The 2009-10 season will be Aston Villa's 135th professional season; their 99th season in the top-flight and their 22nd consecutive season in the top flight of English football, the Premier League. They will be managed by Martin O'Neill - in his fourth season since replacing David O'Leary. The 2009-10 season will be Villa's second consecutive spell in European competition for the club, and the first in the newly-formatted UEFA Europa League.
Villa are without long-term player and former captain Gareth Barry this season following his £12million move to Manchester City on 2 June 2009. Barry had been at the club since 1997.
First Team Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
These charts below depict the most used starters in the most used start formation. The most recent starters/formations are listed when total starts are equal between two players/formations.
Last updated: 8 Nov 2009 Source: Squad stats and Start formations.
Only competitive matches.
Using the most used start formation.
Ordered by position on pitch (from back right to front left).
The club will once again forgo sponsorship payments to allow Acorns as a charitable sponsor. A new away kit was unveiled on 24 May 2009 and inspired by the England national football team. It features a white and gray halved style with pinstripes and a navy accent, intended to pay tribute to the 67 Villa players that have appeared for the country while at the club.[1] Last season's blue and black away kit also becomes this season's third kit.[2]
The new home kit was unveiled the day before the first clash of the Peace Cup 2009, which was against Malaga on Saturday 25 July.[3]