By Phil Jennings
VILLA legend Tony Morley says it will not be long before Dean Smith’s side are back in European football again.
It has been nine years since Villa last played in the Europa League, where they were knocked out by Rapid Vienna.
But Morley was a key part of Villa’s 1982 European Cup Final winning team.
And he is keen to see them challenge in Europe once more.
But Morley now believes Villa have finally got it right behind the scenes – and the foundation for getting in among the Premier League’s pacesetters it there.
While Randy Lerner brought plenty of promise and money with him when he took over at Villa Park – he lost success when the promised success and riches did not arrive.
Tony Xia’s ambitious plans were sunk when Villa failed to win promotion under his reign.
But Morley says Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris have got things right now – backing Smith to the tune of an unprecedented £120million spending spree.
Morley told Love Sport Breakfast: ”You’ve got to look at Dean’s record. He’s very, very good at finding young players and developing them and maybe selling them on for a profit.
“But the people who own Villa are very wealthy people. I’m very excited.
“I think they’re going in the right direction, I think the players they’re buying are young and can improve.
“I shouldn’t really say this but if they do as well as Wolves I’d be more than happy. That would be a big local derby.
“The next two seasons are so hard. If we can just stay in there and build for the future I can see them pushing to get in the Europa League. It’s a massive club.”
Villa Roar 