Some in the Aston Villa camp raised an eyebrow or two when James Chester made his ยฃ8million switch from West Bromwich Albion in August 2016.
The eyebrow from memory was more signing him from the Baggies where he had tended to play more as a fullback for Tony Pulis and whilst he was steady, he was hardly spectacular in many minds. Others were more than happy with the signing owing to Wales’ fantastic run in the 2016 European Championships and the performances he put in for them.
Has there been a more consistent defender in the league this season?#AVFC pic.twitter.com/bQXsU8OTI5
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 18, 2018
Fast forward a couple of years and the 29-year-old centre-half is now closing in on his 100th Claret and Blue appearance and he’s getting stronger every season. Going into the Ipswich Town clash this weekend, Chester sits on 90 starting appearances for the club and in that time he’s returned seven goals.
This campaign he’s been an ever-present in the heart of defence – unless I’m having a moment – and he’s been one of our most consistent players in a season where consistency hasn’t always been our friend.
Despite not being nominated by the EFL, their divisional Team of the Season nod went to John Terry, Chester’s contribution this year certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed and he’s come in for some love from the fans.
#TeamChester all the way!!! ๐ #avfc
— Sam ๐๐ฆฅ๐ ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ (@Sammy78avfc) April 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/Adamjr_98/status/986648178245210112
Been better than JT for me.
— Scott (@CaptainScott87) April 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/jon_bowler/status/986678432842076167
https://twitter.com/Goode38/status/986649277178044416
No heโs amazing. Mr Dependable Mr Consistent and my favourite player for last two seasons ๐ UTV
— Claret and Blue C7 (@debbieb63) April 18, 2018
Player of the season for me by a long way. Well done JC. UTV
— Prendy (@prendyvilla16) April 18, 2018
My player of the season for sure
— Holly (Taylorโs Version) (@HollyJen86) April 18, 2018
Long may it continue as there’s plenty of miles left in his legs yet at his age.
