Kieran Maguire: ‘Big-bucks’ reveal can catapult Aston Villa to ‘win trophies’
The expansion of Villa Park is “absolutely essential” if Aston Villa want to win trophies under Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Villa’s now-approved plans to revamp their historic stadium.
The club announced on Thursday (22 December) that Birmingham City Council had granted them permission to add 7,400 seats to Villa Park, taking capacity to over 50,000.
Plans to redevelop the commercial site around the stadium as well as transport links in the surrounding areas have also been given the green light.
Maguire claims the news is a major step forward in Villa’s growth plans.
“It was absolutely essential that Villa get approval,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“In terms of matchday income, clubs like Man United and Spurs are going to be bringing in in excess of £100m per year. If we take a look at Villa’s accounts, the highest matchday income they have had in the last decade is £13m.
“Therefore, if Villa want to move forwards and be competitive under the new Financial and Sustainability rules, which will likely link wages to turnover, boosting all of the three main tiers of revenue is crucial.
“Otherwise, you wonder why Edens and Sawiris are involved with the club.
“Presumably, they want to win trophies, and you don’t win trophies unless you spend the big bucks. In order to spend the big bucks, you have got to earn big bucks.“
In other news, Man United have “concrete interest” in signing Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez.