tricky first season in the second tier last time out, finishing 13th in the table after beginning the campaign under former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo, yet ending it with former Birmingham chief Steve Bruce.
Di Matteo lost his job in October after a slow start to life at Villa Park, yet Bruce came in and steadied the ship to lead them to 13th place, albeit a full 18 points adrift of the top six.
Yet with a full pre-season and summer transfer window to follow, there is much optimism that the former Hull boss, four times promoted to the top-flight in his career, can take the Midlands club back to the promised land.
However, it’s clear that serious reinforcements will be needed at the club, and one man who has been linked with a sensational move to Villa Park in recent days is John Terry.
The 36-year-old left Chelsea at the end of last season after 717 appearances for the club, yet it does appear that he’ll seek a new adventure in the twilight of his playing career.
And that could come at Villa, and the news of a potential deal for Terry stimulated quite a response from Villans supporters on Twitter, with many struggling to contain their delight at the thought of the centre-back playing for the club next term…
If we pull it off, it would be the best championship signing ever.
— Scott (@DJ_Jammo) June 12, 2017
No-one in the English game epitomises winning more than John Terry. If he thinks he can bring that to Villa Park, then I’m on board. #avfc
— Andy (@AndyVilla80) June 12, 2017
100%I would take JT
— Lewis Murphy (@lewis59453181) June 12, 2017
Desperately trying to not get over excited by the prospect if signing John Terry #avfc
— Christopher Franklin (@CFranklin84) June 12, 2017
Not his biggest fan but John terry would be an INCREDIBLE signing for #avfc
— Emmett Carey (@3MMETT_c4R3y) June 12, 2017
Even at his age he’s better than any defender we’ve had in a decade. A solid back 4 = promotion
— DF (@darcy_finna) June 12, 2017
I’d happily take John Terry #AVFC
— Jake Avery (@JakeAvery4) June 12, 2017
Ecstatic, need I say more! #avfc
— Roger. W (@RogW38) June 12, 2017