Aston Villa signed Tommy Elphick from Bournemouth on Monday.
Former Bournemouth ace Tommy Elphick
Aston Villa confirmed on their official website on Monday that they have signed centre back Tommy Elphick from Bournemouth.
Villa’s new manager Roberto Di Matteo has been handed a huge task as he looks to rebuild this relegated Villa side, and he has made his first signing in Elphick.
Defender Elphick, 28, has been Bournemouth’s captain and an inspirational leader under Eddie Howe, but injuries curtailed his impact in the Premier League as he made just 14 appearances in all competition.
Now, Elphick has left the Cherries in order to join Villa, offering vast experience of life in the Football League – something Villa desperately need in the Championship.
Elphick racked up over 180 appearances for hometown club Brighton and Hove Albion before a 2012 move to Bournemouth, where he won promotion from League One and eventually the Championship, becoming a mainstay of the club’s rise through the divisions.
Villa fans have been taking to Twitter ever since the deal was confirmed, and most supporters believe this is a smart move from Di Matteo and Villa.
Fans believe Elphick offers the Championship experience and leadership qualities that Villa need, with others thinking that defender Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott will now be leaving after Elphick’s arrival.
The general feeling amongst fans is that Villa have made a strong first step as they look to rebuild this summer – and whilst Elphick is far from a ‘sexy’ signing for the club, he will bring attributes that Villa need to get out of the Championship next season.
Do you think Elphick is a good signing for Villa?
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