Now the dust has settled on yet another Premier League season, it’s time to reflect on what was a below-par one for Aston Villa.
A 14th place finish is far from what anyone envisioned at the start of the year.
After a club record signing in Emiliano Buendia, a proven goalscorer landed in Danny Ings and the exciting addition of Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen - the optimism was high.
But it soon faded and before we knew it, we were saying goodbye to boyhood Villan Dean Smith after he was sacked and replaced with a legend of another club, Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard promised a clean-slate for all of the current group of players and a chance for all to impress as he looked to assess the team ahead of two busy transfer windows and he stuck by his word.
All the first team squad were given a chance by the new man between his arrival and the end of the campaign - some impressed whilst others certainly did not.
There will now be no doubt in Gerrard’s mind who he wants in this squad, where he wants to improve and how many additions he needs to do that.
But we’ve had our own go at the judging with an end of season review.
Here’s how BirminghamWorld rated every member of the senior squad from the 2021/22 and for matter of fairness - all made at least five appearances for the club.
13. Jacob Ramsey - 7.5
Aston Villa’s players’ player of the year and young player of the year. Ramsey has had a real breakthrough season and delivered a lot for a 20-year-old. There were times where he’s faded out of games but that’s to be expected at his age. | Getty Images
14. Calum Chambers - 8
I’ve never not been impressed with Chambers when he’s suited up this year. Villa have seemed more solid at the back and the fact he’s even slotted in in midfield on occasion shows his versatility. Quietly, a real good few months. | Getty Images
15. Emiliano Buendia - 7.5
Another man that has impressed nearly every time he’s been on the field. The issue for Buendia is that he’s not been on it all that much compared to some. Expecting a big season next season from the Argentine. | AFP via Getty Images
16. Carney Chukwuemeka - 5
Had mainly cameo roles this season but in the games he has started he’s failed to impress too much - especially for a man that wants more playing time. He’s still very young though and there’s time to grow and improve. | Getty Images