Matthew Lowton was a revelation in his debut campaign in claret and blue. Lowton became Villa's third summer signing when he joined from Sheffield United in July 2012. And the right-back made the position his own, showing his defensive qualities and attacking intent. The defensive ace almost went through the season by playing every minute of every top-flight game but he was forced off in the 2-1 win at Norwich with a thigh injury, which also kept him out for the final two games of the term. Lowton played forty-three times in all competitions and scored two superb goals. He blasted home against Norwich and also scored a goal of the season winner at Stoke.

A product of Sheffield United's academy, Lowton progressed through the youth ranks before making his first team debut as a substitute against Cardiff in March 2010. He had already gained experience of senior football during loan spells at non-league outfit Sheffield FC and Hungarian side Ferencvaros. Lowton contributed to Ferencvaros winning promotion during the 2009-10 campaign before returning to Bramall Lane. The following season, he featured thirty-two times for United and chipped in with four goals. He was an ever-present for Danny Wilson's team in 2011-12, playing in fifty-two matches in all competitions. Lowton made forty-seven appearances in League One as United narrowly missed out on promotion with a penalty shootout defeat to Huddersfield in the play-off final. He also found the net six times during the league campaign.