Aston Villa to bring through ‘next generation’ as £8m development emerges nearby – BBC pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton is thrilled with the news that a new inner-city academy is set to be completed by Aston Villa later this year.
The Athletic reported on 16 March that Villa’s £8million site has been built near Villa Park in order to beat the likes of Birmingham, West Brom and Wolves to the best youngsters the region has to offer.
It is understood that it was previously felt that the location of Bodymoor Heath was hampering Villa due to its remote location outside of the city.
Hutton believes that any effort make to improve youth recruitment is something that clubs should do but admits that it will take a long time for the Villans to see the benefits of their £8million investment.
“Anything you can do to bring through the next generation is obviously going to help,” Hutton told Villa News.
“If it’s right next to the stadium and you’re going young kids get through there of all ages, you’ll get all the talented players from around and about.
“You’re basically getting the choice of them all.
“This is the bigger picture because it’s going to take years to develop and nurture these kids to eventually have a pathway into the first team.
“It’s a great opportunity for youngsters in the surrounding areas and the club.”
Villa have produced some of the best talents in English football in recent years.
Jack Grealish is obviously the pick of the bunch but Jacob Ramsey, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cameron Archer are among the most recent graduates at Villa’s academy to start to shine.
In other Aston Villa news, players could now be fighting for their futures at Villa Park with a mid-table finish all but secured.