OPINION
Aston Villa might not have had too much to complain about last season, with Steve Bruce taking them to the brink of a return to the Premier League, but their playoff final defeat was a heartbreaking moment which almost led to much more severe consequences.
No one can suggest that Villa did not have a strong side to try and push for promotion, but it was clear throughout the campaign that issues remained, which ultimately may have cost them their place among the elite.
One such problem for Bruce was the lack of competition for first choice left back Neil Taylor, the Welsh international often replaced by natural right back Alan Hutton when necessary.
That lack of squad depth was undoubtedly a problem for the Villans and even when Taylor was fully fit, he is by no means the most consistent of performers.
Now it looks as though Bruce is on the brink of solving such a major issue in his squad, with Football Insider claiming that Bristol City full back Joe Bryan is set to undergo a medical with the club after choosing the club over Middlesbrough in what could be a £6million swoop.
The 24-year-old was not only resolute at the back for City but marauded forward on occasion, netting an impressive seven goals and chipping in with three assists to help his side impress not only in the Championship but in the League Cup, where they were defeated in the semi final by Premier League champions Manchester City.
His versatility, with an ability to play on the left hand side of midfield, makes him ideal for Bruce this season, but it is his contributions at the back which solves what was a serious problem last season.