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Over the course of Wednesday, we're putting your questions to BBC Radio WM's Mike Taylor and he has given his usual weighty analysis.
Vinny asked: I've heard that Villa may have some more PSR issues in the future as the wage bill is huge in comparison to income. Do you know if this is true? If it is true, does the club have a plan for addressing it?
Mike said: I think you can be sure that they have a plan, Vinny. We saw last year – in fact Villa described it after the event with plenty of dramatic detail – that they had a plan to duck under the PSR limbo-bar, and achieved it. We know they've stayed within the rules again so far, but they clearly have a big wage bill relative to their income – the highest proportion of the top 20 clubs on the Deloitte "Money League" on their most recent figures issued in January.
They were only on that list at all because of a significant increase in revenue, and by reaching and prospering in the Champions League – as well as drawing in a hefty profit on Jhon Duran – they are likely to move up that table next time. Their wage bill will be higher too, but a big increase in income should ease the pressure.
Only for one season, though – which is why qualifying for Europe, regularly, is so important for Villa. As you note in your question, the issue is not the absolute size of the wage bill, but its relationship to their income, which must seriously complicate forward-planning.
At this point Villa could conceivably reach any of the three European competitions next season, or none of them. After last summer, I'd be confident that Villa have a plan to stay out of trouble whichever situation arises, but I'm sure Plan A is a lot easier than Plan D.
Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights
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