How Jedinak sealed his Villa legacy
Aston Villa confirmed on Tuesday that Mile Jedinak has been appointed as their loan player development coach and supporters are delighted to see their hero return to Villa Park. The 36-year-old was not only a good servant, his final kick was historic and sealed his legacy at Villa.
Jedinak’s last kick for the Villans was a penalty scored in a shootout against West Bromwich Albion in the Championship playoff semi-finals. Villa ended up winning and bested Derby County in the final. The Australian international was one of the players who stepped up in the shootout and more than played his part in their promotion.
He made 80 appearances in three years at Villa Park and left after helping them return to the Premier League, completing the one goal he set out to achieve. And while Jedinak wanted to stay at Villa in their first season back in the top-flight, fans believe he left at the perfect time.
The 36-year-old wasn’t commanding a regular starting place in 2018/19, so he may have spent a lot of 2019/20 on the periphery and may have struggled in the Premier League too. It’s great Jedinak is back and even better to revisit one of his best moments for the club.