So what’s changed in the last 12 months? Try one win and two points. Improvement? Yes. Measurable improvement? No.

Sure, Aston Villa flirted with Champions’ League football for a few months this season. Maybe even a month longer than last year. And while that might count as progress in some minds, don’t be fooled. Villa could just as easily be scrapping to finish in the top half of the table next semester.