Bent demands home improvements

Aston Villa captain Darren Bent hopes to repay supporters for their backing last season with improved home form in 2012/13.

Villa recorded just four league wins at home during the 2011/12 campaign, as they narrowly avoided relegation under Alex McLeish.

Paul Lambert has been lured from Norwich City to replace his sacked fellow Scotsman at the helm.

And Bent, who has been handed the Villa captaincy due to the absence of Stiliyan Petrov through illness, is hoping to make up for that disappointing record.

He told the Birmingham Mail: “Even during our tough season last time out, the Holte End was still singing, chanting and getting right behind us.

“They were supporting us 100 percent. It’s a great place to play football at Villa Park.

“But last season our home form let us down and we need to improve on that this season. We want fans to wake up and think ‘yes it’s matchday, we’re off to Villa Park.’”

A recent campaign has encouraged fans in the famous Holte End to take items such as scarves, inflatable’s and balloons to create an uplifting atmosphere – a concept which received Bent’s endorsement.

“I know there’s a new campaign around where fans are being encouraged to really unite in the Holte End, with scarves and balloon and things like that,” he said.

“I am all for it. It’s all good fun, it creates an added atmosphere in the stadium and the lads would love it.

“I know last season was difficult for the fans. At times we weren’t playing the best but I am sure this season will be better.”