'Villa's owners and Emery clearly know when it feels right'

News that Unai Emery had agreed a contract extension with Aston Villa was - not surprisingly - very warmly welcomed by fans and it is not hard to see the attractions for both parties. Villa's astonishing progress since Emery's appointment only 18 months ago ensured his name was – and will no doubt continue to be - brought up in discussions as top-level managerial posts around Europe become vacant this summer. There was no suggestion Villa seemed particularly worried about that, but extending his contract serves clear notice they would be ready to fight off any suitors should that situation arise.