Peak Practice
New Aston Villa boss Unai Emery used Peaky Blinders to improve his English while he was Arsenal manager
Spaniard is a huge fan of hit TV show but admits the Brummie accents are quite hard to understand at times
ASTON VILLA are under new management — by order of Peaky Blinders fan Unai Emery.
The Spaniard replaced Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park dugout this week when his £5.2million release clause was triggered.
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He signed a three-year deal with the Midlanders, returning to the Premier League three years after he was sacked by Arsenal.
During his time with the Gunners, his grasp of the English language came under the microscope.
But Emery knew he needed to improve... so watched programmes like the BBC’s period crime drama about the Shelby family starring Cillian Murphy.
Upon taking the Arsenal job to replace Arsene Wenger in 2018, the Europa League specialist revealed: “I am watching to improve my English.
“Peaky Blinders is good but it is difficult, from Birmingham. And it’s very aggressive. But it’s good, it’s good.”
It may be a while before Emery develops a Brummie twang but he wants his new gang to move clear of the danger zone as soon as possible.
He is yet to receive his work permit, preventing him from being on the touchline against Newcastle on Saturday.
But the Villans hope he will be in the dugout for the visit of Manchester United on November 6.
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Emery will then take his new side to Old Trafford four days later for a Carabao Cup third-round clash.
Once the Red Devils are out of the way Villa face another difficult trip to Brighton, which is their last match before the Premier League takes a break for the World Cup.
And Emery will not find life any easier when Prem action returns as Liverpool are the visitors to Villa Park on Boxing Day.
If that wasn't bad enough, Villa then travel to North London to take on Tottenham on New Year's Day before the Black Country derby against Wolves three days later.
It is a baptism of fire for Emery but the former Arsenal boss could do his old side a big favour if he beats the likes of United, Liverpool and Spurs.
Emery is not quite Thomas Shelby yet but his ambition is for Villa to mix it with the big boys.
And he will understand what the locals are chanting in the stands with a TV refresher.
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