The 2017–18 season was Aston Villa's second consecutive season in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League during the 2015–16 season. It was also their 143rd year in existence. John Terry joined the club and was appointed captain. Villa secured a play-off place and defeated Middlesbrough to reach the final, but lost 1–0 to Fulham in the final and thus missed out on promotion to the Premier League.