Football Season Review

Aston Villa breathed a huge sigh of relief as they returned to the Premier League after a three-year period away. They started the campaign in real disarray after losing last season's play-off final to Fulham. They were in a financial mess and appeared to have to sell most of their players quickly. But new owners came in and helped stabilise them over the summer. They made the inspired signing of Scottish midfielder John McGinn who proved to be the player of the season. But it was a difficult start and one that resulted in the end of Steve Bruce who was sacked. Boyhood Aston Villa fan Dean Smith joined from Brentford and really took his time to get going. Villa were well short of the running in February but then saw a club record 10 straight wins all but guarantee a play-off spot. Jack Grealish's return from injury was crucial and Tammy Abraham scored plenty of goals on loan from Chelsea. Tyrone Mings also appeared to be an inspired signing. They battled through the play-offs this time around rather unspectacularly as they beat West Brom on penalties before Derby 2-1 with Smith cementing a status as a hero for that. It will be difficult for them to survive back in the top flight with investment needed and Abraham back at Chelsea at the end of his loan. But there is plenty of euphoria that historically one of England's big five is back in the big time.

Player of the Season: John McGinn