Brazil cuts off Andy Townsend after Aston Villa blunder live on radio
Aston Villa supporters may not be too happy with Andy Townsend right now.
The former Villa Park star captained the Villans to the 1996 League Cup with a 3-0 win over Leeds United and is adored in B6.
However, his latest omission could land him in hot water with fans, after he failed to name Unai Emery‘s side in a debate about next season’s Premier League.
Villa to miss out on top four
Emery and his players will be looking to return to the Champions League after narrowly missing out at the end of last season.
However, predicting the top four race, Townsend, who made 172 appearances for the Villans, omitted them from his top four.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (28 July, 7:08 am), he said: “The traditional top four, if you like, would be Liverpool, Arsenal, City, Man United in years gone by, but not now, Chelsea are very much there.
“I think if Newcastle hang onto Isak and maybe just fatten up the squad a little bit, I like Elanga, Gordon, Isak, the prospect of that, with those boys they have in midfield that really work well together, I think Newcastle.”
That left his co-host Alan Brazil stunned; he cut him off, saying: “No mention of Villa?”
Townsend’s omission is justified amid Villa concerns
The former Villa ace justified his claims with concerns around the B6 outfit’s business so far, and Brazil should not be as shocked as he was.
The Villans have signed experienced goalkeeper Marco Bizot and young defender Yasin Ozcan so far, but still have several other positions of need.
He also raised questions about the futures of Emi Martinez and Morgan Rogers, and if they are sold, it could be a struggle for a top-four berth once again.
Villa needs to make additions and strengthen the squad, as getting back into Europe’s premier competition is vital, especially for the financial boost that it brings more than anything else.
If Villa want to be competing with the very best, at the highest level, then they need reinforcements; otherwise, it may be a miserable campaign.
The Europa League presents another route back into the Champions League, and that may be winnable, but Villa cannot rely on that path and should be looking to get back amongst the elite through domestic means.
Monchi and Co. need to figure out a way to finance deals, as the lack of business so far is a huge worry, and if it is not sorted, then there will be significant doubts about the upcoming season and plenty more omissions than just Townsend’s.
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