AdminMatty Cash has admitted Aston Villa’s home atmosphere feels different with the North Stand closed for redevelopment, but insists the project will be vital to the club’s future.
Villa made the decision to close the stand as part of plans to increase Villa Park’s capacity to more than 50,000 ahead of next season and in preparation for Euro 2028.
However, the temporary arrangement has coincided with a difficult start at home, with Unai Emery’s side losing to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest before drawing 2-2 with Brentford.
“Our home form has not been what we want it to be,” Cash admitted ahead of Wednesday night’s clash against Fenerbahce.
“It’s good to make the stand and stadium bigger, but it is different. I won’t sit here and lie. You have to deal with it as a player. When it’s done it will be amazing, but it is different, without making excuses.
“The last few years, our home form has been amazing. We need to try to get back to that.”
Emery also acknowledged the challenge of playing with fewer supporters, describing it as a “handicap”, while stressing that it cannot justify disappointing results.
“We have one handicap because we have less support. At the beginning of the season the club decided it, and it is an improvement for the future. It is not an excuse,” Emery said.
The Spaniard is determined to see Villa respond against Fenerbahce, urging his players to improve their performances and supporters to stand together despite the reduced capacity.
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