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Perhaps no player more than Jed Steer has seen his fortunes change so quickly as a result of Villa’s offseason boardroom drama. Steer clearly sat as second choice goalkeeper behind Sam Johnstone last season. In his limited action in 17-18, Steer suffered a season-ending injury against Peterborough in the FA Cup and his season was over.
But Villa’s misfortune became Steer’s gain when Villa couldn’t pay its bills and thus had a ‘soft’ transfer embargo placed upon their offseason activities. Steer found himself thrust to the top of the goalkeeping pecking order by default. Villa and Steve Bruce clearly wanted to retain Johnstone for the upcoming season but had to let the Manchester United loanee walk across the region to local rivals, newly relegated West Bromwich Albion. Steer started the preseason has Villa’s No. 1.
But when the new ownership group stepped in, Steer’s position as Villa’s No. 1 changed as quickly as the club’s financial statement. In came Andre Moreira on loan. Out went Steer’s assurances as Villa’s No. 1. And after his howler in a preseason match with Dynamo Dresden, Villa fans might have to wonder what the keeper position is going to look like this season.
Jed Steer mistake. #avfc pic.twitter.com/0G3leNMF9T
— villareport (@villareport) July 28, 2018
Steer joined Villa five years ago as a talented youngster when Paul Lambert signed the goalkeeper from his boyhood club Norwich City. In five years with the club, Steer has managed only eight senior team appearances with a single league match to his credit. But he’s still only 25 years old and has some Championship experience under his belt.
On loan at Huddersfield Town in 2015-16, Steer made 38 appearances as their main keeper. The side finished 19th that season but secured promotion the following season.
Injuries have plagued the promising youngster who has made appearances for the U16, U17, and U19 England national sides. 2018-2019 brings a lot of uncertainty for both Villa and Steer. If Steer can hold off the challenge from Moreira, Villa’s patience may be rewarded. If he is unable to win regular first-team appearances, it might be another, and perhaps last season, for Steer in a Villa uniform.