Aston Villa chief Christian Purslow is plotting to restructure the club’s recruitment department if the Villans manage to secure promotion back to the top flight, according to the Birmingham Mail.
The newspaper claim on their website that the play-off finalists have already got the ball rolling with a new senior appointment, Ian McParland joining as a senior scout, and that there could be more changes to come if they seal Premier League football next season.
It is stated that a new chief scout could be appointed having chosen not to replace Tony Coton earlier this season, while other vacant scout and analyst spots could be filled with victory over Derby County.
Opinion
Recruiting for the Premier League is a completely different kettle of fish to finding talent for the Championship and you can understand why Purslow feels that a change of direction might be needed if promotion is secured. You need a different quality of player to try and secure survival but you have to say that their signings in January suggest the current staff at Villa Park know what they are doing. Tyrone Mings has been exceptional at the heart of the defence and you can be sure he will be someone they want to keep on board if they do get promoted – although how much Bournemouth want to strengthen a top flight rival remains to be seen. For now, the focus has got to be on the play-off final and nothing else. It is all well and good being prepared for the best case scenario but are they ready for another year of bitter disappointment? Only time will tell.