Villa's giant North Stand video screen is returning next season.

Club officials have elected to bring back the popular matchday feature, after extensive consultation with fans via supporter consultation groups and season ticket holder focus groups.

It was removed originally as part of an overall program to improve certain aspects of Villa Park.

The new video screen will be approximately the same size as the original although it will be located slightly lower than its predecessor.

And, in further good news, the small video scoreboard on the Cornerflag Restaurant will also remain in place and continue to function as a scoreboard for messages and information.

Tom Fantini, head of facilities, said: "The club didn't take the decision to remove the screen lightly in the first place. It was part of an important program to enhance Villa Park.

"However, we appreciate that its removal resulted in real concerns for supporters and these were expressed in a series of consultation meetings, which we take very seriously.

"While we championed the small video wall, we became aware that for some fans this had size limitations in terms of viewing content from a distance.

"Because of these varying reasons, we have decided to bring back the large video screen at North Stand. It's undoubtedly back by popular demand!"

It's not the only change on a matchday for fans.

Paul Lambert has already elected to switch dugouts at Villa Park, to harness the power of the Holte End and really get Villa Park rocking next season.

Villa are also bringing in a designated matchday smoking area, which will be located in the Holte End Upper.

The issue of providing a matchday facility for smoking within the stadium was also raised through the supporter consultation group process.

While needing to comply with matchday regulations, the club looked at several areas - ultimately trialing the exterior upper deck of the Holte for a few matches last term.

The trials were well received and the club will be bringing this in on a permanent basis on matchdays.

About 15 minutes before half-time, the deck will be accessible through Holte Concourse Level 2 and will remain open through half-time.

Please note alcohol is not permitted in the designated smoking deck and this facility is only available to the supporters of the Upper Tier of the Holte Stand.

Unfortunately, the configurations of the other areas and stands are such that similar smoking areas are not readily feasible.

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