Trial proposed for Terrace return in Premier League Aston Villa have offered to act as a guinea pigs for the return of standing at Premier League matches after becoming the first top-flight club to back a campaign by supporters' groups for the introduction of safe standing areas. The Football Supporters Federation has been lobbying for the use of standing areas as practised in the Bundesliga for two years and the public backing of Villa is a notable boost, even though it remains a long way from becoming a reality. Roger Godsiff, MP for Birmingham Hall Green, tabled an early day motion this month calling on the Government to alter the law as it stands under the Football Supporters Act 1989 - brought in following the Hillsborough tragedy - and allow limited trials of safe standing areas. "We believe Villa Park could be a potential venue for such a trial, and would like to progress the plans further," said Paul Faulkner, Villa's chief executive. The model is based on that used in Germany and is very different to the large terraces once a feature of British grounds. Two years ago the issue was debated in Parliament, with the Government declining to offer its support. The Premier League and the Hillsborough Family Support Group are also resolutely opposed to the reintroduction of standing.