10 Players Who Probably Regret Leaving Aston Villa

Ronny Johnsen is known for playing his part in Manchester United's success between 1996 and 2002 but he also had two years at the heart of the defence at Aston Villa.

The West Midlands outfit only lost one of the last 11 Premier League fixtures that Johnsen featured in during the back end of the 2003-04 campaign but the veteran was tempted into a transfer to Newcastle United.

At the age of 35, Johnsen was making what he had hoped would be the last move of his career but his time at St James' Park was disappointing to say the least.

He started just five games in all competitions - with his debut for the club not coming until the end of October - and after spending two months out of the team due to fitness issues, he announced his retirement from the sport.

Johnsen would eventually change his mind and end his career in his homeland with Valerenga but he must wonder if he could have continued at the top level had he remained at Villa.

Villa had finished in sixth position with Johnsen at the back but his departure partly led to David O'Leary's men ending the following season in 10th spot.