Aston Villa: Could Alan Hutton be the worst ever Villa signing?
After Alan Hutton’s omission from the squad for the upcoming United States tour, signs look ominous that the defender will be leaving Villa before the start of the new season.
The Scot was never a hit a Villa Park, with his most memorable moments being a shocking mistimed tackle on Shane Long and tendency to pick up bookings at inopportune times. With his departure on the horizon, his spell at the club brings into reflection: could Hutton be the worst ever Aston Villa signing?
Hutton arrived at Villa in August 2011, for a fee rumoured to be within the range of £4 million. He filled the void left by Luke Young at right back, but by halfway through the season his performances were hardly justifying his selection over rivals for the position; Carlos Cuellar, Eric Lichaj and Chris Herd.
If Hutton isn't the worst, who is?
Habib Beye – One of many poor signings that Martin O’Neill has to answer for. Beye joined Villa in 2009 after winning the player of the season award in Newcastle’s 2008 relegation season. He made nine appearances in three years at Villa Park and never really impressed. Whether his poor stint at Villa was down to lack of opportunities or lack of application cannot be determined, but his large salary over a long-period meant that not only was he a flop, but a very expensive one.
Eric Djemba-Djemba – A player brought to English football by Sir Alex Ferguson, Djemba-Djemba was one of many potential suitors to Roy Keane’s role in the United midfield. He eventually joined Villa in 2005 for £1.5 million after his career at United stalled, making only 11 appearances before being loaned out to Burnley two seasons later.
Sasa Curcic – I personally never saw Curcic pull on the boots for the Villa, but from many accounts that I have read, he spent most of his time in Birmingham nightclubs rather than at Bodymoor Heath. He joined from Bolton in 1996 for £4 million in a move the player later described as “the biggest mistake I’ve made in my life.” After a personality clash with then manager Brian Little, he ended up appearing 29 times for the claret and blue in his two years at the club.
Emile Heskey – nine goals in 92 appearances over three-and-a-half seasons at Villa Park pretty much speaks for itself. Heskey became a parody of himself during his spell at Villa, becoming more renown for missing easy chances such as the following, than playing good football.
To judge Heskey as Villa’s worst ever signing would probably be a harsh assessment, he always tried his best for the claret and blue and worked tirelessly for the betterment for the team. But ultimately his £3.5 million signing fee and £3 million a year salary were hardly justified by his performances.
Calling all Villa fans: Do you agree with Christian? Is Alan Hutton the worst signing Villa have ever made? If not, who is? Whatever your view we'd love to hear from you.
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