Ian Holloway admits surprise at Aston Villa’s big spending

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Aston Villa have signed eight players during this summer transfer window

Ian Holloway has admitted that it does surprise him at how much Aston Villa have spent this summer as he backed Dean Smith to succeed at the club.

The former QPR and Blackpool manager also lauded the ‘terrific’ Tyrone Mings, who has been one of eight players to pen a permanent contract at the newly-promoted club this summer – Bjorn Engels has been the latest player to sign, which has taken Villa’s spending to £100 million [Sky Sports].

Villa lost a number of senior players following their promotion to the Premier League, as Smith and Co. have not wasted their time in bulking up the squad.

Speaking to Alan Brazil’s Sports Breakfast Show on TalkSport (16/07/2019 at 6:50 am), Holloway shared his thoughts on Villa’s spending, John Terry, among other things.

On whether it surprises him on how much money Villa have spent: “Yes,” Holloway told TalkSport. “Can you imagine the problems had they not gone up in regards to FFP? Because they have gone up, they have got this money and it’s a huge sigh of relief for them.

“I’m glad they have done it. I want to give Smithy a chance to succeed at that level. I think he deserves it.

On Tyrone Mings: “I thought the way he handled himself, coming in and wanting to play was brilliant and the fans just loved him, didn’t they?! Obviously, with John Terry there, he is learning and learning. He looks a terrific player.”

The likes of Glenn Whelan, Mile Jedinak, Alan Hutton and Albert Adomah were released by the club following their promotion, not forgetting that loanees Tammy Abraham and Axel Tuanzebe have not returned.

Therefore, Smith had a number of areas to fill in his squad, and considering Villa are yet to play their first pre-season match, they have done extremely well in bringing eight bodies through the door before they take on Minnesota on Thursday morning.

There’s no doubt that more legs are needed, the defensive role in the middle of the park needs filling and more attacking threat out wide and upfront may also be needed.