Sky Sports journalist praises academy figure Mile Jedinak after Aston Villa make successful January loan decision
We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports and The Athletic’s Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Dan Bardell has praised Aston Villa loan player development coach Mile Jedinak and believes the club’s decision to send Cameron Archer and Aaron Ramsey to Middlesbrough has worked perfectly.
Jedinak, who was an instrumental figure in Dean Smith’s Championship promotion side in 2019, took up the role with the academy at Bodymoor Heath in March 2021.
His position as loan player development coach sees the 38-year-old, as well as other figures within the club such as Johan Lange, find the optimal loan destinations for young players to ensure their progress.
So far this season, Villa have loaned out several academy players into the English Football League, with the likes of Tim Iroegbunam moving to QPR, Lamare Bogarde to Bristol Rovers and Finn Azaz plying his trade with League One leaders Plymouth Argyle.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “In terms of Jedinak’s day-to-day, I’ve seen him going to a Stoke game for example last season and Jed Steer was playing as well as Jaden Philogene-Bidace.
“So he obviously watches the games and checks in with the players on how their development is going.
“Cameron Archer could have gone almost anywhere in the Championship in January and Villa, with the likes of Johan Lange and Jedinak’s help, chose that Middlesbrough was the best option for him and Aaron Ramsey, and at the moment, it’s working perfectly for these two.
“There’s a lot that goes into these types of decisions from Villa, and I’m glad Jedinak can be a part of them. I just love that he is involved in the club even after retiring because he was so well respected when he was a player at Villa.
“So many players have absolutely raved about him, players such as Conor Hourihane and James Chester, they all talk of him in such high regard, and you’re just glad for him right now.
“I really like that he’s involved at the club, and he will likely be one of the figures from Villa who is involved in the decision process behind some more loans and recalling players in the summer.”
With Aston Villa currently in the fight for European football, the academy and players who have been out on loan this season could be imperative to offering Unai Emery more squad depth next term.
Decisions on the likes of Archer, Ramsey and Iroegbunam are expected to be made in the summer, but all three have continued to thrive under the guidance of Jedinak and others at Bodymoor Heath.
In other Aston Villa news, a Sky Sports stat reveal has highlighted the importance of one first-team player in the race for European football this season.