Credit: Hasan Karim/Getty

Jack Dawson

Wed 28 May 2025 18:30, UK

Aston Villa are set for a massive summer of change after their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

The Birmingham outfit lost to Manchester United 2-0 on the final day of the Premier League to condemn Unai Emery’s side to the Europa League.

As a result, departures are expected, with Chelsea set to try and lure Morgan Rogers to Stamford Bridge.

Emi Martinez has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia to help facilitate more incomings.

However, it isn’t only the playing staff who are set to leave over the coming weeks.

Chris Heck thanks Aston Villa fans amid impending departure

Heck is set to leave Aston Villa at the end of the season after running the President of Business Operations.

Joining in 2023, Heck came under fire this season for Villa’s Champions League ticket prices.

However, throughout his time at Villa Park, he has played a key role in expanding the commercial side of the Birmingham club.

This helped Villa acquire the Adidas deal last summer, which brought in significant finances.

Now, the departing Villa chief has sent fans a message, believing that they are in a “true golden age”.

He posted on X (28 May): “My sincerest gratitude to Aston Villa Football Club for allowing me to play a leadership role over the last few years.

“This is truly the golden age for this great club. Villa will always have a special place in my heart…Up The Villa!”

Heck did an underrated job at Aston Villa

While Heck is likely to be remembered for the Champions League ticket price hike, overall, he did a good job at the Birmingham outfit.

When he joined the Villa, the West Midlands club had been fighting relegation for the majority of their recent campaigns and were not on the big stage financially.

Yet, upon his departure, Villa have rapidly increased their commercial income thanks to his work.

Hopefully, a replacement will be confirmed in the foreseeable future who can take the Birmingham outfit to the next level.