A Decade of Transformation: From Relegation to European Contenders
Exactly ten years to the day since Aston Villa's relegation was confirmed at Old Trafford, Unai Emery's side has secured a place in a European semi-final, marking a remarkable turnaround in the club's fortunes. While Villa supporters watched Midlands rivals Leicester City lift the Premier League title that season, the tables have now turned dramatically, with Leicester facing potential relegation to League One. Villa's 2015-16 campaign began with an opening day victory at newly promoted Bournemouth, but they would wait until January 12 for their next win—their first at home. Over a season that saw four different managers in the dugout, the team accumulated a mere 17 points.
Despite the dismal campaign, many members of that Aston Villa squad have forged successful careers beyond the club. Here is where each of them stands today.
Goalkeepers and Defenders: New Roles Beyond the Pitch
Brad Guzan, Villa's first-choice goalkeeper during that final season after eight years at the club, now hosts The Guuuzan Show, an Atlanta United podcast, and works as a pundit for USMNT matches. Mark Bunn, who made 10 of his 18 Villa appearances in 2015-16, retired in 2019 and currently serves as a talent scout and head of goalkeeping for TwoTouch agency.
Micah Richards, limited to 26 league appearances due to knee injuries, has become a prominent pundit on Sky Sports and BBC's Match of the Day, and co-hosts The Rest is Football podcast. Jores Okore, infamous for refusing to sit on the bench against Bournemouth, is now assistant manager at Danish fifth-tier side Ledoje-Smorum.
Ciaran Clark, who helped Newcastle United achieve promotion after leaving Villa, retired in 2024 and stars in the Baller League indoor tournament. Joleon Lescott, remembered for a controversial tweet after a 6-0 defeat, works as a pundit for TNT Sports, hosts the All Out Football podcast, and performs as a house music DJ.
Alan Hutton, a 50-cap Scotland international, now covers Scottish football as a pundit for Premier Sports, often focusing on Rangers matches.
Midfielders and Attackers: Diverse Paths Post-Villa
Jordan Amavi, whose debut season ended with an ACL injury, is currently a free agent after last playing for Brest in Ligue 1. Jose Angel Crespo, who featured only twice for Villa, retired in 2022 and works as an agent with You First, representing players like Fabian Ruiz.
Aly Cissokho is now playing for Lamphun Warriors in Thailand's top flight, while Leandro Bacuna stars for Igdir FK in Turkey's second tier. Idrissa Gueye, one of Villa's few bright spots, continues to start regularly for Everton in the Premier League at age 36.
Scott Sinclair retired after relegation with Bristol Rovers, having previously scored 62 goals for Celtic. Ashley Westwood, with 286 Premier League appearances, now plays for Charlotte FC in MLS under former Villa boss Dean Smith.
Jordan Veretout, who earned six caps for France, currently plays for Al-Arabi in Qatar after successful spells in Serie A and Ligue 1. Kieran Richardson retired in 2017 and now owns Broadwalk, a luxury watch business.
Adama Traore, who failed to make an impact at Villa, now plays for West Ham United and has eight caps for Spain. Carlos Sanchez retired in 2024 and serves as Sporting Director at San Lorenzo in Argentina.
Carles Gil, captain of New England Revolution, ranks sixth in MLS all-time assists and won the 2021 MVP award. Charles N'Zogbia retired at 29 due to a heart issue and now lives privately away from football.
Academy Products and Strikers: From Villa Park to New Ventures
Jordan Lyden combines playing for non-league Bromsgrove Sporting with youth coaching at BMet college. Jack Grealish, Villa's record sale after a £100m move to Manchester City, is currently on loan at Everton.
Gabriel Agbonlahor, a Villa legend, now hosts the TalkSport breakfast show and works as a pundit. Jordan Ayew, Villa's top scorer in 2015-16, continues to play for Leicester City in the Premier League.
Libor Kozak, whose career was derailed by a broken leg, is assistant manager of Sparta Prague's B team. Rudy Gestede, who scored the winner on his debut, now serves as Head of Football Operations at Blackburn Rovers.
Managers: Life After the Dugout
Tim Sherwood, sacked in October 2015, works as a pundit on Sky's Soccer Saturday and guest hosts podcasts. Remi Garde, who won only three of 23 matches, has been unattached since leaving Montreal Impact in 2019. Eric Black, the caretaker manager when relegation was confirmed, now works in furniture sales in Royal Leamington Spa, having lost interest in football.
This journey from relegation despair to European success underscores the resilience and diverse paths taken by those involved in Aston Villa's transformative decade.
