31. Chris Herd
Position: Midfield / Right Back Date of Birth: 4th April 1989 Place of Birth: Perth, Australia Caps: 0* Height: 173cm
The young Australian signed moved to England in February 2005, when he was signed by Villa from Bayswater City SC. He initially signed on a two-year YTS (Youth Training Scheme). During these two years he made 19 appearances for the reserves, and 21 appearances with 1 goal for the Academy side.
Chris was also part of the young Villa side which travelled to Hong Kong and won the Soccer Sevens in May 2007. Following this success he was rewarded with a 2 year professional deal at Villa Park.
In December 2008 he was selected for the first time in a Villa day match squad against German side Hamburger FC in the UEFA Cup. He was an unused substitute during that game.
Port Vale then loaned Herd in January 2008 for initially a one month period. This was later extended. He received a red card for the first time against Bristol Rovers in February of that year. On return from his suspension he scored 2 goals in a 3-2 defeat to Hartlepool United. Chris made 11 appearances for Vale, scoring 2 goals.
In March 2008 it was then Wycombe Wanderers who signed Herd on loan due to injuries at the club. He went on to make 4 appearances before returning to Villa Park.
He was another of the young members who took part in the pre-season tournament ‘the Peace Cup’ in 2009. Herd missed a penalty in a penalty shoot out in the final of the competition, yet still ended up on the winning side.
Despite taking part during pre-season, Herd failed to make the first-team and subsequently was sent out on loan again in November 2009. This time the Aussie joined Lincoln City in League 2. Villa also allowed him to take part in the FA Cup at his temporary club, and made his debut against Northwich Victoria only two days after joining. He impressed during his stint with the Imps, and was popular amongst the club fans. He extended his loan deal until the end of the season. He made 22 appearances in all competitions during his time there, and scored 4 goals.
The following season saw Herd make his Premier League and Villa debut against champions Manchester United in November 2010. He came on as a late substitute in a match where many Villa youngsters impressed in 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. He made his first start for the club in the FA Cup Fifth Round tie at then named City of Manchester stadium against Manchester City. His first league start came at centre-back against rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux in March 2010.
Herd has made 7 first team appearances so far for Villa, and at 22 years of age now he will be looking to impress sooner rather than later if he is going to make it at Villa Park.
Honours;
Hong Kong Soccer Sevens Winner 2007 (Aston Villa)
Peace Cup Winner 2009 (Aston Villa)
(*-as of 1st May 2011)
