A regional daily has run a special edition as one of its patch’s football clubs prepares for a European return.

The Birmingham Mail has produced ‘Villa in Europe’ to five fans the “ultimate guide” to Aston Villa’s forthcoming Europa Conference League campaign.

The 40-page edition, which costs £3, has been produced by the Mail’s Villa correspondent John Townley with help from Mat Kendrick, publisher Reach plc’s Deputy managing editor for sport

It takes an in-depth look at Villa manager UnaiEmery’s squad and views from the fans.

Villa in Europe also includes all the group stage fixtures and the lowdown on every group in the Europa League.

Reach Midlands head of sport Steve Wollaston said: “It’s a brilliant time for Aston Villa fans at the moment, and after years of uncertainty and tough times, the club is rising once again.

“To celebrate the club being back in the big time, the Birmingham Mail has put together a bumper souvenir edition to celebrate Aston Villa’s return to Europe.

“European fever has swept Birmingham this summer with the club set to take part in the Europa Conference League and the famous Villa Park pitch can once again see Europe’s elite players gracing the stadium.

“It’s no more than Villa fans deserve though, they have had it tough over the last decade, but recent years have seen the club taken over by new owners and had a healthy investment made into the team and the stadium.

“With a new manager in Unai Emery and big signings like Pau Torres in the side, there is a very serious belief that Villa are one of the favourites to win the competition.

“It’s that spirit of revival that made us want to celebrate this historic marker in the club’s history and support them every step of the way.”