Four games into the 2014/15 season, Aston Villa were the in-form team, starting the season with three wins and one draw that saw them moving up to an impressive second in the league. Of course, it was too early in the season to predict whether the form would last, but following six defeats in six games, the latest form has shown that the Villa of old has returned.

It begs the question whether Aston Villa needs to get relegated for their own good.

Under Paul Lambert, his Aston Villa side has finished in 15th position in 2012/13 and 16th in 2013/14.

It seems an awful long way from the three successive sixth-place finishes that Aston Villa achieved under manager Martin O’Neill from 2008-10.

Under Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner and Lambert, the philosophy within Aston Villa changed to buy young, hardworking players from the lower leagues for discounted prices and then turn them into good players, selling them for profit. Players like Matthew Lowton, Ashley Westwood and Jordan Bowery are examples of the types of players brought in.

But with poor results in his two full seasons, Lambert has seen little pressure placed on him by Lerner. The American owner understands the plan and is trying to give him enough time to allow it take bloom. But would relegation actually help Aston Villa in the long run?

Relegation is something no team ever wants, but when Newcastle was relegated in the 2008/09 season, there was a sense of them being able to start over again, getting rid of the dead wood and bringing in players who were willing to work harder for the team, as well as a new manager, having him start afresh with a new philosophy and a new way of playing. Newcastle were promoted back to the league and have looked like a new side compared to the one that were relegated.

I believe Paul Lambert is a talented manager, but the way Lerner wants the club run will only end in one way for the team and that is near the bottom, struggling for results. Sometimes the only way to progress is to take a step back, and if Villa were to get relegated this season, I believe it would be more beneficial for them in the long run.