Christian Benteke Crystal Palace
During Paul Lambert’s tenure as Aston Villa manager from 2012 to 2015, the club faced significant challenges both on and off the pitch. Under the ownership of Randy Lerner, Villa fought to maintain their Premier League status while managing financial constraints by reducing the wage bill and seeking reinforcements from lower leagues and abroad. Despite some notable successes, such as the acquisition of Christian Benteke, Lambert’s recruitment strategy often resulted in more failures than triumphs.
Christian Benteke said: “It was the best time of my career, I think. I came from a small country in Belgium at the time in 2012, and I was 22. I wasn’t known and I came with a lot of dreams to be a superstar in the Premier League and in those three years I had so many nice memories and they will always be with me. When I signed, on my debut I had the chance to score. We played at home in that game and I always think about this first memory.”
Christian Benteke emerged as a standout figure during Lambert’s era, becoming a fan favorite with his goal-scoring prowess. His successful spell at Villa led to a lucrative transfer to Liverpool for £32.5 million, although his time on Merseyside was less appreciated. Benteke later moved to Crystal Palace, where he continued to impress before joining DC United and, most recently, Al Wahda in the UAE Pro League.
Joe Bennett said: “What a win! Won’t enjoy a win as much as that one all season.”
Joe Bennett’s journey at Villa was less celebrated. Signed from Middlesbrough in 2012, he struggled to secure a regular spot and eventually moved to Cardiff City, where he played a pivotal role before stints at Wigan and Oxford United. His time at Villa was marked by a lack of consistent opportunities, leading to his eventual departure.
Ashley Westwood said: “I took a lot of stick at Aston Villa, the gaffer [Dean Smith] is a Villa fan and even he came in and battered me! It was hard for my family, we lived in Birmingham and it was really tough. The chairman pulled the money out of the club and it created a toxic atmosphere.”
Ashley Westwood, another key player during Lambert’s time, moved to Burnley in 2017, where he became an integral part of their midfield before joining Charlotte FC in the MLS. Despite his contributions, Westwood often faced criticism from fans during Villa’s turbulent period.
The Lambert era also saw the arrival of players like Philippe Senderos, who joined as a free agent but struggled to make a significant impact. Senderos eventually left for Grasshoppers and later played for Rangers and Houston Dynamo before retiring. Similarly, players like Jordan Bowery and Nicklas Helenius failed to establish themselves at Villa, leading to moves elsewhere.
Lambert’s tenure was characterized by a mix of promising signings and underwhelming performances, reflecting the broader challenges Aston Villa faced during those years. The club’s efforts to balance financial constraints with competitive ambitions resulted in a period of transition that ultimately paved the way for future rebuilding efforts.
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