Dean Smith - Confirmed

[Steve67]

Talk of Rodgers is pie in the sky at the moment.  He is doing well at Leicester and they are at least a few years ahead of us in terms os squad development.

I suspect you're right Chris.  Such a shame because we are ripe for a good quality manager to come in and really make the place bounce.

[VinnieChase84]

Rafa maybe (depending on what Newcastle do) but Rodgers is a no hoper.

[mr underhill]

A definite no to Rafa - he'd want to finish the owners' coffers off.

[Drummond]

I'd rather stick with Smith.

[pauliewalnuts]

Weren't Purslow and Benitez at loggerheads at Liverpool? Thought Purslow was part of the reason Benitez left.

[Clark W Griswold]

Hmmm, i'm not really in a rush to ditch Smith but i'd definately prefer Benitez given the choice. If he fell out with Purslow though you'd imagine it's a non starter.

[LeeB]

I'd like to say that I was only advocating Rogers in the event of a change, I'm not suggesting we should make that change.

[Damo70]

I don't think Rodgers would leave Leicester for us. He is doing well enough there to sit tight and wait for a top six club in England or abroad. Pochettino could probably get a big job in England, Spain, Italy, Germany or France. Newcastle did well to get Benitez. I think he wanted to be back in England as his kids were at school here. I think there are way too many options open to Pochettino for him to go to Newcastle. Back in the old days when we still used to play football I was all for replacing Smith with Allardyce due to the jobs he did at keeping Blackburn, Sunderland, Palace and Everton in the top flight when every one of them looked doomed to relegation.

[SoccerHQ]

I'd rather stick with Smith.

For evermore?

I'm not sure we're all suggesting make a change this summer but more looking ahead to 18-2 years time when hopefully we'd have stabilised enough in the prem to kick on and start challenging for europe as the owners want to with their interviews.

As a club you have to do that somtimes. Leicester were nowhere near top 4 with Claude Puel in charge, they are now with Rodgers with largely the same squad.

Spurs kept on finishing 5th when they appointed Pochettino. Think in his five full seasons they only failed to finish outside the top 4 once and that was in his first season so two examples of clubs that needed a bit more direction kicking on with a better managerial appointment.

I am interested to see who Newcastle appoint, think Poch is a bit of a fantasy link.

[Drummond]

In 2 years time, and Smith still with us, he'll be doing just fine.

[passitsideways]

I think the discussion has to be had if the club stays up but a few months into next season (whenever that is), assuming that Jack stays and a few decent additions are made on paper, the same issues that have plagued this season don't look like they're being solved.

But if there's relegation, I just don't think anyone who would represent a noticeable upgrade on Deano would be interested in coming, no matter how good a game Purslow or whoever might be able to talk.

[AndyB6]

I don't think there are many premier league or championship managers who would not fancy a crack at it at the Villa  with our current owners.

[brentastonb6]

In 2 years time, and Smith still with us, he'll be doing just fine.

I hope so too , he started off so brightly with positive formations and tactics . Let’s hope this break has given him effectively a pre season to stop , take stock and re evaluate.
Let’s face it we need a long term strategy and succession planning to be successful. I don’t see any of the managers who have been mentioned being the sort that won’t want to be leaving us after a couple of seasons for a perceived bigger better option instead of being part of the long term plan to achieve our full potential here and become that said club.

[mr underhill]

Dean's a busted flush. An enforced hiatus isn't going to repair that.

[brentastonb6]

Dean's a busted flush. An enforced hiatus isn't going to repair that.

As always you could be right , I’m hoping you’re wrong