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We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Aston Villa Women’s decision to appoint veteran defender Rachel Corsie as the new club captain was a “no-brainer”, according to Dan Bardell.
The club confirmed (19 September) that the Scotland international, who moved to Villa Park in 2022, would take the armband from the departed Remi Allen this season following 29 total appearances in all competitions.
The side had a good end to their Women’s Super League campaign last year, ending the season in a fantastic fifth-place finish and a historic FA Cup semi-final appearance, with Corsie emerging as a mainstay after her move from Kansas City Current.
Bardell has waxed lyrical about the 34-year-old, suggesting she’s showing no signs of losing her form, while her continued presence at the club indicates the trajectory of the Women’s side.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “She was pretty much captain every game last season when she was fit because Remi Allen spent the whole season injured, so it’s no surprise to see her appointed.
“The Villa Women’s team have kind of moved with the time over the last couple of seasons, the players who have been there have fallen to the wayside as the club moved to a higher level.
“Rachel has remained and become a mainstay. She’s not showing any signs of slowing down when she plays and she still makes a positive impact. It was a no-brainer to keep her around and make her captain.
“She’s got that ball-playing ability. When you’re moving up [as a club], having a bit of experience helps and I think she will be important again this season. She might not play every single game, but a great person to have at the training ground.”
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton has pointed to an Unai Emery signing who could be dropped for their European return.