Aston Villa: Louie Barry and Rico Richards celebrate as Stockport County earn promotion
Aston Villa loanees Louie Barry and Rico Richards have achieved promotion from League Two with Stockport County after a 2-0 win v Morecombe.
Barry joined the League Two outfit in the summer transfer window and was electric in his opening months with his new side. Richards was a winter addition for Dave Challinor’s side and they have helped County achieve promotion and move one step closer to a title win.
Unai Emery and the Villa hierarchy are likely to be pleased with what they have seen. Pre-season may represent an opportunity to prove themselves in the first-team picture.
How have Aston Villa loanees Louie Barry and Rico Richards performed?
It is safe to say that Barry finally hit some excellent form after four rather unproductive loan spells away from Villa Park.
In his opening 15 League Two appearances for County, he registered a very healthy nine goals and two assists in a club-record run of seven goals on the bounce [FotMob].
The former Barcelona forward did pick up a lengthy injury after this run of superb form which has seen him out from late October to 9 April. This saw him laid off for 168 days in an unfortunate turn of events.
Richards only made the move in January but has played his part as Stockport look set to become League Two Champions.
The 20-year-old has certainly been used primarily as an impact sub due to his pace out wide. He has only scored one goal but has only been afforded 285 minutes of league action.
The Villa academy duo have certainly played their part as their side scored a league-high 86 goals [FotMob] which has given them both vital experience.
There is hope amongst Villa fans that more young talent will break through into the first team and with this promotion under their belts, they might be in good stead to have a chance in pre-season.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery is expected to consider selling Tim Iroegbunman this summer amid growing transfer interest
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.