I still rue the loss of Milner and Young back in 2010 and 2011 and both have shown over the years their immense value in service to other leading clubs. Barry's loss too was hurtful, but I feel the two previously mentioned players were the greatest loss. And we've never had their equal since.
During the time those players were at Villa Park, Gabby produced his best footie as well, but after they all went he did not re-ignite, except when Benteke was with us, and effectively fizzled out. But that's another story.
The point here is that we're now enjoying 2 seasons of Young's belated return in his renaissance as a Villa player, and what a corker he delivered last night!
Until he came on as a sub in the Man City match recently he rarely made any great impression. He has been very useful but - though working hard - always gave the impression to me that he was just playing a role in his journey towards retirement.
But from that Man City game onward - 4 games now - he seems to have become virtually undroppable and sets himself as an example. Is it because he was made Club Captain that he suddenly realised that others had confidence in him and that he could still play a significant role?
Whatever it is, the will and execution of that goal of his will long live in my memory. On top of that and his willingness to get forward, he did a tidy job at the back.
Who would have thought that nearly 16 years since he first arrived at VP, he would still get onto Villa's scoring chart? He needs one more for 40 goals for the Villa in his career, and many of his goals are truly memorable. Who can forget that last-minute winner at Everton all those years ago?
That's what makes football really live for me - memories such as that.
As for last night's game? Much of it was like last week's second half at Leeds: a good amount of puff and movement but no execution - apart from Ash the full-back showing how. Bringing on Cameron was far too late i.m.o., especially as I saw little from Ings.
Villa's lack of progress seems to reflect the fact that the policy of bringing in big-name attractions - firstly Gerrard and then Coutinho - is backfiring. Neither is performing at all well.
Well, next up Chelsea is a team getting its form back under a new manager - one that many Villa fans feel should be at Villa. And Chukky may be playing in this match.
Surely it's a match that Gerrard has to at least get a point from. What, another draw (you ask), but if obtained it will be well-earned, I'm sure. A win will surely save Gerrard's bacon.
UTV!
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