Aston Villa clinch promotion
Aston Villa would taste defeat in the 2018 Championship play-off final vs Fulham.
However, Villa would get a second shot at the final a year later.
Aston Villa looked pretty unlikely to even make it into a play-off place though as they were sat down in 11th place at the beginning of March.
But Villa would continue to fight and go on a 10-match winning run that saw them finish the season in 5th place.
Aston Villa then took on West Brom in the play-off semi-final, coming out on top thanks to a penalty shootout.
Dean Smith’s side would then face Frank Lampard’s Derby County in the final and win 2-1.
The BBC estimated that Villa beating Derby earned them somewhere around £170m.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 27: Jack Grealish of Aston Villa and Dean Smith, Manager of Aston Villa celebrate with the Sky Bet Championship Play-off Final Trophy following their team’s victory in the Sky Bet Championship Play-off Final match between Aston Villa and Derby County at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images)
Villa secure Jota signing
Villa have already put some of that money to good use. On Wednesday, June 5th they signed Jota from Birmingham City.
Jota made 40 Championship appearances this past season for Birmingham, in which he scored three and assisted nine.
The Spaniard is naturally a right winger but he can also play on the left or as a central attacking midfielder.
Jota has signed a two-year deal at Villa Park.
On securing Jota’s services from Birmingham, Dean Smith stated:
“I worked with Jota at Brentford. He’s a superb, talented player and Birmingham signed him as their record transfer.
“I’m really happy to have him back working with us. He’s got great ability, great balance and a great eye for both goals and assists.”A quoted by Aston Villa’s official website.