Report: Di Matteo targets key new addition to boost Aston Villa promotion hopes

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Published on:

14 Jun 2016, 9:03 am

By Tom Blackburn

New Aston Villa Manager Roberto Di Matteo is hoping to add a performance analyst to his backroom staff, according to reports.

Following Villas relegation to the Championship, Di Matteo is searching to bolster his team and staff in bid to return to the Premier League next season.

The Birmingham Mail reports that the Italian boss is keen to build a strong backroom network as a strategy for success.

Trio Steve Clarke, Kevin Bond and Massimo Battara have already been taken on by Di Matteo in a new look set-up, while Max Marchesi has been brought in to improve the squad's fitness.

It is said that Di Matteo also wants to strengthen the sports science department and he’s currently looking for a stand-out analyst.

Football Insider reported on Monday that new owner Tony Xia had passed the fit and proper persons test conducted by the Premier League and Football League.

This has allowed Xia to take charge of the club, and the Chinese businessman has previously said he will be extensively backing the financial side of Villa Park procedures.

The most recent performance analyst at the club was Seamus Brady, who occupied the role under Tim Sherwood but when he left the club, no one replaced him.

Villa attempted to fill the position under previous sporting director Hendrik Almstadt, but he was sacked before being able to appoint someone.

In other Aston Villa news, Di Matteo is ready to make a £12million striker his first signing.

Aston Villa

Roberto Di Matteo