If Villa were under any illusions about the strength of their squad ahead of the new season the 2-2 draw against Odense BK shattered them.
Obviously it is still early in pre season but Villa's campaign has now started and it did not begin with a good performance.
Admittedly Odense are ahead in their preparations and looked a lot fitter but fatigue cannot be an excuse that is allowed to rear its head too often.
What is very clear is that Villa need new signings and quick.
Whether he was fit enough or not, Craig Gardner is not a totally accomplished right back.
Whether he was fit enough or not, Stuart Taylor is not good enough to be Villa number one.
Whether he was fit enough or not, Stiliyan Petrov is not a player who be relied upon to perform week in week out.
The situation must be resolved by the time Villa face top class opposition on the first day of the Premier League season.
Obviously all Villa fans are being patient but the realisation must dawn at Villa Park that at least five new signings are necessary.
Here is a run down of the positions that need strengthening and why (Senior players only)
Goalkeepers
Stuart Taylor - A good deputy but if Villa want to win things he can't be the number one
NEW KEEPER - ESSENTIAL
Left Back
Wilfred Bouma - Established in the role but needs a reserve
NEW LEFT BACK - NECESSARY
Centre Backs
Martin Laursen - A rock who is destined to be the new captain
Zat Knight - Up and down defender who wont be partnering Laursen all season
Curtis Davies - Recovering from long term injury and can't be relied upon too soon
NEW CENTRE BACK - REQUIRED
Right Back
Craig Gardner - Converted from a midfield man and must only be used as a back up for now until he learns the role properly.
NEW RIGHT BACK - VITAL
Left Midfield
Ashley Young - Simply brilliant at times
Shaun Maloney - Good winger who is a more than able reserveNEW LEFT MIDFIELDER - NOT NEEDED
Central Midfield
Steve Sidwell - Tidy player but will never replace Gareth Barry. Good in his own right
Nigel Reo-Coker - Must step up this season to strengthen the midfield. He was brilliant in some games last season. In others he was useless.
Stiliyan Petrov - Faded a lot last season but began to impove at the end and must take that into this campaign to stand a chance in the team.
Isaiah Osbourne - Young midfielder may get a chance to shine
NEW CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - POSSIBLE
Right Midfield
Wayne Routledge - Only played five minutes of first team football after signing in January and may be called upon as a sub
Moustapha Salifou - Has bided his time and looked good in the reserves
NEW RIGHT MIDFIELDER - A MUST
Strikers
John Carew - In fine form in pre season and on his day the 'Hulk' is unstoppable.
Gabby Agbonlahor - Scored some crucial goals last season but must up his tally this time round
Marlon Harewood - The super-sub continues to wait for a consistent starting role
NEW STRIKER - WANTED
Good Luck Martin!