If we get promoted

It's looking like the 2nd spot could well be on the cards now. long way to go so I won't count my chickens yet. Well I don't actually own any chickens but you know what I mean.

Who would you keep?

Johnstone (best keeper since Friedal and will only get better, hopefully sign him up)
Terry (still has another season in him)
Chester (solid)
Hutton (on the left but not the right)
Taylor (consistent and can battle it out with Hutton)
Elmo (good player)
Thor (only if he plays defensive midfield)
Whelan (good as cover for Jedi or Thor)
Jedi (I really rate him but it's a shame he's struggled with injuries this season)
Adomah (yes)
Green (yes)
Grealish (yes)
Hourihane (yes)
snodgrass (sign him up)
Kodjia (yes)
Davis (yes)
Bree (ok for the bench)
Steer (no 2 keeper)

Out

Gabby 😭
Hogan (unless he proves me wrong and stays fit)
Samba
McCormack (sorry dave)
De leat
Bunn
Landsbury
Gardner

And send the youngsters out on loan

Wow, should it happen, a massive clear out is needed just to reach mid table. The Jawdees have proved that even with what was a very good squad, the prem is another kettle of fish. SB has built a squad for the Championship. Dr X said that he wanted 3 squads, 1 to get out, 1 to stablise in the prem and 1 to challenge for Europe. With that in mind:

Johnstone
Chester - Squad player
Taylor - Squad player
Thor - Squad player till Xmas
Green
Grealish
Hourihane - Squad player till Xmas
Kodjia
Hogan - Squad player till Xmas
Davis - Squad player till Xmas
Bree - Squad player
Steer - Squad player

OUT
Terry- said he won’t play v CFC. Too slow for Prem
Gabby - Swansong on the 11th Feb
Samba - Too slow for Prem
McCormack - Too slow for Prem
De laet - Mind boggling signing
Bunn - Mind boggling signing
Lansbury - Jury still out
Gardner - Injuries have stolen his confidence
Hutton - Time to go, thanks for the memories, some good, many bad.
Whelan- Too slow for Prem
Jedi - Too slow for Prem
Snodgrass - Too slow for Prem, took 5 months to adjust to pace of Championship
Elmo = Too inconsistent for Prem
Adomah- Too slow and inconsistent for Prem
Grabban- Not good enough for Prem

Ok, this maybe harsh but the only players I would keep for the long term would be

Johnstone (who isn't ours)
Chester
Hourihane,
Grealish (if he can live up to his potential)
Adomah
Davis
Hogan
Kodija

And to be really honest I only expect Johnstone, Chester and Kodija to be good enough for the prem long term

What Exiled said except Chester, who I think could make the step up - one of the most consistent CB's I've seen at Villa since Mellberg.

If we went up with FFP curtail our transfer budget in the first season?

Apparently West Country - we can only offer Hutton a new contract if we get promoted. If we stay in the championship SB has hinted that cuts would have to be made.

I think FFP is a ludicrous system. If you are in the championship the rules are different. Why not have a blanket coverage for everyone? Isn't it meant to be about fair play? The rule should be "whatever league you in you cannot spend X amount times more than your sponsorship, gate money and TV money.

The thread is far too prem-ature! Let's just enjoy the run and see where it takes us?
FFP rules will make it almost impossible for any team reaching tge heights of the EPL.
The first season will be all about survival and winning the majority of your homes games. One which we are doing well with now we have gotten rid of startled rabbits who have headlights in their eyes!

Winning is a great treat trend and one that we must keep up with today. NO SLIP UP'S please

Yes I read that about Hutton, wonder if he'd take a pay cut if we didn't go up as he isn't going to have PL clubs after him.

Surely Jedinak, Terry and Hutton would retire.

The Loanees in would return to their clubs.

Gabby out the door


Chester
Taylor
Thor
Green
Grealish
Hourihane
Kodjia
Hogan
Davis
Bree
Steer
Gardner (I just like him)
Adomah

Sell

Samba
McCormack
De laet
Bunn
Lansbury
Whelan
Elmo