Villa Park redevelopment theory shot down as ex-Aston Villa defender makes new North Stand claim (Exclusive)

Former Aston Villa defender Tony Dorigo has dismissed suggestions that the ongoing redevelopment of Villa Park's North Stand is responsible for the club's disappointing home form, instead pointing to the significant changes within Unai Emery's squad.

Villa have endured a difficult start to their Premier League campaign at home, losing two and drawing one of their three Premier Leagues games at Villa Park.

The North Stand is closed throughout the 2026-27 season as construction work continues on the £100m redevelopment, a project designed to increase Villa Park's capacity beyond 50,000 ahead of Euro 2028.

However, the temporary closure has left one end of the stadium looking dramatically different and reduced the number of supporters inside the ground. 

The unusual appearance has prompted debate over whether the construction work and altered atmosphere could be affecting Villa's performances, particularly after a disappointing run of results at home.

However, Dorigo believes the club's summer transfer activity is a more significant factor as Emery attempts to bring a reshaped squad together.

Dorigo dismisses Villa Park North Stand redevelopment concerns

“Aston Villa took a while to get going last season and with so many notable departures this season and then plenty of incomings, it will take time for them to gel as a new team,” Dorigo told FootballGroundGuide exclusively.

“So no, I don’t think it has a big impact at all.”

Villa have undergone considerable changes to their squad, with departures and new arrivals forcing Emery to work on establishing fresh partnerships and a settled tactical structure.

The Spaniard has previously acknowledged that some of his summer signings need more time to adapt, while insisting that the absence of the North Stand is no excuse for the team's home performances.

Dorigo, who played for Villa between 1992 and 1997, believes Emery's managerial record provides reason to expect an improvement as the campaign progresses.

“Emery is a top manager, he has shown it year after year and I see Aston Villa improving as the season goes on and the more games this team play together, they will improve as will the home form,” he added.

Aston Villa can recover from difficult start — Dorigo

The former defender also pointed to Villa's struggles at the beginning of last season as evidence that early difficulties do not necessarily determine how a campaign unfolds.

“You remember last season, Villa had a really bad start but once they got it together, they beat Arsenal at home and other big sides,” Dorigo said.

“So I see them improving and the new stand not an impact at all.”

Villa's North Stand redevelopment will ultimately provide additional seating and upgraded facilities, with the completed project expected to take the stadium beyond 50,000 capacity. 

The club accelerated the construction timetable to complete the work in time for the 2027-28 campaign, ahead of the European Championship matches scheduled for Villa Park in 2028. 

For now, however, Emery must find a way to improve results while working with a reduced stadium capacity and a squad still adjusting to significant personnel changes.

FGG Says: Villa's problems run deeper than an unfinished stand

The sight of an unfinished North Stand has inevitably changed the matchday experience at Villa Park, and the absence of thousands of regular supporters can affect the atmosphere. That does not automatically mean the redevelopment is responsible for Villa's performances on the pitch.

The redevelopment remains a major long-term investment, and Villa will hope the temporary disruption is rewarded when the expanded stand opens. In the meantime, improving their performances and results at home is a challenge that cannot be solved by waiting for the builders to finish.

Tony Dorigo was speaking to FGG on behalf of Dragonbet Football Betting.