Villa lose for the 3rd consecutive game and 8th time in 15 league games under Graham Taylor as concerns mount about the season ahead. 2001-02 showed Taylor to be the wrong man at the wrong time and nothing so far makes that look like changing.

The continued trend for half time substitutions suggests one of 3 things. A lack of understanding or knowledge of the opposition’s tactics necessitating a change; panic in even the slightest adversity; or a tendency to field the wrong team in the first place. None of which give a feeling that the club is in the right hands.

Whatever is the cause the impact is disjointed performances and what seems like extreme tactical unfamiliarity for those thrown onto the pitch - not helped by the calibre of the new signings being brought into the club. 

Honest and uncomplicated attitudes may be a refreshing change but these are not additions that materially improve the playing quality of the squad and it is therefore difficult to see exactly what Taylor is trying to achieve.

Irish international midfielder Mark Kinsella, 30, makes his Villa debut after joining from Charlton Athletic for a fee of £1,040,000 in July 2002 to become the 764th player to play for Villa in first team League or Cup football.

Meanwhile, off the pitch Olof Mellberg is already forced to disabuse rumours of major unrest at the direction of the club under the manager and Chairman.