Damian Vidagany and Monchi encourage regular internal promotions to ensure British workers feel as valued as Emery’s Spanish contingent. This is to guard against any sense of #AVFC divide - Jimmy Shan's promotion is an example of that. Explained⬇️ 🔗nytimes.com/athletic/63880…

Have covered this in a few pieces over the last month, but #AVFC want a right-back, right-sided centre-back and a winger. Will, of course, look/sign in other areas but depends on outgoings. I'm away during the final week of June, so no doubt everything will happen then....

Emery's No 2, Pako Ayestaran, may be an overlooked cog in #AVFC's broader functions, but his importance cannot be understated. Piece on Emery's perfect foil - a man with an extraordinary, nomadic career in football who has pretty much seen everything. nytimes.com/athletic/59294…

With his beloved Club World Cup about to kick off in Miami this weekend, The Athletic has spoken to dozens of people to gain a clearer impression of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Is this the delightful underdog story of a football-mad guy who overcame prejudice and humble

For his second shot in England, Emery wanted an experienced coach who knew the PL. A call was made to Pako Ayestaran. The plan was for him to be a fresh voice alongside Emery's tried & trusted assistants. It's been an integreal move. The Athletic | Football #AVFC nytimes.com/athletic/59294…

#AVFC have approached Real Betis to sign Jesus Rodriguez. Focus remains on PSR but 19yo among options Villa considering in wide areas - a position Villa are keen to strengthen, as reported. Story w/Guillermo Rai on The Athletic | Football after Fabrizio Romano nytimes.com/athletic/64236…

Pako Ayestaran: 14 different roles at 11 clubs and in six countries. Relationship with Benitez before Liverpool fall-out, three Mexican teams and helping Gary Neville at Valencia. His career has now come full circle. His experience to #AVFC is vital. 🔗nytimes.com/athletic/59294…

Stephen Bartlett not tracking back and only running when England have the ball. Not surprised, to be honest

The hard knocks, culture shock and education of being a defender on loan at a struggling EFL club. #AVFC pair Sil Swinkels and Josh Feeney did just that. In tough environments, they learned. For their next loan and Villa career, will be better for it. nytimes.com/athletic/63556…

Josh Feeney has joined Huddersfield Town on loan. Being battle-hardened early in a centre-back's career, despite both experiencing relegation, is no great issue for Feeney and Sil Swinkels - promising #AVFC talents. The Athletic | Football nytimes.com/athletic/63556…

Good for a young player to get their loan move early. Helps a lot in terms of settling. Expect further youngsters to move - James Wright, Sil Swinkels & maybe a couple from the U18s Youth Cup side. #AVFC Then there are others, like Filip Marschall, who is to leave permanently

“CRICKET ON THE ATHLETIC?! MY WORD… LET’S GO,” said one of our readers. Well, Ravij S, it’s your lucky day! Delighted to say cricket will feature in our Global Sports coverage, starting today in the run-up to England vs India. Let’s go, indeed! 🏏 nytimes.com/athletic/64323…

Over the moon we are covering cricket now and that Paul Newman has joined The Athletic. England versus India on Friday... nytimes.com/athletic/64156…