Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Villa Memories => Topic started by: nigel on November 07, 2021, 01:37:18 PM
-
Not surprised, but am tinged with sadness
-
Even if you were in the camp that this had to end, it’s also possible to have immense appreciation for what he achieved and simply a great affection for the man. He came to the club at precisely the right time and saw us climb out of the potential abyss of what could have been years in the Championship. Had we not got up that year, we’d have lost Jack for sure, and very likely a few others. But instead getting up, saved us millions and made us millions. So for however it ended, I will always be appreciative of what he did for us.
Cheers Dean. Always one of us.
-
Well said.
-
Thanks Dean. Up the Villa!
-
I’m gutted. Stuff Football, screw the ‘premier league’ , I thought we were better than that, but obviously not….
Bollocks to it all, I’m off for a ride on a Steam Engine.
-
Yes right decision, but sad, and now I hope we can look back on all the positives of his reign. A great run to promotion, some excellent wins and exciting games. Best of luck in the future Dean - on balance a successful reign.
-
Do we need another thread?
-
Echo those sentiments, Dean will be remembered In years to come as the manager who put Villa back on the map.
-
Sad end.
-
Do we need another thread?
Nope. WE've already got too many DS threads.
-
A genuinely sad day but the right decision.
Thanks for taking us back up Dean. You are one of us.
Best of luck for the future.
-
Sad day thanks Dean for everything.
-
Thanks Dean Smith.
For beating the shite home and away, TEN in a row, seeing off the Baggies, getting us promoted, that night against Everton when we showed that we were back, going to Norwich and scoring five, a League Cup Final where we were an inch away from extra time, a run of form that briefly saw us threaten the elite, for beating Arsenal (three times), Leicester (twice), Chelsea and Tottenham and a rare as unicorn shit win at Old Trafford. For getting us our pride back.
And for this, surely his finest hour.
-
Do we need another thread?
Yes, the other one was a debate this is a tribute thread.
-
I have nothing but admiration for Dean - what he achieved at the club in 3 years is remarkable, and unlike a host of shysters that had driven our club to increasing levels of ridicule and despair, he was a true Villa fan and a true gentleman. The class of the man should not be forgotten.
I wish him nothing but huge success in whatever he chooses to do in the future.
-
Saddened and hoped he'd get longer to turn it round. Will always be grateful for what he did . Onwards and upwards, whoever's next please bring as much heart as Dean did
-
The photo of Dean and Jack holding aloft the play-off winners' trophy is a glorious moment in time that quite possibly will never be repeated at any club. We were managed and captained by boy-hood supporters. The romantic in me wanted that photo to be replicated again a d again, but with trophies more in keeping with the history of Aston Villa. Unfortunately, the realities of twenty-first century top-flight football have intervened.
-
It is sad, but, inevitably going to happen.
He will be always be held in the highest regard by myself.
He was immensely proud when we appointed him.
Thanks Dean
-
I wanted this after the run of result and the general direction, but I don't think I will ever feel this gutted to see a manager leave. He will always be one of us, and it's a nice touch from the club to put the thank you video out. He is a really good man, and I hope he walks into another job and gets his mojo back.
-
I’ve just posted this on the other thread but I can’t think of a better place to put this. So I apologise for the repost.
I was expecting this would happen, but actually now it has, I just feel utterly gutted.
I love Dean - a real gentleman of football, a gem of a man. I am genuinely gutted that his dream has ended like this.
I literally cannot thank Dean enough for getting us back to where we belong. Dean leaves with a whole lot of incredible memories from the Villa fans. And I really hope that we will all keep a warm place in our hearts for him. I certainly will do.
Like breaking up in a doomed relationship, deep down I know it was the right move. But it hurts at the moment.
-
I'd like a chance to thank him as a Villa Park tribute
-
When Joe left it was essentially a fuck off line on the OS. This announcement is being given the respect it deserves and you can see it really was a tough one for the board to make.
-
Sad to the core about it but I am actually glad that this has happened before the next home game as I think it would have been a bit unpleasant if we had struggled.
Goodbye Dean and I really hope you come good elsewhere and bring a team to VP with your head held high.
-
Thanks for the memories, Dean.
-
I am glad it never got to the point of sustained abuse from the stands, that would be horrible and deeply inappropriate.
-
A wonderful video put out by the club. Warning you will get a bit emotional watching this. He saved us from the brink. Literally.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1457339988924841984?s=21
-
It’s very sad and I will always appreciate what he did for The Villa.
-
I am glad it never got to the point of sustained abuse from the stands, that would be horrible and deeply inappropriate.
Absolutely. And I think he'll get a standing ovation when he comes back.
-
I would like to add to the general feeling, thanks Dean and the very best of luck. It was going to happen, it had run it’s course. Whatever we may think, it is how football is today.
The king is dead, long live the King
I am also glad it did not get nasty, he was a man of honour in his time at AVFC
-
All the best Dean and many thanks for some great memories. You can leave with your head held high.
-
Of all the managers we've had over recent years Deano was the one I had the most faith in. I'm sad it's ended this way but given the results lately it was inevitable. I will be forever grateful to him for giving us back that bit of hope as well as our pride.
One thing he now has in his favour after managing us is that he now has experience of managing in the top flight which will stand him in good stead. We haven't heard the last of Dean Smith.
Thanks Deano, you will never be forgotten for what you did for us, not by me anyway. I wish him all the best in the future.
-
The timing is right, I wasn't looking forward to the next game. As it is he leaves with no bitterness or animosity and will be welcomed back at Villa Park.
I've made it clear where I think the problem is but that's academic now but it really is a fucking shame that he tenure has ended.
Thanks Deano.
-
He is part of the positive Villa history.
Got us promoted and kept us up when things looked dodgy.
I will follow his career with interest rather than forgetting him like other ex-managers.
Wistful rather than sad.
-
Sad it didn’t end in a Villa fan dream scenario but I suppose it’s good there wasn’t a resentment building towards him.
Thanks Dean for bringing our Villa back.
-
CEO Christian Purslow said: "When Dean joined us in October 2018 our team was really struggling in The Championship. He immediately transformed the atmosphere and performances and achieved the ultimate success of leading Villa back to the Premier League within the same season - a rare feat.
"He then secured our place in the Premier League after a tough campaign and took us to a Cup Final at Wembley.
"However, after a good start to last season, this year we have not seen the continuous improvement in results, performances and league position which we have all been looking for. For this reason we have decided to make a change now to allow time for a new head coach to make an impact."
-
Dean was this era’s Vic Crowe. Now to find the Ron Saunders.
-
Thanks Dean for all the success you bought us.
Good luck with the future wherever it takes you.
I will always remember your loyalty.
-
Overall fine job but we had hit buffers and needs a fresh face.
Reminded me of Little in many ways.
Thanks especially for taking us back to the top flight.
All the best Dean.
-
Dean was this era’s Vic Crowe. Now to find the Ron Saunders.
That would be the silver lining to today's black cloud.
-
I'm gutted, it's a sad day but for the best I think in case it got nasty and he didn't deserve that. Bearing in mind he only managed Walsall and Brentford before us, he did a terrific job in helping get this club back on its feet. The main thing is, he'll be remembered for the right reasons and that he does deserve. Thanks Dean.
-
Dean thank you for everything. 10 game winning run in the Championship. The play off final win. Staying up first season. League cup final. Liverpool at home. Thank you and see you at Villa Park again soon.
-
This really does feel like the end of an era.
After years of absolute tripe in the dugout, having a Villa fan, who wanted to play the right style of football, and seemed a genuinely nice bloke was such a breath of fresh air. Even if at first I was worried the job would be too big for him.
He proved me completely wrong on that last point. It absolutely wasn't too big for him and he grew and learned in our time with us.
Unfortunately it feels like he's taken us as far as he can. Southampton smacked of desperation. He ran out of ideas and that was his "Bradford moment".
I hope we see him again in some capacity. He's the best coach we've had in years and so many players have developed under his guidance, not least the £100m man. The issue is his game management, which turned out to be his Achilles heel.
I hope he gets the opportunity somewhere else soon and can continue his development without the pressure that comes with being the Aston Villa manager under gazillionaire ownership.
-
Sad news, as I really wanted him to be the person to put us firmly back into the higher reaches of the top flight. Hopefully we will get there and Dean Smith's role in getting us back into the top flight and keeping us there during that troubled first season will be rightly remembered for the achievement it was. Would have been extra special if we had been had able to overcome Manchester City at Wembley and he could have had some silverware during his time with us.
He is a good, decent bloke and of course went through some tough personal times during that first season. I felt he handled himself impeccably during his time with us and was a great representative of the club. Hope he gets some good time away now and then gets back into the game soon and has further success in his career.
-
A lovely tribute to him on the Official site.
How many managers leave their club where there is genuine affection and respect for him ?
Rightfully, it is time to move on but massive appreciation for Dean and good luck to him.
-
Even if you were in the camp that this had to end, it’s also possible to have immense appreciation for what he achieved and simply a great affection for the man. He came to the club at precisely the right time and saw us climb out of the potential abyss of what could have been years in the Championship. Had we not got up that year, we’d have lost Jack for sure, and very likely a few others. But instead getting up, saved us millions and made us millions. So for however it ended, I will always be appreciative of what he did for us.
Cheers Dean. Always one of us.
Well said.
-
If this had continued for much longer, everything might well have turned toxic as it did for another previous manager who, even if you hated his football, was a decent man Steve Bruce. Thank you Dean for all your efforts to save our rapidly sinking ship when you arrived and getting us up to the top teir again. I'm sure you will always be welcome at Villa Park.
-
A wonderful video put out by the club. Warning you will get a bit emotional watching this. He saved us from the brink. Literally.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1457339988924841984?s=21
What the bloody hell did I watch this for......
-
Top bloke. Most successful manager since MON and arguably including MON spending wise. Careful what you wish for. All the best Dean.
-
A wonderful video put out by the club. Warning you will get a bit emotional watching this. He saved us from the brink. Literally.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1457339988924841984?s=21
I'm not crying, you're crying.
-
He is a good, decent bloke and of course went through some tough personal times during that first season. I felt he handled himself impeccably during his time with us and was a great representative of the club. Hope he gets some good time away now and then gets back into the game soon and has further success in his career.
Absolutely. There's so much to love about the fella. Sad that it didn't work out but for me I'll always remember how he represented the club with such class. Good luck, Dean and thanks.
-
Top bloke. Most successful manager since MON and arguably including MON spending wise. Careful what you wish for. All the best Dean.
Dean Smith is our best manager since Brian Little for me. However, even the mighty Little ended up having to leave after 3 and a bit years. It's a tough gig and the results just weren't there.
-
I can’t agree with but have to accept the decision.
Hard act to follow.
-
Leaves the side in a far better state than he found it three years ago.
Not many Villa managers can say that in our recent history. Up there with GT, BFR and Sir Brian for me.
Hope he gets the right club and can build a legacy - so long as it's not with one of our nearest and dearest, obv.
-
He leaves the club in a better state than how he found, which isn't often the case. It's a shame to lose first a club captain who is a Villa fan and now a manager who is one. That's the reality of where we find ourselves though and now it's about getting the right manager in.
-
Dean will be remembered fondly by all of us. It is the right outcome but we should always hold Dean in high esteem as we won promotion and the Play off final, giving the club some pride back. Many thanks Dean. Up the Villa.
-
I wanted this after the run of result and the general direction, but I don't think I will ever feel this gutted to see a manager leave. He will always be one of us, and it's a nice touch from the club to put the thank you video out. He is a really good man, and I hope he walks into another job and gets his mojo back.
Exactly this.
-
Dean will be remembered fondly by all of us. It is the right outcome but we should always hold Dean in high esteem as we won promotion and the Play off final, giving the club some pride back. Many thanks Dean. Up the Villa.
Totally agree with every word
-
John Gregory on twitter.
Dean Smith gave Aston Villa Football Club the kiss of life when the Club was an embarrassment to Villa fans and he rekindled the love and passion and success on the field where so many others had failed hopelessly.
Dean you will be forever remembered at VP. Thank you 🙏❤️⚽️
#utv
-
Do we need another thread?
Yes, the other one was a debate this is a tribute thread.
The other thread I was referring to was another appreciation styleeee thread, I merged them.
-
Dean was without doubt the right manager at the right time. Gave us some great times and can leave with his head held high.
For me it’s the correct decision though and the board have to get the next appointment right.
-
It had to happen but it's a bit of a downer to have ended last season with Villa fans as Captain and Manager and now both have gone. Feels like the end of an era, hopefully paving the way on to a better one.
-
Do we need another thread?
Yes, the other one was a debate this is a tribute thread.
The other thread I was referring to was another appreciation styleeee thread, I merged them.
Ah, apologies.
-
.
-
Thank you Dean.
As someone who has regularly watched Walsall since 2008 it was brilliant to see someone rise from being their youth team coach to caretaker manager to eventual manager and in less than a decade become a premier league manager of his boyhood club. That is something to be proud of.
We've all criticised him at times and he's not perfect but he more than fulfilled his remit when he took over in October 2018. He'll get a terrific reception whenever he returns (get the feeling Norwich would be a good fit for him if he fancies it).
Sometimes you just have to accept a manager has taken a club as far as he can and we've reached that point so think this is a decision in the interest of both parties.
-
Appears that Craig Shakespeare has also left the club. Suggests a quick appointment.
-
should have given him longer. Don't like the decision at all and am surprised how many think it had to happen.
-
Appears that Craig Shakespeare has also left the club. Suggests a quick appointment.
Has to be. Shakespeare caretaker manager of Leicester for 3-4 months a few seasons back. Certainly want likes of McPhee and Danks nowhere near picking the team so yes seems certain now we'll be appointing new manager by end of this week at the latest.
-
Thanks Deano. Been some great moments. You’ve done more for this club than so many that went before you.
However… That video isn’t 5 minutes work…. Wonder when it was commissioned?
-
Thanks Deano. Been some great moments. You’ve done more for this club than so many that went before you.
However… That video isn’t 5 minutes work…. Wonder when it was commissioned?
He’d gone Friday night is my guess. Perhaps explain Targetts post match interview.
-
Thanks Dean. Achieved all that was asked of him with great dignity. A Villa man.
-
Got me going again to games at Villa Park, after 18 years of not going.
-
Big shame but decision made at the right time I feel. Just want to say thanks Dean for getting us back into this division and making us proud again.
The new appointment is massive.
-
I’m sad now.
-
Thanks for so many great memories Dean. And credit to the way you conducted yourself at the club you loved.
Truly hope you can step back onto the Holte and enjoy games as a fan again. I know I won't be the only one delighted to buy you a pint to say thanks for everything you did to put this club back where it belongs.
-
I’m sad now.
Same. Gutted for him.
-
Gutted
-
I’m so sorry it ended this way. As one or two have said he was the right manager at the right time. I went through periods of having confidence in him and then doubting him. The fact that he is “one of us” didn’t matter to me, but after the awful stuff dished up by the previous manager, I wanted good football and we got it. I hope he bounces back somewhere soon and makes a success of it because he is definitely a bloody good coach
-
Likewise. We've reached then end of an era with Villa fans leading the club, we'll not likely see that again.
-
Such a shame. Such fine margins in all the games. But something pre season just didnt seem quite right with coaches leaving with no real explanation. As a defensive coach I think there is no one better than terry. But he just seemed to wander off. Who knows what has gone on.
-
Will we ever have a manager who is a Villa fan again?
I’m sad it hasn’t worked this season.
I’m sad for Dean. But, he’s done it. He’s managed his club, he had success at his club.
Sad but I understand. It was time.
-
Hard to put into words really but if there was one thing I could say to him it would be thanks for giving us our Villa back.
-
Nice this has been made a sticky.
If not Dean then I'm sure some of his family members/relatives probably look on these sites on occasions so hopefully they can see it's a case of just frustation and no hard feelings.
Or Alex Bruce is looking on here for another chapter of his narrative that Villa fans are the root of all evil. Wouldn't put it past him to say they hounded DS out of a job like his Dad.
-
Shame how it ended but thanks for getting us out the championship and for letting us believe again. It won’t be the last time we see Deano at the villa I am sure
-
A sad day but i think the club left the decision as long as they could.
-
Bugger. I mean, I totally understand why this was necessary and everything. It was no doubt the right decision.
But fuck, I really wanted him to be the one to take us back into Europe.
Thanks Dean, you'll always be loved.
-
Seemed like a decent person. Achieved his ambition of managing his boyhood club and had a modicum of success and will ultimately walk away several million pounds richer. Nothing to be too upset about all in all.
-
Thanks Dean you can certainly hold your head high where Villa is concerned. You’ve left the club in a far better place than you found it in when appointed. You’ll be more than welcome back on the Holte and in the opposition dugout. No other manager will hold Aston Villa Football Club in the same regard as you. All the best for your future!
-
The day he next walks back into Villa Park, and he will eventually in front of a packed stadium he needs to get a deafening ovation.
-
Sometimes you get to that point where it's clear a manager has no answer to any of the issues the side is facing. I'm glad we didn't let it drag on. Lambert as an example got 12 months too long when it was clear as day he was taking us in the wrong direction.
Still, Deano did a good job here all told. Promotion, final, survival then progression. In the end he'd hit his ceiling, when clubs around you are stepping up, and we never had an answer to the Joe-less conundrum.
Unfortunately the last five games suggested we were unable to figure a way to gel new players and a side without you know who... When players can barely string 5 passes together and create very little, and on top of it, can't defend, you know the dressing room is gone. Players have looked bewildered lately. Directionless.
Dean's left a mid-table squad which might be a few players short of stepping up. We need the talismanic manager. Tactically astute. Someone who can shape us into a solid team unit. There's enough creative players to create. We've got two double figure prem strikers to score goals. We've got a great crop of youngsters (and I hope Dean's successor still eases them in). So it's not all bad. We just had to act ruthlessly and quickly. It's the modern game. Several teams are improving. Newcastle have those owners, etc, etc. Sentiment would have got us nowhere and ultimately, better for him to go with more good memories than bad. I wish him a lot of luck. Top man.
Favourite Dean games:
Old Trafford win
7-2
Leicester Semi
4-2 Scottish Cafu wonder goal.
Playoff final win.
Spanking the Gooners 3 times on the spin.
For sheer entertainment (though additionally frustrating), the Forest 5-5.
-
The day he next walks back into Villa Park, and he will eventually in front of a packed stadium he needs to get a deafening ovation.
He will.
-
Thank you Dean - you did us and yourself proud.
I wanted you and Jack to lead us to glory more than a 40 year old man should want anything football related!!
The last 3 years have given me some of the best moments supporting Villa.
I remember reading on the forum during the dark Steve Bruce championship days that things were as bad as in the late 80s but there was no sign of a Graham Taylor riding over the horizon to make it all better. We’ll you were that man and you’ll always have a special place in Villains hearts because of it - and it made it even more special that you were own of us
-
Great man, great manager. He succeeded wildly but it's come to an end, as everything does.
-
I think some of the players need to take hard look at themselves.
We all know the CM has been a problem and we’ve basically got the same CM as when we first came up.
The players don’t look fit.
I think some will be found out big time should a top class manager come in.
-
Dean was this era’s Vic Crowe. Now to find the Ron Saunders.
i agree.......If only we could m8
-
The day he next walks back into Villa Park, and he will eventually in front of a packed stadium he needs to get a deafening ovation.
Most definitely
I remember when Andy Lochhead returned with Oldham, frighteningly loud, got a better ovation than the Villa
-
Such a shame. Such fine margins in all the games. But something pre season just didnt seem quite right with coaches leaving with no real explanation. As a defensive coach I think there is no one better than terry. But he just seemed to wander off. Who knows what has gone on.
Someone posted earlier that JT and RO’K had whispered in Jacks ear to go.
My take on the post is that Sawais got wind of it and got rid of them.
-
Such a shame. Such fine margins in all the games. But something pre season just didnt seem quite right with coaches leaving with no real explanation. As a defensive coach I think there is no one better than terry. But he just seemed to wander off. Who knows what has gone on.
Someone posted earlier that JT and RO’K had whispered in Jacks ear to go.
My take on the post is that Sawais got wind of it and got rid of them.
If that's the case then they won't appoint JT.
-
A sad day. Thanks Dean. Have a well earned break.
-
Yes, thanks all he did.
Play some golf, recharge and enjoy just being a fan again.
-
Such a shame. Such fine margins in all the games. But something pre season just didnt seem quite right with coaches leaving with no real explanation. As a defensive coach I think there is no one better than terry. But he just seemed to wander off. Who knows what has gone on.
Someone posted earlier that JT and RO’K had whispered in Jacks ear to go.
My take on the post is that Sawais got wind of it and got rid of them.
If that's the case then they won't appoint JT.
Sounds a complete far-fetched conspiracy theory to me. If someone you worked with got a job offer and you advised him to take it, it's none of the bosses' business and you certainly wouldn't get sacked for it unless he wanted a wrongful dismissal case on his hands.
-
I loved having Dean Smith as manager. I can’t remember feeling this sad to see a manager go since Little left.
I’m not completely surprised, the calendar years results haven’t been good enough, but I think he had a difficult job to integrate the new signings, particularly with Bailey and Traore being injured. In many ways the Watford game put him under pressure. We had a tough run of fixtures following that and the games post Wolves the pressure has clearly got to the players. Some of that is on Dean, but the time it’s taken some if the newer players to settle and individual errors from established players isn’t 100% his responsibility.
I think aside from feeling bad for Smith personally I feel worried that the things that have been working well with the youth players coming through could be turned upside down with a new manager coming in.
-
He came in and did what was required. A lovely guy and I’ll always think well of him.
Cheers Dean and good luck.
We needed the change.
-
Such a shame. Such fine margins in all the games. But something pre season just didnt seem quite right with coaches leaving with no real explanation. As a defensive coach I think there is no one better than terry. But he just seemed to wander off. Who knows what has gone on.
Someone posted earlier that JT and RO’K had whispered in Jacks ear to go.
My take on the post is that Sawais got wind of it and got rid of them.
If that's the case then they won't appoint JT.
Sounds a complete far-fetched conspiracy theory to me. If someone you worked with got a job offer and you advised him to take it, it's none of the bosses' business and you certainly wouldn't get sacked for it unless he wanted a wrongful dismissal case on his hands.
It was only my take on it, I’m probably pretty wide of the mark.
-
Sad to see him go, Villa through and through, cannot imagine his emotion's right now, he never failed us that's for sure.
-
Such a shame. Such fine margins in all the games. But something pre season just didnt seem quite right with coaches leaving with no real explanation. As a defensive coach I think there is no one better than terry. But he just seemed to wander off. Who knows what has gone on.
Someone posted earlier that JT and RO’K had whispered in Jacks ear to go.
My take on the post is that Sawais got wind of it and got rid of them.
If that's the case then they won't appoint JT.
Sounds a complete far-fetched conspiracy theory to me. If someone you worked with got a job offer and you advised him to take it, it's none of the bosses' business and you certainly wouldn't get sacked for it unless he wanted a wrongful dismissal case on his hands.
It was only my take on it, I’m probably pretty wide of the mark.
Yeah I wasn't having a pop. Just think its much more likely Terry and ROK had their own agenda's for leaving or maybe Smith wanted a change, rather than the board tracking down anyone they deemed to be disloyal over Grealish.
-
Such a shame. Such fine margins in all the games. But something pre season just didnt seem quite right with coaches leaving with no real explanation. As a defensive coach I think there is no one better than terry. But he just seemed to wander off. Who knows what has gone on.
Someone posted earlier that JT and RO’K had whispered in Jacks ear to go.
My take on the post is that Sawais got wind of it and got rid of them.
All due respect lads but that is very, very likely absolute bollocks. Jack Grealish left to improve his career. How he did it we can all probably agree on doesn’t sit well with any of us. But if anyone truly believes it took a word from our former coaches for him to come to that conclusion, then they need to invest in a foil hat. He was sending love notes to Pep. His agent had set things up before the Euros. And he got offered a massive amount of money and a chance to win every trophy every season for the rest of his career.
-
Thank you dean for aaving this club. You bought us up in 6 months and kept us here. I felt a change was needed but i have absolutely no ill feelings towards you and wish you every success in your career.
Your always welcome back. All the best dean and thanks omce again
-
Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.
-
Deeply saddened to see Smith removed from Villa. I suppose it's rare that any manager would survive losing five games on the bounce, but can't shake the feeling that the Villa Twitterati finally got what they wanted, I don't think some were ever particularly enamoured by him. Whoever comes in has gigantic shoes to fill.
Best wishes Dean and thank you for some of the best times at the club since the 90s.
-
Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.
With respect, 9th-14th would be an achievement this season given how close to relegation we are after 5 defeats on the trot.
-
Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.
That’s not really Dean appreciation is it? More sniping.
-
Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.
With respect, 9th-14th would be an achievement this season given how close to relegation we are after 5 defeats on the trot.
Were 4 points off it with 27 games left
-
Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.
That’s not really Dean appreciation is it? More sniping.
You're right. I am just very frustrated at this decision.
-
Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.
That’s not really Dean appreciation is it? More sniping.
Agreed. We have enough in other threads to comment on what led to his ultimate demise. This is meant to be all positive and there’s loads of that. His tenure in my opinion should be defined by what he did to get us back to the PL.
-
That’s fair enough. I suppose for me I’m thankful that ultimately Dean’s reign can be seen as a successful one and he’ll in the main be able to hold his head high. For me it was the right time to go, but doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate what he did achieve.
-
Thanks Dean. I wish you all the best. I remember your 1st game at VP vs Swansea. You gave us hope after 1-0 victory. (My Last game at VP) You took the club up and for that i will always be grateful. UTV
-
Cheers Dean. Always be one of us, and at least for me will be remembered with the same fondness that I still have for SGT, Big Fat Ron, and Brian Little.
-
As gutted as I’ve ever been over any loss.
Thanks Dean, sure we’ll see you again.
-
A wonderful video put out by the club. Warning you will get a bit emotional watching this. He saved us from the brink. Literally.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1457339988924841984?s=21
That is class. The part where he welcomes Leon Bailey with "there's only one Leon Bailey" is very touching after today's events. It showed the world that he's genuinely a villa fan. It's a sad farewell and I wish him nothing but success in the future. Thanks for all you did for us Dean. Thanks for some amazing memories.
-
I know I can't link to it, but there's a lovely tribute to him on the Birmingham Mail site by Mat Kendrick.
-
Paul McGrath and John Gregory have also penned some good professional tributes.
-
So have Cash and Mings. And others, I assume.
-
My three favourite moments under Smith:
The final whistle after the Play Off final
The Everton home game first season back up
Beating Liverpool 7-2
The three not so favourite moments
The home battering by Man City for Drinkwater's debut
The drubbing by Leicester just before the first lockdown
The Wolves 3-2 this season, which was probably the catalyst to today
-
Thanks Deano for bringing pride back to our club. I’ll never forget that play-off final. It’s a sad day but I think he’ll be revered in the same way as SGT, he can be proud of what he achieved.
-
This is the saddest day for some time. i had turned, for sure, but Dean is probably in my top three favourite managers of the past 36-37 years. It was special to have a villa fan at the helm and he is the first villa manager in a very long time who can be considered a success. He has been a successful manager and he gave us some great days out.
Things sort of ran out of steam and I think it is best for all parties that it happened now. However, I am very sad that it did run out of steam and I can't help but think events in the summer really caused it all to go wrong.
-
Our former manager and always a fan Dean Smith will be welcome at the Villa any time. Can't say the same for ratboy who helped get him sacked.
-
I know I can't link to it, but there's a lovely tribute to him on the Birmingham Mail site by Mat Kendrick.
Just read it. Lovely article by Matt Kendrick.
-
If people were on the fence about the reception they were going to give ratboy, I hope this sways them. Should be interesting now. Has the little weasel piped up on twitter yet?
-
Thanks for the wonderful memories.
You lived the dream we all have, by bringing your (and our) Club into the top league and then cementing their place with style and commitment.
It may have gone wrong this year, but the short time you had the reigns have given us some of the best moments in our recent history.
You should leave with your head held high and in the knowledge that your successor will have the components of a very competitive team and the infrastructure behind the scenes are as good as I can remember in my lifetime.
All the very best Dean, take care and up the Villa.
-
I’m really disappointed. I think we’ve got a great squad but we’ve lost our way in the last few games. He has not suddenly turned into a bad manager, it’s just a run of bad form. I’m annoyed. I think it’s an awful decision and I dread to think who they’re going to bring in. I’m not naive enough to think Dean Smith would be with us forever but this strikes me as a knee jerk decision that will take a lot for the team to get back from.
-
If people were on the fence about the reception they were going to give ratboy, I hope this sways them. Should be interesting now. Has the little weasel piped up on twitter yet?
https://twitter.com/jackgrealish/status/1457343194983800838?s=21
-
I’m really disappointed. I think we’ve got a great squad but we’ve lost our way in the last few games. He has not suddenly turned into a bad manager, it’s just a run of bad form. I’m annoyed. I think it’s an awful decision and I dread to think who they’re going to bring in. I’m not naive enough to think Dean Smith would be with us forever but this strikes me as a knee jerk decision that will take a lot for the team to get back from.
It's been a bad run of form for 11 months though.
-
Dean restored pride in Villa. I can see why the owners have made the decision and understand the timing but it is still a sad day. I think Dean was let down by some individuals at least one of whom is obvious.
-
I’m really disappointed. I think we’ve got a great squad but we’ve lost our way in the last few games. He has not suddenly turned into a bad manager, it’s just a run of bad form. I’m annoyed. I think it’s an awful decision and I dread to think who they’re going to bring in. I’m not naive enough to think Dean Smith would be with us forever but this strikes me as a knee jerk decision that will take a lot for the team to get back from.
It's been a bad run of form for 11 months though.
Yup, nothing kneejerk about it, 18 defeats in 35 matches during 2021. He'll learn from his time with us and bounce back though. When his team are on form they're a joy to watch.
-
Yeah, I hope Grealish gets the full Judas treatment in a couple of weeks because if he'd stayed in the summer I'm sure things would have been a lot different!
-
Yeah, I hope Grealish gets the full Judas treatment in a couple of weeks because if he'd stayed in the summer I'm sure things would have been a lot different!
I doubt he'll be in the squad.
-
By then his shins will be hurting again.
-
He will play, he will score. You know how this works.
-
I hope the weasel comes on as sub and gets a reception which makes the one Delph got sound like a warm welcome.
-
Paul McGrath
@Paulmcgrath5
·
2h
I think Villa have pulled the trigger a bit early on Dean Smith, it’s obvious the man loves the club and is doing his best. I honestly think one or two of the players could do with looking at themselves. Best of luck Dean and thanks for your commitment to our club
@AVFCOfficial
-
Sorry to see Dean Smith go. We competed again. A smile back on my face watching them. Who sees a 5-5? Who supports a team that annihilates the then European champions 7-2? Wembley… twice. A blocked save from coming back against Citeh. That day against Derby.
On our day we could turn over anyone, sadly those days became fewer and fewer. We saw the confidence drained out by that deflected goal against The Dogheads. He didn’t seem to be able to pick them up from there.
Thanks Dean. Fantastic memories.
-
Paul McGrath
@Paulmcgrath5
·
2h
I think Villa have pulled the trigger a bit early on Dean Smith, it’s obvious the man loves the club and is doing his best. I honestly think one or two of the players could do with looking at themselves. Best of luck Dean and thanks for your commitment to our club
@AVFCOfficial
God has spoken on this Sunday.
-
Sorry to see Dean Smith go. We competed again. A smile back on my face watching them. Who sees a 5-5? Who supports a team that annihilates the then European champions 7-2? Wembley… twice. A blocked save from coming back against Citeh. That day against Derby.
On our day we could turn over anyone, sadly those days became fewer and fewer. We saw the confidence drained out by that deflected goal against The Dogheads. He didn’t seem to be able to pick them up from there.
Thanks Dean. Fantastic memories.
Don't forget that 3-3 draw against Sheffield United in the Championship in our promotion season when we were 3-0 down with 10 minutes to go!
-
Yeah, I hope Grealish gets the full Judas treatment in a couple of weeks because if he'd stayed in the summer I'm sure things would have been a lot different!
He has gone. Get over yourself and move on
-
A wonderful video put out by the club. Warning you will get a bit emotional watching this. He saved us from the brink. Literally.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1457339988924841984?s=21
Sad but absolutely brilliant tribute to dean. Well deserved. A legend for me for what he has done for this club even if this season never worked out.
-
We have moved on that's the point and it's gone to shit because of all the destabilizing influences over the summer - reminds me so much of when O'Neill landed us in the shit at the last possible minute!
-
A wonderful video put out by the club. Warning you will get a bit emotional watching this. He saved us from the brink. Literally.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1457339988924841984?s=21
Sad but absolutely brilliant tribute to dean. Well deserved. A legend for me for what he has done for this club even if this season never worked out.
Those who have wanted him out are now being so kind.
-
Nice this has been made a sticky.
If not Dean then I'm sure some of his family members/relatives probably look on these sites on occasions so hopefully they can see it's a case of just frustation and no hard feelings.
Or Alex Bruce is looking on here for another chapter of his narrative that Villa fans are the root of all evil. Wouldn't put it past him to say they hounded DS out of a job like his Dad.
I know his son Jamie is on Twitter and there's some lovely messages that fans have left for him to pass onto his dad - can imagine that the family must be absolutely gutted that it's come to this
I hope the last few weeks don't cloud people's judgement of Dean's reign. Very very few managers get to leave Aston Villa with their reputation enhanced. I've no doubt he won't be unemployed for long, and he will get a magnificent reception the next time he comes back "home"
-
Sorry to see Dean Smith go. We competed again. A smile back on my face watching them. Who sees a 5-5? Who supports a team that annihilates the then European champions 7-2? Wembley… twice. A blocked save from coming back against Citeh. That day against Derby.
On our day we could turn over anyone, sadly those days became fewer and fewer. We saw the confidence drained out by that deflected goal against The Dogheads. He didn’t seem to be able to pick them up from there.
Thanks Dean. Fantastic memories.
Don't forget that 3-3 draw against Sheffield United in the Championship in our promotion season when we were 3-0 down with 10 minutes to go!
Yep. The tension against The Tesco’s in the play offs … turning over Chelsea the game before they went on to be champions of Europe in front of the first crowd back. Winning at the theatre of wet dreams.
However, let’s hope it’s, “the king is dead long live the king.” And not a Graham Turner moment.
-
My three favourite moments under Smith:
The final whistle after the Play Off final
The Everton home game first season back up
Beating Liverpool 7-2
The three not so favourite moments
The home battering by Man City for Drinkwater's debut
The drubbing by Leicester just before the first lockdown
The Wolves 3-2 this season, which was probably the catalyst to today
The "one more" sign at the Borethorns
-
Can you imagine someone posting up their 'not so favourite moments' on a Smith Appreciation thread? What an utter fucking misery arse. His life must be a hoot.
-
In fairness the thread title is ‘Reflection and Appreciation.’
-
Sad to see you go Dean. Thanks for picking us up when we were on the floor. Thanks for giving us some great memories. Thanks for taking us back to the PL. You gave it your best shot.
Thank you for so much above all giving us our dignity back
The greatest of luck and success to you in whatever you choose to do in the future
Thanks
-
In fairness the thread title is ‘Reflection and Appreciation.’
Could he have not posted that elsewhere?
-
Seems like the right place to post it tbf.
-
Rotherham was my favourite Dean Smith performance. Losing and down to 10men. Changed the formation, went for it and won. Still my favourite ratboy goal too.
-
Whilst he was Brentford I'd see him waiting for his daughter doing the Walsall Youth Jazz stuff at Forest Arts with my son. He was always on his phone, so never plucked up the courage to chat, but was begging in my own mind that Villa would pick him up.
My lad stopped going as he moved into another Sixth Form as Smith got the job.
I'd still love to pluck up that courage to thank him for rescuing us from the doldrums, stopping us from being the laughing stock we were & putting a smile on our faces again.
-
Can you imagine someone posting up their 'not so favourite moments' on a Smith Appreciation thread? What an utter fucking misery arse. His life must be a hoot.
My life is completely and utterly ace, thanks for the concern though Clamps. For the hard of thinking, the title includes the word 'reflection'. As we look upon Dean Smith's time at Villa, there have been ups and downs. There is no day without night, no yin without yang. As ever, your main contributions to this board are having a go at other fans. If that's what makes you happy, then so be it.
-
Can we draw a line under that now please
-
Can you imagine someone posting up their 'not so favourite moments' on a Smith Appreciation thread? What an utter fucking misery arse. His life must be a hoot.
My life is completely and utterly ace, thanks for the concern though Clamps. For the hard of thinking, the title includes the word 'reflection'. As we look upon Dean Smith's time at Villa, there have been ups and downs. There is no day without night, no yin without yang. As ever, your main contributions to this board are having a go at other fans. If that's what makes you happy, then so be it.
Even you must be capable of seeing the difference between the real intent of a thread and it’s literal title.
-
Although I think his time was up I’m incredibly sad tonight. Hope he’s having a few beers up the Scott Arms.
The period I loved best was when he first came in and we just went for it in every game pretty much. That period ended when Grealish got injured after we had outplayed Smethwick on their own patch.
-
Can you imagine someone posting up their 'not so favourite moments' on a Smith Appreciation thread? What an utter fucking misery arse. His life must be a hoot.
My life is completely and utterly ace, thanks for the concern though Clamps. For the hard of thinking, the title includes the word 'reflection'. As we look upon Dean Smith's time at Villa, there have been ups and downs. There is no day without night, no yin without yang. As ever, your main contributions to this board are having a go at other fans. If that's what makes you happy, then so be it.
For someone who has been banned from here a few times, are you talking from experience? Thanks for the advice though.
-
Can we draw a line under that now please
This, please.
-
Can we draw a line under that now please
Apologies, just saw this.
-
I created the initial thread now merged with Nigel’s to keep things positive. Reflection related to appreciation. We have other spots to discuss his failings. Let’s not turn this into something negative.
-
A wonderful video put out by the club. Warning you will get a bit emotional watching this. He saved us from the brink. Literally.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1457339988924841984?s=21
Sad but absolutely brilliant tribute to dean. Well deserved. A legend for me for what he has done for this club even if this season never worked out.
Those who have wanted him out are now being so kind.
Deans a useless clown?
Better then ?
Seriously stop telling people how they should react or be for having an opinion
-
I created the initial thread now merged with Nigel’s to keep things positive. Reflection related to appreciation. We have other spots to discuss his failings. Let’s not turn this into something negative.
Agreed.
Loads of threads for the negative stuff but as always it's a bit of a stretch to expect people to keep it between the ditches.
Its human nature to argue and disagree even when there's no need to.
-
I stick my hand up and wanted him gone, but what make it worse was because he a Villa man through and through and absolutely pig sick about it
-
I’m in bits here. This is following the meeting where he was sacked.
As for Smith, the 50-year-old was understandably gutted as he walked back to his car before driving the short distance back to his home in Sutton Coldfield.
-
The bestvtribute I can offer for Smith is that he's the first manager we've had for years who left us in a genuinely better state tgan he found us in every way. He's done the work to get us back and set down the foundations for us to step on again.
It's a shame he won't be the one to take that step but if it happens I hope he gets his share of the credit.
-
Thanks Dean for all the memories, some great performances and results, getting us back to and keeping us in the Premier League…and above all else, for restoring pride, passion and respect back to Aston Villa.
You were the right man, and a Villa man, at the right time for the job at hand…and you did yourself, your family and all Villa fans proud. You and ourselves as fans should quite rightly look back at your tenure in a positive light, and we wish you a successful and healthy future.
Unfortunately football is an evolving game…you did your job in getting us to where we needed to be, and now it is time for this privileged position to change hands to someone who we hope can take us to where we would like to get to. You have played your part and we can all look forward to seeing our great club progress.
-
A true steward of Aston Villa. Never interested in taking any credit or bigging himself up. One of the few managers we’ve had since i’ve been supporting the Villa that actually leaves the job with his reputation enhanced and a job well done. I feel events have conspired to lead to this but the failings have been consistent for awhile now and not just this last 5 games. I feel really sad that it’s come to this. Thanks for all the fantastic memories Deano.
-
A very sad day for me. Thoroughly decent man which counts for me, I don't want a charlatan managing our great club. Gave us back our pride at supporting our club and tried to play in the right way. My 2 sons and myself have been very lucky to witness most of the matches shown in the tribute video put out by the club. I wish him all the best for his future in football, the game needs more Dean Smith's to project a decent image and encourage more young fans to want to attend games. Farewell Dean and thanks for nearly all that you achieved.
-
Important also to note that he never played the 'Villa Fan' card to endear himself to supporters. He knew, we knew, everybody knew, but he never played it up. I would've. The man has integrity.
-
They had a five year plan then decide after 3 to sack him, f@#k football owners, they gonna be in big trouble, there is no manager out at the moment to take villa forward, this could come back and bite an big time
-
I'm in my sixth decade of supporting this great club and I've not been so genuinely sad to see a manger leaving us. He's up there with SGT for what he inherited compared to what he left us.
Had it not been for DS, and promotion not happened when it did, who knows where we would be today, but I'd highly doubt it would be as an established PL club with the base we have to build on that we do.
Thanks for everything Deano, for the ten straight, beating SHA and the Albion, for Wembley, for that incredible survival season (which never gets enough credit), for last season's progress but most of all for being that typical understated Brummie who managed his boyhood team with success, integrity and calm. 3 years is a decent stint at a top level football club and although I wished it could've been longer I think it was probably time - for now. It really wouldn't surprise me if we saw him again some day.
-
I see Deano is now bookies fav to be the next England manager…
-
I see Deano is now bookies fav to be the next England manager…
I think he'd be a disaster as England manager unfortunately.
Deano's a fantastic coach - he's developed pretty much all our players working with them day to day. But you can't do that as an international manager. It's all about game management which is what ultimately cost Dean the Villa job.
-
I see Deano is now bookies fav to be the next England manager…
I think he'd be a disaster as England manager unfortunately.
Deano's a fantastic coach - he's developed pretty much all our players working with them day to day. But you can't do that as an international manager. It's all about game management which is what ultimately cost Dean the Villa job.
I actually think the opposite. I think smith would be a very successful manager at international level. I have a feeling Norwich will be interested in deano. He may keep them up if he doesnt he will certainly bring them up next year and i feel maybe keep them up thw year after
-
He can walk away with his head held high. I wish him nothing but good fortune.
-
A very sad day for me. Thoroughly decent man which counts for me, I don't want a charlatan managing our great club. Gave us back our pride at supporting our club and tried to play in the right way. My 2 sons and myself have been very lucky to witness most of the matches shown in the tribute video put out by the club. I wish him all the best for his future in football, the game needs more Dean Smith's to project a decent image and encourage more young fans to want to attend games. Farewell Dean and thanks for nearly all that you achieved.
Well said sir.
-
:(
I see Deano is now bookies fav to be the next England manager…
After the way the gutter press treated Sir Graham I hope not.
-
Be shocked I'd he went to Norwich. I suspect he may take some time out and pop up somewhere in the Summer - it's been three very demanding years for Dean with the pressure of the job and in his personal life, so some time to recharge will do him good. It's never nice for anyone when they lose their job, but losing THIS job will have hurt him.
-
The longer you're out, the more you get forgotten. If he has a chance of the Norwich job, I doubt he would dismiss it out of hand.
-
He'd be a great fit for Norwich I think.
Yes they'll still go down but proven at bouncing straight back up and they promote young players and make signings who can develop and those are two things he's good at.
Just depends on timing I think and whenever he'd want to uproot his family as it's a long old commute.
-
I know I posted this last year, but this says so much about Dean Smith the man
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1309810195124514818?t=iwEARETVngLZ8erqKygldg&s=19
-
I'm in my sixth decade of supporting this great club and I've not been so genuinely sad to see a manger leaving us. He's up there with SGT for what he inherited compared to what he left us.
Had it not been for DS, and promotion not happened when it did, who knows where we would be today, but I'd highly doubt it would be as an established PL club with the base we have to build on that we do.
Thanks for everything Deano, for the ten straight, beating SHA and the Albion, for Wembley, for that incredible survival season (which never gets enough credit), for last season's progress but most of all for being that typical understated Brummie who managed his boyhood team with success, integrity and calm. 3 years is a decent stint at a top level football club and although I wished it could've been longer I think it was probably time - for now. It really wouldn't surprise me if we saw him again some day.
Spot on, I didn't think that after 64 years I would feel tearful at a manager leaving. As SE said, he didn't need to play the Villa card, he was and is one of us. Good luck for the future Deano, you have given us some of the best memories ever.
-
I'll be interested to see where he goes next. I thought he probably was close to the end but at the same time I thought he might be given another game or so.
It will be a sore point for some time, but in a few years I think he can look back at a job largely well done, and with some pretty big highs along the way.
Cheers Dean.
-
One of our own!
Thanks Deano
-
Seemed inevitable I suppose given the results and performances from January but still gutted when I heard.Under Dean I actually looked forward to games for the most part, instead of dreading them under the numerous clusterfucks that came before him.Thanks for everything and all the best for the future.
-
I have to admit that I was of the opinion that Deano had gone as far as he could, I'll never know but, today it feels like I've lost a long-loved family pet, one of those scenarios where everyone knows what should be done but no one wants to do it. Melodramatic perhaps but it's the way I feel.
-
I have to admit that I was of the opinion that Deano had gone as far as he could, I'll never know but, today it feels like I've lost a long-loved family pet, one of those scenarios where everyone knows what should be done but no one wants to do it. Melodramatic perhaps but it's the way I feel.
Same here. I was prepared to cut him so much slack because he understood our great club and knew what we expected - and just as importantly he wanted to share it with us. Oh and he came from Great Barr where I grew up
But, and here is the thing, I always felt Dean was learning on the job and though there is nothing wrong with that, we have gone up several levels ironically thanks to Dean, but we now need a proven world class coach to capitalise and I’m afraid that isn’t Dean.
So yes I am very sad about this but the owners don’t have the same sentimentality we have and so we prepared to fix it before it got worse, and in doing so have probably preserved Dean’s cult status
-
Can’t help feeling Jack really did fuck him over royally, and for what? He’s already a benchwarmer and Dean has lost his job
-
Dean's issued a statement through the LMA and I don't mind saying it brought a lump to my throat. Genuinely one of us.
-
Can’t help feeling Jack really did fuck him over royally, and for what? He’s already a benchwarmer and Dean has lost his job
Exactly. His tweet was pathetic.
-
Just sheer class, thank you Dean
https://leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/dean-smith-statement/
-
Can’t help feeling Jack really did fuck him over royally, and for what? He’s already a benchwarmer and Dean has lost his job
Though I can't help thinking that the aforementioned person will have shin-splints or a (non-covid) ailment close to 1st December.
-
Dean's issued a statement through the LMA and I don't mind saying it brought a lump to my throat. Genuinely one of us.
"Finally, to the Aston Villa fans who showed me nothing but love and support from my first day in the job to my last, a heartfelt thank you from my family and I. The Aston Villa board’s aims and ambitions are to take our club back into European football and I would love nothing more than seeing the club achieve that. I’ve always said that I was simply a custodian of this great football club, and my aim was to leave it in a better place than I found it. I believe that together we have achieved that.”
-
Just sheer class, thank you Dean
https://leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/dean-smith-statement/
As you say Class.
-
Dean's issued a statement through the LMA and I don't mind saying it brought a lump to my throat. Genuinely one of us.
"Finally, to the Aston Villa fans who showed me nothing but love and support from my first day in the job to my last, a heartfelt thank you from my family and I. The Aston Villa board’s aims and ambitions are to take our club back into European football and I would love nothing more than seeing the club achieve that. I’ve always said that I was simply a custodian of this great football club, and my aim was to leave it in a better place than I found it. I believe that together we have achieved that.”
Regardless of his ability, the joy in having Smith as manager was that he was always, always putting the club first, and that's not often been the case with us.
-
Can’t help feeling Jack really did fuck him over royally, and for what? He’s already a benchwarmer and Dean has lost his job
Though I can't help thinking that the aforementioned person will have shin-splints or a (non-covid) ailment close to 1st December.
joe is a weasel of the highest order. He is the cause of this very sad episode.
-
Dean's issued a statement through the LMA and I don't mind saying it brought a lump to my throat. Genuinely one of us.
"Finally, to the Aston Villa fans who showed me nothing but love and support from my first day in the job to my last, a heartfelt thank you from my family and I. The Aston Villa board’s aims and ambitions are to take our club back into European football and I would love nothing more than seeing the club achieve that. I’ve always said that I was simply a custodian of this great football club, and my aim was to leave it in a better place than I found it. I believe that together we have achieved that.”
A class act to his fingertips.
-
It’s a wonderful statement by Dean. He’s a good man. It’s unfortunate things ended this way but that’s the business as he understands all too well. He will always be welcome at the club.
-
Fuck, there's dust in my eyes!
-
Dean's issued a statement through the LMA and I don't mind saying it brought a lump to my throat. Genuinely one of us.
"Finally, to the Aston Villa fans who showed me nothing but love and support from my first day in the job to my last, a heartfelt thank you from my family and I. The Aston Villa board’s aims and ambitions are to take our club back into European football and I would love nothing more than seeing the club achieve that. I’ve always said that I was simply a custodian of this great football club, and my aim was to leave it in a better place than I found it. I believe that together we have achieved that.”
The bold bit should be the footnote of his time with the club, I can't think of a single aspect of the club that isn't in the best state it's been for about 20 years, not all on Smith but he has clearly played a big part and deserves huge respect from fans for it. He did have to go when he did but I hope that fans quickly recover from that and remember him as a hugely important part of giving us our club back.
-
He did leave the club in a better place and frankly after the summer, would have been happy to keep him as long as we survived. This year in, year out improvement is the stuff of fantasy - yes, it can happen over a ten year period, for example, but it won’t be a straight line. I think it’s preposterous to expect it - HOWEVER I did think he should go if we were genuinely in relegation trouble and that’s the part that’s not an exact science here. I don’t know if we are or not. But the idea that we couldn’t finish 12th or 14th for one year. as it would mean we weren’t progressing as a club is nonsense.
-
Thanks for everything Dean, sorry to see you go, you were a credit to our club.
-
One thing is for sure, I've never seen a manager sacked and the fan base so united in their absolute admiration and respect for the departed boss. Its sad and strange in equal measure.
That statement is a touch of class from somebody who brought a lot of joy and immense pride to the club again.
We will look back fondly in 10/20/30 years at his time here.
-
Dean's issued a statement through the LMA and I don't mind saying it brought a lump to my throat. Genuinely one of us.
"Finally, to the Aston Villa fans who showed me nothing but love and support from my first day in the job to my last, a heartfelt thank you from my family and I. The Aston Villa board’s aims and ambitions are to take our club back into European football and I would love nothing more than seeing the club achieve that. I’ve always said that I was simply a custodian of this great football club, and my aim was to leave it in a better place than I found it. I believe that together we have achieved that.”
A class act to his fingertips.
100%. He's only the second manager in my time supporting us who has left with such a sense of goodwill, the first being Brian. The fact that he is in such company shows what a good job he has done and what an impression he has made on the club.
Every bit a Villa man, and as others have said, he will receive a warm welcome and standing applause from me, whether he's at VP as an opponent, a guest or a supporter.
-
Just sheer class, thank you Dean
https://leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/dean-smith-statement/
That is the way you leave Villa. There is a great deal of dignity in that statement.
-
Take note grealish thats how you do you do a farewell speech.
Man what a bloke. Classy.
For me a legend for saving us. Even of it never worked out.
Little smith then MON for me since little was appointed
-
genuinely sad to see dean leave.
the second half of 2018/19 was when this club finally healed after a decade of dross and mismanagement.
absolutely loved having villa fans as manager and captain of our club and it was a special time to be a villa fan. just a shame that we didn't get to share some of the great moments last season.
-
I know its a bad habit to compare and contrast but when thinking of all the good, bad and ugly managers we have had in my lifetime I would, without hesitation, put Dean Smith in the Top 5 Villa Managers since 1957, where he will keep company with Ron Saunders, Graham Taylor, He who walks on water, and BFR.
-
I know its a bad habit to compare and contrast but when thinking of all the good, bad and ugly managers we have had in my lifetime I would, without hesitation, put Dean Smith in the Top 5 Villa Managers since 1957, where he will keep company with Ron Saunders, Graham Taylor, He who walks on water, and BFR.
My first game was 1960 so I have seen Villa play under 25 managers. Your 5 would be my 5 too with John Gregory not far behind.
-
Dignified and classy. Makes it all that little bit more sad.
-
I know its a bad habit to compare and contrast but when thinking of all the good, bad and ugly managers we have had in my lifetime I would, without hesitation, put Dean Smith in the Top 5 Villa Managers since 1957, where he will keep company with Ron Saunders, Graham Taylor, He who walks on water, and BFR.
My first game was 1960 so I have seen Villa play under 25 managers. Your 5 would be my 5 too with John Gregory not far behind.
Vic Crowe?
-
I know its a bad habit to compare and contrast but when thinking of all the good, bad and ugly managers we have had in my lifetime I would, without hesitation, put Dean Smith in the Top 5 Villa Managers since 1957, where he will keep company with Ron Saunders, Graham Taylor, He who walks on water, and BFR.
My first game was 1960 so I have seen Villa play under 25 managers. Your 5 would be my 5 too with John Gregory not far behind.
Vic Crowe?
Not one of my 5 favourites but did a good job when we were in a right mess after Tommy Docherty. So 5 of those 7 names had a Villa connection before being appointed 🤔
-
Hopefully we look back at Dean Smiths time at Aston Villa and identify that he laid the solid foundations for the club to build on.
He is right in saying that he has left us in a better position than when he came, that's obvious just on league position, but the whole core of the club has improved under his leadership.
Let's hope the next manager continues to make those improvements.
PS. the UTV sign off, we will never have another manager who "gets us" the way Dean does.
-
Yes and that’s why it’s so sad
-
Can’t help feeling Jack really did fuck him over royally, and for what? He’s already a benchwarmer and Dean has lost his job
[/quote
Correct me if i'm wrong but didn't he'd say that part of the reason for leaving was to work with the best coach in the world or something like that. Well they can't both be can they ?
-
Can’t help feeling Jack really did fuck him over royally, and for what? He’s already a benchwarmer and Dean has lost his job
Exactly. His tweet was pathetic.
Correct me if i'm wrong but didn't he'd say that part of the reason for leaving was to work with the best coach in the world or something like that. Well they can't both be can they ?
-
24 hours down the line and I still find it hard to believe he's not our Head Coach anymore. I've just been on the official app checking tickets and there's photos of him everywhere still. I know I'm a bit of an old fool but I had a lump in my throat looking at them. He made it special to go down the Villa again for me after all the years of dross and I'm sure many of the great games we won during that time will be talked about for years. The last 3 years have been great and I'm sure in years to come they will be seen as something of a golden period similar to the old Third Division and Saunders eras. None of us know what's coming next but whatever it is, I think a little bit of Villa's soul disappeared yesterday. Maybe we were spoiled in having a die hard fan as manager and in spite of everything I want the club to carry on improving and get into Europe etc but I keep thinking it will be with DS which of course it wont. I didn't expect anything other than a class statement and as I said yesterday I hope that eventually when his managerial career is over, Dean will become an ambassador for the club much like Sir Brian or Ian Taylor. We can't knock the owners after all they've done but I'm not sure they realise quite how much many of us had taken this bloke into our hearts. I didn't until he was sacked yesterday.
-
24 hours down the line and I still find it hard to believe he's not our Head Coach anymore. I've just been on the official app checking tickets and there's photo's of him everywhere still. I know I'm a bit of an old fool but I had a lump in my throat looking at them. He made it special to go down the Villa again for me after all the years of dross and I'm sure many of the great games we won during thath time will be talked about for years. The last 3 years have been great and I'm sure in years to come they will be seen as something of a golden period similar to the old Third Division and Saunders eras. None of us know what's coming next but whatever it is, I think a little bit of Villa's soul disappeared yesterday. Maybe we were spoiled in having a die hard fan as manager and in spite of everything I want the club to carry on improving and get into Europe etc but I keep thinking it will be with DS which of course it wont. I didn't expect anything other than a class statement and as I said yesterday I hope that eventually when his managerial career is over, Dean will become an ambassador for the club much like Sir Brian or Ian Taylor. We can't knock the owners after all they've done but I'm not sure they realise quite how much many of us had taken this bloke into our hearts. I didn't until he was sacked yesterday.
very well put
-
We don't know what the future holds for Villa or Dean Smith. Maybe he will be bringing a team back to VP in the future ? Maybe we push on, he pushes on and 3, 5, 10 years down the line he returns to manage us again adding to a recently enhanced trophy cabinet.
As the late great Greavsie said "It's a funny old game".
-
Take note grealish thats how you do you do a farewell speech.
Man what a bloke. Classy.
For me a legend for saving us. Even of it never worked out.
Little smith then MON for me since little was appointed
It did work out.
-
Classy tweet from Jamie Smith
(https://i.ibb.co/wgWBTRJ/Untitled.png) (https://ibb.co/wgWBTRJ)
-
Fuck, there's dust in my eyes!
Just read that out to my 11 year old and actually starting getting choked!
Dean has given us some amazing times as manager, along with Grealish and others, brought us back from the brink. I dunno about anything else but the football we played from August to Jan last season was one of the things that kept me going in the 2nd lockdown.
I do think a change was needed because of number of losses this year, but what an amazing ride its been. I feel really sad about it all, but have huge respect for Deano, huge shoes to fill for the new manager, lets hope their up to it.
-
Just sheer class, thank you Dean
https://leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/dean-smith-statement/
I actually had a tear reading that. Thanks Dean, you really did leave this a better club than when you joined.
-
Tweets & replies
Media
Likes
John McGinn’s Tweets
John McGinn
@jmcginn7
·
9h
Hard to find the right words to sum up what the gaffer has done for the club and me personally the last few years. A top coach and an even better guy. Thanks gaffer and good luck! 💜
-
I worry this has ripped the recently-rediscovered heart out of the club.
-
He can leave with his head held high. He's left the club in a much better place than where it was when he arrived. Thanks for the memories.
-
Tweets & replies
Media
Likes
John McGinn’s Tweets
John McGinn
@jmcginn7
·
9h
Hard to find the right words to sum up what the gaffer has done for the club and me personally the last few years. A top coach and an even better guy. Thanks gaffer and good luck! 💜
No I am with the "he had lost the dressing room theorists".
-
Just sheer class, thank you Dean
https://leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/dean-smith-statement/
I actually had a tear reading that. Thanks Dean, you really did leave this a better club than when you joined.
Hear ...hear. Thank you Dean.
-
We don't what the future holds for Villa or Dean Smith. May be he will be bringing a team back to VP in the future ? May be we push on, he pushes on and 3, 5, 10 years down the line he returns to us adding to a recently enhanced trophy cabinet.
As the late great Greavsie said "It's a funny old game".
My fear is that if West Brom having slipped out of automatic places continue to move down they may turn to Dean. That would be hard.
-
Just sheer class, thank you Dean
https://leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/dean-smith-statement/
I actually had a tear reading that. Thanks Dean, you really did leave this a better club than when you joined.
Hear ...hear. Thank you Dean.
In an era of ego and self interest, Dean remains a class act. He understood emotional intelligence and knew how to manage and lead people in order to get the best out of them. Will be fondly remembered.
-
Tweets & replies
Media
Likes
John McGinn’s Tweets
John McGinn
@jmcginn7
·
9h
Hard to find the right words to sum up what the gaffer has done for the club and me personally the last few years. A top coach and an even better guy. Thanks gaffer and good luck! 💜
No I am with the "he had lost the dressing room theorists".
I'm not.
-
This is really quite good
https://twitter.com/thevillapodcast/status/1455994455035682823?s=21
-
Sometimes you only hear about what really went on behind the scenes years later. He had to go in my opinion but the leaving of key staff could not have helped him, his whole demeaner seemed to change the last few months even before the bad run of games, he did not seem at all happy. If he wrote a book about the last three years i would be first in the que.
-
I just hope we're not about to rebuild again.
A lot of our players really like Smith and I can see heads being turned with him gone. McGinn, Watkins, Konsa for starters.
-
I just hope we're not about to rebuild again.
A lot of our players really like Smith and I can see heads being turned with him gone. McGinn, Watkins, Konsa for starters.
They are professionals playing for a big PL team. Watkins, McGinn, Konsa would be squad fillers at best at the top sides. They have it good with us with lots of room to improve. They’ve all been playing beneath themselves.
-
I worry this has ripped the recently-rediscovered heart out of the club.
Me too
-
I worry this has ripped the recently-rediscovered heart out of the club.
Me too
I think it all depends on who they apoint next
-
The manager or head coach is the easy target when things go wrong, I would be looking at others in managerial positions and whether they are performing up to expectations.
-
The manager or head coach is the easy target when things go wrong, I would be looking at others in managerial positions and whether they are performing up to expectations.
Well you cant sack all the players.
-
Never said anything about players.
-
Thanks Deano for everything.
-
Genuinely saddened to see him go. In a cutthroat, commercialised industry, there was something really special about having a Villa supporting captain and coach leading us to potential glory. Now both are gone, albeit in very different circumstances.
The romantic in me wishes they’d at least given him till Xmas, and then any new coach could use the next transfer window if necessary.
-
Genuinely saddened to see him go. In a cutthroat, commercialised industry, there was something really special about having a Villa supporting captain and coach leading us to potential glory. Now both are gone, albeit in very different circumstances.
The romantic in me wishes they’d at least given him till Xmas, and then any new coach could use the next transfer window if necessary.
Lots of talk of needing this international break to bed a new manager in, yet no sign of one in place yet. So maybe we could have waited a bit longer?
-
Genuinely saddened to see him go. In a cutthroat, commercialised industry, there was something really special about having a Villa supporting captain and coach leading us to potential glory. Now both are gone, albeit in very different circumstances.
The romantic in me wishes they’d at least given him till Xmas, and then any new coach could use the next transfer window if necessary.
Lots of talk of needing this international break to bed a new manager in, yet no sign of one in place yet. So maybe we could have waited a bit longer?
What difference would that have made?
-
I know I started it but rather than having that debate on this thread & have nipped over to the new manager thread to respond.
-
I worry this has ripped the recently-rediscovered heart out of the club.
Me too
I agree - in the space of a few months we seem to have gone from having a real sense of club and fans pulling together and having a different approach to most of the Premier League, to basically acting like the very worst kind of Premier League 'I want it all now' club.
The astronomical hike in ticket prices for certain matches, the club's attitude over fans handing season tickets to friends, these are all small things when taken individually but they all add up - I worry that there are certain people in the club's hierarchy who think we are a lot further ahead in the cycle than we actually are. Having lost the captain and manager who embodied a lot of our hopes, the club need to be really careful now because a lot of that goodwill could quickly disappear, as will the waiting list for season tickets if this doesn't go right.
-
Very good piece by Gregg Evans in the Athletic. I criticise his lack of tactical game analysis etc, but he does do this type of stuff very well
Dean Smith made it fun to support Aston Villa again
When the picture of Dean Smith hugging Jack Grealish stood beautifully outside Villa Park this summer, every Aston Villa supporter could resonate with their expression of delight.
Here were two lifelong Villa fans, turned manager and captain respectively of their club, smiling with genuine satisfaction on that famous promotion-winning day at Wembley in May 2019. The warmth could be felt by all of those who passed by.
But in August, out went Grealish to Manchester City for £100 million and, within hours, that image welcoming spectators to the stadium was removed from the exterior of its North Stand.
A part of the club’s soul disappeared when Grealish closed the door for the final time to pursue his Champions League ambitions in Manchester, but with manager Smith still flying the claret and blue flag, a unique link remained. Until now.
As of Sunday, Smith and Villa are no more.
That wonderful and almost unheard-of connection in modern football has been extinguished for good.
The fairytale of a Villa supporter leading his club through thick and thin is now over.
In years to come, Villa fans will look back on his 37 months in charge and smile. It’s been a ride from start to finish and, whatever happens next, Smith will go down as one of the most respected and well-liked Villa managers ever.
Because he made it fun to support the club again.
To think there were doubts when he first arrived.
Villa chief executive Christian Purslow decided Steve Bruce’s position had become untenable after supporters hounded the club’s then-manager out of Villa Park on a night in early October 2018 — where a cabbage somehow smuggled into the ground was also launched in Bruce’s direction by a frustrated fan before the kick-off of what turned out to be his final game in charge.
Purslow considered appointing Arsenal hero Thierry Henry, but the Frenchman chose to take his first steps in management in France’s Ligue 1 with Monaco. Fortunately. What might have happened to Villa had Smith, then of their fellow Championship side Brentford, not been selected is not worth thinking about.
The start was a breeze. There was no need for the new boss to do any research around the history of the club who’d just hired him. In fact, it was Smith giving the lessons to the younger generation at his official unveiling.
His father, Ron, had been a Villa Park steward who used to direct the club’s then-owner Doug Ellis to his seat, so there were plenty of tales from years gone by. Smith could also recite the names of Villa’s European Cup final-winning side of 1982 without any hesitation. He was friends with club legends including Gordon Cowans and Pat Heard and, with so much experience and knowledge of what it would take to please his fellow Villa supporters, he made just a handful of promises: that he would bring some excitement back to the place, and would give those fans a team they could be proud of.
He was true to his word.
Admittedly, there was pressure from the off. Smith had some testing moments in his previous jobs at Walsall and Brentford, but nothing could prepare him for the pressure cooker at his beloved Villa.
Part of the remit would be to have John Terry — a Chelsea and England playing great but a managerial novice, having retired days before following a final season at Villa in 2017-18 — alongside him as an assistant. Smith embraced this, rather than seeing it as a challenge to his leadership.
The pair already knew each other from mutual football links and, as it turned out, quickly hit it off. Smith laughed when his “apprentice” arrived on the first day with a pencil case and a notepad, but used Terry perfectly for individual one-to-one sessions with players, and of course, for advice during high-pressure moments.
Terry rarely ever stepped out of his lane, admitting in one interview that he “knew his role” at the club.
From day one Smith made it all about the group, though. He set about changing the culture of a club who had circled the Premier League relegation drain for four years (finishing 15th twice, 16th and 17th) before finally going down in last place in 2016 and were now in the bottom half of the second tier, and he did it in a calm and measured way.
There would be no club captain under Smith, but instead a leadership group that included every player. Veteran defender James Chester kept the armband he’d inherited from Terry initially, but Grealish later took it on. Often that big call is overlooked when picking out some of Smith’s later faults.
The players were then always told their two-week rota for upcoming matches, training and off-days four weeks in advance. A happy camp would be a successful camp, Smith knew.
There was little interest in Villa outside their home city of Birmingham back then, but those who still turned up to the stadium in their numbers got behind the team.
In the early days, just two regular reporters covered their games and press conferences: myself — then at the Birmingham Mail — and Matt Maher of the local Express & Star.
We were both at Villa Park for a 4-2 derby win over Birmingham City six weeks into Smith’s reign, the crazy 5-5 draw with Nottingham Forest three days later and that exhilarating 3-0 win away at Middlesbrough the following weekend when Villa played some of the most exciting football for years. Supporters finally felt connected to the club again with Smith, one of their own, at the helm.
We also watched the 3-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic, the 2-2 away to Hull City and a 2-0 defeat at home against local rivals West Bromwich Albion in the January and February, where Smith came under huge pressure, only to be given a richly rewarded stay of execution.
That his position was discussed at board level less than four months into the job shows how well he did to turn things around thereafter.
Hopes of winning promotion had been as good as written off by that point. Smith had begun preparations to bring his troops back early the following summer, even going as far as outlining a pre-season schedule ahead of another Championship campaign.
But things changed the following week, after the owners decided to stick by their man.
Smith also showed a different side to his “nice guy” image by ripping into the players in a way many never thought was possible when they trailed 1-0 at half-time away to Stoke City in the final week of February.
“It was some message,” then-Villa midfielder Glenn Whelan says. The game ended 1-1, and was later seen as a huge turning point in their season.
When Smith made Grealish captain on his return from a three-month injury lay-off days later, it worked wonders. Villa, who began March in 13th place, rattled off 10 wins in a row on the way to promotion.
Smith could do no wrong back then.
From signing Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause on January loans, to recalling goalkeeper Jed Steer at mid-season from Charlton Athletic, to deploying two wingers with the free-scoring Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham.
That Villa side had a perfect balance: strength, pace and experience at the back, legs, creativity and exuberance in midfield, and genuine quality in attack. The 4-3-3 worked like a dream in the Championship. Two roaming No 8s in Grealish and John McGinn pulled opponents to pieces and Abraham added the finishing touches.
Back-to-back away wins at Sheffield Wednesday (3-1) and Rotherham United (2-1) in early April will long live in the memory of those who attended.
The play-off final too, a year and a day on from the pain of a 1-0 loss to Fulham in the same fixture.
Smith experienced it all on that famous day at Wembley. Nerves, pride, excitement, delight, relief. There were even some tears at the end, after Derby County had been beaten 2-1. A bond had been built. The connection between the supporters and the staff was now tighter than ever before.
Fans joined a season-ticket waiting list, desperate to see Smith’s troops in action in the Premier League after three years away — and to be able to chant the manager’s name.
After securing promotion, the squad’s older, more experienced players were let go. Mile Jedinak’s last contribution was to score a penalty in the play-off semi-final shootout at West Brom. Out too went Whelan, Albert Adomah and Tommy Elphick. Villa were entering a new era.
Smith didn’t have full say on which players would come in as their replacements, instead working to his brief of joining up with Purslow and then-sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch — known as Suso — to select targets.
Respectfully, he got on with his job, which at the start of 2019-20 was to pull together a young group of players and work out a way to keep them in the top flight. By the skin of their teeth, Villa did that, thanks to a final-game draw away to West Ham United.
Suso moved on at the end of the season and, like Purslow, the Spaniard now classes Smith as a friend rather than just a former colleague.
Indeed, it’s hard to find anyone with a bad word to say about the fella, and there’s a reason why Grealish describes him as the “greatest of all time”.
Perhaps the most impressive period of Smith’s Villa reign came before that survival was secured.
It’s no exaggeration to say that, again, his job was on the line in March last year.
Following a 2-0 defeat away to Southampton — ironically where he’d eventually have his final game in charge 20 months later — in the late February, Smith reacted to a story about an alleged bust-up with Terry by swearing, for the one and only time, in a press conference.
“It’s bullshit!” he shouted.
No doubt he felt many other remarks, suggestions or questions deserved a similar response, but that was never in his style. He was polite and well-mannered all the way through his dealings with the media, but this particular reply signalled just how much he was feeling the heat.
Villa then lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City and were thrashed 4-0 at Leicester City in the next two matches, making it two wins in 11 overall and five straight defeats, four of them in the Premier League.
Sources say Smith would have lost his job if Villa had been heavily beaten at home by Chelsea the following weekend, but that game did not happen on its original date as the escalating COVID-19 pandemic put football on the shelf for the next three months.
Strangely, he appeared to be in his element when he was under pressure.
Smith used the lockdown period to strengthen the inner circle at Villa.
He instructed each of his players to provide solutions to the problems that had taken place earlier in the season during lengthy and, at times, intense video-call sessions. He held appraisals over Zoom with every player. He showed the players clips of how Liverpool and Manchester City “defended from the front” and encouraged every player to become a better team-mate.
When football returned in mid-June, sending Villa on a frantic 10-game, six-week sprint to the finish line, they became hard to beat.
A barbeque at the nearby Belfry Hotel, where the players would stay overnight in a move designed to make them stronger as a group, also had an inspiring effect. Smith told his players to eat and drink what they liked for the evening. Support staff came out of their shells and mixed in with the players. The COVID-19 enforced “bubble” already had helped create a siege mentality and not a single player was ready to let it burst.
Then-Villa midfielder Jota epitomised the togetherness, describing the nerves on the final day of the season at West Ham as unbearable.
“I felt like I was having a heart attack on the sidelines,” Jota says of that 1-1, where Grealish opened the scoring on 85 minutes, only for Andriy Yarmolenko to immediately equalise and set stress levels skyrocketing again. “I was praying a lot because it’s very sad if people lose their job and the supporters are sad. The most important thing is the club.”
And this was from a player who rarely featured.
Ahmed Elmohamady was a senior in that group and a regular starter. He recalls: “What the manager did with us during that period was the difference.”
It was around this time that supporters also sobbed when Smith choked up, having lost dad Ron to COVID-19 shortly after football returned. He was firmly a part of the Villa family by now.
When season three began less than two months later, his side flew out of the traps.
“What’s fucking happening?!” shouted Grealish as reigning champions Liverpool were smashed 7-2 on a bonkers early-October Sunday that also saw Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford. That extraordinary victory was the highlight of the Smith era.
Smith had taken his players up into the mountains during that pre-season and set them all a series of basic survival tasks over a two-day period. The team spirit was stronger than ever and reflected by the results and feel-good atmosphere around the club.
Yet by the time 2020 became 2021, Villa’s blistering start had evened itself out, and it was their form throughout this calendar year — 18 defeats from 35 league matches — that got Smith the sack.
It would be bending the truth to say that an overriding proportion of the fanbase had confidence in him halting the slide. Yet there was no question over how many people wanted him to.
“A top coach and an even better guy,” was how midfielder McGinn described him, and that’s why some have compared Sunday’s announcement to a bereavement.
There were tears when the news filtered through, and former Villa players and managers praised the work Smith has done during this difficult period.
“Dean gave Villa the kiss of life when the club was an embarrassment to fans,” John Gregory, who led the club into the new century, said.
One Villa fan, Gemma Clark, tweeted: “Has a manager ever been sacked and yet retained so much admiration and respect from a fan base?”
Probably not.
Employees at the Bodymoor Heath training ground will certainly miss him, so too will the inner circle of other staff and players. Smith had an affable way around people. Wives and girlfriends of players, and in particular their mothers, loved that he would always remember their names and spend time exchanging pleasantries at games.
Many hoped he would ride the storm, but after Friday’s 1-0 defeat at Southampton he knew he was on the brink and fighting for his job.
Instead of walking over to the away supporters at St Mary’s Stadium, he applauded them from where he stood on the final whistle. After his players had all exited the pitch, he did it again. Yet after a fifth loss in a row he got little back from the travelling fans.
Standing in the nation’s dugouts as manager of Aston Villa Football Club what was Smith had always wanted. He gave those from his community and the neighbouring areas moments of unrivalled happiness.
There aren’t many people in this world who could walk into Villa Park on a match day and be offered a pint by every home follower in the place. Smith makes that select list.
Villa supporters loved him so much that they are now raising funds between themselves to create a huge banner for the home game with Brighton when football resumes after this international break. There will be a message of thanks included and pictures of their hero.
As for that image of him and Grealish that used to be so visibly on display, well, that will be added to the corridors of the stadium now. It will sit alongside the iconic moments from the European Cup final win and other great days in club history.
Looking at it in years to come will bring back memories of a time when following Villa filled you with genuine pride and joy.
Regardless of who gets the job next, that feeling will be hard to replicate.
-
What a great article.
Confirms what I thought. Squad of players may have lost confidence in him in terms of football decisions but 99% of them have huge respect for him as a person and that's important for a manager in these times.
Interesting that NSWE were seriously considering removing him in Feb 2019. At the time I was of mind to just write off the season and go again in 19/20.
He was probably then on brink of sack at three different points between 2019-20. This time just felt the end of the line. We all wish him well.
-
now that has also made my eyes glisten.
-
That's a great piece by Greg(g) Evans. Tears emerged!
-
Very good indeed.
-
Just sheer class, thank you Dean
https://leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/dean-smith-statement/
As you say Class.
From beginning to end.
-
Missing him already.
Great article
-
I was quite firmly in the Smith Out brigade last week, the trigger was pulled and now three days later I’m not so sure it was the right thing to do. Not sure why that is but have a bad feeling about what is about to happen next.
-
There have been few managers I remember who have maintained an air of dignity like Smith and few who have been genuinely missed on leaving like him.
-
Confirms what I thought. Squad of players may have lost confidence in him in terms of football decisions ......
Not sure it says that anywhere.
-
I was quite firmly in the Smith Out brigade last week, the trigger was pulled and now three days later I’m not so sure it was the right thing to do. Not sure why that is but have a bad feeling about what is about to happen next.
Yep. I'm usually excited about a managerial search, when it happens. Something fresh and new and the hope of something better. I'm just not sure, with the rumours that are out there, that will happen.
-
I was quite firmly in the Smith Out brigade last week, the trigger was pulled and now three days later I’m not so sure it was the right thing to do. Not sure why that is but have a bad feeling about what is about to happen next.
Yep. I'm usually excited about a managerial search, when it happens. Something fresh and new and the hope of something better. I'm just not sure, with the rumours that are out there, that will happen.
I'm the same - I think it's because we are in an unusual position in actually "liking" the manager who has just gone. Even the people who wanted Dean gone due to the results still actually like the man. They know he's a fan. They all wanted him to succeed.
When previous managers have gone, the managers linked to the job pretty much all looked good by comparison to the guy just out the door. I've been pretty hopeful about every manager we've appointed in recent years, except McLeish.
But this manager search feels very different. This time it's like swiping through Tinder and comparing everyone to your ex who you still secretly hold a small flame for. It's going to have to be someone pretty amazing to get me excited.
And as much as people like Graham Potter are good solid premier league managers, they're not going to excite fans who require a noticeable and tangible step up from Dean.
I'm sure a little winning run under whoever takes over will be enough to make me as excited as it's possible to be, but right now I'm still a little sad it didn't work out with Dean.
-
This is really quite good
https://twitter.com/thevillapodcast/status/1455994455035682823?s=21
I love that podcast. The episodes after the West Ham and Southampton games were excellent gallows humour.
-
I was quite firmly in the Smith Out brigade last week, the trigger was pulled and now three days later I’m not so sure it was the right thing to do. Not sure why that is but have a bad feeling about what is about to happen next.
Yep. I'm usually excited about a managerial search, when it happens. Something fresh and new and the hope of something better. I'm just not sure, with the rumours that are out there, that will happen.
I'm the same - I think it's because we are in an unusual position in actually "liking" the manager who has just gone. Even the people who wanted Dean gone due to the results still actually like the man. They know he's a fan. They all wanted him to succeed.
When previous managers have gone, the managers linked to the job pretty much all looked good by comparison to the guy just out the door. I've been pretty hopeful about every manager we've appointed in recent years, except McLeish.
But this manager search feels very different. This time it's like swiping through Tinder and comparing everyone to your ex who you still secretly hold a small flame for. It's going to have to be someone pretty amazing to get me excited.
And as much as people like Graham Potter are good solid premier league managers, they're not going to excite fans who require a noticeable and tangible step up from Dean.
I'm sure a little winning run under whoever takes over will be enough to make me as excited as it's possible to be, but right now I'm still a little sad it didn't work out with Dean.
With Potter, aside from liking how his teams play, I feel he could at least keep the bond between club and fans tight, not just that he's a Villa fan, but he grew up here and understands us.
I don't think that can be written of a just a nice aside either, it's been a vitally important element of getting us back off our arses, and I think why we have a sold out stadium and a waiting list for the first time ever.
-
Ffs feeling all emo again after reading that excellent article. I think its because its the end of an era that like life had ups and downs, but from the depths of where we were the highs felt high with villa boys running the show.
Im also underwhelmed by Deanos possible replacement, which doesnt help.
-
Ffs feeling all emo again after reading that excellent article. I think its because its the end of an era that like life had ups and downs, but from the depths of where we were the highs felt high with villa boys running the show.
Im also underwhelmed by Deanos possible replacement, which doesnt help.
Just remember to wash your hair regularly and, if you get a tattoo, make sure you go to a proper accredited tattoo artist - not some bloke in the Oasis market with a needle and a biro.
-
Ffs feeling all emo again after reading that excellent article. I think its because its the end of an era that like life had ups and downs, but from the depths of where we were the highs felt high with villa boys running the show.
Im also underwhelmed by Deanos possible replacement, which doesnt help.
Just remember to wash your hair regularly and, if you get a tattoo, make sure you go to a proper accredited tattoo artist - not some bloke in the Oasis market with a needle and a biro.
Im wearing black, recycling my jesus and mary chain t shirt and drinking cider out of plastic bottle again, ever since Sunday
-
just reinstate him with a bigger ££££contract now
-
Time is passing and I'm feeling more and more uncomfortable about what is going on here.
Such an uninspiring list for me.
Anyway I hope Deano gets back in somewhere soon.
-
OK, here is a not fully thought out prompt: keep Deano... WE as a stadium demand he is retained and the club spend money on bloody decent coaching support ( as we have lost ours). He has been a fine figurehead and manager. Our Under 21's and Youth prove that. Tactically he is not a European Place but as manager and not coach, or with the best coaches, he will keep us running upwards. I await with dread.
-
This is really quite good
https://twitter.com/thevillapodcast/status/1455994455035682823?s=21
I love that podcast. The episodes after the West Ham and Southampton games were excellent gallows humour.
And me. These two lads are brilliant, very funny, very insightful. By far my favourite podcast.
-
This is really quite good
https://twitter.com/thevillapodcast/status/1455994455035682823?s=21
I love that podcast. The episodes after the West Ham and Southampton games were excellent gallows humour.
Yup, never heard that before but its ace.
-
Have felt very sombre since Dean lost his job, feels a bit like when it all unravelled for Sir Brian, took over at just the right time and over 3 years did so much for our wonderful club, thank you so much Dean, I’ll always look back on your time with fondness.
-
I was always "Smith In". Even when things got really hairy over the last few weeks, I didn't think there was anybody that we could replace him with. And here we are.
Losing Joe and Dean in the space of a few months is very painful and to think we've mortgaged the identity we've built over the last three years to give slippy g the hotseat is a bitter pill indeed.
-
After a few days of reflection i think the club only listened to the out brigade. I think Dean Smith would have turned it around. I know if and when he comes back to Villa Park manager or fan he will get a warm welcome from me. Thank you Dean for what you did for our club
-
He'll get a better reception than any of the suggested replacements.
-
After a few days of reflection i think the club only listened to the out brigade. I think Dean Smith would have turned it around. I know if and when he comes back to Villa Park manager or fan he will get a warm welcome from me. Thank you Dean for what you did for our club
I think it's more likely that ultra successful businessmen and sports owners made their own decision for their own reasons. Edens sacked one of his best mates from The Bucks for not performing well enough, so Smith was always on a sticky wicket when things dropped off as badly as they did.
-
Big problem was how much of season we're prepared to write off.
We saw in seasons under Lambert when you go on 2-3 month winless streaks you get entrenched in bottom part of the table.
DS said in his leaving statement he believed we could've still finished top half under him so that's obviously a club target this season but with every defeat it was looking less likely especially with the manner of them.
At least now it's possible we could win a game or two and pushes up back into mid table group.
Start of season we would've been looking to be in mix with likes of West Ham (indeed after Man. United win we were 1 point off them). Now they're 13 points clear and not really realistic for us to finish above them.
-
After a few days of reflection i think the club only listened to the out brigade. I think Dean Smith would have turned it around. I know if and when he comes back to Villa Park manager or fan he will get a warm welcome from me. Thank you Dean for what you did for our club
I think it's more likely that ultra successful businessmen and sports owners made their own decision for their own reasons. Edens sacked one of his best mates from The Bucks for not performing well enough, so Smith was always on a sticky wicket when things dropped off as badly as they did.
I certainly hope so - the idea that owners will base their decisions on the outpourings of angry trolls on twitter is indeed a terrifying one and less than professional.
-
After a few days of reflection i think the club only listened to the out brigade. I think Dean Smith would have turned it around. I know if and when he comes back to Villa Park manager or fan he will get a warm welcome from me. Thank you Dean for what you did for our club
I'm not sure that there was an "out brigade" to listen to - social media and the internet is not the real world. There weren't any "We want Smith out" chants, at home matches at least (I don't go away these days so can't comment on those.)
-
At the end of the match at Southampton a good proportion of the crowd stayed to applaud the team and chant Deano.
-
Our expectations for this season shouldn't change.
We're not fucked by any stretch of the imagination and have players that we know can all play well.
The minimum expectation should be top half.
-
Our expectations for this season shouldn't change.
We're not fucked by any stretch of the imagination and have players that we know can all play well.
The minimum expectation should be top half.
Absolutely! 7 points off 6th, 6 points off 8th and 5 points off 10th. It's hardly going to take a miracle to see us top half.
-
At the end of the match at Southampton a good proportion of the crowd stayed to applaud the team and chant Deano.
They didn't at the end of the Wolves match. I haven't seen VP that empty with 5 minutes left to play for years.
-
At the end of the match at Southampton a good proportion of the crowd stayed to applaud the team and chant Deano.
They didn't at the end of the Wolves match. I haven't seen VP that empty with 5 minutes left to play for years.
West Ham?
-
No idea. I'd left well before the end.
-
At the end of the match at Southampton a good proportion of the crowd stayed to applaud the team and chant Deano.
They didn't at the end of the Wolves match. I haven't seen VP that empty with 5 minutes left to play for years.
West Ham?
Yep, sorry, meant them.
-
…..but those who did stay applauded the team off, appreciating the way they played when down to 10.
-
I stayed and didn't clap that absolute shambles.
I was equally there till the end at Southampton and there was no signing for Smith. The last chant was a very weak effort in the last 10 mins. Everybody knew by then he was a goner.
-
Maybe try & remember this is the appreciation thread?
Theres been an absolute plethora of places to criticise him here for weeks so it’s not needed here.
-
I'm merely stating what was happened.
-
We came across each other at the right time. We were never getting out of that division under Bruce and might indeed have been heading the other way until Dean came along. And for the first time in almost 7 or 8 years we began to have some memory matches culminating in our now being back where we belong. But as much as I hate to admit, it all began to unravel once Grealish got out as soon as he could, and along with injuries, it was a struggle ever since. So I hope the greedy little c**t feels some modicum of guilt as he watches a good decent guy lose his job and 'his' team struggle. But I guess modelling shit gear for a shit clothing brand is all that's important now. Whoever gets Dean Smith is getting a good'un. Thanks for those memories Dean and good luck you.
-
We came across each other at the right time. We were never getting out of that division under Bruce and might indeed have been heading the other way until Dean came along. And for the first time in almost 7 or 8 years we began to have some memory matches culminating in our now being back where we belong. But as much as I hate to admit, it all began to unravel once Grealish got out as soon as he could, and along with injuries, it was a struggle ever since. So I hope the greedy little c**t feels some modicum of guilt as he watches a good decent guy lose his job and 'his' team struggle. But I guess modelling shit gear for a shit clothing brand is all that's important now. Whoever gets Dean Smith is getting a good'un. Thanks for those memories Dean and good luck you.
Well said
-
The little shit was never o e of us. Not one of us on this site would ever shit on the villa. No villa fan ever would shit on the villa. We are all VTID .. fuck money...fuck plastic medals won at other teams. Fuck standing in front on an half empty man citeh end instead of being stood in front of a packed holte end.fuck being in front of plastic fans who dont give a shit where you came from. Dont give a shit that you fucked over the best manager we have had in recent years. But this is the best bit ..Villa fans never forget. We never forget the heroes and we never forget the arseholes.
-
Thing is, Joe was the heartbeat of the team, we were always going to have an adjustment period whenever he decided to do modelling. It's never as simple as just swapping players in and out. I can't believe Villa dropped Smith so easily. We didn't give him the chance to even begin turning it around.
-
I've been going to the Villa since 1988. I'd say 5 of my top 10 moments have been in the last 3 years under Smith. He will always be held in high regard and will always have a special place in the history of our club.
-
Promotion. Rotherham away. That win against Liverpool. Developing a lot of players, improving the squad. Bringing us back to where we should be.
Being a thoroughly decent bloke, doing it all with his dad being ill and then passing away.
He held his dignity throughout. And that statement sums him up.
I hope he goes on to have a great career, and maybe, maybe, one day he'll be back.
-
I hope he goes on to have a great career, and maybe, maybe, one day he'll be back.
They say never go back, but this is my hope too.
-
How has Grealish shat on the Villa? If Smith can't manage, effectively, a side without him in it despite having spent a fortune it's not Grealishs' fault. Smith failed because of his own lack of nous in the end, not because Jack couldn't be forced to play for us forver.
-
My last word on Dean now that we have a new manager. As the man himself said, he left us in a better state than he found us, you can't ask any better than that in any walk of life. Heartfelt thanks and hope to see you back at some point in the future in some capacity ala Brian Little.
-
How has Grealish shat on the Villa? If Smith can't manage, effectively, a side without him in it despite having spent a fortune it's not Grealishs' fault. Smith failed because of his own lack of nous in the end, not because Jack couldn't be forced to play for us forver.
Wrong thread again.
My last words on this as well. 10 game run, never ever to be forgotten, blues away, Grealish scoring after the punch, Sheffield Wednesday away with 2 last minute goals, play off final, Konsa/Mings last minute against Watford, Trez last minute winner against Leicester in the cup, Engels hitting the post in the final…so close to 2-2, west ham away last game, Liverpool 7-2, Arsenal away 3-0, Chelsea at home 2-1, Man U away 1-0. Thanks for the amazing memories Deano.
-
Not being harsh and I loved Dean Smith as our manager but should this thread be unstickied before we kick off our first game under Steven Gerrard ?
-
It will be.
-
Assuming he gets the job ... good luck at Norwich. Hope we both go one better than 92/93 and finish 1st & 2nd respectively.
-
It will be.
Just for reasons of taste, or does someone from the club feed this back to management?
-
Thought he might have taken a bit of a break but the very best of luck to him if he takes the Naaarwich job.
-
If Lampard has turned down the gig then that hints they've given him no guarantees he gets a short at getting them back up, which is really the reality of the situation rather than keeping them up. Dean should wait for a championship job because Norwich is a potential career ender.
-
If Lampard has turned down the gig then that hints they've given him no guarantees he gets a short at getting them back up, which is really the reality of the situation rather than keeping them up. Dean should wait for a championship job because Norwich is a potential career ender.
Reports suggest that they’d decide not to go with Lampard before he announced his withdrawal. Seems like Dean has a few days to decide if he wants it or whether he’d prefer a bit of time out.
-
He probably wants an understanding that he will still be employed should they be relegated.
-
He probably wants an understanding that he will still be employed should they be relegated.
that should be his first question
-
He probably wants an understanding that he will still be employed should they be relegated.
that should be his first question
That was never an issue for Farke. The problem with managing a Norwich or a Watford or a West Brom is unrealistic expectations.
They are always likely to be top end Championship but the Premer League is a different ballgame.
It's almost a curse to get promoted.
-
The main problem with Norwich is not spending anything upon promotion. It guarantees financial security I suppose, but gives you little or no chance of staying up.
-
He’s been offered the Norwich job. Good luck to him if he takes it.
-
As much as I thought his time was up at Villa I will be delighted for him if he gets the Norwich job.
-
The main problem with Norwich is not spending anything upon promotion. It guarantees financial security I suppose, but gives you little or no chance of staying up.
Didn't they spend £60m this summer?!
-
The main problem with Norwich is not spending anything upon promotion. It guarantees financial security I suppose, but gives you little or no chance of staying up.
Didn't they spend £60m this summer?!
After selling us their best player from last season.
-
The main problem with Norwich is not spending anything upon promotion. It guarantees financial security I suppose, but gives you little or no chance of staying up.
Didn't they spend £60m this summer?!
After selling us their best player from last season.
I know that this is an appreciation thread and, my God, I appreciate him, but that looks like a great bit of business by Norwich.
-
The main problem with Norwich is not spending anything upon promotion. It guarantees financial security I suppose, but gives you little or no chance of staying up.
Didn't they spend £60m this summer?!
After selling us their best player from last season.
I know that this is an appreciation thread and, my God, I appreciate him, but that looks like a great bit of business by Norwich.
I think he’s a good player but he’s been a victim of our disrupted season so far with injuries, Covid and international breaks meaning we have never been able to pick from a full squad and his position has been shifted around to compensate for other absences.
-
Looks like Deano could be off to Norwich. Talks went well according to the Graun.
-
It will be.
Just for reasons of taste, or does someone from the club feed this back to management?
Our decision.
-
Thanks for the massive improvement Deano, you achieved in part what you set out and were asked to do. Unlike the other couple of hundred aspiring AVFC managers on here , as supporters , you were lucky to sit in the hot seat. We’ll never know if, as a Villa fan, you would have thought more of the club in times of struggle and walked rather than be sacked, or how much longer the losing run would have gone on.
So, and for that reason only, I’m glad you departed last Sunday, to save you from wrestling with your own head/heart.
You can continue to be 1 of us , will always be welcomed in a very positive way, and again, thanks for being great . For me you are added to the Saunders/Barton , BFR, JG, Sir Brian mould 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
-
He's in the Sir GT, Ron Saunders and Tony Barton bracket for me.
-
He's in the Sir GT, Ron Saunders and Tony Barton bracket for me.
Fair comment, and remiss of me Leeeege, my post edited and a couple added 👍🏻
-
He's in the Sir GT, Ron Saunders and Tony Barton bracket for me.
Fair comment, and remiss of me Leeeege, my post edited and a couple added 👍🏻
Thirded.
-
I'll always look back on that 10 game run with misty eyes. We felt big again and proper for the first time in a decade. The old dreadnought had fired up, slipped down the causeway and was crashing through everything.
That game against Everton back up has to be one of the best atmospheres enjoyed at Villa Park.
Sadly a lot of the good work in the Premier League we could not see in person. But a good man who did his utter best for us and everybody will always be grateful for that.
With regards to Taylor, the revelations that emerged regarding sexual abuse really do sour things.
-
We have a huge debt of gratitude towards Dean, he was instrumental in getting us back to where we belong. Memories include the 10 game winning streak, play-off final, keeping us up against the odds & battering the best team in the country.
He didn’t get everything right, but then who does. For me the moment I knew we were on our way back was after being 1-0 down at half-time with 10 men, Dean brought on Kodja at half-time & we went on to win.
But this was the right time to move on.
Thanks for everything, you’ll get the reception you richly deserve when you come back.
-
Good thread, nice to see a good man getting all the praise he deserves.
Rather better than other threads! When I read comments like 'lower-division manager' and 'stealing a living' I sometimes wonder what the motivation is for some folk to make such despicable comments.
For me, Deano is right up in the top rank of Villa 'rescuers', along with Vic Crowe and Graham Taylor.
I suspect that some club is about to get very, very lucky!!
-
Good thread, nice to see a good man getting all the praise he deserves.
Rather better than other threads! When I read comments like 'lower-division manager' and 'stealing a living' I sometimes wonder what the motivation is for some folk to make such despicable comments.
For me, Deano is right up in the top rank of Villa 'rescuers', along with Vic Crowe and Graham Taylor.
I suspect that some club is about to get very, very lucky!!
Spot on mate, Norwich are very lucky to have “our” Deano. Couldn’t agree more about the “stealing a living” comment, an absolutely shocking defamatory description for such a gentleman!
-
Good thread, nice to see a good man getting all the praise he deserves.
Rather better than other threads! When I read comments like 'lower-division manager' and 'stealing a living' I sometimes wonder what the motivation is for some folk to make such despicable comments.
For me, Deano is right up in the top rank of Villa 'rescuers', along with Vic Crowe and Graham Taylor.
I suspect that some club is about to get very, very lucky!!
Spot on mate, Norwich are very lucky to have “our” Deano. Couldn’t agree more about the “stealing a living” comment, an absolutely shocking defamatory description for such a gentleman!
You want to see what people have been saying about Purslow and Gerrard then!
-
He gave us our self esteem and pride back, think that's the best summing up for me.
Can't wait until the Norwich game around April to give him a well deserved clap when he walks out of the tunnel (hopefully we're well clear of them and bottom 3 by then though!)
-
I wish him good luck at Norwich. I'm surprised he took the job, a rest and time to reflect would probably have done him the world of good but he obviously thinks he can do the job. He really is a top fella.
-
I wish him good luck at Norwich. I'm surprised he took the job, a rest and time to reflect would probably have done him the world of good but he obviously thinks he can do the job. He really is a top fella.
Seconded.
-
I think he’s done the right thing going back in. You never know when a job is going to come up next, and they seem like as well run a club as he could have hoped for, albeit with one foot back in the Championship.
-
Good luck Deano.
-
Good club run by good people in a nice part of the country. Dean will do well there. He deserves to.
-
Yep, it is a nice town is Naughty Norwich. Watch out for the barbecues, Dean.
-
I might get cheeky next year if we have a runner at Yarmuff perhaps invite Dean and Shakey to join us for some pop.
-
Good luck to Deano. It's a good gig for him, probably the best and most likely way of keeping himself in the Premier League circuit. If they go down they'd be in great shape to bounce straight back, and Deano would be a safe choice to do that. Really hope it goes well for him. Sometimes for all involved a change is good and a three year run in this day and age is a long time for a manager.
-
Two Birmingham fans wishing him all the best on WM, two Birmingham fans who know about football
-
Norwich is a great city (I went to university there), and they're a good club. I wish him every success.
-
Norwich is a great city (I went to university there), and they're a good club. I wish him every success.
I also went to UEA and agree about the city and the club. I wish Dean every success there too.
-
Norwich is a great city (I went to university there), and they're a good club. I wish him every success.
I also went to UEA and agree about the city and the club. I wish Dean every success there too.
What vintage?!
-
Norwich is a great city (I went to university there), and they're a good club. I wish him every success.
It was my second choice after Birmingham. Nice university just a pain in the arse to get to.
-
Norwich is a great city (I went to university there), and they're a good club. I wish him every success.
I also went to UEA and agree about the city and the club. I wish Dean every success there too.
What vintage?!
73-76 Chemistry
-
Norwich is a great city (I went to university there), and they're a good club. I wish him every success.
It was my second choice after Birmingham. Nice university just a pain in the arse to get to.
I'll second that :)
-
Norwich is a great city (I went to university there), and they're a good club. I wish him every success.
It was my second choice after Birmingham. Nice university just a pain in the arse to get to.
I'll second that :)
Most places are for me, except Cornwall. But yes, anything east of Coventry is a right pain.
-
Norwich is a great city (I went to university there), and they're a good club. I wish him every success.
It was my second choice after Birmingham. Nice university just a pain in the arse to get to.
That's the best thing about it. It's a secret!
-
Norwich is a great city (I went to university there), and they're a good club. I wish him every success.
I also went to UEA and agree about the city and the club. I wish Dean every success there too.
What vintage?!
73-76 Chemistry
2003-2006. English Literature and Creative Writing. Haven't read a novel or written a word since (not quite true, but not wildly inaccurate).My mate used to pay me to write his assignments. He got a better 2:1 than I did.
-
The pyramid halls of residence were cool, they look like something out of Gommorah.
-
The pyramid halls of residence were cool, they look like something out of Gommorah.
They are known as the Ziggurats (also the name used for the alumni magazine)
-
I'm so glad to see him straight back to work. A really decent bloke who, maybe, deserved more patience. It's a results driven game so that hasn't happened. Hope he finds happiness in his new job...and throws the games against Villa later this season!
-
The pyramid halls of residence were cool, they look like something out of Gommorah.
They are known as the Ziggurats (also the name used for the alumni magazine)
I lived in them (Suffolk Terrace) in the first year. A fucking nightmare when the sun was shining. The bloke in the room next door was a drug dealer, with obvious consequences!
-
The pyramid halls of residence were cool, they look like something out of Gommorah.
They are known as the Ziggurats (also the name used for the alumni magazine)
I lived in them (Suffolk Terrace) in the first year. A fucking nightmare when the sun was shining. The bloke in the room next door was a drug dealer, with obvious consequences!
He charged you too much ?
-
The Athletic have an article about Lampard being too picky and risking becoming irrelevant when jobs come up in future. Good on Deano for getting straight back in.
-
I think Lampard is more likely to become irrelevant if he has two "failures" on the trot which is Dean's problem. With the best will in the world if they do go down as expected, then the defeats they experience this season will be the minds of the fans next, and unless they get off to a flyer next term he could pay the price from the accumulative effect (Enough Smith-out fans on here have brought up last season's result as a reason for sacking him). He'd have been much better waiting for a championship job, with a club with more long term potential than Norwich that he can mould into his style.
Saying that if he keeps them up and finishes above Mr Gerrard, DOH!
-
Dean hasn’t failed in any job so far.
-
Dean hasn’t failed in any job so far.
Agree totally.
-
When has Deano failed?
Certainly not with us.
-
It depends how you define failure I suppose.
-
He gave us our self esteem and pride back, think that's the best summing up for me.
Can't wait until the Norwich game around April to give him a well deserved clap when he walks out of the tunnel (hopefully we're well clear of them and bottom 3 by then though!)
I agree with SoccerHQ and I wish Deano the best of luck at Norwich.
Fantastic impact on our players, the club, the supporters and the promotion, to boot.
I think they have an absolute diamond.
-
He was hired to get us up, which he did at the first time of asking. He then kept us up the following season. He then took us to mid-table. He was then sacked 11 games into the season so we don't know if he would've improved us to finish higher than 11th. I think it was probably the right time to say goodbye, but he certainly didn't fail.
-
Two Birmingham fans wishing him all the best on WM, two Birmingham fans who know about football
Contrast the the chump last night from about 48 minutes who was mercifully cut off fairly quickly
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0b0wk1t
-
Dean hasn’t failed in any job so far.
That's why I put the word in quotations because from the outside looking in he was sacked. Lampard didn't fail either. Howe was the most successful manager in Bournemouth's history by some distance but people on here could only talk about his relegation when he was suggested for the Villa job so he "failed"? Just the way it is.
-
He got us our respect back, got us promoted, understood the club, understood the fans. I think he would have turned it around eventually but its not to be. I feel a bit like I did when Big Ron was sacked although Dean's league record over his last full year was better than Ron's. Obviously Brian Little came in and did a great job. How Gerrard will do is anyone's guess but certainly I have to lose this prejudice of cheering on a guy who fairly often screwed us over as a player. But I had the.same issue with John Terry and was proved wrong so no doubt I will be wrong again. I hope.
-
How Gerrard will do is anyone's guess but certainly I have to lose this prejudice of cheering on a guy who fairly often screwed us over as a player.
He addressed this in the press conference and, with a smile, apologised to Villa fans for all the goals he scored against us.
-
Will be there be any subtle digs at the Villa in his Norwich unveiling presser? "Yeah, no...."
-
Will be there be any subtle digs at the Villa in his Norwich unveiling presser? "Yeah, no...."
No. He's a class act.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/nov/17/dean-smith-raring-to-go-at-norwich-premier-league
-
Have to say Norwich have put some really impressive behind-the-scenes output on their social media channels of Dean's first day, while we stuck our new head coach's first press conference behind a paywall. I know we put videos out of the first training session and the one to one chat with Michelle Owen, and perhaps Gerrard wouldn't have wanted a camera following him around for the day, but we've still got to improve our media stuff
-
That Norwich video in summary
"Hi, how you doing?"
"Good thanks, you?"
"Yeah, good thanks"
"Good"
"Ahhhh"
Nods head awkwardly as conversation dries up, looks around and sips from water bottle.
-
Great start for Smith, please for him.
-
Well done Deano.
-
Exactly. Well done Dean.
-
Agreed. Nice one.
-
Made up for him although us winning helps.
-
Yeah, no....
-
Congratulations dean. Delighted for him
-
Yup, happy that he's got off to a winning start.
-
Well done Deano, hope you keep them up.
-
Great start Deano, I hope you keep them up as well
-
Thought it was interesting that in his post match he made a lot of references to the tactical set up of his team and the changes he made, he did that at the start with us, then didn’t and more often talked of mental qualities etc.
-
Love Dean, but Norwich can do one. The sooner they cement one of the relegation places the better.
-
Love Dean, but Norwich can do one. The sooner they cement one of the relegation places the better.
I kind of owe my existence to Norwich. My grandparents first date was at Carrow Road (My late grandmother supported them). Hope they stay up and will be chuffed for Dean if they do.
The relegation places will nit involve us regardless.
-
Well done Deano.
-
Interesting insight from John Terry on working with Dean.
https://twitter.com/beINSPORTS_EN/status/1462752729244254213?t=5xxIGA_aFjyZ1FP0qwXlmQ&s=19
-
That was very interesting. Terry does come across as a top guy to be fair. I wonder who the player was. Maybe El-Ghazi?
-
Very good find.
It's all well and good hammering the players and trying to be a mini Fergsuon, Mourinho or whatever.
But if it doesn't suit your character players will spot a fraud straight off.
-
Seeing both Villa and Norwich win on Saturday made it a very good day indeed.
-
Seeing Dean in his post match interview on Saturday, I felt like I did when I was young, and your ex is out with a new bloke
-
Seeing Dean in his post match interview on Saturday, I felt like I did when I was young, and your ex is out with a new bloke
A much uglier bloke with a shit car who lives with his parents.
-
Me?
-
You don't live with your parents, Leeg.
-
You don't live with your parents, Leeg.
And he's devillishly handsome.
-
You need glasses.
-
It's no biggy really, there was only so much he could do with half the squad away.
-
That was very interesting. Terry does come across as a top guy to be fair. I wonder who the player was. Maybe El-Ghazi?
Engels would make the most sense based on the description. Maybe Guilbert or even Conor but I reckon it is Engels. Dean manages as I manage, and some call me too soft. But as others say, you can only be true to your own personality and there are different ways to show leadership.
-
Thanks Dean if the rumours are true about you wanting to buy Davis off us for £4m.
-
If that is true I'll man-love him even more.
-
Hilarious if true. Was this what was meant by Dean Smith getting one over 'Stupid' Steven Gerrard and rinsing us of our best players?!
-
Unlikely to be true. He never played him when he owned, him unless there was literally no-one else
-
Unlikely to be true. He never played him when he owned, him unless there was literally no-one else
I think those conditions are met at Norwich.
-
eh? Pukki has 4 goals in 12 games. No-way Davis is ever gonna match those stats even if he doesn't score again this season.
-
I think it might happen in the summer if they go down. I think Davis would be very good in the championship if he gets a run of games.
-
eh? Pukki has 4 goals in 12 games. No-way Davis is ever gonna match those stats even if he doesn't score again this season.
Pukki is shite, Davis if he could stay fit is a much better player.
The word 'if' is doing much heavy lifting there, I concede.
-
eh? Pukki has 4 goals in 12 games. No-way Davis is ever gonna match those stats even if he doesn't score again this season.
Pukki is shite, Davis if he could stay fit is a much better player.
The word 'if' is doing much heavy lifting there, I concede.
He's really not mate. Davis is shite, AND always injured.
-
Well yeah, I think Davis could do a job in a non "you're supposed to score" position. Which begs the question why Smith never tried it, or Bruce or anyone else as he's quite clearly not a goalscorer.
-
I honestly don't think Davis is shite, if he could've stayed fit consistently for the last 3-4 seasons I think he'd have 100 appearances for us and we probably wouldn't have signed Ings. I suspect he'd have a record similar to Heskey in that he'd go long periods without a goal and then score little flurries but would stay around the team for the hold-up play and teamwork he brings. His fitness is the problem not his ability, I honestly don't think we've seen him fully fit since the run of games he had under Bruce 4 years ago. Since then he's always looked like he's playing at 90% trying to avoid more injuries and not quite trusting himself.
-
He makes Heskey look like Lewandowski.
-
He makes Harewood look like Lewandowski.
-
I'm going to dig up these posts when he gets his England call up after saving Norwich from relegation.
-
I just don't see how anyone can have a definitive opinion on his ability (his fitness isn't a matter of opinion, he's been made of glass for the last 3-4 years).
6 goals and 7 assists in 86 appearances, on the surface, looks terrible but the amount of those games where he was on the pitch for less than 15 minutes is huge. in terms of mniutes he has a goal or assist about every 2 1/2 games. What's impossible to say, because of his injury problems, is whether the goals/assists per game or per minutes is the more accurate stat.
He has no future at Villa really, Watkins and Ings are miles ahead, Archer should be in front of him now and I suspect Caleb Chuk will as well before long and then we have Barry and Young who will come into things before long. That's why I can see him in the championship next year and, if that happens and the move helps him get over the injuries I can see him having a big impact in that league.
-
Yeah, I wince at people calling Keinan shit/useless. He's clearly not, otherwise Dean wouldn't have awarded him a new contract. He won us points around Easter time by coming off the bench to assist against Fulham (twice?) and a late equaliser against the Baggies. He's just never had a stretch of starts in the team to prove himself more for us at this level.
He's further down the pecking order now but still has qualities that none of our other strikers have and for the presumably low-ish wages (comparably) he's on, I've no issue him being in and around the squad/team if no one is going to pay us a decent fee (i.e £5m + add-ons to £10m based on appearances....£5m it is then).
-
He makes Balaban look like Lewandowski. Okay that might be stretching it a bit.
-
I just don't see how anyone can have a definitive opinion on his ability (his fitness isn't a matter of opinion, he's been made of glass for the last 3-4 years).
6 goals and 7 assists in 86 appearances, on the surface, looks terrible but the amount of those games where he was on the pitch for less than 15 minutes is huge. in terms of mniutes he has a goal or assist about every 2 1/2 games. What's impossible to say, because of his injury problems, is whether the goals/assists per game or per minutes is the more accurate stat.
He has no future at Villa really, Watkins and Ings are miles ahead, Archer should be in front of him now and I suspect Caleb Chuk will as well before long and then we have Barry and Young who will come into things before long. That's why I can see him in the championship next year and, if that happens and the move helps him get over the injuries I can see him having a big impact in that league.
1 Premier League goal
3 goals against League 1 sides in various cups
1 cup goal against a League 2 side
2 in the Championship
However you dress it up, that's woeful.
-
I just don't see how anyone can have a definitive opinion on his ability (his fitness isn't a matter of opinion, he's been made of glass for the last 3-4 years).
6 goals and 7 assists in 86 appearances, on the surface, looks terrible but the amount of those games where he was on the pitch for less than 15 minutes is huge. in terms of mniutes he has a goal or assist about every 2 1/2 games. What's impossible to say, because of his injury problems, is whether the goals/assists per game or per minutes is the more accurate stat.
He has no future at Villa really, Watkins and Ings are miles ahead, Archer should be in front of him now and I suspect Caleb Chuk will as well before long and then we have Barry and Young who will come into things before long. That's why I can see him in the championship next year and, if that happens and the move helps him get over the injuries I can see him having a big impact in that league.
1 Premier League goal
3 goals against League 1 sides in various cups
1 cup goal against a League 2 side
2 in the Championship
However you dress it up, that's woeful.
I'm not dressing anything up, I gave 2 angles to look at the same stats and said that I don't know which of the 2 is a fair reflection. Listing who he's scored against doesn't really change anything.
-
Talksport levels of debate from Risso there.
It's a shame as I think he's capable of more, maybe injuries sustained falling through his own ceiling have taken their toll.
-
I just don't see how anyone can have a definitive opinion on his ability (his fitness isn't a matter of opinion, he's been made of glass for the last 3-4 years).
6 goals and 7 assists in 86 appearances, on the surface, looks terrible but the amount of those games where he was on the pitch for less than 15 minutes is huge. in terms of mniutes he has a goal or assist about every 2 1/2 games. What's impossible to say, because of his injury problems, is whether the goals/assists per game or per minutes is the more accurate stat.
He has no future at Villa really, Watkins and Ings are miles ahead, Archer should be in front of him now and I suspect Caleb Chuk will as well before long and then we have Barry and Young who will come into things before long. That's why I can see him in the championship next year and, if that happens and the move helps him get over the injuries I can see him having a big impact in that league.
1 Premier League goal
3 goals against League 1 sides in various cups
1 cup goal against a League 2 side
2 in the Championship
However you dress it up, that's woeful.
I'm not going to say Davis is a world-beater, clearly he's extremely unlikely to ever become a 20-goal a season striker, but using stats like this don't really prove anything without the context of the amount of time he's actually spent on the pitch.
Davis' ONE goal in the whole of last season gives him a better goals-per-minute ratio than both Ings and Watkins have THIS season. Does that make him a better striker? Of it doesn't, he's not even close to their level, but beating him up for a poor goal-scoring record without also acknowledging he's not played much at all in the last three years is unfair on him.
I think he'll do a good job for someone in the Championship with a run of games. I doubt he's what Norwich really need, but if he goes there in Jan and scores a couple of goals and gets a few assists with his hold up play, all on their way to scrambling to safety, then I'm sure they'll see him as a very good signing. And if they go down, he'll do OK for them in the Championship.
Really, he should have been on loan in the Championship now, but either we had no takers, or we didn't want him to go. Neither of which is particularly good news. His career is passing him by, and he needs to go and play - if Dean wants him, then great, it's a bit of cash - but I also think it would be foolish to not include some sort of sell-on clause, because you never know. He could be Ivan Toney in 18 months (unlikely, but possible).
-
I had a weird conversation regarding Davis recently with a good friend and his mate, who's ok but I've had disagreements with in the past.
He got quite shirty at me suggesting that there may be more to come from Davis, all "If he hasn't done it by now etc", and I think me pointing out that Vardy was playing for Stocksbridge at the same age finished him off.
I don't get why people are so determined to put footballers into neat boxes regarding their ability, like once it's been decided that's it, and it will never change, despite examples everywhere proving otherwise.
-
Talksport levels of debate from Risso there.
It's a shame as I think he's capable of more, maybe injuries sustained falling through his own ceiling have taken their toll.
He's got three league goals in 4 years, and the rest (such as they are) against lower league shite in cups. He's a Chorley FM level striker, abysmal. I can't believe there's even a discussion to be had.
-
Talksport levels of debate from Risso there.
It's a shame as I think he's capable of more, maybe injuries sustained falling through his own ceiling have taken their toll.
He's got three league goals in 4 years, and the rest (such as they are) against lower league shite in cups. He's a Chorley FM level striker, abysmal. I can't believe there's even a discussion to be had.
I think the debate seems to be polarised between people who think he's rubbish, and people who don't think he's good enough for us, but at the same time believe he's "not entirely rubbish". I don't believe anyone is saying he should be getting a run of games for us? I think we've moved way past that level now as a club (thankfully).
However, if league goals is the only real objective measure of a striker, then you'll be calling for Louie Barry to be given a free transfer in January, given he's spent this season in lowly League One and yet still hasn't scored a single league goal? I'm being facetious, clearly, just pointing out you can't score goals if you don't play - and Davis hasn't played regularly for us since he was 19 and Steve Bruce was manager.
EDIT: for the record, I hope he moves on and does well wherever he goes. I always have a soft spot for young players that don't quite make it with us, as opposed to established pros that we jettison or ask to leave.
-
The problem is we've been repeatedly dissapointed by him. Every time you think 'this is his chance' he gets injured again. He's never been able to stay fit long enough to build up any consistency or momentum. He had an incredible opportunity to stake a claim when we've been relying on 1 striker for 3 seasons, but just wasn't able to take it. He looks like he could be a decent player to me, but any club spending a penny on him are just gambling on him doing what he hasn't been able to do for us or a number of years - stay fit. £5m is just pie in the sky.
I'd be amazed if Norwich signed him and if they do it surely wont be on anything more than a loan or pay as you play contract. But I wish him well and hope he can get some gametime somewhere and grow out of his vicious injury circle.
-
Talksport levels of debate from Risso there.
It's a shame as I think he's capable of more, maybe injuries sustained falling through his own ceiling have taken their toll.
He's got three league goals in 4 years, and the rest (such as they are) against lower league shite in cups. He's a Chorley FM level striker, abysmal. I can't believe there's even a discussion to be had.
There clearly is, even Gerrard must have seen something in his first week in training to include him on his first bench.
-
His best chance was the first season back up, Wes was struggling and he started against the Dogheads in the cup, lasted 20 mins before pulling a muscle and was out for months.
-
I can't see this happening. Hourihane perhaps and possibly a couple of the kids on loans Chuck and Archer would make more sense to me.
-
Talksport levels of debate from Risso there.
It's a shame as I think he's capable of more, maybe injuries sustained falling through his own ceiling have taken their toll.
He's got three league goals in 4 years, and the rest (such as they are) against lower league shite in cups. He's a Chorley FM level striker, abysmal. I can't believe there's even a discussion to be had.
I'm laughing my balls off. Davis is fucking gash. He's a Championship level player at absolute best. And that's being kind. Let's put it like this. If we were linked with him in January we'd be horrified. He is our modern version of Jordan Bowery.
-
Talksport levels of debate from Risso there.
It's a shame as I think he's capable of more, maybe injuries sustained falling through his own ceiling have taken their toll.
He's got three league goals in 4 years, and the rest (such as they are) against lower league shite in cups. He's a Chorley FM level striker, abysmal. I can't believe there's even a discussion to be had.
I'm laughing my balls off. Davis is fucking gash. He's a Championship level player at absolute best. And that's being kind. Let's put it like this. If we were linked with him in January we'd be horrified. He is our modern version of Jordan Bowery.
I don't know what's so funny, as Smithy pointed out on the previous page, none of us that believe he has some ability think he's likely to get into our line up for several reasons, it's just that he's not as hopeless as is made out and the stats don't tell the whole story.
-
Yes but the 'critical' posts are from people who use hyperbole like it's going out of fashion.
He's unlikely to make it with us, and if it weren't for his injury record he may have had an impact. He's clearly not 'shit', but he's obviously not the best in the world either.
He's a completely different sort of player than we have elsewhere.
-
I'll reiterate, if he belonged to another club with that career and injury record and he was linked with us to be a PL striker, we'd be horrified. In fact, I would argue fans of most Championship clubs would be also.
-
Imagine if this was on VT now. STAY ON TOPIC go to the DAVIS thread bing bong.
-
Like Smithy, Drummond and LeeB, I like him and think he has something to offer. A move to Norwich would be a good one, but I wouldn't be unhappy for him to stay.
-
Imagine if this was on VT now. STAY ON TOPIC go to the DAVIS thread bing bong.
FTFY
-
I'll reiterate, if he belonged to another club with that career and injury record and he was linked with us to be a PL striker, we'd be horrified. In fact, I would argue fans of most Championship clubs would be also.
I'd feel similar about El Ghazi, Hause and probably one or two other fringe players too tbh but happy enough that we have them in the squad for where we are now.
-
He's not shite; nor does he have a future with us.
-
Add me to that list of those who like him.
-
I'll reiterate, if he belonged to another club with that career and injury record and he was linked with us to be a PL striker, we'd be horrified. In fact, I would argue fans of most Championship clubs would be also.
What is your point though? No one is saying he should be playing for us or that he'd be a good option for a team in the top half of the premier league. We're saying his record is misleading and if he can get, and stay, fit he'd be good in the championship.
-
Thanks Dean if the rumours are true about you wanting to buy Davis off us for £4m.
fixed.
-
I just don't see how anyone can have a definitive opinion on his ability (his fitness isn't a matter of opinion, he's been made of glass for the last 3-4 years).
6 goals and 7 assists in 86 appearances, on the surface, looks terrible but the amount of those games where he was on the pitch for less than 15 minutes is huge. in terms of mniutes he has a goal or assist about every 2 1/2 games. What's impossible to say, because of his injury problems, is whether the goals/assists per game or per minutes is the more accurate stat.
He has no future at Villa really, Watkins and Ings are miles ahead, Archer should be in front of him now and I suspect Caleb Chuk will as well before long and then we have Barry and Young who will come into things before long. That's why I can see him in the championship next year and, if that happens and the move helps him get over the injuries I can see him having a big impact in that league.
1 Premier League goal
3 goals against League 1 sides in various cups
1 cup goal against a League 2 side
2 in the Championship
However you dress it up, that's woeful.
I'm with Risso.
Clear evidence he's not good enough and absolutely nothing in the opposite direction.
He also has some sort of mega-allergy that means his bones start crumbling whenever he's in the BMH postcode.
Wish him the absolute best of luck, but there's just no evidence he's going to make it.
-
I'll reiterate, if he belonged to another club with that career and injury record and he was linked with us to be a PL striker, we'd be horrified. In fact, I would argue fans of most Championship clubs would be also.
What is your point though? No one is saying he should be playing for us or that he'd be a good option for a team in the top half of the premier league. We're saying his record is misleading and if he can get, and stay, fit he'd be good in the championship.
Well he was crap in the Championship for us.
-
(https://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20200617&t=2&i=1522609091&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXMPEG5G24D)
that's what Davis may be remembered most for
-
Talksport levels of debate from Risso there.
It's a shame as I think he's capable of more, maybe injuries sustained falling through his own ceiling have taken their toll.
He's got three league goals in 4 years, and the rest (such as they are) against lower league shite in cups. He's a Chorley FM level striker, abysmal. I can't believe there's even a discussion to be had.
I'm laughing my balls off. Davis is fucking gash. He's a Championship level player at absolute best. And that's being kind. Let's put it like this. If we were linked with him in January we'd be horrified. He is our modern version of Jordan Bowery.
Davis has his faults, goal scoring primarily, but he has had good games for us. Nowhere near as bad as Bowery, Helenius or any of those jokers.
-
Talksport levels of debate from Risso there.
It's a shame as I think he's capable of more, maybe injuries sustained falling through his own ceiling have taken their toll.
He's got three league goals in 4 years, and the rest (such as they are) against lower league shite in cups. He's a Chorley FM level striker, abysmal. I can't believe there's even a discussion to be had.
I'm laughing my balls off. Davis is fucking gash. He's a Championship level player at absolute best. And that's being kind. Let's put it like this. If we were linked with him in January we'd be horrified. He is our modern version of Jordan Bowery.
Davis has his faults, goal scoring primarily, but he has had good games for us. Nowhere near as bad as Bowery, Helenius or any of those jokers.
I'm hoping the guy has a run of decent fitness and manages to do what he wants to do and thats playing professional football.
I've got sympathy for him. A catalogue of injurious nightmares!
-
I have nothing against Davis but he's fucking shite and that is not going to change. He may leave.
-
I have nothing against Davis but he's fucking shite and that is not going to change. He may leave.
He's got something about him but is never fit enough for long enough to show it much.
-
Davis is much better than a lot on here make out. Unfortunately his fitness (or lack of it) is ruining his career.
I don’t think he’s got a future with us unless by some miracle he can stay fit so a move to the championship may be the best thing for both sides.
-
Davis is much better than a lot on here make out. Unfortunately his fitness (or lack of it) is ruining his career.
I don’t think he’s got a future with us unless by some miracle he can stay fit so a move to the championship may be the best thing for both sides.
So, to recap, he's no fucking use.
-
(https://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20200617&t=2&i=1522609091&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXMPEG5G24D)
that's what Davis may be remembered most for
Still think this was one of the best saves I've seen at Villa Park.
-
Talksport levels of debate from Risso there.
It's a shame as I think he's capable of more, maybe injuries sustained falling through his own ceiling have taken their toll.
He's got three league goals in 4 years, and the rest (such as they are) against lower league shite in cups. He's a Chorley FM level striker, abysmal. I can't believe there's even a discussion to be had.
I think the debate seems to be polarised between people who think he's rubbish, and people who don't think he's good enough for us, but at the same time believe he's "not entirely rubbish". I don't believe anyone is saying he should be getting a run of games for us? I think we've moved way past that level now as a club (thankfully).
However, if league goals is the only real objective measure of a striker, then you'll be calling for Louie Barry to be given a free transfer in January, given he's spent this season in lowly League One and yet still hasn't scored a single league goal? I'm being facetious, clearly, just pointing out you can't score goals if you don't play - and Davis hasn't played regularly for us since he was 19 and Steve Bruce was manager.
EDIT: for the record, I hope he moves on and does well wherever he goes. I always have a soft spot for young players that don't quite make it with us, as opposed to established pros that we jettison or ask to leave.
My POV is simple....why have we never loaned him out?
Surely that's the best way of gauging decent level for him rather than have him endlessly sitting on the bench. He barely figured at all in 2018/19 so could've potentially loaned him out then and again start of 2019 season when Wesley and Kodj were the two senior strikers (given we went into last season with just Ollie really that would've been logical time).
Stoke were very keen in August apparently and given they're having a good season he could've done well there even if he wasn't starting every game, Preston another who showed interested during last season.
It's an odd way of doing things. I mean Archer went out on loan to non league last season and has come back a much better striker so while loans don't work for every striker generally it pushes you on more than just bench warming year in year out.
Edit: What's intriguing is apparently he was desperate to go out on loan in the summer so at least he wants to get out and play but DS obviously had his reasons for keeping him around.
-
He was injured.
-
I'll reiterate, if he belonged to another club with that career and injury record and he was linked with us to be a PL striker, we'd be horrified. In fact, I would argue fans of most Championship clubs would be also.
What is your point though? No one is saying he should be playing for us or that he'd be a good option for a team in the top half of the premier league. We're saying his record is misleading and if he can get, and stay, fit he'd be good in the championship.
https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/davis-vows-repay-aston-villa-boss-smiths-faith (https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/davis-vows-repay-aston-villa-boss-smiths-faith)
This what Dean said about him in in late summer, 2019:
Keinan Davis has vowed to repay the belief shown in him by Dean Smith after the Aston Villa manager compared the striker with the late Cyrille Regis.
Given a rare start, Davis scored his first goal for almost 20 months, and only his fourth in 46 appearances, in Villa’s 6-1 Carabao Cup second-round rout of League Two Crewe at Gresty Road on Tuesday night.
The performance of the 21-year-old delighted Smith, who said: “Keinan is a handful. I don’t think there are too many centre-halves in any league who would want to play against him.
“He is physical, strong, and I was really pleased he got his goal. At times, that’s the only thing that’s missing from his appearances.”
Comparing Davis to former England and West Brom striker Regis, Smith added: “He is a throw-back centre-forward, a bit like a Cyrille Regis, from those days – God bless Cyril.
“But Keinan’s performance was excellent. He made the ball stick in and around him, brought others into play really well, and then got on the end of a few crosses as well.”
With Smith only signing one striker over the summer in £22million Wesley from Club Brugge, he has promised Davis game time this season which is why he opted not to go out on loan.
Davis said: “In the transfer window he (Smith) told me he wanted me to stay, which gave me massive confidence, and now I’m trying to repay him with my performances.
“At the start (of pre-season) I thought about going out on loan, that maybe I wouldn’t play as much because I wanted to get as many games as I could.
“But he kept on reassuring me, telling me ‘Stay and you’ll play’. I had to trust him. He reassured me so it was all good in the end. “He’s given me an opportunity, now I have to prove myself to him.”
-
Davis is a decent player. But he's only showed that fleetingly, and is nowhere near the level we need him. To reach that level he needs to start 150 games somewhere and improve.
-
He's not shit as a AM as far as I can see. Seems to have that in his game or at least the potential. Why he was never tried or converted to one is a bit of mystery because as a forward he is shit in the only way that matters, i.e. putting the ball in the net.
Doesn't matter now anyway because he's blocking the progression of the kids. We need the likes of Archer at 19 getting regular game time just as Davis got at 19 and with Ing and Watkins possibly fighting for one place there is no room for him
-
Davis is a nuisance. He's fast and strong and throwing him on for the last 5 minutes of games if we're losing was at one point a useful option to have from the bench, but hopefully we'll have far better strikers to bring on in these situations going forward.
I don't think he's a regular Premier League striker, but I can see why he'd be useful for Norwich, particularly if they get relegated.
-
He's not shit as a AM as far as I can see. Seems to have that in his game or at least the potential. Why he was never tried or converted to one is a bit of mystery because as a forward he is shit in the only way that matters, i.e. putting the ball in the net.
Doesn't matter now anyway because he's blocking the progression of the kids. We need the likes of Archer at 19 getting regular game time just as Davis got at 19 and with Ing and Watkins possibly fighting for one place there is no room for him
Ah the old H&V “Shit in his preferred position, so suggest trying him somewhere else because you feel sorry for him” gambit. See also Tuanzebe, A. ;)
-
He's not shit as a AM as far as I can see. Seems to have that in his game or at least the potential. Why he was never tried or converted to one is a bit of mystery because as a forward he is shit in the only way that matters, i.e. putting the ball in the net.
Doesn't matter now anyway because he's blocking the progression of the kids. We need the likes of Archer at 19 getting regular game time just as Davis got at 19 and with Ing and Watkins possibly fighting for one place there is no room for him
Ah the old H&V “Shit in his preferred position, so suggest trying him somewhere else because you feel sorry for him” gambit. See also Tuanzebe, A. ;)
Not feeling sorry for him really. I just thought he did a good job on occasions with creating stuff for others and being a nuisance. He obviously may not be as good as what we had/have in the squad already in the AM role, but at least he showed some promise, but it's all a bit late now. His preferred role as a less prolific Heskey circa 2010 is only going to get him a gig at a much lower standard than we are currently. He's had plenty of chances to prove he was upto the job imo.If Smith offered 500k i'd bite his hand off.
-
Think Davis has been terribly unfortunate with injuries, and I do like him as a player ... but I just can't see him fulfilling anything like his potentially at Villa Park. There's two strikers he's not going to get ahead of, in Ings & Watkins, until it's far too late for him.
Think he may well make a decent Premier League striker, but he needs to be the regular starter for a couple of seasons first, and he's just not going to get that with us. If Norwich can offer that for him, then it feels like it might be the best move for everyone concerned. We'll get rid of a player who's blocking a path for Archer etc, Keinan will finally be able to get a run of games under his belt, and Norwich will hopefully (for them & Davis) get a decent striker on the cheap.
Can imagine why Deano wants him - if Norwich want to move to being a side who plays quickly on the counter attack - which may well suit them - then he'd be a really handy player to have.
-
I think Norwich need a striker who scores goals. Not one that doesn’t.
-
I think Norwich need a striker who scores goals. Not one that doesn’t.
I'd say the opposite. The more clubs in our division (other than ourselves) who have non-goalscoring strikers, the better.
-
Davis to Norwich ASAP then.
-
He was injured.
Not at the start of 2019 season. He scored v Crewe as mentioned in the article and came on v West Ham in middle of September.
That would've been ideal time to get him playing every week up to January given we had Wesley and Kodj as the senior strikers at that time.
-
He was injured.
Not at the start of 2019 season. He scored v Crewe as mentioned in the article and came on v West Ham in middle of September.
That would've been ideal time to get him playing every week up to January given we had Wesley and Kodj as the senior strikers at that time.
Sorry, I thought you were talking about him going there this summer, as was rumoured.
-
He was injured.
Not at the start of 2019 season. He scored v Crewe as mentioned in the article and came on v West Ham in middle of September.
That would've been ideal time to get him playing every week up to January given we had Wesley and Kodj as the senior strikers at that time.
Sorry, I thought you were talking about him going there this summer, as was rumoured.
Wesley and Kodj as our senior strikers, f*ck me, someone somewhere thought we could ok in the premier league with that strikeforce!!
-
It's ok. We strengthened it with Baston.
-
Don't forget about Samatta.
-
Davis was playing well in the league cup games that season, then picked up a calf injury against the Dogheads.
-
Is Samatta still on our books or did someone buy him ?
-
Borja Baston seems to be scoring a few for Real Oviedo currently.
-
Borja Baston seems to be scoring a few for Real Oviedo currently.
wonder why he never got a chance with us? it was a time we had such a shite set of strikers. Probably fitness.
-
Ally and Keinan looked better than him at the time and they were both better integrated into the squad than he was.
-
Borja Baston seems to be scoring a few for Real Oviedo currently.
wonder why he never got a chance with us? it was a time we had such a shite set of strikers. Probably fitness.
He came on one day for us...I'm being very harsh but he truly looked like he won a competition to play for us. Swansea's record signing too I think
-
That was against Spurs, wasn't it, in the Bjorn Engels game?
-
Today highlights one of the things i didnt like about smith your playing against ten and losing to the worst team in the league.
Shocking result if ends like this
-
It has all the hallmarks of the worst Smith performances, sub championship quality from Norwich with the perfect chance
-
That performance reminded me of that humiliating sheffield united loss under smith.
Lucky for smith pukki saved his bacon. He is pretty useless against 10 men for some reason.
-
That performance reminded me of that humiliating sheffield united loss under smith.
Lucky for smith pukki saved his bacon. He is pretty useless against 10 men for some reason.
I was thinking about this - I just because he’s not very good at adjusting in games.
TBF pukki and Aaron aside I don’t think many of them are any good
-
It has all the hallmarks of the worst Smith performances, sub championship quality from Norwich with the perfect chance
The Norwich job was only available because they’d sacked their manager after a crap start to the season and were near the bottom of the league, that’s what he inherited. Their main creative players, Cantwell and Rashica, were unavailable tonight and they struggled against a packed defence. They’ll probably go down but not because of Dean Smith but because their squad just isn’t good enough for this league.
-
How he fails to win so often v 10 men is pretty incredible though,
Can think back to first season we came up and we drew 0-0 with West Ham at home when they had Zabaleta sent off after 65 minutes. Fair enough that can happen.
Then next game we were 2-1 up at Arsenal who were down to 10 and lost 3-2 conceding twice in last 10 minutes.
We then played Watford away over the xmas period. Were 1-0 down, think they had Doucoure sent off.....and they err scored twice in five minutes and won 3-0.
Last season of course we couldn't even score v Sheffield United when they had someone sent off after 50 minutes. And tonight a different team couldn't beat a bottom of table side despite playing pretty much entire game v 10.
I like DS. I thought it was time to go but wish him all the best and him keeping Norwich up would be arguably biggest achievement of his career.
However most managers win ratio v 10 men is probably in 80 + %. DS must be below 50%, certainly in last 4-5 years so suggests some limitations to his managerial style as Norwich were largely terrible tonight.
-
I agree with you about that but my point was that we saw this kind of performance too many times under Dean, especially against 10 men - a real lack of intensity and players not moving the ball quickly enough.
That was a huge chance for Norwich tonight but you'd never have guessed that from the performance.
-
I agree with you about that but my point was that we saw this kind of performance too many times under Dean, especially against 10 men - a real lack of intensity and players not moving the ball quickly enough.
That was a huge chance for Norwich tonight but you'd never have guessed that from the performance.
Give him an effing chance, it was his second game!
-
Third.
-
How he fails to win so often v 10 men is pretty incredible though,
Can think back to first season we came up and we drew 0-0 with West Ham at home when they had Zabaleta sent off after 65 minutes. Fair enough that can happen.
Then next game we were 2-1 up at Arsenal who were down to 10 and lost 3-2 conceding twice in last 10 minutes.
We then played Watford away over the xmas period. Were 1-0 down, think they had Doucoure sent off.....and they err scored twice in five minutes and won 3-0.
Last season of course we couldn't even score v Sheffield United when they had someone sent off after 50 minutes. And tonight a different team couldn't beat a bottom of table side despite playing pretty much entire game v 10.
I like DS. I thought it was time to go but wish him all the best and him keeping Norwich up would be arguably biggest achievement of his career.
However most managers win ratio v 10 men is probably in 80 + %. DS must be below 50%, certainly in last 4-5 years so suggests some limitations to his managerial style as Norwich were largely terrible tonight.
Good post.
Its unbelievable out of all those games he failed to win any and actually lose!!
Embarrassing. That watford one was absolutely pathetic and i was raging with smith after that.
The Sheffield utd one though for me was by far the worst. They were useless and he couldnt even score past them with 10 men. Im.hoping these kind of results are in the past for us
-
That’s pretty much been our problem for a while, even with Grealish in form we struggled to beat the teams like Burnley and West Ham who are very organised and tight at the back. When a team has ten men they tighten up and sit deep and being organised is probably a massive focus.
It is something Smith needs to learn or find that coach to work alongside him. Ferguson always needed that help and at times when they lost certain coaches their form dipped temporarily.
-
That’s pretty much been our problem for a while, even with Grealish in form we struggled to beat the teams like Burnley and West Ham who are very organised and tight at the back. When a team has ten men they tighten up and sit deep and being organised is probably a massive focus.
It is something Smith needs to learn or find that coach to work alongside him. Ferguson always needed that help and at times when they lost certain coaches their form dipped temporarily.
Thats why i thought our win against brighton was so impressive because they were very organised and tight at the back.
-
They’re already calling for his head on the Norwich forums.
-
Fake news
-
Good luck to Deano Norwich v Charlton today.
I miss him alot. And I'm happy I can see him still in the prem and involved in football. So I took hard when he left. It felt like grief. Harder than when JG left because Dean to me is a pefect role model.
And I watch and listen fondly to Deans interviews.
Deano been talking about reflection, context and perspective.
And I smile. His philosophical outlook is refreshing and he remains authentic.
Dean man on principle speaking as Norwich boss:
“I am a bit of a traditionalist; I like the FA Cup “These players are only given three opportunities to win something in a season – the EFL Cup, the FA Cup and the Premier League. It is very unlikely for us to be challenging for the Premier League title so why not go all out and try and do well in the FA Cup? We are looking forward to the game and the challenge.”
I hope one day he comes back to coach us again!
-
Good luck to Deano Norwich v Charlton today.
I miss him alot. And I'm happy I can see him still in the prem and involved in football. So I took hard when he left. It felt like grief. Harder than when JG left because Dean to me is a pefect role model.
And I watch and listen fondly to Deans interviews.
Deano been talking about reflection, context and perspective.
And I smile. His philosophical outlook is refreshing and he remains authentic.
Dean man on principle speaking as Norwich boss:
“I am a bit of a traditionalist; I like the FA Cup “These players are only given three opportunities to win something in a season – the EFL Cup, the FA Cup and the Premier League. It is very unlikely for us to be challenging for the Premier League title so why not go all out and try and do well in the FA Cup? We are looking forward to the game and the challenge.”
I hope one day he comes back to coach us again!
Smith talks utter bollocks then, he never once set Villa up for a decent crack at the FA Cup.
Jan 19: 3-0 home humiliation by Swansea after he picked a dog's arse of a team
Jan 20: 2-1 Away defeat to Championship Fulham, after he picked a dog's arse of a team
The chances of Smith ever coaching at Villa again are precisely nil.
-
If Smith coaches us again, it will have all gone badly wrong.
-
It will have for sure. The current owners to their credit gave him a chance but their sights of success require a bigger profile of manager.
-
No need for this (apart from Footy's contribution). He took us from lower mid-table in the Championship to mid-table in the PL in one season. Give the man the respect he deserves.
-
No need for this (apart from Footy's contribution). He took us from lower mid-table in the Championship to mid-table in the PL in one season. Give the man the respect he deserves.
Agree.
-
No need for this (apart from Footy's contribution). He took us from lower mid-table in the Championship to mid-table in the PL in one season. Give the man the respect he deserves.
I agree, but I hope we have moved onto better managers. It’s the same with players, Hourihane loved it at Villa and did a decent job, but we have onto better players, same with managers. Thanks for everything but…….
-
No need for this (apart from Footy's contribution). He took us from lower mid-table in the Championship to mid-table in the PL in one season. Give the man the respect he deserves.
yep
-
I reluctantly accept that in order to attract players such as the one we signed yesterday, a high profile "name" manager is a necessity but part of me wishes that it wasn't the case and that we still had Smith in charge and we were progressing under him.
It's not the case but I find it pretty unpleasant that some would now disparage his achievements with us, and indeed in his career, look back with disdain or baulk at him ever coming back. I don't think he will ever manage us again but I'd be happy to see him in any other roll back at the club.
-
No need for this (apart from Footy's contribution). He took us from lower mid-table in the Championship to mid-table in the PL in one season. Give the man the respect he deserves.
Dean deserves nothing but respect. This is an 'appreciation thread. However, it is also a 'reflection' thread. I don't see why you have a problem with people reflecting upon Dean's shortcomings in a respectful manner.
-
No need for this (apart from Footy's contribution). He took us from lower mid-table in the Championship to mid-table in the PL in one season. Give the man the respect he deserves.
I agree, but I hope we have moved onto better managers. It’s the same with players, Hourihane loved it at Villa and did a decent job, but we have onto better players, same with managers. Thanks for everything but…….
Sensible words.
We wouldn't be where we are now (13th in the pl) without Smith's contribution in getting us promoted, keeping us in the pl and reaching 11th with a cup final appearance thrown in for good measure. It will be up to our current manager and future managers to better Smith's achievements (a cup final win would be nice at some point!).
-
No need for this (apart from Footy's contribution). He took us from lower mid-table in the Championship to mid-table in the PL in one season. Give the man the respect he deserves.
100%.
Best of luck to Deano. He was & is my absolute favourite Villa manager. Did the thing that all of us dream of, and had a bloody good crack at it too.
-
I reluctantly accept that in order to attract players such as the one we signed yesterday, a high profile "name" manager is a necessity but part of me wishes that it wasn't the case and that we still had Smith in charge and we were progressing under him.
It's not the case but I find it pretty unpleasant that some would now disparage his achievements with us, and indeed in his career, look back with disdain or baulk at him ever coming back. I don't think he will ever manage us again but I'd be happy to see him in any other roll back at the club.
Where has anybody disparaged his achievements?
-
No need for this (apart from Footy's contribution). He took us from lower mid-table in the Championship to mid-table in the PL in one season. Give the man the respect he deserves.
That is fair, absolutely. But equally, there's no point pretending (as Footy does) that respect for him means needing to say he should have continued in the post.
-
Football is strange. Dean might spend the rest of his career competing in Championship-level campaigns, he could equally keep Norwich up (or get them straight back up) and find himself back in the England reckoning in a couple of years. Sam Allardyce got himself the England job having been fired more than once and having never won a thing over 30 years in management, barring a few manager of the month awards. If Dean keeps Norwich up (however unlikely that is), he'll be doing incredibly well.
I'm sorry it didn't work out with Dean, but I like him, and I still think he's got what it takes to manage in the premier league. Maybe not managing title contenders, but then again not many managers do that...
-
Most successful manager since MON (and arguably more successful than MON given he took over at a higher level and the cost of his signings would have dwarfed Smith's spending in 2022). Yes he had faults, and you can have the opinion he'd taken us as far as he could, but he got the rug pulled under him somewhat by Ratboy's late exit and the 0% net spend in the summer. Happy enough with Gerrard so far but as for hitting the next level that Smith couldn't reach, we'll see where we are in 2 seasons.
-
Ings did it for Deano I think. Be interesting in time whether it turns out he had much say in that signing. Completely messed around the team to accommodate an Ings/Watkins partnership that never worked (nor ever will).
For his future career, he has to get a better tune out of Norwich. They looked appalling over Xmas with clowns like that Kabak guy playing CB.
-
The right thing was done for Aston Villa. I'll put all my money on nobody else besides me on here decorating a mug in homage to Smith, but even I recognise clubs move on quicker than in years past, and while his race might not have been run, it wasn't far off.
However, he has left a legacy possibly unmatched in even our history, that 20,000 people can't get a ticket to watch us. He was, and remains, a god, and I will forever be thankful for the chest-bursting pride he reawakened in me of being a supporter of Aston Villa.
-
I reluctantly accept that in order to attract players such as the one we signed yesterday, a high profile "name" manager is a necessity but part of me wishes that it wasn't the case and that we still had Smith in charge and we were progressing under him.
It's not the case but I find it pretty unpleasant that some would now disparage his achievements with us, and indeed in his career, look back with disdain or baulk at him ever coming back. I don't think he will ever manage us again but I'd be happy to see him in any other roll back at the club.
Where has anybody disparaged his achievements?
Predominantly the meltdown crew that frequent twitter
-
How is it disrespectful or disparaging to opine that if Smith takes over as manager again then we've failed? It means we haven't pushed on and he'd self evidently reached his ceiling with us, therefore we'd be a Championship or still a lower half of the table side looking to maintain at that level.
That doesn't detract from the things he did before.
-
Move on.
-
I reluctantly accept that in order to attract players such as the one we signed yesterday, a high profile "name" manager is a necessity but part of me wishes that it wasn't the case and that we still had Smith in charge and we were progressing under him.
It's not the case but I find it pretty unpleasant that some would now disparage his achievements with us, and indeed in his career, look back with disdain or baulk at him ever coming back. I don't think he will ever manage us again but I'd be happy to see him in any other roll back at the club.
Leon Bailey had a big reputation in Germany and it was generally seen as a signing a bit above our level at the time. Ings apparently had the likes of Tottingham interested.
Both were happy to sign up with Smith as manager.
But I get the general point, aye.
-
Most successful manager since MON (and arguably more successful than MON given he took over at a higher level and the cost of his signings would have dwarfed Smith's spending in 2022). Yes he had faults, and you can have the opinion he'd taken us as far as he could, but he got the rug pulled under him somewhat by Ratboy's late exit and the 0% net spend in the summer. Happy enough with Gerrard so far but as for hitting the next level that Smith couldn't reach, we'll see where we are in 2 seasons.
0% net spend in the context of still spending £90m-odd? Come off it...regardless of who chose the players in the summer, they all needed to hit the ground running to help us get over Grealish and none of them did for various reasons.
-
Dean deserves massive respect for getting us back to the PL and keeping us there….Purslow and NSWE deserve respect also for not letting Deans reign fester to the point the crowd turned on him.
Left with his head held high & the gratitude of most
-
Most successful manager since MON (and arguably more successful than MON given he took over at a higher level and the cost of his signings would have dwarfed Smith's spending in 2022). Yes he had faults, and you can have the opinion he'd taken us as far as he could, but he got the rug pulled under him somewhat by Ratboy's late exit and the 0% net spend in the summer. Happy enough with Gerrard so far but as for hitting the next level that Smith couldn't reach, we'll see where we are in 2 seasons.
0% net spend in the context of still spending £90m-odd? Come off it...regardless of who chose the players in the summer, they all needed to hit the ground running to help us get over Grealish and none of them did for various reasons.
We still sold our best player and replaced him with a Championship player on paper (if you buy into the narrative they knew ratboy was going. If not Bailey?). fair comment about none of (his?) signings hitting the floor running. Anyway it doesn't matter now.
-
There is no disrespect shown here from anyone. I think everyone on here appreciates what he’s achieved. We all have a connection to Dean Smith as he’s one of us and a local who’s excelled in management to a decent level. However, if your the persons throwing millions at your investment and haven’t got that feeling you will look at the situation differently especially if you have ambitions of breaking into the top 6. I think even Dean would understand that.
-
Easy to guess who bumped this thread up the list.
Smith did us proud; he's gone. Move on.
-
Both things can be true. This thread is about appreciating what he did for us. And he did lots of wonderful things. But sustaining consistency at a high level as manager in the PL is a bridge too far for Dean. There is no way he’s going to have whatever Steven Gerrard has today as a known entity in the world game unless he does what Ferguson, Mourinho, Wenger did over many, many years. Gerrard will ultimately be judged as a manager, but right now he’s pulling strings that Dean just doesn’t have access to.
-
I wonder what he would do differently if he could go back
obviously certain players like Drinkwater wouldn’t be signed with hindsight
But I was more meaning tactics and lineups And attitudes towards games
Maybe he would field stronger sides in the FA Cup, My personal bugbear with any of our past managers
I still wonder if John Gregory wished he could go back to the FA Cup final and this time really give it a go
MON Moscow
Lambert Bradford
Or maybe Smith doesn’t have any regrets And it is what it is
-
John Gregory, I’m sure I read or heard considers his approach to that FA cup as one his biggest regrets.
And MON is someone who will never admit fault, but if he did it’s probably not holding on to a 2-0 lead vs Stoke. Because has we done so the whole Moscow thing, which is way overblown anyway would never have become what it did.
-
Both things can be true. This thread is about appreciating what he did for us. And he did lots of wonderful things. But sustaining consistency at a high level as manager in the PL is a bridge too far for Dean. There is no way he’s going to have whatever Steven Gerrard has today as a known entity in the world game unless he does what Ferguson, Mourinho, Wenger did over many, many years. Gerrard will ultimately be judged as a manager, but right now he’s pulling strings that Dean just doesn’t have access to.
Not having access is one thing but I think for a lot of managers it's also a case of not trying for players that might be considered slightly out of reach. Whether Smith could sign Countinho comes second behind the fact that I can't imagine he even would have asked the question. A lot of fans think in the same way so on the transfr thread loads of players get dismissed as being 'above' us. It's not a criticism, there are plenty of managers who've been like it and still done well, I just think he just liked the idea of players generally seeing the move as a step up and was scared of harming that and Barkley probably made him even more cautious. I guess Bailey is the exception but he feels like more of a Lange signing and always did.
-
The right thing was done for Aston Villa. I'll put all my money on nobody else besides me on here decorating a mug in homage to Smith, but even I recognise clubs move on quicker than in years past, and while his race might not have been run, it wasn't far off.
However, he has left a legacy possibly unmatched in even our history, that 20,000 people can't get a ticket to watch us. He was, and remains, a god, and I will forever be thankful for the chest-bursting pride he reawakened in me of being a supporter of Aston Villa.
Amen brother!
-
The right thing was done for Aston Villa. I'll put all my money on nobody else besides me on here decorating a mug in homage to Smith, but even I recognise clubs move on quicker than in years past, and while his race might not have been run, it wasn't far off.
However, he has left a legacy possibly unmatched in even our history, that 20,000 people can't get a ticket to watch us. He was, and remains, a god, and I will forever be thankful for the chest-bursting pride he reawakened in me of being a supporter of Aston Villa.
Amen brother!
That is all quite beautiful.
-
The right thing was done for Aston Villa. I'll put all my money on nobody else besides me on here decorating a mug in homage to Smith, but even I recognise clubs move on quicker than in years past, and while his race might not have been run, it wasn't far off.
However, he has left a legacy possibly unmatched in even our history, that 20,000 people can't get a ticket to watch us. He was, and remains, a god, and I will forever be thankful for the chest-bursting pride he reawakened in me of being a supporter of Aston Villa.
Amen brother!
That is all quite beautiful.
Agree 100% on all counts
-
Well said.
-
Lovely words and very well said Lastfootstamper,
-
The right thing was done for Aston Villa. I'll put all my money on nobody else besides me on here decorating a mug in homage to Smith, but even I recognise clubs move on quicker than in years past, and while his race might not have been run, it wasn't far off.
However, he has left a legacy possibly unmatched in even our history, that 20,000 people can't get a ticket to watch us. He was, and remains, a god, and I will forever be thankful for the chest-bursting pride he reawakened in me of being a supporter of Aston Villa.
Amen brother!
That is all quite beautiful.
Agree 100% on all counts
Yes, perfect
-
Brought a lump to my throat LFS. Exactly how I feel but much more eloquently expressed than I could ever manage.
-
I wish I was clever and smart enough to write that. Spot on. He was perfect for us at the time and it should always be the case that he will be remembered as such.
-
We need to see the mug though.
-
No need for this (apart from Footy's contribution). He took us from lower mid-table in the Championship to mid-table in the PL in one season. Give the man the respect he deserves.
Absolutely.
-
He was here now he's gone lets move on.
-
He was here now he's gone lets move on.
Sounds like an Adele lyric.
-
He was here now he's gone lets move on.
Sounds like an Adele lyric.
She doesn't seem to fucking move on though, does she?
-
If COVID hadn’t stopped football and Chelsea had beat us, and anyone in the away stands at Leicester that horrible night, would agree that Chelsea would beat us, the rumour was Dean was going to get sacked, I wonder what would have been said.?
-
He was here now he's gone lets move on.
Sounds like an Adele lyric.
She doesn't seem to fucking move on though, does she?
leave her out of it . I wish I could make money about shit things in my life :-\
-
I'd make a fucking fortune.
-
I'd make a fucking fortune.
Legion temporarily takes ownership of the internet from joe_c.
-
Tough one other night losing to West Ham. It's not actually a losing streak as Norwich beat Charlton in cup and can see them going deep in the competition as teams struggling in league sometime do.
Very tough match in league midweek and good luck to Smith getting a much needed win Vs Everton.
I hope we are all rooting for him!
And keeps Everton good points distance below us.
-
I only really care about the villa. Soz.
-
Tough one other night losing to West Ham. It's not actually a losing streak as Norwich beat Charlton in cup and can see them going deep in the competition as teams struggling in league sometime do.
Very tough match in league midweek and good luck to Smith getting a much needed win Vs Everton.
I hope we are all rooting for him!
And keeps Everton good points distance below us.
I understand the sentiment mate and I wish Deano nothing but the best, but I think the club will support him financially so it almost inevitable that they’ll get relegated but hopefully he’ll get the opportunity to rebuild and get promoted next season
-
Tough one other night losing to West Ham. It's not actually a losing streak as Norwich beat Charlton in cup and can see them going deep in the competition as teams struggling in league sometime do.
Very tough match in league midweek and good luck to Smith getting a much needed win Vs Everton.
I hope we are all rooting for him!
And keeps Everton good points distance below us.
I understand the sentiment mate and I wish Deano nothing but the best, but I think the club will support him financially so it almost inevitable that they’ll get relegated but hopefully he’ll get the opportunity to rebuild and get promoted next season
Dean failed to shed his 'feast or famine' reputation. I still love him, the man but he can have no complaints.
-
I only really care about the villa. Soz.
Same. I'll always remember Dean fondly, he did a very good job for us and is one of very few managers we've had this century that I'd stand and applaud. But I don't really give a shit how he does for anyone that isn't us, sorry.
-
Same. Although I do find I'm looking out for Derby's results at the moment, hoping they pull a bit of a miracle off as Rooney continues to surprise under the worst possible circumstances.
-
I only really care about the villa. Soz.
Same. I'll always remember Dean fondly, he did a very good job for us and is one of very few managers we've had this century that I'd stand and applaud. But I don't really give a shit how he does for anyone that isn't us, sorry.
I'd rather Norwich stayed up ahead of Newcastle or Burnley, but that's as far as it goes. Mind you that would be the case whoever was manager.
-
Yep, pretty much anyone staying up at Newcastle's expense is always the preference. Everyone loves some Jawdee tears!!!
-
Yep, pretty much anyone staying up at Newcastle's expense is always the preference. Everyone loves some Jawdee tears!!!
Except perhaps Dirty Leeds, and the uncriticizable Bielsa
-
I'd like Newcastle and Leeds to go down, and if Norwich go too then I ain't fussed.
-
Norwich 2-0 Everton half time. Smith really got them going!
Good to see.
-
Norwich with essential 3pts and othe results go well good afternoon Deano!
-
I only really care about the villa. Soz.
Same. I'll always remember Dean fondly, he did a very good job for us and is one of very few managers we've had this century that I'd stand and applaud. But I don't really give a shit how he does for anyone that isn't us, sorry.
I'd rather Norwich stayed up ahead of Newcastle or Burnley, but that's as far as it goes. Mind you that would be the case whoever was manager.
Yeah exactly, Norwich are fine, I have some pleasant memories of us beating them, and they're all yellow and have a bird on their badge. And if Dean does well for them great, good for him and them.
I'd also rather have them in the PL than Newcastle or Burnley, but potentially that's a very long list, which includes Chelsea, Leeds, Liverpool, Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, Leicester, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Southampton, Watford and Wolves.
There are clubs I respect, there are clubs I hate less than others, but there are no clubs in English football I care enough about to monitor their fortunes.
To go down the route of a Government campaign, for me it's Villa, Villa, Villa (and bollocks to everyone else).
-
I would be very happy if Deano could keep them up.
-
I think he got a rough deal at the villa, however can see the reasonning behind his sacking - Gerrard not a better coach but has the name which attracts better players
-
I think he got a rough deal at the villa, however can see the reasonning behind his sacking - Gerrard not a better coach but has the name which attracts better players
He didn’t get a rough deal at all. His management record was one of the worst in 2021. Relegation form and on a 5 game losing streak. He had loads to spend and any time we didn’t have Grealish we were mostly dreadful. He had his chance. He did a lot of good things. But his dismissal was entirely warranted.
-
He brought us back, kept us up and gave us a platform to build on. I will love and respect him forever for that.
-
He brought us back, kept us up and gave us a platform to build on. I will love and respect him forever for that.
Well said, Leeg. That's his legacy. Whatever we go on to achieve (hopefully shitloads) Dean will have been the first step on that road.
-
Am very grateful for everything Smith did, more so on reflection now that he's gone. He's one of us and definitely has the club at heart. I hope he does well at Norwich and keeps them up.
However, I was never a massive fan, and in the end, I stopped watching matches because the football was so bad, and tactics so ridiculous/lacking: Three at the back, no matter the situation, long throws, samey subs, stubborn persistence with average players.
He'll get a great reception on return to Villa Park, and rightly so, but I don't miss him and his management at all.
-
Apologies for sounding like a heartless prick.
-
Love him. Just wish he hadn't stuck with the 3/5 at the back for so long.
Would love it if he can keep Norwich up this season.
-
Maybe it's time to lock this thread?
-
Why would we lock the thread? We've got an ex-Villa players still playing thread - should that be locked too?
Smith brought on more players in terms of their development than any other manager in my lifetime. That's his big differentiator. Unfortunately his game management let him down and ultimately cost him his job. Time will tell whether Gerrard is an upgrade, but I'm pretty certain that had Smith still been in charge we wouldn't have been watching Coutinho and Digne on Saturday.
-
Maybe it's time to lock this thread?
Please! And lock the Other Games thread every time Man City play, so we don’t get an endless “Grealish watch”.
-
He did a very good job getting us promoted, and to start with did ok in the top flight.
He then started to believe his own publicity and made a series of mistakes which he then proceeded to make over and over again. He absolutely deserved the sack and should have got it much earlier.
Given a choice, I would opt for him to do well, I’ve no reason not to.
That’s about it though. I don’t get the saintly view some have of him.
Nice he’s a Villa fan, but it’s not some sort of special key to sanctification.
-
It never ceases to amaze me how people will volunteer their time to post on a thread that they don't think should exist!
No one's forcing you to read it guys.
-
I like Deano, and I think it's a testament to how well liked & respected he is that people are still tracking his progress and wishing him well after he's left the club. Hope one day him, or one of his family, reads this and realises just how important his contribution has been - the first step on our return to greatness.
Don't think the thread should be locked.
-
It never ceases to amaze me how people will volunteer their time to post on a thread that they don't think should exist!
No one's forcing you to read it guys.
It’s a morbid fascination!!
-
So Dean Smith is the only Villa manager to have engineered a win vs man ure this season. That's something to be appreciated bearing in mind our record in games against them.
-
Dean did a great job for us but as in many walks of life you hit a ceiling
He moves on, he has another job we have another manager
I will always keep an eye on results of teams he manages and wish him well
-
At least shift it to ‘other football’ then.
-
Yep, pretty much anyone staying up at Newcastle's expense is always the preference. Everyone loves some Jawdee tears!!!
Except perhaps Dirty Leeds, and the uncriticizable Bielsa
Leeds would be my first choice to go. All that whinging over that goal a few years ago. Blimey.
-
I like Deano, and I think it's a testament to how well liked & respected he is that people are still tracking his progress and wishing him well after he's left the club. Hope one day him, or one of his family, reads this and realises just how important his contribution has been - the first step on our return to greatness.
Don't think the thread should be locked.
Totally agree, Norwich is a result I’m certainly interested in because of Dean. It would be a fantastic accomplishment if Dean manages to keep them up
-
In the first page or so on here we have a thread about Gabby, and we have a thread specifically for ex-Villa players still playing - I don't think it's unreasonable to have a thread about ex-managers still managing.
If people don't want to discuss him, or Norwich's progress under him, I totally get it - and if that's most people it'll soon disappear off the front page soon enough.
(Yes, I am aware I've just bumped it to the top)
-
Him keeping Norwich up would arguably be a bigger achievement than us surviving with four games left in 2020. I know they're well-placed but with half the season to go people have been writing them off for weeks/months.
-
He did a very good job getting us promoted, and to start with did ok in the top flight.
He then started to believe his own publicity and made a series of mistakes which he then proceeded to make over and over again. He absolutely deserved the sack and should have got it much earlier.
Given a choice, I would opt for him to do well, I’ve no reason not to.
That’s about it though. I don’t get the saintly view some have of him.
Nice he’s a Villa fan, but it’s not some sort of special key to sanctification.
Of our ex-Managers he's the one I'd prefer to go for a pint with. Never understood those that mentioned having a beer with Bruce. Lambert I assume only drinks Thunderbird and MON probably drinks his own piss.
-
I was sad when Dean Smith was sacked. I'd have loved a Villa fan to manage us to the next level, and the level beyond, but it wasn't to be. Had it not been for that spectacular collapse versus the little club from Wolverhampton whose fans have declared a rivalry with us after at least thirty-five years of being very quiet on the subject, he might well have had more time in the post. But then it seems the average shelf-life of a Villa manager is about three years so I was probably hoping against hope.
I for one wish him all the best for the future (other than when he manages against us, of course).
-
It's a shame it didn't work for him, but I kind of always knew it wouldn't. We were too haphazard, too unstable in our good phases under him. He was good at a lot, galvanised the team and gave us belief, but we never looked tactically in control of ourselves. These first few games with Gerrard (with the exception of Brentford) have really hammered that fact home for me - win or lose now we have a clear identity on the pitch.
-
At Brentford he never just relied on one player. I never understood why he could never find a way to play without Jack. It was Jack or bust and without Jack it was almost always bust. And then he just became stubborn with certain players/systems. Especially the three at the back nonsense. It wasn't broken from the previous season yet he was doing things he didn't need to.
We can thank and appreciate him for what he gave us and all that he did, but in equal measure it ended in large part because of him. I wish him nothing but the best in the future.
-
I think for a lot of us ( me included) Smith and Grealish being Villa fans, was a catalyst for us to reconnect with the club after some awful and shit players at the club.
It really did feel like a rebirth a new togetherness fans, players, and manager all as one, I think that's what makes some of us a bit sad we couldn't take it a bit further.
Having said that I'm delighted with how Gerrard has started, and I think we're on the cusp of great things
-
It's a shame it didn't work for him, but I kind of always knew it wouldn't. We were too haphazard, too unstable in our good phases under him. He was good at a lot, galvanised the team and gave us belief, but we never looked tactically in control of ourselves. These first few games with Gerrard (with the exception of Brentford) have really hammered that fact home for me - win or lose now we have a clear identity on the pitch.
I think it did work. He hit a ceiling, but he left us 20-odd places and a whole division higher than when he took over.
I was a little underwhelmed when he was appointed, but regardless of Grealish and the players we had on loan, if somebody had suggested he'd get us up that year, keep us up the year after, then improve our position the year after that, I would've said that would make him a resounding success.
I think it was almost certainly the right time for him to go, but he did the job we hired him for, and there aren't too many of our recent managers you can say that about.
I won't be following his career, I don't have a poster of him above my bed, but in his 37 months as our manager he did right by us.
-
It's a shame it didn't work for him, but I kind of always knew it wouldn't. We were too haphazard, too unstable in our good phases under him. He was good at a lot, galvanised the team and gave us belief, but we never looked tactically in control of ourselves. These first few games with Gerrard (with the exception of Brentford) have really hammered that fact home for me - win or lose now we have a clear identity on the pitch.
I think it did work. He hit a ceiling, but he left us 20-odd places and a whole division higher than when he took over.
I was a little underwhelmed when he was appointed, but regardless of Grealish and the players we had on loan, if somebody had suggested he'd get us up that year, keep us up the year after, then improve our position the year after that, I would've said that would make him a resounding success.
I think it was almost certainly the right time for him to go, but he did the job we hired him for, and there aren't too many of our recent managers you can say that about.
I won't be following his career, I don't have a poster of him above my bed, but in his 37 months as our manager he did right by us.
Apart from the bit in bold, I agree with all this.
-
Where's your poster then? ☺
-
Where's your poster then? ☺
“ I don't have a poster of him above my bed. “
I don’t either. But at least Mrs Fred has finally taken that bloody Grealish one down.
-
I think it did work. He hit a ceiling, but he left us 20-odd places and a whole division higher than when he took over.
I was a little underwhelmed when he was appointed, but regardless of Grealish and the players we had on loan, if somebody had suggested he'd get us up that year, keep us up the year after, then improve our position the year after that, I would've said that would make him a resounding success.
I think it was almost certainly the right time for him to go, but he did the job we hired him for, and there aren't too many of our recent managers you can say that about.
I won't be following his career, I don't have a poster of him above my bed, but in his 37 months as our manager he did right by us.
Apart from the bit in bold, I agree with all this.
Same here.
-
Where's your poster then? ☺
There's no room as he has the Athena 'Tennis Girl' poster above his bed.
-
Where's your poster then? ☺
Don't need one if you've got a lifesize cardboard cutout smiling down on you in the bedroom.
-
Unless we go on a Dean Smith like record breaking run I don't think we'll be much improvement from last year's positions and given the time to turn around it be so similar to where Smith would have finished if the great man remained.
It's actually going to be a real challenge to get to 10th places. It's in our hands though and that's fair enough to see now.
I certainly think have quality to do so and of course even more so with Coutinho.
It's gone now that we never know what Deano would have achieved but I think the timing was wrong.
That as in much as close season or end of this season.
Making such big changes mid season makes it all transitional and made only small sense to me.
With patience I truly think Dean Smith and the squad once players settled and fit as well as pathway players were going in right direction. Yes 5 defeats but DS knows how to reset and get us going.
Anyway it is such a shame and takes me a lot longer to accept because of everything Deano stands for but I support the new coach with reservations and hope DS gets the appreciation he deserves for rest of his managing career as well as being rightfully serenaded when Norwich come to play.
I get the argument that 5 defeats and some aspects of the football were failing and not as great as once were.
Villa were 4pts of top spot this season and due to bad luck and some poor play we fell away.
We're miles off that now even if we have enhanced the playing squad
It won't be till next season where we make a strong challenge for European places anyway.
If we miraculous make a move towards higher places this season we can only realistically make Europe Conference league which does really find favour even though it's 'european competition'.
I think it seems there's a real mixture of people who wanted Dean to stay on and were upset and many who thought his time was up and taken as far as he could. That's fair enough based on his last 5 games yes however over the course of his tenure he improved every season and I just hope he gets the chance to progress Norwich next season in likely that they arr championship.
Meanwhile I only see us progressing but that's a combination of things and SG is best wise to keep the crux of the playing squad though seems more changes are in the offing.
The most satisfying is the signing of upgraded players in positions and I very much hope we can all remember Dean fondly overall and not just that it was 5 straight defeats and he relied on Grealish as to me that is unfair to say as his legacy
-
It's actually going to be a real challenge to get to 10th places. It's in our hands though and that's fair enough to see now.
What are you on about? We are two points off 10th place at the start of today's games with 18 games to go.
-
Jesus Christ, if he means that much to you, go and post on the Norwich forums.
-
It's actually going to be a real challenge to get to 10th places. It's in our hands though and that's fair enough to see now.
What are you on about? We are two points off 10th place at the start of today's games with 18 games to go.
Context
Actually as it stands 3pts off
Leicester are 10th with a game in hand and if win there's a further gap
Brentford are above us right now because they are drawing
Then comes the question who of the current top 10 are going to fall out of those positions and the places to catch
8 Wolves 9 Brighton 10 Leicester
Not to mention improving teams below us a point behind Leeds 1pt behind us and improving again with players coming back
Everton have sacked Rafael Benítez and expected go improve.
In between us and 10th places it's not just points it's other clubs too. Palace , Southampton, Brentford are teams Villa expect to finish above but as it stands they are all a point ahead of us.
The real beauty of course is that it's in our hands even if we aren't in pole position.
So I conclude it's very challenges and maybe get ahead of Palace Brentford and Southampton but it's the next step that is still proving problematic
-
Jesus Christ, if he means that much to you, go and post on the Norwich forums.
take carrots as peacemakers
-
I think its probably still early to make any sweeping statements about whether we reached a ceiling under Dean.
The amount of work we are doing this window shows the lack of balance in the squad. I think over the next 7 games we will get a much clearer view. We have 7 winable games - if we come out of those with less than 12 - 15 points it suggests the problems run deeper.
For my money, were still less than the sum of our parts. Dont get me wrong, the last 5 games with Dean were awful but think SG still has a lot to do to prove hes an upgrade.
-
As Spurs somehow turned it round Villa don't have a 5pt gap to 10th places which the case as Leicester were winning.to the very death
-
It wasn’t just five games in a row.
It was 18 games in the calendar year to the point he got sacked. There were no guarantees he would’ve won in the next few either. In fact the way we were headed I couldn’t see another chance of a win until the Norwich game in mid December when we would’ve been near the relegation zone. He had passed his sell by date a fair amount of time before he got the bullet. He’s gone. Get over it.
-
Can't help thinking this thread should be in Villa Memories rather than other football.
-
FFS. Better?
-
FFS. Better?
No, move it to its own little bin. This is too good.
-
I kinda wish I didn't find this now!
Very hard comments on Deano
Any how brilliant tactics and played it just right
Well done Smith !
The thread above looks scary so won't be clicking on that or investigating all these other threads and things. So confusing. Wow there's a lot . Too much for me far too overwhelming for all the information on all these various topics
I do like being accurate thread and keeping on topic so I will now hope this is accessible for me
And I don't know if I'll be able to find this thread again so easily although I could find it through previous post now.
Thanks CH for pointing in direction
I hope this remains a positive thread for him as well as a watch on his progression with Norwich.
-
To be honest tactics wise not a great deal of difference between Smith and Gerrard. The difference is in the pulling power 100%
-
Any particular reason by Villa Boy on Twitter is claiming that Dean Smith is actually a Sandwell fan?
-
He is a Villa fan.
-
Any particular reason by Villa Boy on Twitter is claiming that Dean Smith is actually a Sandwell fan?
Is that the same Villa Boy who has the YouTube channel which has all the old TV coverage of old games?
-
Any particular reason by Villa Boy on Twitter is claiming that Dean Smith is actually a Sandwell fan?
Is that the same Villa Boy who has the YouTube channel which has all the old TV coverage of old games?
The same one. His YouTube stuff is great but on Twitter he's an idiot.
-
Any particular reason by Villa Boy on Twitter is claiming that Dean Smith is actually a Sandwell fan?
Is that the same Villa Boy who has the YouTube channel which has all the old TV coverage of old games?
The same one. His YouTube stuff is great but on Twitter he's an idiot.
Thanks Dave. I'd noticed that but was sure it was the same person.
-
Actually, this may be why
(https://i.ibb.co/pWJDTD6/20220123-175908.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pWJDTD6)
-
100th Prem game for Smith today. All the best !
4-3-3 attacking and 4-5-1 defensive.
oh the memories!
Needs the luck today.
-
Matches 100
Wins 31
Draws 20
Losses 50
Goals For 119
Goals Against 157
Points achievable : 300
Points achieved: 113
-
If he did draws he would probably still be villa manager. So many losses in there.
-
Given that he's spent half his time in this division fighting relegation that's not a bad record. John Gregory's percentage was better than Brian Little's but I know which manager I preferred.
-
Little and Gregory as managers at least made us hard to beat and, apart from their first season coming in from BFR. No surprise they kept us comfortably in the top half from 1996-2002.
-
Actually, this may be why
(https://i.ibb.co/pWJDTD6/20220123-175908.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pWJDTD6)
Just noticed this post. That Albion pub was in Hackney (a bizarre place for a baggies boozer - it was knocked down a few years ago) and I’m guessing the photo was taken when Smith was playing up the road for Leyton Orient
-
Actually, this may be why
(https://i.ibb.co/pWJDTD6/20220123-175908.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pWJDTD6)
Just noticed this post. That Albion pub was in Hackney (a bizarre place for a baggies boozer - it was knocked down a few years ago) and I’m guessing the photo was taken when Smith was playing up the road for Leyton Orient
Well he did play for a team about the same size at Olbion - Orient.