Mark Bosnich: Don’t upset the dynamic at Aston Villa
Former Villa goalkeeper Mark Bosnich believes Dean Smith should trust the top performers who helped secure promotion as the club prepare for a return to Premier League football.
Villa pulled off a remarkable end to the season at Wembley, beating Derby County 2-1 in the Championship play-off final to book their place back in the top flight.
The club are already being linked with moves for players to bolster their squad as they look to stay up next season, but Bosnich believes Villa should be wary of making too many signings and upsetting the dynamic of the team.
“I think you stick with everybody that’s done well. I really do believe that,” said the Australian.
“That goes for anything, I mean look at Fulham, how much did they spend in this year?
“I think you add to the squad, but you’ve got to stick with the people who have taken you there.
“I just think that automatically you put yourself off on a bad foot if you don’t.”
Fulham secured Premier League football at the conclusion of the 2017/18 season, beating Villa at Wembley, splashing the cash on a number of high-profile signings over the summer.
However, the Cottagers had a disastrous season and were relegated back to the Championship in April.
Bosnich predicts Villa will avoid following in the Londoners’ footsteps - and is backing Dean Smith to keep the club safe in the top flight alongside his coaching team of Richard O’Kelly, Neil Cutler and John Terry.
“I back them to stay up.” Bosnich said.
“It’s his [Dean Smith’s] first time but he’s got wonderful people around him.
“John Terry is a former teammate of mine and he’s got wonderful experience. Don’t underestimate having that type of experience right next to you, how valuable that is.
“No-one should never underestimate that because if you’re a young coach who’s never been there before in terms of the Premier League and you’ve got such a legend right next to you - don’t ever underestimate how important that is.”
