Good news from the Villa accounts, with an accompanying statement on Villa's website which could be read like a House of Commons speech on Budget Day, with backbenchers shouting comments in the background. Villa's next engagement is a Europa League quarter-final against Bologna, a third successive April in which they will play in the last eight of a European competition. When Villa fans arrive for the home leg, they will find that preparation work for the North Stand replacement has begun, to increase Villa Park's capacity to more than 50,000 by winter 2027-28.
Read more: Can Villa sustain financial and playing progress?
Manchester City aim to accelerate move for £100 million midfielder before World Cup
During his time at Ashton Gate, Radek Vitek has been in regular contact with United's goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson, whose status was elevated in January following Ruben Amorim's dismissal. "We speak regularly; he gives me feedback," said Vitek. Vitek comes across as assured and measured.
Read more: Vitek's desire to play - what happens now?
