View: Why forgotten man can be Aston Villa’s secret weapon in 2017-18 promotion bid
COMMENT By Will Butcher
Micah Richards could be the unlikely hero in Aston Villa’s 2017-18 promotion bid if he is given a lifeline by manager Steve Bruce next season.
The former England international has endured a difficult spell with the Midlands giants after moving to the club in the summer of 2015 from Premier League big-hitters Man City.
Suffering relegation with the club in his first season, the 29-year-old made just three appearances in all competitions last season.
However, the two-time Premier League champion looks likely to remain with Bruce’s side ahead of the 2017-18 campaign as he has two years remaining on his current contract.
The Championship side have pulled off a major coup in signing former England and Chelsea captain John Terry, and Richards compliments the veteran defender down to a tee.
With Terry lacking in pace, Richards offers bags of such a quality that will allow him to cover the defensive warrior if a player gets in behind him.
Although James Chester starred at the back as captain last season, Richards should be given a chance to come back into the fold with doubts surrounding the future of Tommy Elphick and Nathan Baker.
Indeed, 26-year-old Baker is reportedly close to confirming a move to Midlands rivals Bristol City. Bristol-based reporter Andy Stockhausen claimed on his personal Twitter account that the defender is closing in on a move to Bristol City.
Former Bournemouth defender Elphick could also be on his way, with the Mirror claiming Sunderland, Leeds and Birmingham are all plotting moves for the commanding defender.
That should give 13-time England international Richards a way back into the fold, despite the signing of veteran Chris Samba.
Playing Samba alongside Terry is dangerous, with the Championship’s attackers likely to exploit the duo’s combined lack of pace.
Richards must use this as an opportunity to execute a relationship with Terry in order to reignite his career and prove crucial in the club’s bid to regain Premier League status at the second time of asking.
Both are tenacious in the air but can also play with the ball on the deck and if the duo can form a tight-knit partnership, then the resurgence of Richards could prove to be key in Villa’s promotion hunt.
In other Aston Villa news, this midfielder has departed the club to another English side.
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