James Fudge

James Fudge

Joined: Jun 1, 2018

James is a Sports Journalism graduate and a contributor to Prince Rupert's Tower, where he writes analysis and reporting to “scratch an itch” alongside a different professional career. An AFC Bournemouth supporter, he offers a balanced and insightful perspective on all things Everton, and happily uses it as an excuse to watch even more football.

BRISTOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Bertrand Traore of Aston Villa looks on during the Carabao Cup third round match between Bristol City and Aston Villa at Ashton Gate on September 24, 2020 in Bristol, England. Football Stadiums around United Kingdom remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Peter Cziborra - Pool/Getty Images)

Will the team be unchanged for the trip to Fulham?

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 21: Emiliano Martinez of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on July 21, 2020 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Transfer speculation increases after matchday exclusions

Aston Villa's English head coach Dean Smith looks on from the sidelines during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Aston Villa at The London Stadium, in east London on July 26, 2020. (Photo by Matt Dunham / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by MATT DUNHAM/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Aston Villa choices ahead of the start of Fantasy Football

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - SEPTEMBER 08: Jack Grealish of England looks on whilst running during the UEFA Nations League group stage match between Denmark and England at Parken Stadium on September 08, 2020 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Grealish finally makes England debut

Grealish deserves his chances with England

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Said Benrahma of Brentford celebrates victory with Ollie Watkins of Brentford during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Cardiff City at Griffin Park on December 11, 2019 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Is targeting Championship players showing enough ambition?

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Tom Heaton of Aston Villa leaves the pitch on a stretcher after being injured during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Aston Villa at Turf Moor on January 01, 2020 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Goalkeeper becomes the main priority now

COLOGNE, GERMANY - AUGUST 16: Sergio Romero of Manchester United warms up ahead of the UEFA Europa League Semi Final between Sevilla and Manchester United at RheinEnergieStadion on August 16, 2020 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

Which Man United players should be targeted in any swap deal?

Aston Villa's English head coach Dean Smith (3R) talks with his players during the drinks break during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on July 9, 2020. (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Villa’s Premier League season set for a delayed start

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Conor Hourihane of Aston Villa celebrates with team mate Jack Grealish during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Aston Villa at London Stadium on July 26, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andy Rain/Pool via Getty Images)

Villa announce first signing of summer window

Bremen's Kosovan midfielder Milot Rashica walks off the pitch after the German Bundesliga relegation first-leg football match Werder Bremen v 1 FC Heidenheim 1846 on July 2, 2020 in Bremen, northern Germany. (Photo by Carmen JASPERSEN / various sources / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by CARMEN JASPERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Who is Milot Rashica?

Aston Villa's English midfielder Jack Grealish celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Aston Villa at The London Stadium, in east London on July 26, 2020. (Photo by Andy Rain / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ANDY RAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Where will Jack Grealish start the new season?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Divock Origi of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa at Anfield on July 5, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA.Getty Images)

Has Villa identified a Champions League winner as their next striker?