Now the season is over the hard work begins for Steve Bruce, Paul Lambert and Harry Redknapp (even though he has yet to put pen to paper on a contract at Blues) as they plan for an assault on promotion next season. All of them will have to bring in new players but will have to spend wisely with funds set to be limited.
Without any fear of argument it will be tougher to win promotion next season than ever before and of course fans expectations will be higher.
A good start is essential and home grounds will have to be the platform for achieving the objective-promotion. If automatic promotion is the goal then you have to win at least two points a game on average to achieve that dream. To reach the playoffs you will need no worse than 1.7 points per game.
This season Villa achieved 1.35 points per game, Wolves 1.26 and Blues 1.15 so all have some improving to do if they want to be a serious threat next season.
Squads also have to be stronger in depth to cope with the relentless Sat/Tues games and the injuries and suspensions that will undoubtedly happen. But their is an air of optimism as all three clubs will start the season with a new manager in charge while at Blues it will be their third man in the hot seat. All three are experienced and will want to bring in some players with Premier League experience-it will be interesting to see what players they manage to attract. It is a players and agents world so the better players can pick and choose.
This season has only just finished in the Championship and already I can't wait for next season to kick off.