Aston Villa’s start to the 2017-18 Championship season has been a timorous one, as they have lost two games on the trot. Defeats at the hands of Cardiff City and Reading have been the testaments to the perception that even after making adequate signings, the Lions are far from being a productive side and still have changes to make before the curtains of the summer transfer window fall.
Steve Bruce is already feeling the heat and animosity of fans and media alike and it goes without saying that his days at the Villa Park are numbered unless the results start dishing out in favour of the Villans. The lack of resilience from his troops has been one of the major headaches for Bruce as Aston Villa have already conceded as many as five goals in two league outings. Apparently, they are in the contemplative stage of bringing a veteran midfielder in the shape of Jack Colback to their ranks.
Colback has been on the books of Newcastle United since the summer of 2014 after moving to St. James’ Park from Sunderland on a free transfer. Owing to the manner he holds the ball and breaks the attacking endeavours of the opposition’s defenders, his stocks did rise considerably over the course of his career. However, after the introduction of Rafael Benitez as the manager of the Geordies, his stature has fallen significantly and it was reported earlier this month that the former Napoli boss has put him out of his setup after a training ground row with his manager.
As a result, the midfielder has fallen on the radar of The Claret and Blue considering Benitez’s inclination to sell him. The former Hull City manager is a huge admirer of the Englishman, having worked with him when he was in-charge of the Black Cats. Aston Villa have already brought a galvanizing defender, John Terry, and bagging someone like Colback could really help them in marauding forward in the right direction.
Although Colback might not be a flashy signing, he is a relentless toiler and excellent reader of the game. With his availability, the backline of Bruce’s side, which has been breached quite easily, would be afforded with the cushion it needs to tighten their screws. The 27-year-old is an experienced gladiator and having earned a promotion to the Premier League with the Toon, his incoming would automatically uplift the morale, quality and the sense of assurance of Aston Villa.
