OPINION
It is quite baffling why Micah Richards is still at Aston Villa despite being part of the club’s relegation last season and then hardly featuring this term.
The 28-year-old defender played only three games for the Championship side during this campaign but, in truth, he should have been sold last summer.
Richards was part of the Villa team that decided to give up as soon as Tim Sherwood left during their relegation campaign and, as a result, left the fans to witness some of the worst performances they have seen in the club’s history.
The former Manchester City man is simply not fit to wear the shirt and if Steve Bruce wants to mount a promotion challenge next season then players such as Richards need to be shown the exit door.
Following Villa’s relegation last summer, the Midlands outfit struggled to adapt to the Championship, which resulted in Bruce replacing Roberto Di Matteo in October.
Villa should have learnt from their mistakes and they will be well aware that a clear-out is needed at the club in the summer if they are to progress.
There will be huge pressures on Bruce’s shoulders next season and he needs players who are totally committed to the cause if his team are to make a return to the Premier League.