How Aston Villa can become 'one of the best clubs in the world'

Aston Villa's president of business operations, Chris Heck, claims that Aston Villa has the infrastructure to be "one of the best clubs in the world" as he aims to continue growing revenue streams comparable to those in the 'big six'.

As reported by John Townley, Birmingham Live, Heck aims to improve the club's revnue to a whopping £400 million by 2027. Heck plans to capitalise on the on-pitch success led by Unai Emery who has guided the club to a top four finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

""We have an incredible manager (Unai Emery). He’s a top three manager in the world. We locked him in. He made that big a difference""

- Chris Heck

Since Heck's appointment by the club in May 2023 the work done to create a greater level of income has been obvious for all to see. Heck sealed a deal with Betano that will see the company become Villa's front-of-shirt sponsor worth £40 million. He has also pleased the fans immensely by securing a deal with sportswear giants Adidas as they become the club's official kit sponsor from next season. Heck has also been at the heart of the plans to expand Villa Park with the redevelopment of the North Stand, which is delayed for the time being, and the introduction of different hospitality packages around the ground.

When comparing the revenue at Aston Villa compared to other big clubs that they will be competing with in the Champions League next season, it shows the huge job Heck has got on his hands.

With the club making such huge strides on the pitch since Unai Emery's arrival in October 2022, Heck has said that the business side of the club must catch up quickly in order to grow the club to the heights of those around them. The astronomical rise from 17th place in the Premier League in 2022 to the top four just 18 months later has meant the business side of the club needs to work fast if it is to capitalise on the good times currently seen at Villa Park.

""We can win, we have the infrastructure to be one of the best clubs in the world in one of the best leagues in the world. It doesn’t happen overnight. Our owners have had the club for five years and they’ve really been smart and methodical about how this has been built up""

Heck's recent interview with former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor allowed Heck to outline his thoughts and plans for the future of the club. Heck claimed: "Aston Villa will not leave Villa Park in my lifetime" to downplay concerns from the fans that a new stadium might be on the way with most not pleased with that idea. Therefore, if a new and bigger stadium is not in the plans then how is Heck going to generate the revenue needed to meet his £400 million goal?

""The growth of our sponsorship has doubled. As we add on more sponsors and more nuances around the ground, including premium seating""

When discussing the FFP issues Heck has said: "We have a real focus on tackling that problem but it will take a lot of time, a lot of effort and a lot of changes quite frankly as we grow our business. We are working around the clock".

Villa fans will be excited to hear of the plans to grow the club and like many, I am excited to get my hands on the Adidas range when it is released in a couple of weeks time!

Exciting times ahead for the club.

UTV