The club was managed by former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish, following Gérard Houllier's departure on 1 June 2011 after less than a year in charge.

[2][3] An under-19 Aston Villa team also took part in the inaugural season of the NextGen Series, a tournament similar to the UEFA Champions League for young European footballers to compete in.

[5] Supplier: Nike / Sponsor: Genting Casinos The home kit featured a subtle checkerboard print on the shirt and was very worn with black socks, last seen between the mid-1920s and 1957.

The three goalkeeper kits were blue, black, and grey and were based on Nike's 2011 template which featured stunning details on the sleeves and the side of the shirt.

[7][9] Also, after Stewart Downing's departure to Liverpool, James Collins took over the #6 meaning his old #29 shirt could be given to January signing Enda Stevens.

[7][11] Young striker Graham Burke was added to the first-team squad ahead of the League Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers on 20 September, being handed the #36 shirt.

[7][12] January loan signing Robbie Keane was given the #20 shirt for his short spell at Villa, left vacated since Nigel Reo-Coker's summer departure[13] Youngsters Derrick Williams, Samir Carruthers and Jack Grealish were also given squad numbers (#37, #40, #41, respectively) at different points during the season, when called up for first team action.

[7] Aston Villa had a new club sponsor for this season, after the deal with previous partner FxPro was terminated in February 2011.

[14] On 22 June 2011, Aston Villa announced via their official website that the club's new sponsor until the end of the 2012–13 season would be Malaysian-based Genting Casinos.