Darren Bent has been overwhelmed with the backing of the claret and blue faithful - after supporters penned good luck notes in their thousands ahead of the weekend clash with Manchester City.
The official site's editor Paul Brown was on hand at Bodymoor Heath to hand over the welcome messages to Bent this afternoon.
And the record-signing was thrilled with the level of affection he has received since his high-profile arrival.
No sooner had he put pen-to-paper on his claret and blue deal than he was spelling out his desire to be a Holte End hero.
Judging by the amount of notes on the official site, Twitter and Facebook backing the forward, he's well on his way.
That famous old end of the ground has always had its favourites - Peter Withe, Dwight Yorke and Juan Pablo Angel to name but a few.
What do they all have in common? They score goals.
And in the modern game, they don't come more fearsome than Bent, who has bagged a remarkable 81 goals since 2005 - only one less than Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba.
Gerard Houllier said the capture of Bent was a major milestone for the club and that his predatory instincts will be a valuable asset for the months and years to come.
The various message boards have been awash with positive comment and delight at the capture while the tweet mentions on our official Twitter page and comments on our Facebook page have been tremendous.
Bent was quick to ask club staff to say a big thanks for all the love he has received from the claret and blue faithful.
Here's a snap-shot of comments:
Tom Griffiths - I'm a huge fan! That's just the beginning. I was delighted to see you sign and I was jumping up and down when it was confirmed. You are truly inspirational. Best of luck for this season. UTV!!
Graham Lofthouse - Welcome to Aston Villa Darren, forget Drogba, Torres & the rest, you are the best! Bang 'em in for us Benty!
Tash Patel - You are just what the Villa faithful have been waiting for, for nearly 30 years, a proven goalscorer. See you Saturday at the Man City game - all the best.
Jaxon Tanner, Australia - Benty you're an amazingly gifted player and the service you will receive from Young, Downing and Albrighton will only make it easier for you to bang home your goals at the Holte End.
Robert Butler - Welcome to Villa Park Darren. I am absolutely thrilled with your signing I have not stopped smiling since. You will be loved by us Villa fans beyond your expectations the very best of luck from an ecstatic season ticket holder.
Errol Wright - Darren, you along with Randy Lerner, have made many a Villan so happy by joining our club and I hope you settle in and start enjoying your new home very quickly.....big up Darren and a whole-hearted welcome.
Dave Beeston - A very big welcome to Darren. I know your scoring record is fantastic and Villa sure got a good deal with you. I saw the press conference and had a huge smile from ear to ear all the way through. I am proud and also honoured to have a big player such as yourself at the club and wish you every success in your Villa career.
Christian Marner - You'll be first choice in the England team by the end of the year easy.
Andrew Teese - Just be yourself Daz and enjoy it. It's nice to get a goalscorer in the team! Nuff love.
Jonas Berg - It is such a great pleasure to see that you have signed for us! You can rest assured we will back you 100% to start scoring for us - this is truly a great moment for Aston Villa fans all over the world.
Chris Vassallo - Can't wait for Saturday now...
Chris Harvey - Can't wait to see you bang in the goals for us.
Darron Brough - Good luck Darren. You are just what our club has been crying out for! Keep fit!
Ste Blackhall - Darren you made the right choice moving to the Villa. You are a valuable asset to any team and I can't wait to see you banging in the goals in the claret and blue strip.
Peter Vahey - Darren welcome to Villa. You are going to be a massive hit.
Robert Evans - As a season ticket holder, I would like to give a massive welcome to Darren Bent. We have been crying out for a proper goalscorer for a long time now and to finally have one in Darren I am delighted.
Matthew Edwards - Good luck! So pleased we have signed such a quality player, everyone who supports Aston Villa will be behind you. Let's get this team back where we belong - winning trophies.
Nicholas Cooper - Good luck in firing us up the league!
Sarah Burns - Welcome to the mighty Villa! Sure you'll do us proud. Looking forward to seeing you play up at Villa Park.
Wayne Cooper - Great to have you on board.
James Kiely - Wishing you all the best and hope you enjoy it at this wonderful club. I've been hoping we'd sign you for six years and most Villa fans feel the same, I assure you.
Rob Mills - It's about time we signed a striker of pure class! 18-24 million is a small price to pay for someone of your stature! Welcome to Aston Villa Football Club Darren Bent!!
Kimbob - I just want to say I am so happy that you have joined Villa and I will be looking forward to watching you at all of the home and away games as I am a big Villa fan!!
Ben Brogan - Just what we have needed for a while a top class striker. Up the Villa!!!
Steve McCarron - Your going to be immense!
Jean Wood - Congratulations on joining the best club in the world - we all love it, we hope you learn to love it and us too. You will find out it's a special club with wonderful history which is just a short way from reaching its true potential again - you can help us get there.
Tom Lintern - Been an admirer of you ever since your days at Charlton. You're a wonderful footballer and your scoring record speaks for itself! I can't wait to watch you down the Villa as I'm a season ticket holder. I'm sure the famous Holte End will love you. Good luck and all the best.
Gary Cummings - Firstly Darren, I'd like to welcome you to our great club... I've been a Villa fan all my life and it's great to see that we can attract a player of your undoubted talent and I personally am glad to have you at Villa Park, so thank you for deciding to join our squad. Most importantly, there is obviously a lot of hype regarding your arrival and this could lead to a lot of pressure for you to perform.... I know that, as a professional, you will be able to use it for fuel and do what you do so well.
Chris Rowe - Overwhelmed to say the least. Wish you the best of luck at our great club it is an absolute pleasure to have you on board. Looking forward to many happy memories. Up the Villa.
Liz - You've made my heart sing. Can't wait to see you in claret and blue and watch you score your first goal at the Holte End. Welcome to the villa mate!
Shaun1304 - Would love to see Benty kiss the Villa badge if he scores on Saturday."
PeteG23 - Welcome to Villa, Darren! You have all the attributes of a Holte End goalscoring hero."
C4MPO - Darren - you, Gabby and Ash are going to be the stuff off defenders nightmares! I can hear Vidic sobbing!
Sharpdressed1 - You have no idea what this signing means to the fans. It's what we have been looking for years. Thanks everyone at the club.
Kyle Anderson - Instant Villa legend!
Make sure you're here against Manchester City on Saturday as Darren Bent makes his first appearance at Villa Park - click here for tickets.
Pictures from Neville Williams/Getty Images.
