“They must have voted against the spending cap because they want to spend a lot more, and Villa fans must be loving that thought” – Aston Villa fans ‘will love’ big-money NSWE development, says Wyness

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Aston Villa owners NSWE are planning a “genuine challenge” in England after voting against spending cap proposals.

On the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old, formerly CEO at Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and now operating a football consultancy for top-tier clubs, stated that Villa would have invested significantly more if not constrained by financial limitations.

On Monday, Premier League clubs voted for the development of plans to implement a spending cap.

Sixteen clubs supported the proposals, while Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Manchester United opposed them, with Chelsea choosing to abstain.

The proposed cap would restrict outlay on transfers, wages, and agents’ fees, tethered to a range between four and five times the TV revenue received by the league’s lowest-earning club.

Wyness admitted he was shocked to see Aston Villa vote against introducing the plans.

He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I must admit, this definitely raised my eyebrows.

“You think: Hang on a minute, they must have plans to spend a lot more money.

“Edens and Sawiris are great owners and they have deep pockets. They’ve now had a taste of success with Unai Emery and the potential Champions League qualification.

“Villa is a great club, and I was honoured to be there for a short time.

“They must have voted against the spending cap because they want to spend a lot more, and Villa fans must be loving that thought.

“They can now strengthen and push on. They’ve got all the infrastructure to become a huge club again.

“They can genuinely challenge and if they get the right squad next season, there’s no reason why they couldn’t. Perhaps that’s what the owners are thinking.”