Aston Villa and Newcastle United have cause for optimism as the season draws to a close, according to two former stars of the relegated teams.
We’ve been through a horrible period. This has been coming on for years and it should have been addressed better, but it hasn’t
Gordon Cowans, Aston Villa
Speaking on the sidelines of the HKFC Soccer Sevens, which wrapped up on Sunday night, Aston Villa assistant manager Gordon Cowans and Newcastle under-21 manager Peter Beardsley said they were confident next season would see improvement in their clubs’ fortunes.
“Everybody’s obviously down. We’ve been through a horrible period over the last five years,” he said. “This has been coming on for years and it should have been addressed better, but it hasn’t and that’s the case.
“The good thing is some of these kids might get a chance. Over the last few seasons one or two have been thrown in but we just tended to keep going out and getting other players – mainly foreigners and people who the club means nothing to them. These lads have hunger for the club and a bit of fight and desire to get to where they want to be.”
Gordon Cowans oversaw a youthful Aston Villa side to a record sixth HKFC Soccer Sevens title last weekend. Photo: Twitter
Advertisement
Cowans believes that relegation to the Championship for managerless Villa next season would see some of the club’s youngsters being given opportunities.
Aston Villa were abject in relegation last season. Photo: Reuters
