In walked a towering figure with a beaming smile that lit up the room.



A small group of journalists had assembled at Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground for the final day of the winter transfer window back in January. And, naturally, as is usually the case when a player makes an exciting switch in his career, Tyrone Mings was happy to be there. Delighted, actually.



This would be a move that would transform his career and, such was his self-belief, you could tell the defender knew it, too. Mings made an effort to shake hands with every reporter on site, introducing himself by his forename in that pleasant but somewhat uncomfortable manner usually associated with formal job interviews.



Only there was nothing awkward about it. It was just Mings controlling the room and letting those around him know that he was ready for any question that came his way, just like he’s shown on matchdays against a varying level of opponent.



Asking him...