Frederic Guilbert will look to avoid another heartbreaking relegation next season

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Aston Villa agreed a deal for French full-back Frederic Guilbert in January. The deal, worth £5 million according to the Birmingham Mail, saw the defender head back to former club SM Caen on loan for the rest of the season.

It was a decision some Aston Villa fans were disappointed in. However, without the Frenchman, the club still managed to pull off promotion to the Premier League after a stunning end of season run of form.

Guilbert will now hope to establish himself at Aston Villa. But above all, he will hope to avoid another relegation battle.

One of the main reasons Guilbert was allowed to return to Caen was to help the club in their battle for Ligue 1 survival.

The club were locked in a relegation dogfight for much of the French season. Guilbert was considered a key player in Caen’s hopes of retaining their top-flight status.

In the end, it proved unsuccessful. Caen finished the season with two disappointing defeats leaving them a point shy of Dijon. It meant automatic relegation to the French second tier. After defeat to Bordeaux, Guilbert was clearly emotional. The 24-year-old had to be comforted by members of both playing staff. 

Aston Villa have high hopes of reestablishing themselves as Premier League regulars now they are back in the top-flight. Guilbert will hope to avoid a second relegation, and heartbreak,  in a row.