da bet7k： Aston Villa may have beaten Norwich at the weekend to provide at least the faintest glimmer hope in their relegation battle, but manager Remi Garde was clearly frustrated in the transfer market.
da dobrowin： The Premier League’s basement club failed to draft in any reinforcements over the summer, seemingly resigning themselves to the drop.
While a great escape is unlikely, Villa fans will be devastated that the board, seemed to at least, failed to back their manager with funds.
A club with such a proud tradition, for neutrals as well as die hard fans, simply accepting their fate is not a welcome sight.
Their recruitment over the summer may have provided a warning to the board, but considering what is at stake next term, at least a glimmer of fighting spirit could have lifted the damp mood in the Midlands.
Not to rub it in too much Villa fans, but here’s the starting eleven you could have had at the end of January…
LOVRE KALINIC
The Croatian stopper had appeared to be set for a £4.9m switch from Hajduk Split, though was ultimately denied a work permit.
Harsh perhaps and a matter that is said to have irked Garde over the course of the window.
MATHIEU DEBUCHY
The Arsenal defender was linked with a loan move to Villa Park for pretty much the entirety of the window, though a £1m loan fee ultimately proved to be a stumbling block, according to reports.
He joined Bordeaux instead.
MICAH RICHARDS
Debuchy’s arrival could have afforded former England international, still only 27, Micah Richards the chance to move across to centre-back.
His imposing frame and recovery pace would be perhaps more suited to a more central role, especially if Villa need to attack from now until the rest of the season.
JOLEON LESCOTT
Lescott’s vast experience could provide the perfect foil for Richards in the centre of defence, with the former Man City star also popping up with some crucial goals at times.
ALY CISSOKHO
By no means a world beater, but Aly Cissokho has at least provided some energy ever since a return from his loan spell at Porto.
With the club desperately needing wins, his boundless energy going forward may yield chances at the very least.
GOKHAN INLER
Switzerland captain Gokhan Inler cannot get into the Leicester City team right now, such is the crazy world of the Premier League.
He was reportedly a target for Garde over the winter window, though a move did not materialize. His experience in the holding role could have given Villa some steel in midfield for the first time in what seems like forever.
IDRISSA GUEYE
While the majority of Tim Sherwood’s signings have proven to be an unmitigated disaster, Idrissa Gueye has performed relatively well in comparison.
Granted, that hasn’t proved to be overly difficult, but the Senegalese star looks to be a good fit in the holding role within Garde’s passing philosophy.
JORDAN AYEW
Jordan Ayew, when he isn’t needlessly elbowing people, is actually a pretty decent player. He’s scored 5 goals in a largely terrible team and provides a threat with his electric pace.
STEVEN NAISMITH
Scotland international Steven Naismith moved to Norwich for around £8m and provided an instant impact with a debut goal for the Canaries.
Prior to his switch to East Anglia, the 29-year old was mentioned as a potential target for Villa.
While not the silkiest of Number 10s, the former Rangers man’s tireless work rate provides a solid link between midfield and attack, helping create more of a threat in the final third.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Scott Sinclair might not be the most natural of left wingers, but his natural pace and incisive attacking play would be well suited in this fantasy team.
Cutting inside, he can provide support to the main striker and help stretch defences.
LOIC REMY
The Chelsea forward was often linked with a loan move to the Midlands in the build up to Euro 2016.
Quite simply, the man scores goals. A loan deal would have been perfect for the player, as well as the club. Granted, it may have been hard to pull off, but it would have given Villa a top class centre-forward in a relegation battle.