Though consolidation may not normally be seen as progression, for Villa, this season, consolidation would certainly be a step forward.
If the Claret and Blue can make it back-to-back top six finishes, Martin O'Neill will have achieved something astounding.
It would be astounding, considering the squad that he took on from David O'Leary.
It would be astounding considering he had to work with no more than 16 senior players for the majority of last season.
And it would be astounding because, this time round he has the weight of expectation firmly placed on his shoulders.
Villa Park expects, and why not?
During the last campaign we saw the rapid development of Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young.
The youngsters were scintillating at times and on countless occasions they terrorised defences into submission.
Young and Agbonlahor made the Multi-Millionaires Club of Chelsea look like rag and bone men as Villa won 2-0 in the Midlands last September.
They both obtained spots in the national squad, even though chances to gain experience were at a premium.
This time round they will hope to secure starting spots for Fabio Capello managed England.
Proven
Italian, Capello, will undoubtedly be a frequent visitor to VP because Villa now possess one of the most nationalistic sides ever seen in the Premier League.
In fact, if O'Neill wanted to, he could field an all English side and they would be a credit to the club.
One foreign player that Villa do possess, though, is Martin Laursen.
The big Dane is the strongest candidate to take over as skipper from Gareth Barry and if given the armband, Laursen would definitely deserve it.
The former AC Milan centre back was immense in defence for the Claret and Blue last season and he even managed to notch six goals.
After a number of summers ravaged by injury Laursen is now fitter than ever and he is more crucial than ever for Villa.
With new signing Carlos Cuellar partnering the captain at centre back, the defence looks in great shape.
Nicky Shorey, Luke Young and Brad Friedel have also been added, meaning a proven Premier League defence has been formed in the Midlands.
Fortress
Transfer news obviously takes centre stage from June to September, but it hasn't been players coming into Villa Park that has been the issue this time round.
Gareth Barry has dominated the headlines for a number of weeks but it now appears that his immediate future remains at Villa.
Barry is pivotal to Villa's hopes of success on all fronts this season and come kick off on the first day of the season, even the most embittered of fans will be glad he is still in the ranks.
The England enforcer is likely to partner Steve Sidwell in central midfield with the tireless Nigel Reo-Coker pushed out to right midfield.
Add flying winger Ashley Young to the mix and a dynamic midfield is in our midst.
Wherever you look at Villa there is promise and there is strength.
The first team hasn't looked this good for a long time.
If Villa Park can be restored to the fortress of former years, then a Champions League challenge isn't beyond Martin and his men.
Spirit and determination epitomised the side away from home last season. Now it must epitomise the side on their own turf too.
Good Luck Villa!