Matt Maher: Jack Grealish booing shows three years on emotions still run high for some at Aston Villa
More than three years after Jack Grealish left Villa in a British record transfer deal, it is difficult to escape the conclusion everyone got what they wanted.
Grealish joined Manchester City to pursue his ambition of winning trophies and duly did so, with three Premier League winners medals and one Champions League now in his possession.
Villa, meanwhile, used the £100million they received to rebuild the squad with one of the signings made possible by Grealish’s sale, Leon Bailey, playing a key role in helping them qualify for the Champions League last season. Mid-table when Grealish departed, Villa are now firmly a force in the top half of the table under Unai Emery. In short, it was a deal from which both parties did very well.
All of which adds a thick layer of irony to the social media row sparked last weekend when Grealish was booed by a section of Villa Park while playing for City.
The word “section” feels important to emphasise. This was hardly the whole of the stadium getting on his back, though it was a significant enough portion to cause a stir and prompt a reaction from Grealish, who stuck three fingers in the air as he and his beaten team-mates trudged off at the final whistle, one for each Premier League title.
It all felt rather sad but the criticism of those booing fans perhaps lacked an appreciation of what Grealish meant - and if they are being honest still means - to those supporters.
There are few players in the modern game who, thanks to their background and personality, have established such a connection with a fanbase. When Grealish left Villa it was, for many supporters, as though their own son or brother was turning their back on the family.
Time is a healer, of course. Last Saturday might best be viewed as a reminder some need more time than others, though it is also fair to say fans are entitled to try and put opposing players off. The booing was in many regards a back-handed compliment.
None of which changes Grealish’s standing as the most significant player in Villa’s recent past. Every supporter must acknowledge that.
By the same token, his era is also finished. In the eyes of some, even now, the end came prematurely. Yet the experiences of both Grealish and Villa since August 2021 suggests the timing was near enough perfect.