One of the more interesting pieces of Aston Villa news to emerge during the international break was the club’s intention to include a clause in future contracts that would oblige players to live within 30 miles of Bodymoor Heath. Or at least have a base to use during what constitutes a “working week” for a Premier League footballer.

The rule is unlikely to be enforced to the letter, I’m sure living 31 miles away won’t be an issue, but the spirit is actually something that deserves attention and should be applauded. As it happens, Barney Ronay did a very good job of doing just that in this Guardian piece.

We probably shouldn’t forget that this problem was first identified by Gerard Houllier last season, but he apparently went about addressing it in the wrong way and, let’s face it, he didn’t do himself any favours by allowing Robert Pires to swan up and down the M40 in the back of a chauffeur driven car.

If it was a case of right idea, wrong execution from Houllier, we might have to agree that it’s more a case of right idea, right execution from Alex McLeish then. Not only do we know that this rule will be implemented in future contracts (both new and extended), but Stephens Warnock and Ireland have both agreed to seek residence in the area in the very near future. Like right now.

Credit where it’s due. Now, if he can just get the bold one playing to something close to his potential.

Whether this really does much to address the ever increasing reality gap between fans and players, I don’t know, but it’s certainly an example of a top tier club “doing the right thing”. Frankly, regardless of the peripheral benefits that may or may not occur, it just makes sense.