Aston Villa's long search back to the top flight of English football looks as if it is going to continue for another season. Still, under Dean Smith and currently finding their way with new coaching staff and players finding their feet, the wait doesn't look like it will be much longer, with next season looking exciting. 

With the fans watching their squad slowly build back up to the level it used to be, there has been discomfort and annoyance with some of the performances over the last few years. Finally, with Smith, there appears to be some shape coming back to the club, with a manager who is finally thinking game by game and trying to win at all costs.

It may not be this season, but there is certainly something to look forward to at Villa Park in the near future.

As well as new coaching staff, here is a couple of signings that have been made over the last couple of seasons to steady the Villa ship once more.

John Terry 

A born leader, the former Chelsea man was a clear sign of intent from the Villa board. Signed in 2017 on a free transfer, Terry was given the simple role of leader.

It immediately showed throughout the entire club that they had someone who will win them games with his defending and who will bring a different level of want and will to the club.

Catching him at the end of his career was probably the best thing Villa could have done for their evolution. Now working as assistant manager, John Terry has a connection with the club that most of the men that came before him didn't.

There is no doubt that Villa along with Terry will have success soon.

Tommy Elphick

 

Having a solid start to life in a Villa shirt, Tommy Elphick was a main feature in the defence during the 2016/17 Championship season. Signing for around £3m from Bournemouth, the then 28-year-old bought a new lease of life into the deflated Villa Park, proving to be pivotal in keeping Villa afloat and not allowing relegation fever to get the better of them.

After a couple of loan spells to pick up form, Villa now have an experienced centre back with John Terry as his assistant manager.

If that's not a dream scenario for Villa, then I don't know what is.