CALVO HOPING FOR FANTASTIC START AT VILLA

INCOMING Aston Villa president of business operations, Francesco Calvo, will aim to improve the relationship between the club and its Fan Advisory Board (FAB).

- JOHN TOWNLEY

INCOMING Aston Villa president of business operations, Francesco Calvo, will aim to improve the relationship between the club and its Fan Advisory Board (FAB).

Having held senior positions at some of Europe's elite clubs, including Barcelona and Juventus, Calvo knows what it takes to manage a demanding fanbase.

His experience at Roma, home to one of Italy's most passionate supporter groups, also puts him in a strong position to mend the fractured relationship between Villa fans and the club's business department.

Large sections of the supporter base were outraged at the steep cost of tickets for last season's Champions League matches, which were priced as high as £97 for adults.

Former president of business operations, Chris Heck, did little to endear himself to the club's FAB, who rarely saw or heard from him in official meetings. Heck missed some FAB events, which further soured his relationship with fans.