AN Aston Villa supporter from Bridgwater managed to get his hands on tickets to the club's end-of-season awards ceremony and meet several of their star players.
Chris Thomas and his partner Elle-May Berton-Shaw were among the supporters who attended the awards ceremony at Villa Park's Holte Suite on Thursday, May 13.
Coaching staff and players from the men's, women's, and academy teams joined supporters and club partners to reflect on Villa's season highlights.
The ceremony was hosted by actor and comedian Adil Ray and Sky Sports presenter Michelle Owen. 
The night got off to a fantastic start for fans, with chief executive Christian Purslow confirming the permanent signing of Brazil international Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona.
Coutinho, who previously played alongside Villa manager Steven Gerrard at Liverpool, joined the Birmingham-based club on loan in January.
Writing on Facebook, Chris said: “Great night at the awards. Players were top-drawer.
"I begged Coutinho to stay as soon as he walked in, he shook my hand and winked at me and nodded, two minutes later it's all confirmed on stage. Thank me later, Villa fans.”
The moment when Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow confirmed the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho! ✅ pic.twitter.com/wDF7hrQIyD
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 12, 2022
Villa right-back Matty Cash was named the club's supporters' players of the year for the 2021/22 season.
The 24-year-old was the only player to have started all 35 Premier League matches held before the awards evening.
Other winners included Jacob Ramsey and Danny Ings.
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