Aston Villa’s 2015 error highlighted as Enda Stevens signs new deal for promotion-chasing Sheffield United

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Back in 2015, then-Premier League Aston Villa deemed Enda Stevens surplus to requirements.

Since arriving from Shamrock Rovers, the young left-back had made just nine first-team appearances in three years.

Tim Sherwood took the decision to release Stevens, who has since rebuilt his career impressively.

Stevens moved to Portsmouth, helping them win promotion from League Two before moving to Sheffield United in summer 2017.

The 28-year-old has now established himself as the regular left-wing-back in Chris Wilder’s system, playing a vital role in their title push.

With Stevens’ help, Sheffield United are sitting second in the Championship and are well-positioned to achieve their goal of automatic promotion this season.

And as an acknowledgement of the Irishman’s work, the Blades have awarded him with a new long-term contract.

Moreover, Stevens has been recognised internationally, with the Republic of Ireland calling him up for recent national matches.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are struggling in mid-table. The Villans currently sit 10th but are nine points behind sixth-place Bristol City at this stage.

And left-back has been a real area of concern for Aston Villa. Neil Taylor’s performances in that role have been widely criticised by the fans.

Aston Villa’s team would be boosted if they still had Stevens on their books, highlighting their error in releasing him three-and-a-half years ago.