Ex-Aston Villa defender Matt Targett is set to make his long-awaited return from injury while the club continues to strengthen its global presence through new commercial partnerships, including a deal with Ukrainian vodka brand Nemiroff. This move aligns with Villa’s strategy to enhance international engagement and expand its footprint worldwide.
Ex-Aston Villa Defender Set for Injury Comeback
It has been revealed that former Aston Villa defender Matt Targett is set to make his much-anticipated return to fitness for Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe after over a year on the sidelines.
Targett, a left-back, joined Villa from Southampton after their promotion in 2019 and was a regular starter until Steven Gerrard brought in Lucas Digne in 2022.
Targett, a product of the Southampton academy, initially joined Newcastle on loan after Digne’s arrival from Everton. He then made a permanent move to the club the following summer, but his time on Tyneside has been plagued by injuries.
Targett, an England youth international, has not appeared for Newcastle’s first team since November of last year, when he played against Manchester United in the EFL Cup. He was forced off early due to a hamstring injury. While recovering, he also sustained an Achilles tendon issue, which sidelined him for the rest of the season, and he missed the pre-season entirely.
Targett also faced a bout of eczema, which Howe confirmed he was working to overcome. However, he now seems ready to make his return to the matchday squad, according to ChronicleLive. He will compete for a spot with Lewis Hall, who has just earned his first call-up to the England senior squad, while Dan Burn has also filled in on the left during Targett’s absence.
Villa will travel to Newcastle on Boxing Day and then host the Magpies at Villa Park in April, a match in which Targett may have the opportunity to reunite with some of his former teammates.
Aston Villa Seeks to Boost ‘Global Presence’ with Deal
Aston Villa has broadened its commercial portfolio by appointing the Ukrainian brand Nemiroff as the club’s official vodka partner.
Under the multi-year agreement, Aston Villa will feature Nemiroff Vodka’s marketing materials throughout Villa Park on matchdays and during hospitality events.
Chris Heck, Aston Villa’s President of Business Operations, stated: “This partnership with Nemiroff Vodka comes at an exciting time for both organizations as we look to grow our international presence.
“Their drive for continuous innovation and authentic collaboration with best-in-class partners chimes perfectly with our core ethos and we very much look forward to working together.”
The award-winning vodka brand is present in over five continents and has been crafting spirits for more than 150 years. Earlier this year, Nemiroff was named Vodka Brand Champion 2024, with Villa recognizing it as one of the fastest-growing brands in the global spirits market.
Before partnering with Aston Villa, Nemiroff became the UFC’s first official vodka partner in 2018.
Yuriy Sorochynskiy, CEO of Nemiroff, emphasized the brand’s extensive history of global sports partnerships, noting that its move into football is an “exciting next step.”
“Football, like Nemiroff, embodies passion, unity, and the celebration of moments that bring people together,” Sorochynskiy added.
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting partnership with the top tier of English football – Aston Villa, a club that mirrors our global ambitions and dedication to excellence. Same as Aston Villa, we are rooted in 150 years of tradition yet fuelled by an unwavering pursuit of innovation and growth.
“With our eyes set on global expansion, we’re eager to engage with football fans around the world who share the same spirit. Cheering On – That’s Our Spirit!”
This deal supports the Premier League club’s strategy to increase global engagement. Earlier this year, during a press conference celebrating the partnership with sports betting brand Betano, Heck highlighted the club’s goal of expanding its global presence.
He said: “This is about globalizing this club. We have this incredible fan base in the Midlands, but we also have an incredible fan base in pockets throughout the world. So how do you actually expand more on that, and how does that help the actual team win? And that’s ultimately what we’re trying to do here. So you have to align yourself with the right partners.”
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