Aston Villa's new plan could 'backfire badly' with fans - Keith Wyness

Aston Villa's new 'souvenir ticket' scheme is unlikely to get the uptake that they expect from supporters.

That is according to former Villa chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the scheme could easily be seen as a money-making "gimmick" by the fans.

The vast majority of fans can now only get into Villa Park via a digital ticket, but the club are planning to make commemorative tickets available for purchase soon.

Wyness is currently unclear on the intended cost for the scheme, but was in no doubt that it could "backfire badly" if it is not priced fairly and effectively.

Both season tickets and individual match tickets are expected to be available for purchase, which is ideal for fans who like to keep memories of their favourite games.

Wyness is keen to see how the club execute and implement their plans in the coming months, but has acknowledged that the idea is a promising one.

Aston Villa should give commemorative ticket as part of matchday price

Villa's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that the take-up of the scheme won't be "anywhere near as big" as what the club are hoping for.

He outlined his belief that a commemorative ticket should be made available as part of the standard matchday charge, rather than as a separate item available for purchase.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness warned that Villa must tread carefully if the scheme is to have any degree of success.

"I've seen these sorts of things tried before. If it's authentic, then some of the younger fans will take to it," he said.

"It's a bit of a gimmick. I don't think the take-up will be anywhere near as big as they hope it will be. I get the idea of wanting to create a memory. It's difficult right now in a digital age.

"To me, it's going to depend on the cost and execution. It's something that probably should be given as part of the ticket price these days, if there's a mechanism that you can do that. 

"We all love to have those tickets in the drawer or even in frames for some people of games they went to and memories they made.

"I like the idea of the nod to that sort of thing, but it's going to be how it's executed and any pricing will be very important to get it right; otherwise it will backfire badly."

Aston Villa told £50m Antonio Nusa offer will be accepted

Football Insider revealed last weekend that RB Leipzig won't entertain a sale of winger Antonio Nusa for anything less than a minimum of £50million this summer.

Villa are one of several clubs across Europe who are interested in signing the Norway international this summer, after an impressive World Cup.

However, with Leipzig reluctant to sell the 21-year-old ahead of next season, it will take a significant offer in order to tempt them into a sale.

Nusa notched four goals and three assists in the Bundesliga last term, and has become a key figure for both club and country in recent months.