Last season a learning curve - Heskey - Sport in brief

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Villa looked set to break into the top four of the Barclays Premier League last season after moving five points clear of Arsenal at the beginning of March. But a dramatic fade-out in the final third of the campaign meant they only emulated their achievement of 12 months previously in finishing sixth.

The England striker said: "We have some young lads in the squad - the likes of Gabby (Gabriel Agbonlahor), Ashley (Young) and James (Milner) - and they will have gained a lot of experience from last season."

He added: "We pushed the big clubs and, even though the chance of coming fourth didn't materialise in the end, it will mean they have that experience in the locker for the coming seasons.

"If we get in the same position again, they will have the know-how and the experience that is so, so important, in dealing with it.

"You have to respect they are still young and they are still learning the game - they certainly have time on their sides."